Catalonia
The Catalonia region sits in the Northeast of Spain. It has its own unique traditions and language. The eastern side of Catalonia sits on the Mediterranean coast, including the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada. It borders France in the north, Aragon to the east and has a small border with Valencia in the south.
The region has a population of 7.6 million with 1.6 million living in its capital, Barcelona.
The Costa Brava area runs from about 60 kilometres northeast of Barcelona to the French border. It is well known for its warm weather and scenic coastline.
Its main city is Girona, which has a population of 100,000. It is well known as a historic and picturesque city.
Further south, Costa Dorada is known for its safe beaches and other family-friendly attractions. Its main city is Tarragona. Tarragona has a population of 132,000 and contains many Roman ruins.
Inland to the north, the Pyrenees sit on the border with France, creating a very different climate from the warmer coastal areas.
The region has a rich history dating back to the Middle Paleolithic period. At various times, the area has seen Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Muslims leaving their mark on the region.
For a more detailed look at this exciting region, read Things to do in Catalonia.
If you need some help planning your visit, try our 7 Day Itinerary for Catalonia for a schedule and tips.
Towns and places of the Region
Read detailed information and tips on these Catalan Cities, towns, and places:
Aiguablava – is a tiny seaside spot on Spain’s Costa Brava. It’s more a cove than a town, but even so, it packs in plenty of charm
Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park – offers wild scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and the chance to unplug completely
Arenys de Mar – combines golden beaches, maritime traditions, excellent seafood and a relaxed atmosphere
Arties – offers renaissance stone houses mix with colourful facades along its narrow streets
Badalona – combines Roman history, sandy beaches, local traditions, and excellent seafood with a relaxed atmosphere
Bagergue – is a charming Pyrenean village, known for its stone houses, mountain scenery, traditional architecture, wildflowers, and peaceful setting in Catalonia’s Aran Valley
Barcelona – the vibrant Catalan capital blending Gaudí’s stunning architecture, Mediterranean beaches, tapas culture, historic Gothic Quarter, buzzing nightlife, world-class football, and artistic bohemian energy
Begur – is a charming Costa Brava town, famed for its medieval castle, pretty streets, hidden coves, crystal-clear waters, and spectacular Mediterranean coastal views
Blanes – is a lively Costa Brava seaside town, famous for beautiful beaches, botanical gardens, historic landmarks, fresh seafood, and spectacular Mediterranean coastal scenery
Besalú – is a beautiful medieval town in Catalonia, famed for its Romanesque bridge, historic Jewish quarter, stone streets, ancient churches, and peaceful riverside setting
Cadaqués – famous for its whitewashed houses, coastline, and connection to Salvador Dalí
Calafell – is a relaxed Costa Daurada seaside town, known for golden beaches, a medieval castle, traditional fishing heritage, family-friendly attractions, and lively summer atmosphere
Calella de Palafrugell – is a postcard-perfect fishing village on the Costa Brava with white houses lining rocky coves and wooden boats resting on the sand
Cambrils – is a beautiful seaside town with sandy beaches, fishing port, excellent restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere
Canyelles – combines natural beauty, local traditions and easy access to famous destinations
Castelldefels – is a popular coastal town near Barcelona, known for its long sandy beach, historic castle, water sports, relaxed atmosphere, and Mediterranean scenery
Costa Brava – offers a memorable holiday experience with natural beauty, historic towns, and Mediterranean charm
Costa del Garraf – combines sandy beaches, charming seaside towns, dramatic natural scenery and a rich cultural heritage
Costa del Maresme – coastal stretch north of Barcelona, featuring sandy beaches, charming fishing towns, strawberry fields, golf courses, and easy train access to the city
Costa Dorada – golden coastline south of Barcelona, offering wide sandy beaches, Port Aventura theme park, Roman ruins in Tarragona, and relaxed family resorts
Cubelles – this relaxed destination offers beautiful beaches, a historic centre and an authentic atmosphere
El Port de la Selva – is a small fishing village near the French border with whitewashed houses lining the harbour, and painted boats on the water
Empuriabrava – this modern seaside town is famous for having one of the largest residential marinas in the world
Falset – is the capital of Priorat and provides an excellent base for exploring this famous wine-producing area
Garraf – is a charming coastal village near Barcelona, known for its sandy beach, colourful fishermen’s huts, modernist architecture, dramatic cliffs, and Mediterranean scenery
Gavà Mar – is known for its long sandy beach, natural surroundings and relaxed atmosphere
Girona – is a historic Catalan city famed for its medieval old quarter, colourful riverside houses, ancient walls, Jewish quarter, cathedral, and excellent food
Gratallops – is surrounded by steep vineyards and rugged hills and is famous for producing some of Spain’s finest wines
La Bisbal d’Empordà – has shaped ceramics since 1511 and holds the title of World Craft City, it offers culture, crafts and a slower pace
La Pineda – offers beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions, excellent accommodation, and convenient transport links
La Pobla de Segur – a small town with a big personality where you can ride a vintage train, watch rafters tackle the river and admire Modernist buildings
Les Borges Blanques – is a friendly town in western Catalonia. Surrounded by Olive groves, locals proudly call it the capital of Arbequina oil
Llafranc – is a small, stylish beach town on the Costa Brava. Fishing boats bob in the harbour, and a palm-lined promenade runs along the sea
Llançà – is a laid-back seaside town on the northern Costa Brava offering quiet coves, a lively harbour and a proper Catalan old town
Lleida – is a historic Catalan city, known for its hilltop cathedral, ancient streets, fertile countryside, lively culture, local cuisine, and rich Roman heritage
Lloret de Mar – is one of the most famous seaside towns on Spain’s Costa Brava
Malgrat de Mar – a charming seaside town with beautiful beaches, historic centre and modern tourist facilities
Mataró – a rich history, beautiful beaches, modern shopping and a strong cultural identity
Monells – feels like stepping back in time with its golden stone houses lining its arcaded streets, and ivy creeping up ancient walls
Olivella – is a charming rural town surrounded by forests, vineyards and rolling hills
Olot – is ringed by beech forests and lava fields and offers gentle hikes, a rich painting tradition, food and history
Palamós – one of the most attractive seaside towns on Spain’s Costa Brava
Pals – a beautiful medieval town in the Baix Empordà region of Girona Province
Peratallada – is one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Spain
Pineda de Mar – combines beautiful beaches, cultural heritage and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere
Reus – an excellent destination for travellers seeking culture, history, shopping, and authentic local life
Roses – one of the most popular holiday destinations on Spain’s Costa Brava
Salou – one of the most popular seaside resorts on Spain’s Costa Dorada
Santa Susanna – an attractive destination combining beautiful beaches and modern tourist facilities
Sant Cugat del Vallès – offers tree-lined streets, historic buildings, large parks, and a relaxed pace
Sant Pere de Ribes – combines rich history, beautiful natural surroundings and strong local traditions
Sant Sadurní d’Anoia – is famous as the capital of Spanish cava, making it one of the country’s best destinations for wine lovers
Sitges – is a chic beach town near Barcelona, celebrated for stylish nightlife, LGBTQ+ friendly scene, whitewashed streets, art nouveau architecture, film festival, and Mediterranean glamour
Siurana – is famous for its dramatic cliffs, medieval streets and stunning mountain views
Tamariu – is one of the prettiest little beach towns on the Costa Brava with pine trees and rocky headlands hugging its sheltered bay
Tarragona – historic port city renowned for exceptional Roman ruins, ancient amphitheatre, golden beaches, medieval old town, and rich Mediterranean gastronomy
Tossa de Mar – is a beautiful Costa Brava town, famous for its medieval castle, sandy beaches, clear waters, charming old town, and stunning coastal scenery
Valls – is a lively market town and the birthplace of two Catalan traditions, castells the famous human towers and calçots, a sweet spring onion
Vic – offers cobbled streets, a grand arcaded square and a striking cathedral all waiting to be explored
Vielha – offers stone houses, slate roofs and snow-capped peaks surrounding you at every turn
Vilafranca del Penedès – in the centre of one of Spain’s most important wine-producing regions
Vilanova i la Geltrú – offers beautiful beaches, a charming old town, excellent seafood and a rich cultural heritage
Getting to Catalonia
The busiest airport in the region is of course Barcelona.
You can also find flights to Reus airport near Tarragona and Girona.
Flying time from London to Barcelona and Reus is 2 hours 10 minutes.
From London to Girona Costa-Brava is 2 hours 5 minutes
Flying time from New York to Barcelona is 7 hours 45 minutes.
Check flights & Buy Tickets with Booking.com.
Spain’s High-speed rail connects Barcelona to Madrid with a trip of just 2 hours 30 minutes.
Check Train Schedules & Buy Tickets on Omio.
Driving from Madrid will take you between 6 and 7 hours.
The drive from Zaragoza will take about 3 hours 40 minutes.
Driving from Valencia will take around 4 hours.