Choose From One of The Beautiful Areas of Catalonia Rental Apartments For Your Holiday

The autonomous community of Catalonia rental apartments can be found in Northern Spain boasting the Pyrenees Mountain range, and also the provinces of Huesca, Teruel, Zaragoza and Valencia. Throughout its history, Catalonia has acquired and lost different levels of autonomy, and none more than throughout the Franco years from 1939 to 1975 when its independence was squashed. After Franco's death Catalonia obtained its cultural independence and it is now an exciting and vibrant region with its capital Barcelona second only to Madrid.

Catalonia is a great base to explore and learn about the area. The Mediterranean shoreline of Catalonia is called the Costa Brava. You will find lots of wonderful beaches along this Costa with its mild climate Catalonia has been a favourite tourist destination for many years. The shoreline has great natural splendour being characterised by many small coves, bays and beaches. Inland, attractive wooded areas with lush plant life and varied wildlife makes it well suited for both ramblers and walkers alike.

Travelling around Catalonia ought to be simple enough because the region has an excellent road network, with the main seaside highway stretching from the Pyrenees Mountains all the way down to Almeria. The main roads are great throughout the region and link to all the major regional cities. Catalonia's main airport terminal is located in Barcelona but flights can also go to Girona and Reus.

Catalonia has a deep-rooted appreciation of culture, cuisine, sport and art. Despite the fact that the location is very happy with its independence and history, it is openhearted and open-minded to new ideas and is a very cosmopolitan area. Catalan cuisine is recognised as healthy and attractive much like the Mediterranean diet, with beef and sea food playing the main part of many dishes. With great olive oil and fine wines, Catalan cuisine is imaginative and inventive.

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and also the second biggest city in Spain after Madrid. The populace of Barcelona is about 3 million people and there is plenty to do and see from your Catalonia rental apartments through the entire city. The Metro is excellent and enables easy accessibility to many points of interest throughout the city. For visitors wanting to invest a couple of days touring the city, the “Barcelona Card” offers limitless trains and buses and reduced entrance fees at many museums, restaurants and galleries.

Las Ramblas is Barcelona's most well-known street and runs from Plaza del Catalunya towards the port. This tree-lined boulevard runs for more than one kilometre offering an array of colours, sounds and sights along its stretch. During your travels anticipate seeing flower kiosks, market stalls, impromptu shows, street artists and entertainers the entire way. You will also find many open-air bars and restaurants from which to absorb this special atmosphere.

South of Barcelona you will find the traditional Spanish town of Tarragona. It was the capital of Rome's Western Mediterranean Empire. Tarragona is an excellent city and a very good spot to experience a few of the finest Roman remains to be found in Spain. It is a beautiful old town, filled with character, while offering some wonderful museums such as the National Historical Museum featuring ancient Roman artefacts and impressive mosaics. Another large attraction is Port Aventura, the biggest amusement park in Spain. Operated by Universal Galleries, it features the biggest ride in Europe together with lots of other rides for any age along with a good choice of bars and cafes for refreshments.

Girona goes back to Roman times and it has been an important town through the ages with lots of civilisations leaving their mark, especially in the old town where a few of the city's wonderful medieval and baroque architecture is visible. A lot of effort went into rebuilding the structures and medieval ramparts, which can be best appreciated by wandering the narrow, winding streets equipped with a map.