Catalonia

Trip preparation

The autonomous region of Catalonia, located north east of the Iberian Peninsula, is a highly industrialized area. As the national history is considered, it is the first tourist destination in Spain, tourism is one of the major industries in Catalonia. Its capital Barcelona is the most densely populated city in Spain. In Catalonia, a range of languages spoken Catalan and Castilian as the main ones.

Infrastructure

Catalonia is a very well connected area not only does it have six international airports but also two of the largest ports in Spain and the Mediterranean, the Port of Barcelona and the Port of Tarragona. In addition, this region has a highly developed network of roads, like its public transport network. Catalonia was even the first region of Spain to have rail.

Best travel time

The confluence of several factors, namely its location between the temperate and tropical climate zones and between two seas and their geographical range, makes Catalonia a country that shows a wide diversity of climate. The dominant climate in the coastal and upper land is the Mediterranean with over 200 sunny days per year and low percipitaciones. In the north and the Pyrenees predominantly maritime climate with low temperatures and abundant rainfall. The best time for a vacation on the coast is from June to September.

Traditions and Culture

One of the typical traditions of the Catalan culture are castellers. This well-known manifestation involves building human towers several stories high. Larges groups take part in this tradition including men women and children. This tradition has pagan origins, Valencia has its origin in the Moixiganga, which is a collection of dances and human towers. The Sardana is considered the national dance of Catalonia. Performed by groups in a closed circle for couples who hold hands. Today, it is usually a tourist attraction but also demonstrates the Catalan cultural identity.

By car

The highway system is central to Barcelona. The AP-7, is called the "Highway of the Mediterranean", it is the main highway that links Barcelona, first with La Junquera via Gerona, and on the other side, passing by Tarragona Valencia. The second freeway is the AAP-2 Barcelona connecting through Lleida and Zaragoza. To rent a car, there are several companies that offer pretty good prices.

By train

Despite the modernization of road infrastructure, the public transport system remains central to Barcelona. There are two main routes. The first leads from France along the Catalan coast to Valencia, and the other moves to Barcelona to Lleida Zaragoza connecting through Manresa. The region also has an extensive network of city and intercity buses.

Sights

• April 23: Sant Jordi, the patron saint of Catalonia. It is one of the best days out in Catalonia that is celebrated with the tradition of exchanging gifts of roses and books loved ones. This day was even declared World Book Day by UNESCO, however,it is still a working day. • June 24: San Juan, also known as "Night of Fire. " Bonfires are prepared and lit to bring in the start of summer. The night is celebrated with a dinner with family and friends eating the traditional "coca" and toasting with champagne. • September 11: National Day of Catalonia or simply Diada. It commemorates the fall of Barcelona in the hands of the Bourbon troops under the command of the Duke of Berwick during the War of Spanish Succession in 1714, after 14 months at the helm.

Food

Catalonia is a region characterized by a landscape of great contrasts and their land provides a wide variety of products. So many dishes of traditional Catalan cuisine combine perfectly the taste of meat and fish. As an example, we can mention the chicken with shrimp that has its origin in the Costa Brava.