GET TO KNOW THE COSTA BRAVA

Catalonia has a number of natural areas of great ecological and scenic value. The Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park is known for its biodiversity, especially nesting and migratory birds, as well as the presence of otters in its wetlands. Cap de Creus, with its peculiar geology sculpted by the Tramuntana, is home to a rich terrestrial and marine fauna, while the Sierra de la Albera is home to diverse habitats, including wet oak forests and Mediterranean areas that host species such as the Mediterranean tortoise.

Other highlights include the Medes Islands, with their cliffs and rich marine biodiversity, and the Costa Brava, which offers hidden coves and mountain landscapes. Inland, Lake Banyoles is an ecological gem, and the volcanic region of La Garrotxa stands out for its volcanic landscape. In the Girona Pyrenees there are peaks that reach almost 3,000 metres along with valleys such as Nuria and Camprodón, known for their beauty and tranquillity.

Catalonia is home to important historical and artistic remains. In Ullastret, an ancient Iberian village offers archaeological remains that reveal aspects of daily life, social organisation and funeral rites of this civilisation. The Ruins of Empúries, near l’Escala, are unique in that they include an indigetary village, a Greek city and factory, and a Roman city on the same site, reflecting the coexistence of cultures. The Romanesque Route, for its part, takes in several medieval monasteries from the 10th to the 13th centuries, such as San Pedro de Rodas and Santa María de Ripoll, which stand out for their historical and architectural value.

The legacy of Salvador Dalí is also key in the region, especially in the "Dalí triangle", made up of the Dalí Theatre Museum in Figueres, which houses surrealist works and jewelry by the artist, the House Museum in Portlligat, his residence-workshop in Cadaqués, and the Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol, where his muse Gala rests. These spaces show Dalí's deep connection with the Empordà and his influence on Catalan art and culture.

Catalonia is home to a rich variety of museums that stand out for their historical, cultural and scientific value. The Mascort Foundation, located in the Casa Galibern, is a 19th-century colonial-style space where exhibitions and conferences on history, art and nature are held, with free admission and scheduled guided tours. The CaixaForum in Girona is a cultural center that offers travelling exhibitions, workshops and concerts, while in Barcelona there is La Pedrera, Gaudí's last civil work, known for its undulating forms and innovative structure that challenged the architectural limits of its time.

In the field of contemporary art, the MACBA in Barcelona presents modern cultural practices and is considered a museum of national interest. Also in Barcelona, ​​the CosmoCaixa is a science museum that has received international awards for its innovative approach and its ability to encourage collaborative reflection on the future, offering a unique educational experience in the scientific field. These museums reflect Catalonia's commitment to culture, art and science.

Catalonia offers a variety of outdoor leisure options and sports activities in contact with nature. The Natural Parks allow you to explore free routes such as the Rubina Trail (2 km) or the Vilahut circular route (10.8 km), ideal for walking, running or cycling. In addition, adventure activities such as diving, snorkelling, paddle surfing, kayaking and microlight flights offer exciting experiences on land and water. Detailed information on the routes is available at the local excursion shop.

For golf enthusiasts, the region has outstanding courses such as Empordà Golf, Golf Platja de Pals and the Perelada Golf Club, offering quality natural settings to enjoy the sport. These leisure options make Catalonia a versatile destination for those seeking nature, adventure and sport.

Catalonia is home to towns with a wealth of history and culture. Castelló d’Empúries, of medieval origin, stands out for its Gothic cathedral of Santa María, the Palace of the Counts and the Farinera Museum, among other points of interest. In Peralada, it is possible to visit the castle converted into a casino, the Wine Museum and the Romanesque cloister of San Domingo, as well as the renowned International Music Festival held every summer. Vilabertran, between Peralada and Figueres, stands out for its monastic complex of Santa María, a jewel of Catalan Romanesque and Gothic art.

Cadaqués, a picturesque seaside town, offers the Salvador Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat and the Parish Church of Santa María with its baroque altarpiece. Finally, Besalú, in La Garrotxa, has a medieval historical-artistic complex of great value, with an important Jewish quarter, considered one of the best preserved in Catalonia. These towns offer a journey through the history, art and culture of the region.

Catalonia has cities of great historical and cultural appeal. Figueres, capital of the Alt Empordà region, is known for the Dalí Museum, the Toy Museum and the fortress of the Castillo de San Fernando, as well as its important commercial activity. Girona, capital of the province of the same name, stands out for its old town, the colourful houses of the Onyar, the Jewish quarter and its imposing cathedral, being a tourist centre appreciated for its architecture, festivals, museums and gastronomy.

Barcelona, ​​the capital of Catalonia, is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe, recognized for its rich artistic heritage, its vibrant cultural life and its wide gastronomic offer. This diversity makes Catalonia a destination that combines history, art and modernity in its main cities.

The province of Girona is renowned for its haute cuisine, hosting 16 restaurants awarded a total of 20 Michelin stars, where tradition and culinary creativity come together. Among them, the Celler de Can Roca in Girona stands out, with 3 Michelin stars and considered the best restaurant in the world in 2013. Also with 2 stars are the Miramar restaurant in Llançà and Les Cols in Olot, which stand out for their innovative proposals and respect for local products.

Other restaurants in the region with a Michelin star include Bo. Tic in Corçà, Ca l'Arpa in Banyoles and Massana in Girona, each with a unique approach that highlights the excellence of Catalan cuisine. The offer includes a wide variety of options, from the seafood cuisine of Els Brancs in Roses to the mountain flavours of La Fonda Xesc in Gombrèn, consolidating Girona as a prominent destination for food lovers.