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Barcelona travel information and video

Holiday information, facts, photos and video about Barcelona

  

Barcelona is located in Catalonia. Watch a video about Catalonia produced by Spain-holiday.com.




Facts

Inhabitants 5507813
Nearest airport Barcelona, Girona, Reus
Max. temperature 35 C
Min. temperature 0 C

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Barcelona Province

The Barcelona Province is situated in the eastern region of Spain, in the central area of the autonomous community of Catalonia. The province is bordered by the three other Catalonia
provinces of Tarragona, Lleida and Girona. It’s capital is the city of Barcelona, which is also the capital of Catalonia.

History
Barcelona has an extremely impressive and proud history, dating back to its first Roman origins. The city of Barcelona has a rich cultural and artistic heritage, which it effortlessly mixes with its avant garde side.

There are also many towns and villages of historic and artistic importance throughout the province of
Barcelona. Many of which it is said provided inspiration for artists such as Miro and Picasso.

The province of Barcelona, as with the rest of Catalonia has its own official language of Catalan; although most Barcelonese also speak Spanish (Castellan).

Natural Barcelona
Barcelona is home to four natural parks, the Cadi Moixero, Montserrat, Sant Llorenc del Mun I serra l’Obac and the Montseny. There is also the Delta del Llobregat Nature Reserve.

Each is diverse in its terrain and scenery, and ecological importance. The Montseny Natural Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty
with mountains, valleys, oak and pine woods, and rivers running through. The Sant Liorenc del Munt I l’Obac has around 200 species of vertebrate.

The Montserrat Mountain National Park is both scenically and  ecologically outstanding, but
it also an important cultural region of Catalonia. The Montserrat mountain dominates the landscape, here you can visit the famous monastery, steeped in history and intrigue.

The Cadi-Moixero National Park is situated between the provinces of Girona, Lleida and Barcelona and has an alpine landscape, with
animal and plantlife more adapted to living at a higher altitude.

Barcelona Coastline
The Barcelona province is home to a number of ‘Costa’ regions, including the Costa de Ponent (or Costa del Garraf), where the Garraf Mountains come down to meet the sea. In this region you can visit the seaside resort of Castelldelfels, with its castle and long sandy beaches.

The town of Sitges is one of Catalonia’s most visited tourist resorts and is famous for its film festival, carnival, which takes place in February and as being the gay capital of Catalonia. Sitges is a marvelous town, which combines fun and frivolity, with some important cultural attractions.

The Costa del Llevant, or Costa de Maresmare is situated on the other side of Barcelona city, stretching from Montgat to the Tordera River.
Here you will find some charming seaside resorts and villages to explore, with a typical Catalan culture and atmosphere.  Places worth a trip include Arenys de Mar, Calella, Palafolls, Canet, San Pol de Mar and Palafolls.

Barcelona City

Spain’s second largest and definitely most cosmopolitan city and one of the Mediterranean’s
busiest ports. Barcelona offers the best of both worlds, the city gently rises up from the coastline through the city and up into a range of wooded hills. It’s perfect for those wishing to combine a city and beach break.

Famous for breaking ground art, architecture and avant-garde chefs; the city eclipses many other
for its creativity and forward thinking. Think Picasso, think Gaudi, think Ferran Adrià. Each challenging boundaries in their field of art. Barcelona surprises as it delights, you never quite know what you are going to find around the next corner.

Inland Barcelona
Around the province of Barcelona there are many towns which are worth a visit, including the city off Vic, situated to the west of the Sau reservoir, Vic is home to a wonderful cathedral.

Two wonderful towns that must be visited are the Villafranca del Penedes and Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, both wine producers of the region, and
enjoying a rich cultural heritage and lots of interesting attractions. Sant Sadurni d’Anoia is the main producer of Cava wine in Spain, the equivalent to French champagne.

The little town of Manresa, with its castle perched on a hill and an important stop-off of inland Barcelona. The striking feature is Montana de Sal (Salt Mountain), proof of its origins dating back over 65 million years.

Barcelona Gastronomy
Gastronomy has become one of the key dynamos for Catalonian economy in the past few years, with some of the world’s best restaurants and top chefs, such as Ferràn Adrià, Santi Santamaría,
Fermí Puig, Carles Gaig, Carme Ruscalleda and Sergi Arola, all native of and working in the region. 

The cuisine is a dynamic mix of traditional and modern exploratory dishes, with influences from many different cultures who have lived in or conquered the city over the centuries: Italian, French, Greek, Provençal, Arab and Jewish.

Climate
In keeping with its geographical diversity, Barcelona province has numerous climates and microclimates, depending on the altitude and the proximity of the sea. In general, the area enjoys a mild temperate and Mediterranean type climate,
characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters.

 

Map of Barcelona

Exciting places to visit in Barcelona

Travel information about popular villages and towns in Barcelona


Reviews for Barcelona

Average overall ratings
 
City
Coast
Based on 64 reviews.

   
City
Coast
Submitted by:
15 May, 2012

City review

The beach is very nice

Coast review

It was ok
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City
Coast
Submitted by:
27 April, 2012

City review

It was nice, though quiet, ha teenagers who liked city life, so went to Barcelona, great too!

Coast review

Not done much on the beach due to cold weather, maybe next time when warmer.Overall area really good, the people are friendly
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City
Submitted by:
26 April, 2012

City review

We loved Barcelona and will certainly return.

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City
Coast
Submitted by:
19 April, 2012

City review

Wonderful city! Would recommend to anyone. Lots of museums and galleries - recommend the "Refugi" - an air raid shelter from the civil war, if you are interested in history of that very dark time for Barcelona - get a ticket for the Museum of the History of Barcelona in the centre of the city for about 7 euros and it gives you admission to about 10 or 12 sites across the city - actual Roman buildings under the old city, the whole period from then to now- you have up to a year to see them all and it includes the Refugi (sorry forgot, its usually only Spanish or Catalan language tours but there are information boards in English and I understood a lot of it with my very minimal Spanish). Picasso museum good apparently and free on Sundays from 4pm but long queues then (20-30 min wait). We thought most of the Gaudi stuff a bit over the top, esp the "Sagrada Familia" but some people like that, and we enjoyed Parc Guell, especially for the views of the city. Joan Miro gallery also approved by my family culture vultures. Also lovely churches, cafes, bars and amazing food markets, esp La Bocqueria just off the Ramblas - cheap and wonderful and fun to practice even very basic Spanish - they don't mind at all! The old city (Barri Gotic) is great just for wandering around.

Coast review

Barcelona city beach was not great. We had a day trip to Sitges which is a nice old town and the beaches were nice, though the sun was not kind to us and went away soon after we arrived. Sitges is a short (30 min) easy train ride for only 3 euros or so and worth a visit - there is a nice little art gallery too. Other than that we cant really comment on the Costa Brava as we were on a city holiday mostly.
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City
Coast
Submitted by:
08 March, 2012

City review

Alive with culture and bars in equal measure! One of the best cities I've visited- up there with Berlin!

Coast review

None
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City
Coast
Submitted by:
03 February, 2012

City review

Lots of good restaurants and bars. Various beaches. Suitable for all types! Family, teenage, children and grandparents all enjoyed this lovely friendly Spanish town

Coast review

Excellent train links to various coastal towns and cities. Lots to do.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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City
Coast
Submitted by:
02 February, 2012

City review

Wonderful resort, not spoilt by tourism

Coast review

Very clean beaches
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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City
Coast
Submitted by:
31 January, 2012

City review

Sitges is a beautiful town with everything you could wish for: boutiques, seafood restaurants, clean beaches and friendly people

Coast review

Good
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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City
Coast
Submitted by:
07 January, 2012

City review

Barcelona is always Beautiful ! She is fantastic and always sunny!

Coast review

The coast is beautiful, full of tourists, restrains.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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City
Coast
Submitted by:
23 November, 2011

City review

I love Barcelona

Coast review

-
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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City
Coast
Submitted by:
28 October, 2011

City review

the locals were very friendly. There are so many sights to see. Transportation was also very easy. I enjoyed this city very much. It is full of beautiful places to see. The food and sangria was also a bonus! Loved it and would return again

Coast review

very nice waterfront area
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City
Coast
Submitted by:
15 October, 2011

City review

Lovely town with a nice beach and loads of SUN......

Coast review

Perfect .
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City
Coast
Submitted by:
03 October, 2011

City review

Barcelona is an amazing city. There is more to see than you can possibly accomplish in two weeks. Only downside is that Barcelonians are among the rudder people we have ever encountered!

Coast review

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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City
Coast
Submitted by:
04 September, 2011

City review

The town is small and don't have too much to offer, but there are many others that are more lively in the night and evenings. Though, it's charming and quiet, so you have all you might want to have fun at 5 minutes from home and then when you get back you can have a quiet night of rest.

Coast review

Costa brava is sure the best place to have fun. It's beautiful and offers so many things to suite everyone wishes. the sea it's just beautiful, there are many cultural areas, and also sports. All you have to do is just ask, the answer will be YES everytime.
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City
Coast
Submitted by:
29 August, 2011

City review

Close to Barcelona but a lovely town with friendly people

Coast review

contrasting towns on the coast but Arenys was the best in our view
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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City
Coast
Submitted by:
29 August, 2011

City review

It is magnificient city

Coast review

Nice beach, quite place
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City
Coast
Submitted by:
20 August, 2011

City review

Sitges is lovely, very vibrant and interesting but very expensive!

Coast review

Nice
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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City
Coast
Submitted by:
01 August, 2011

City review

I love Sitges. There is a wonderful walk along the beach. Many small hotels and restaurants face the beach and are charming. The town itself is quaint and fun to walk in.

Coast review

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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City
Coast
Submitted by:
13 July, 2011

City review

Amazing, beautiful and with lots to do.

Coast review

Not the best beaches around but still very nice to be at the beach and the city at the same time.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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City
Coast
Submitted by:
21 June, 2011

City review

Clean, helpful and a visual delight. Would recommend highly to family and friends. Lots to see and do.

Coast review

As we were able to rent a car the many small towns were easily accessed and worth visiting. Shops were nicely stocked and the restaurants were exceptional. A great vacation destination!
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Reviews are the subjective opinions of travellers and not of Spain-holiday.com