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Daytrips
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Barcelona is a city so rich in history, culture and cuisine, with so many places to shop and a constant whirlwind of activities and events that it is easy to forget that Catalonia is so much more than just its magnificent capital city. When the city walls become too cramped or the urban noise too deafening, the time has come to head out into the country and see the many splendid things that Catalonia has to offer, from the celebrated beauty of the Costa Brava and the sandy beaches of the Costa Dorada to the mountain scenery of the Pyrenees and the historical villages in Osona, Girona or Alt Empordà. Time isn’t a factor as there are plenty of incredible daytrips, such as a visit to the coastal town of Sitges or the mountain and monastery of Montserrat, as well as many relaxing weekend getaways that are bound to please history and culture buffs, gourmets and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Visitors
seeking a cultural experience have an almost infinite array of options. Catalonia is home to an immense wealth of
architecture ranging from the route of Romanesque monasteries and churches, the
medieval town centres of Girona and Vic and the
Jewish baths in Besalú to the picturesque villages
along the Costa
Brava,
awash in white and blue.
In addition
to the many, glorious monuments that allow visitors a glimpse into Catalonia's
rich cultural and historical heritage, the region is a paradise for lovers of
the great outdoors, fans of adventure sports and connoisseurs seeking out fine
wines and dining. The sea and the mountain rivers
invite more daring souls to try their hand at an adrenaline-fuelled kayaking or
rafting adventure. The Pyrenees are an excellent place for rock climbing or canyoning
through waterfalls and caves or mountain biking down steep, treacherous slopes.
Those who prefer a more gentle experience of Mother Nature can choose from a
number of beautiful hiking trails through the rugged, verdant mountain
landscape of the Pyrenees, the strange monoliths of Montserrat or along the picturesque coastal regions. Many
of these areas can also be explored on horseback or bicycle.
As you can
see, Catalonia is a place where people with the most diverse
interests can all find something to enjoy, be it culture, history, sports or
nature. In fact, the region has so much to offer that one article could not
possibly encompass every available option. If even the short articles that
follow strike you as overwhelming or if you are not of an impulsive persuasion,
preferring well organised trips to simply hopping in the car and dashing off
into the unknown, then you might enjoy one of our selected excursions, arranged
and led by local experts.
If this
little introduction has caught your interest, read on in the following chapters
for more information on daytrips and excursions: Sitges,
Montserrat, Costa Brava, Costa Dorada,
El Penedés, Girona and the
Interior, the Delta de l'Ebre and Port Aventura.