CATALONIA , THE SEAL OF QUALITY

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Welcome to Catalonia, a land at the leading edge which is eager to offer youhospitality and give you such an unforgettable stay that you will want to comeagain. Catalonia greets you with its beautiful scenery, its rich cultural heritageand, above all, its open-minded, enterprising people. The thriving Catalaneconomy has always made our country a pole of attraction, a land that looksoutwards, beyond its borders, towards the horizon.

A land of progress, well-being and hospitality. Catalonia was a driving force behindthe economic activity and industrialization of 19th and 20th century Spain andnowadays it plays the same role in the new economy of the 21st century. Today,as in the past, ours is a land of encounter, a hospitable land where cultures fromall over the world live side by side, a land with an open outlook, which seestourism as a great bridge towards mutual knowledge and understanding, contactand exchange.

Catalonia, the seal of quality. Catalonia has consolidated its position as a leadingtourist destination by offering one key premium: quality. Entrepreneurs andgovernment work as a team to provide a wide range of facilities giving top-rateservice. Our efforts are focussed on a model that is both competitive andenvironmentally sustainable. Every year we train thousands of professionals tooffer the finest and most attentive service to all our guests.

Catalunya, a diverse land. Besides the charms of its beaches and mountains,Catalonia offers other more up-to-date attractions: the worldwide prestige of itscuisine and wines, for instance, or Barcelona now one of the most popular citytourism destinations , or the successful centenary celebrations of artists such asAntoni Gaudí or Salvador Dalí. All this is clear proof that Catalonia is a diverseand modern country offering an extensive selection of top-notch products.

Catalonia, several countries in one. Catalonia has more varied landscapes thanvirtually any other European country. Visitors will find parks high up in the

mountains /that of Aigüestortes and Lak e Sant Maurici, for example , unusualrock formations, such as the Montserrat massif, ancient volcanic zones, such asthe one in Garrotxa, and parks lying right on the sea shore, such as Cap de Creus,the Empordà Marshes, or the Ebro Delta. Routes for discovering our history havebeen preserved or are being recovered: the Romanesque art route through thePyrenees, which takes in the Boí valley churches, or the Cistercian route, a tourof the great monasteries of Poblet, Santes Creus and Vallbona de les Monges,where the monarchs of the Catalan dynasty were laid to rest. We have cities, too,where you can immerse yourself in ancient cultures, such as Tarragona, built bythe Romans, or Girona with its Jewish quarter. And of course you can enjoy oneof the world's loveliest coastlines featuring beaches with fascinating rugged cliffsand an array of colours that range from the emerald-green of the small covesalong the Costa Brava to the luminous blue of the seafront around Tarragona.

Catalonia, a creative land. Catalonia is also known the world over as an up-to-date,innovative country. This applies to all forms of culture, from literature to music,and from the decorative arts to the visual and performing arts, but also to thefield of scientific research. There are treasures of architecture and city planning toenjoy, including such ground-breaking sights as Barcelona's unique Eixampledistrict, acknowledged as a landmark of Modernist architecture throughout theworld. This legacy is further enhanced by the works of great Catalan artists, suchas Gaudí, Dalí, Miró and Tàpies, which can be admired all over the country, fromthe Sagrada Família, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and the MuseuPicasso in Barcelona, to the Teatre-Museu Dalí in Figueres.

Catalonia, a land with a thousand years of history. Catalonia is a country with anopen mentality which is proud of its identity and keen to make itself knownabroad. Its distinct language and culture reflect the strong personality which makesit unique in our increasingly globalized world. It is a land steeped in culture, withtraditions and festivals dating back a thousand years and offering the idealcombination of feeling and culture. But it is also part and parcel of contemporaryEurope and outstandingly permeable to the latest ideas and trends on theinternational cultural scene. It was in just this way that Modernism a current thatwas establishing itself throughout 20th century Europe entered Catalonia andwon worldwide renown for Catalan artists including Gaudí, Domènech iMontaner, and Puig i Cadafalch.

It only remains for me to invite you to discover Catalonia's rich natural andcultural heritage, enjoy its plentiful leisure facilities, and get to know our people.

Once again, welcome to Catalonia.

Ministry of Enterprise and Labour

CATALONIA, A DESTINATION WITH QUALITY AND CHARACTER

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THE STRENGTH OF IDENTITY

Catalonia is a small country, in terms of size. But itspersonality, shaped by over a thousand years of history, andits distinct culture and language, have made it both rich and great. Catalonia's origins as a geographical,territorial and linguistic unit date back to the high Middle Ages.

Catalonia, a European countryCatalonia lies in the north-eastern Iberian peninsula.It has over seven millioninhabitants and occupiesan area of 31,980 km2,comparable to Belgium,the Netherlands orSwitzerland. Over the centuries, theCatalan nation has enjoyeddifferent degrees ofsovereignty under thepolitical institutions andforms of governmentproper to each era.

Nowadays the Generalitat,or autonomousgovernment, is Catalonia'sorgan of government. Itcomprises a President, anExecutive, and aParliament, which is one ofthe most ancient in Europe.Its jurisdiction is defined bya Statute of Autonomy andit shares political powerwith the institutions of theSpanish state.

Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya(home of the Catalan government)

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The language, a sign of identityCatalonia's own language isCatalan. This has been thecase since the 12th century.When democracy wasrestored in 1979, Catalanand Spanish were bothrecognized as officiallanguages in Catalonia. Theorigins of the Catalanlanguage date back to theearly Middle Ages. Despiteperiods of prohibition andrepression, the majority ofCatalans still use it today.

n the course of severalmillennia, Catalonia haswitnessed the arrival ofmany different peoplesincluding the Iberians, theCelts, the Greeks – whofounded the colonies ofRhode (Roses) andEmpúries – the Romans –who set up one of theirprovincial capitals atTarragona –, the Visigothsand the Arabs. In the 12thcentury, a dynastic marriage

between the countsof Barcelona andthe kings of Aragongave rise to thekingdom ofCatalonia andAragon, which builta medievalmaritime andcommercial empire in theMediterranean.

The crown of Catalonia andAragon retained its distinctpolitical and legal identityuntil Philip V became kingof Spain in 1714.Since then the Catalanpeople have been engagedin a peaceful struggle towin back their rights andfreedoms. One of the mostsignificant episodes was therecovery of self-governmentin 1979, when the Spanishparliament approved thepreceding Statute ofAutonomy, which wassubsequently endorsed bythe Catalan people in areferendum.

Roman amphitheatre (Tarragona)

Remains of Empúries

Catalan nationalistdemonstration (1977)

Llibre dels feits, by Jaume I

The conquest of Majorca(13th C, MNAC)

Catalonia's thousands of years of history

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CATALONIA, A UNIVERSAL HERITAGE

There are clear parallels between Catalonia's periods ofsplendour and the proximity of Catalan art forms to thosepredominant elsewhere in Europe: classical art whenHispania Tarraconensis became one of the foremostprovinces in the Roman empire; Romanesque art at the time of Catalonia's birth as a nation; Gothic art andthe great medieval and pre-Renaissance literature whenCatalonia dominated the Western Mediterranean; andModernism – Catalan Art Nouveau – in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the time of Catalonia's nationalrebirth and the rise of its industrial bourgeoisie.Similarly, during the first three decades and the secondhalf of the 20th century, the contributions of artists bornor trained in Catalonia were decisive to the developmentof the European artistic avant-gardes, and since therecovery of democracy, Barcelona has emerged as astandard-bearer of city planning and design.

When Catalonia was not yet Catalonia

Catalonia's prehistoricheritage contains muchthat is of note: numerousMediterranean Basin cavepaintings which have been

declared part of theUnesco world heritage; thedeep imprint left by theancient Iberian culture,notably the settlement atUllastret; and the vestigesof the Greek and Romancultures, at the Graeco-Roman site of Empúriesand in the Roman city ofTarragona, another Unescoworld heritage site. Many

The less plentiful Visigothiclegacy is concentrated inTerrassa, while traces ofthe presence of Muslimsare most noticeable inTortosa, the Terres del'Ebre, and Lleida and itsarea of influence.

finds are on show in thearcheological museums,first and foremost theMuseu NacionalArqueològic in Tarragona.

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Gaudí is undoubtedly themost famous architect of

Catalonia'sModernistmovement.Much of hiswork has beenincluded in theUnesco worldheritage andyear after year itdraws millionsof visitors whogaze infascination at the

bone-like structures of CasaBatlló, the stone waves ofCasa Milà (La Pedrera), theSagrada Família, rising likea vertical hymn, or thedream-like landscapes ofParc Güell. But Gaudí is onlypart of the Modernistheritage: other leadingnames include Domènech iMontaner, the creator of thePalau de la Música Catalanaand the Hospital de SantPau, and Puig i Cadafalch,who designed some highlycharacteristic buildings.Though Barcelona was theepicentre of Modernism,there are Modernistbuildings in many otherCatalan cities, such asGirona, Lleida, Reus,Tarragona, Canet de Marand Olot. Industrialbuildings were also built inModernist style, even in thecountryside, notably thecooperative wineries ofConca de Barberà, Prioratand Terra Alta.The painters Casas andRusiñol, who were alsoModernists, sensitized thepublic to the artisticinfluence of Paris, whilewriters like Verdaguer,Maragall, Guimerà, Rusiñolhimself, and many othersrebuilt Catalan literature onthe basis of the everydaylanguage –still very muchalive– and the memory ofthe great medievalliterature.

The gems of Modernism

Sant Climent de Taüll

Casa Milà (La Pedrera),Barcelona

language. It was stronglyinfluenced by the Lombardstyle and spread from thePyrenean valleys over muchof the country. Pride ofplace among the over twothousand Romanesquebuildings still standing inCatalonia must go to thechurches of the Boí Valley –declared part of theUnesco world heritage–, themonastery of Sant Pere deRodes, and the cathedral ofLa Seu d’Urgell. But themost striking and memorablefeature of our Romanesquelegacy are the paintings andsculptures in the MuseuNacional d’Art de Catalunya(MNAC) in Barcelona –which has one of the richestRomanesque and Gothiccollections in the world–and the very interestingdiocesan museums.

The beauty ofRomanesque art Many of the finestmanifestations of Catalonia'sarchitectural and artisticheritage date from medievaltimes. Romanesque was theart form which coincidedwith Catalonia's birth andearly development and theformation of the Catalan

The splendour ofGothic artMost of the great medievalcathedrals date from theGothic period or slightlylater. They were theemblematic seats of thepowerful bishoprics whichinformed much of the Catalanterritory in the feudal age.The most noteworthy arethose of Barcelona,Tarragona, and Girona (thesingle nave of Gironacathedral is the widest inEuropean Gothicarchitecture), along withthose of Lleida and Tortosa.But the true paradigm ofCatalan Gothic architecture,on account of themathematical precision ofits beautiful proportions, isthe splendid church of SantaMaria del Mar in Barcelona.The spectacular Cistercianmonasteries –Poblet, SantesCreus and Vallbona de lesMonges– are also in Gothicstyle –or Gothic-Romanesquetransition style–, as is themonastery of Sant Cugat delVallès and that of Pedralbesin Barcelona.Catalan Gothic painting alsoflourished during the lateMiddle Ages, assimilatinginfluences from Burgundy,Flanders and Italy. The mostdistinguished Gothic paintersinclude Jaume Huguet,Lluís Borrassà, Ferrer Bassaand the Serra brothers. This

was also the ageof the greatchroniclers(King Jaume I,Muntaner andDesclot), of greatpoets influencedby Petrarch (suchas Ausiàs Marcfrom Valencia),and of novels suchas Curial i Güelfaand Tirant lo Blanc

(The White Knight). Togetherthey constitute the GoldenAge of Catalan literature.

Santa Maria del Mar(Barcelona)

The contemporaryheritage At the same time as theNoucentista movement –aclassicist, learned, pro-European current of the first three decades ofthe 20th century–, an avant-garde reaction in tunewith European trends gotunderway: Picasso andCubism, Miró and Dalí andSurrealism. These artistsspent much of their lives inCatalonia and many of theirworks are here. The same istrue of other contemporaryartists, notably Tàpies.Catalan literature, whichhas produced poets such asFoix and Carner, narratorssuch as Josep Pla, andnovelists such MercèRodoreda, is part and parcelof the great literary currentsof recent times, though itsdevelopment was abruptlycut short by the SpanishCivil War.Since the return ofdemocracy, Catalonia'senergy and creativity havebeen primarily reflected inthe fields of city planning,design, drama and music,thanks to professionals ofinternational renown andvenues and institutionssuch as the Museu d’ArtContemporani deBarcelona, Centre de CulturaContemporània deBarcelona, Auditori, andTeatre Nacional deCatalunya.The powerful Catalanpublishing industry hasenabled the literarysituation to return tonormal and works are nowavailable in both Catalanand Spanish by amagnificent array ofauthors: Salvador Espriu,

Juan Marsé,Quim Monzó,Jesús Montcada,Gabriel Ferrater,Manuel VázquezMontalbán,EduardoMendoza, MariaMercè Marçal,and manyothers.

Teatre-Museu Dalí (Figueres)

The Gran Teatre del Liceu, overlooking theRambla in Barcelona, has risen from its ashesafter a devastating fire. Its audience ofpassionate opera-lovers, its cutting-edgeequipment, and its opera and ballet programme—a tasteful blend of classical bel canto andItalian Romanticism, Wagner (a long-standingtradition in Barcelona), and 20th and 21stcentury forms of musical expression whichdelight the younger generations— make theLiceu one of Europe's great opera houses.

The Liceu's own productions alternate sagaciously withcoproductions with other European theatres, making it possiblefor the great opera and ballet companies of our times to appearthere alongside a wide selection of top-flight singers who upholdthe tradition of Montserrat Caballé, Jaume Aragall, Josep Ponsand Josep Carreras.

The Liceu: the phoenix

CATALAN CULTURE, IDENTITY AND PRESTIGE

History and tradition haveendowed Catalonia with a richand attractive cultural fabricembracing the full gamut of theperforming arts, from drama tothe cinema, via all styles ofmusical creation. Catalonia alsoexcels in artistic performanceand interpretation andpossesses infrastructuressecond-to-none in which theillustriousness of the pastcombines with state-of-the-arttechnology to create an idealsetting for performances byleading international stars.

An opera performance at the GranTeatre del Liceu

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The Catalan theatrical traditiondates back to the Middle Ages.Great Catalan-speakingplaywrights and actors haveearned prestige for both dramaand theatrical venues all overthe country. Catalonia has alsoplayed a pioneering role inexperimentation andrenovation. Companies likeComediants, Els Joglars, DagollDagom or the innovative Furadels Baus are applauded farbeyond our frontiers. Everysummer sees a new edition ofthe open-air Teatre Grec festivalon Montjuïc and the Fira delTeatre al Carrer (street dramafestival) in Tàrrega. Plays byyoung writers have regainedpopularity, enabling newplaywrights to emerge. Some,such as Sergi Belbel, havegained an internationalreputation.

Catalonia, with Barcelona atits forefront, has anestablished musical tradition.Its symbol is the Palau de laMúsica Catalana, a UNESCOworld heritage buildingdesigned by the greatModernist architect LluísDomènech i Montaner andrecently enlarged by anotherfamous architect, ÒscarTusquets. In latter years thesupply of "serious" music hasbeen extended by the openingof the Auditori, a building byRafael Moneo which is thehome of the Orquestra Ciutatde Barcelona i Nacional deCatalunya and the EscolaSuperior de Música deCatalunya. Catalonia has producedclassical composers such asEnric Granados, Isaac Albéniz,Xavier Montsalvatge andRobert Gerhard and classicalmusicians including the cellistPau Casals and the singer

Victoria de los Ángeles.However, it also has a strongFlamenco tradition, embodiedfirst and foremost by thebailaora Carmen Amaya andthe singers Miguel Povedaand Ginesa Ortega, as well asa jazz tradition featuring suchsensational performers aspianists Tete Montoliu andAgustí Fernández andpercussionist Jordi Rossy.

Theatrical events

Tradición musical

International festivalsCatalonia hosts film festivals, such as the Festival Internacional deCinema de Sitges, and music festivals which take place in historicbuildings and other places of special artistic interest (examples arethe festival held in Peralada Castle or Barcelona's Festival Grec).Catalonia also opens its doors to fusion music, jazz, electronicmusic, and the so-called world music. All this, along with other keymusical events such as Sònar —a festival of advanced music andmultimedia art— has made it a landmark on the European musicscene.

The Sònar Festival in Barcelona, a landmark on the electronic music scene

Performance by La Fura dels Baus at the opening ceremony of the Barcelona OlympicGames, 25 July 1992. The show focused on the Mediterranean.

The Auditori de Barcelona, by the architect Rafael Moneo Palau de la Música (Barcelona)

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THE CATALAN COAST, A WINDOW ONTO THE MEDITERRANEAN

The Ebro Delta, Cap de Creus,Empordà Marshes and MedesIslands are the main naturalparks and protected areas onthe Catalan seaboard. TheEbro Delta's great alluvialplain, covering approximately320 km2, is one of the westernMediterranean's largestaquatic habitats. Part of it hasbeen declared a natural park.The characteristic vegetation—reed and rush beds andriverside woods— and thewide expanses of rice paddiesand market gardens arehome to an extraordinarilyrich and varied fauna —notably waterfowl andseabirds— which has made ita favourite haunt forbirdwatchers. The Cap deCreus, in Alt Empordà, is aprotected area comprisingboth land and seashore andunusual geological

formations. One of its primeattractions is the monasteryof Sant Pere de Rodes, builtin the 10th-12th centuries. AltEmpordà also has anothernatural park: the EmpordàMarshes, the second ofCatalonia's great wetlands,which is inhabited bynumerous marshland plantand animal species and alsodraws many birdwatchers.Farther south, opposite thecoast at L'Estartit, lie theMedes Islands. The seabedsurrounding them is ofenormous interest to divingenthusiasts.

With some 580kilometres ofcoastline, Catalonia isa fundamentallyMediterraneancountry. It has a wide varietyof seascapes, rangingfrom the secludedcoves of the CostaBrava in the north tothe Costa Dauradawith its long beachesof fine sand in thesouth. There are over200 beaches and 43marinas.

The natural parks along the coast

Birdwatching on the Ebro Delta

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The most striking features of the CostaBrava, which stretches from the Cap de Creusto Blanes, are sheer cliffs plunging straightinto the sea, coves nestling amid rocks andislets, and vegetation down to the waterline.On the Costa Brava, the mountains seem totumble into the sea and it is this that makesthe coastline so rugged. At the foot of themany rocky crags, the coves and beaches lie

hidden and protected by the pine groves thatgrow right down to the sea. Many of today'smajor tourist and cultural resorts, such asCadaqués, L’Escala, Calella de Palafrugell,Palamós, Begur, Tossa de Mar and Lloret deMar, are former fishing villages.Further south, on the Costa de Barcelona andCosta Daurada, long, sandy, sun-drenchedbeaches predominate. Most of the towns onthe Costa de Barcelona, such as Mataró,Arenys de Mar and Premià, have marinas.Castelldefels and Gavà have long beaches of

fine sand but beyond here, allthe way to Sitges, the toweringGarraf massif gives rise to smallcoves. Sitges played apioneering role in thedevelopment of tourism andnow hosts interesting film anddrama festivals. The CostaDaurada also offers extensivebeaches with soft sand andshallow waters, and otherattractions as well: resorts such

as Salou,Torredembarra,Altafulla andCambrils, andthe city ofTarragona, withits Romanremains. Thecoastline of theTerres de l’Ebreincludes theimportant EbroDelta naturalpark. The chiefcostal towns–L’Ampolla,L’Ametlla deMar, Sant Carlesde la Ràpita andLes Cases

d’Alcanar– are former fishingvillages which have successfullyincorporated tourism andnautical sports into their naturalcharms.

The Costa Brava, one ofCatalonia's prime attractions

A little egret on the Ebro Delta

Enjoying the seaThe sea affords numerousopportunities for enjoyingnature thanks to the manyleisure activities –sailing,windsurfing, diving,cruising and others– whichare catered for at thenautical sports resortslocated on differentstretches of the coast. Thereare currently five suchresorts in operation:L’Estartit-Illes Medes,Palamós-Sant Antoni deCalonge, Santa Susanna,Salou-Cambrils-Mont-roig/Miami Platja andVilanova i la Geltrú.Nautical sports enthusiastscan also enjoy the 43marinas dotted along theCatalan seafront.

The Catalan coast, from north to south The Aiguadolç marina

36 golf coursesCatalonia has a long golfingtradition and is now one ofthe prime Europeandestinations for golfers,offering 36 golf links and 33pitch and putt courses.Most are located along thecoast, or a short distanceinland, but there are alsosome in the hinterland andeven at the foot of thePyrenees.

Catalunya, a land for golfers

Sitges, the tourist showcase of the Garraf

Arenys de Mar de Mar

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A LAND OF INTERNAL CONTRASTS

Because of its variedlandforms, Cataloniaoffers a wide diversity oflandscapes for arelatively small country: itis only a short trip fromthe high Pyrenees, with

peaks rising to over 3,000 m, to otherconvoluted chains of hills with a strictlyMediterranean climate and vegetation, or thecornfields, vineyards, olive groves and scrub ofthe most arid regions. This broad range ofhabitats is matched by a rich and varied plantlife and characteristic animal and bird species,many of which enjoy protection (thelammergeier in the photo is one example).

The enchantmentof Montserrat

One of Catalonia's mostunusual landscapesbelongs to the mountainof Montserrat, a naturalpark lying at the veryheart of the country. Itsunique contours,resembling a sea ofboulders, spikes andfantastic shapes, werecreated by water and

wind which eroded the dense, conglomerate rocks.Montserrat has been a sacred mountain since timeimmemorial. The Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria wasfounded there in the 11th century and remains to this day afocus of spirituality and culture. A Romanesque statue ofthe Virgin of Montserrat —Catalonia's patroness— isvenerated there. The madonna's dark face and hands haveearned her the nickname "La Moreneta" (Little Dark Lady).

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The beautifullandscapes of thehinterlandMan's imprint is clear onthe countryside of theCatalan interior, an areaboasting a rich naturalheritage and ancient citieswith historic buildings, arich cultural tradition, andlong-established markets.The sharp contrastsbetween the different partsof the hinterland arereflected in the names oftourist regions such asTerres de l’Ebre, Val d’Aran,Terres de Lleida andCatalunya Central. Thescenery of the hinterlandhas been shaped by thework of generations offarmers and a propertystructure revolving roundthe traditional unit ofagricultural production: themasia, or manor farmhouse.

The Pyrenees dominate thewhole of northern Catalonia,extending for more than 230 kmfrom the peaks of Val d’Aran tothe Cap de Creus, where theysink into the Mediterranean. Forhiking and climbing buffs thereare summits rising toapproximately 3,000 m, valleyscarved out by mountain rivers,glaciers with eternal snows,natural parks and protectedareas. In winter the Pyrenees arethe ideal spot for skiing.

The diversity of thenatural heritageThe natural parks andprotected areas ofCatalonia's hinterland arethe clearest illustration ofthe country's extraordinaryrange of landscapes. The fullgamut of Mediterraneanscenery is reflected in theparks located in the coastaland pre-coastal ranges, thelowlands that separatethem, and along the Ebrobasin: Parc Natural delMontseny (a BiosphereReserve with a wide array ofhabitats ranging fromstrictly Mediterranean topre-Alpine); Parc Natural delMontnegre i el Corredor;Parc de la Muntanya deMontserrat; Parc Natural deSant Llorenç i la Serra del’Obac; Parc Natural delGarraf; Paratge Natural dePoblet; Paratge Natural delMontsant; and the ruggedParc Natural dels Ports.

A land of thermalwatersThe tradition of thermalwaters has been a feature ofCatalan culture since it wasbrought here by the Greeks,Romans and Arabs. Present-day Catalonia offers a wideselection of hydros,thalassotherapy centres andspas. Most of these natural,energy-rich waters arefound in privileged areas ofthe country with good

transportationand an attractiveselection ofcomplementaryand leisurefacilities. All thismakes it possibleto considerCatalonia aqualitydestination in thehealth and beautysector.

Activity tourismThe Mediterranean climate,with its mild winters andnot-too-hot summers, isespecially suitable foractivities like hiking —anetwork of footpaths over5,000 km long— or cycletourism —200 routes— andover 4,000 km ofsignposted itineraries. Onecan also go horse-trekking,practise adventure sportssuch as rafting andkayaking on white waterrivers, take boat trips alongthe Ebro, go diving todiscover the amazingseabed round the MedesIslands, or enjoy hang-gliding, canoeing,ballooning andultralighting.

Rural tourismCatalonia has more than1,700 rural tourismestablishments with a totalof over 13,400 beds. Thisform of accommodation,which offers relaxation inclose contact with natureand life on the farm, hasspread fast and gainedwidespread popularity inrecent years. It is usuallyassociated with new formsof activity tourism andprovides a deeper insightinto the country.

Catalonia's greatnatural parksCatalonia's great naturalparks are located in thePyrenees and their foothills.They include the following:Parc Nacionald'Aigüestortes i Llac SantMaurici; Parc Natural de l’AltPirineu; Parc Natural delCadí-Moixeró; Parc Naturalde la Zona Volcànica de laGarrotxa; Paratge Natural del’Albera; and Parc Naturaldel Cap de Creus. From theloftiest peaks (3,000 metresat the westernmost end) tothe cliff tops overlookingthe Mediterranean, theyoffer an infinity of beautifullandscapes.

A land of snow Catalonia, with its 17 skiresorts, has more wintersports facilities than anyother autonomouscommunity in Spain. Ofthese 17 resorts, 11 offerdownhill skiing and 6 cross-country skiing. Togetherthey possess 130 ski liftscapable of carrying over150,000 skiers an hour, and640 kilometres of slopes.Artificial snowmakingequipment guarantees snowcoverage between 82% and100% on 160 km of pistes.

THE HINTERLAND

THE PYRENEES

A lake in the Pyrenees

The Catalan tradition for thermalwaters stretches a long way back

A Catalan masia

The Val d’Aran, right inthe heart of the Pyrenees

Siurana, with Montsant in the background

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Distance in kilometres from Barcelona to:

Balaguer 143,5Berga 102,1Cervera 96,1Falset 136,4Figueres 138,2Gandesa 183,0Girona 102,5Jonquera, la 107,1Lleida 172,8Manresa 59,7Mataró 31,0Montblanc 113,9Palamós 112,9Puigcerdà 149,4Reus 108,2Ripoll 103,7Salou 111,2Seu d’Urgell, la 172,9Sitges 40,5Solsona 107,8Tarragona 95,1Terrassa 27,6Tortosa 180,3Tossa de Mar 85,8Vic 70,1Vielha 279,5Vilafranca del Penedès 54,1

Distance in kilometresfrom Lleida to:

Balaguer 31,3Barcelona 172,8Berga 150,2Cervera 57,8Falset 92,6Figueres 291,5Gandesa 83,2Girona 255,8Jonquera, la 260,3Manresa 110,5Mataró 199,6Montblanc 62,9Palamós 266,1Puigcerdà 181,2Reus 92,0Ripoll 188,1Salou 101,2Seu d’Urgell, la 133,6Sitges 140,0Solsona 108,7Tarragona 99,9Terrassa 169,4Tortosa 123,2Tossa de Mar 253,8Vic 158,0Vielha 162,1Vilafranca del Penedès 117,8

Distance in kilometresfrom Tarragona to:

Balaguer 128,1Barcelona 95,1Berga 162,3Cervera 85,2Falset 42,2Figueres 229,3Gandesa 91,2Girona 193,6Jonquera, la 198,1Lleida 100,5Manresa 116,7Mataró 130,3Montblanc 35,6Palamós 203,9Puigcerdà 209,7Reus 14,0Ripoll 194,7Salou 11,5Seu d’Urgell, la 180,2Sitges 62,2Solsona 128,2Terrassa 107,2Tortosa 88,5Tossa de Mar 185,0Vic 161,1Vielha 260,6Vilafranca del Penedès 55,6

Distance in kilometresfrom Girona to:

Balaguer 228,6Barcelona 102,5Berga 178,7Cervera 181,2Falset 228,2Figueres 40,5Gandesa 274,8Jonquera, la 27,6Lleida 255,3Manresa 136,3Mataró 74,8Montblanc 196,3Palamós 44,2Puigcerdà 142,8Reus 200,0Ripoll 81,7Salou 203,0Seu d’Urgell, la 171,9Sitges 137,5Solsona 184,4Tarragona 186,9Terrassa 104,1Tortosa 272,1Tossa de Mar 39,5Vic 66,4Vielha 364,6Vilafranca del Penedès 136,5

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Major highway

Main road

Minor road

Airport

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Natural park or protected area

Ski resort

Golf course

Marina

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CATALONIA, A CONSTELLATION OF CITIES

Catalonia's cities bustle with vitality.Barcelona, the capital, is one of the great citiesof the Mediterranean. Along with itsmetropolitan area, it accounts for practicallyhalf the Catalan population. The inhabitants ofCatalonia, however, are concentrated, not

Catalonia has a long history as anindustrially active and enterprisingland. Moreover its experience oftourism makes it a perfectdestination for business andprofessional gatherings. It hasgood trade fair complexes andconvention centres and a wideselection of other tourist facilitiesfor the intervals of relaxationbetween one deal and the next.

Every year Catalonia hosts over 400 trade fairs atinternational, domestic and local level. This figure ishardly surprising for a country with over twenty venues,including the Fira de Barcelona or the new Fòrum ZoneConvention Centre which can accommodate up to15,000 people. Barcelona also hosts internationalevents such as the 080 Barcelona Fashion, Alimentaria,Saló Nàutic Internacional and Construmat.New facilities, such as Tarragona's Palau de

Congressos, have recentlybeen set up, enabling thistype of tourism to spread toother Catalan cities, whichare gradually earning areputation as venues formedium-sized conventions. Catalonia's good transportand communicationsinfrastructure has played avital role in its economicdevelopment. Its modernmotorway network canmove a large volume ofgoods and passengertraffic. There are 1,600 kmof railway lines which linkmajors towns and cities andconnect the Spanishnetwork to that of France.

The largest ports areBarcelona —which handlesmore goods andpassengers than any otherin Catalonia— andTarragona, located near thepetrochemical zone.Besides Barcelonainternational airport, thereare two airports that aremainly used by touristcharter companies andlow-cost airlines: Girona-Costa Brava, Lleida andReus.

Catalonia, an active, enterprising country

merely in Barcelona, but all along the coast.Many other cities, steeped in history andwith a fine architectural heritage, haveexperienced remarkable economic anddemographic growth in recent decades.They include Girona, Tarragona, Lleida,Tortosa, Vic, Manresa, Reus, Figueres,Sabadell, Terrassa and Igualada.

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Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia

Barcelona, Catalonia'scapital, is one of theforemost cities on thewestern Mediterranean.Founded in Roman times, itexperienced periods of greateconomic and culturalbrilliance in the Middle Ages

d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC),housing the world's finestcollection of Romanesquepaintings; the Fundació JoanMiró, where the artist'spaintings, sculptures andtapestries are on show; andCaixaForum, a Modernist-style building by Puig iCadafalch containing aremarkable modern artcollection. Barcelona's mostrecent urban developmentprojects were carried out inconnection with the FòrumUniversal de les Cultures2004, organized by the city.

and in the wake of theIndustrial Revolution (19thcentury). It has preserved anoutstanding architecturalheritage, notably in Gothic,Modernist (Gaudí) andavant-garde styles. Barcelona has a unique,bustling, tree-linedpromenade where itscitizens gather in all theirdiversity. It is called theRambla and stretches fromPlaça de Catalunya to nearthe monument to Columbus.On it stand the Liceu, one ofEurope's most prestigiousopera houses, and themarket of La Boqueria. It isalso lined with popular

newspaper kiosks and stallsselling flowers and pets. Twoof Barcelona's mostimportant religiousbuildings are located in thedistricts of Ciutat Vella andLa Ribera: the Cathedral,built in Gothic times, and thebasilica of Santa Maria delMar, one of the mostoutstanding examples ofCatalan Gothic style. Barcelona is the undisputedcapital of Modernistarchitecture and one wholedistrict —the Eixample—was built according toModernist tenets. Passeig deGràcia is the street with thelargest concentration ofmajor Modernist buildings:Casa Batlló and La Pedreraby Gaudí, Casa Amatller byPuig i Cadafalch, and CasaLleó Morera by Domènech iMontaner.The hill of Montjuïc, wherethe Olympic Ring was builtin 1992, is also the site ofthree Barcelona museumswhich are a must for anyvisitor: the Museu NacionalThe church of the Sagrada

Família (Barcelona)

The Area of the Fòrum de les Cultures, whereAvinguda Diagonal meets the sea

The hill of Montjuïc, a blend of city-planning, artand sport

The Castell dels Tres Dragons(Barcelona)

Cities with personalityheritage. In the northeast there are established touristresorts (Palamós, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Lloret, Roses,Begur), seafaring towns which have long been thehaunt of world-famous artists (Cadaqués, Tossa, El Port de la Selva), quaint medieval villages (Pals,Peratallada), and cities with important museums andhistoric buildings (Girona and Figueres). In southern Catalonia we find major touristdestinations such as Tarragona, Reus or Salou, the areaalong the Ebro river, handsome old cities such as

Tortosa and Montblanc, andvenerable old monasteries likePoblet and Santes Creus.The hinterland is dotted with stillmore centuries-old cities withhistoric buildings and long-established markets, such as Vic,Manresa, Cardona, Igualada,Terrassa, Sabadell, and Granollers.There are scenic mountain areastoo, including Montseny, LesGuilleries and Montserrat. Lleida isthe capital of western Catalonia, aregion of great cultural,architectural and commercialimportance, with a flourishing

agriculture –notably fruitorchards–, and a prestigiouscuisine. The Pyreneesstretch along Catalonia'snorthern border. Many ofthe country's finestRomanesque buildings arelocated here, as well aswinter sports facilities andnatural parks. At the farwestern tip of the Pyreneesis the Val d’Aran, a region ofOccitanian language andculture. The chief town,Vielha, is a prominentwinter sports centre.

The approach to the city of Lleida

La Seu, Manresa

Girona, a city two thousandyears old

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16

CATALONIA: ASPECTACULAR SETTING

With its beautiful and varied scenery, its sunlit, colourful cities, thedistinctive styles of artists such as Gaudí, Dalí or Miró, and its unrivalledlocation — straddling the border between North and South —, Catalonia haseverything it takes to develop a strong cultural identity but one that is fullyimmersed in our increasingly interdependent world. The taste for beauty, thelove of poetry, a long tradition of cultural creativity, and the solid aestheticand technical background of the musicians, writers and other workers of theCatalan audiovisual industry have made our country one of the mostattractive and sought-after settings for 21th century creators.

Music to suit the tastes of the new millennium

The promotional videoclip for the song “Vertigo”, a track on the discHow to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb by the Irish group U2, shows astrange, desert-like surface, decomposed by visual effects. Thissetting belongs to the Punta del Fangar, a sandy peninsula with anarea of over 400 hectares on the north shore of the Ebro Delta. Plentyof other Catalan landscapes and emblematic Catalan personalitieshave also inspired prestigious creations of popular culture: the albumGaudí (1987), for instance, by the symphonic rock group The AlanParsons Project, which contains songs such as “La Sagrada Familia”or “Paseo de Gracia” and was inspired by the life and works of thebrilliant architect; or the conceptual disc The Waking Hour (1984) bythe duo Dali’s Car, whose members came from the Bauhaus andJapan groups (Tell me man, like or not / My time is short and soon / I'lltake your clock for Dali's car / Take you spinning in the room, from thesong “Dali’s Car”).But Catalonia's greatest impact on present-day popular music stemsfrom phenomena such as the Nova Cançó movement which is of greatimportance in Romance-language countries and Latin America,thanks primarily to singers such as Joan Manuel Serrat —who is

idolized in the Southern Cone countries—, Lluís Llach and Raimon —who make frequent appearances in France and Italy—, and Maria delMar Bonet — one of the "divas" of Mediterranean song. Othersignificant factors are the vitality of the Barcelona music scene in theearly 21st century —featuring the group Ojos de Brujo (flamenco-hip-hop-Catalan rumba-funk), Macaco, Dusminguet, and others— andrecording experiments such as the Barcelona Raval Sessions (2003), asplendid reflection of the city's multiracial, multicultural pulse. One last crucial factor is the fact that many internationally famousmusicians have chosen Barcelona as their long-term, or evenpermanent, home: Manu Chao, a former member of Mano Negro, theBrazilian Walter Pa, the American singer and composer JacksonBrown, the pianist Brad Meldhau (who was accompanied for manyyears by the Catalan percussionist Jordi Rossy), the jazz organist LouBennett, and the Cuban singer Lucrecia.Catalonia, right on the border between north and south, open to allinfluences and capable of integrating them into a cultural discourse ofits own, is currently one of the laboratories in which the musical tastesof the new millennium are taking shape.

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Catalonia as a literary space

The mystic and philosopherRamon Llull (1232-1315) wasthe first great writer in theCatalan language and played aparticularly important role inEuropean culture. As early asthe 15th century, the ValencianJoanot Martorell wrote thegreat novel of chivalry, Tirantlo Blanc (The White Knight)which, as Cervantesacknowledged, exertedwidespread influence.Cervantes himself choseBarcelona and other parts ofCatalonia as the literarybackcloth to Don Quixote'slast adventures. But it was mainly in the 19thand 20th centuries thatCatalonia emerged as a literaryspace. The Romanticimagination sung the praisesof its mountains (Montserrat,a sacred mountain associatedwith the myth of the HolyGrail, and Mount Canigó) andits legendary medieval past(Count Arnau), all of whichwere evoked by the poetJacint Verdaguer (1845-1902).Naturalist drama producedplays such as Terra baixa byÀngel Guimerà (1845-1924),which was made into an operaby D’Albert (Tiefland) and intoa film by Leni Riefensthal.Other landscapes are alsodescribed in Catalan literature:

Empordà, the essentialbackcloth to Josep Pla's works

Canigó and L’Atlàntida, byJ. Verdaguer

Scene from Terra Baixa

The Fonda España, the set for manymovies

Republican-dominatedBarcelona of the Civil War isthe setting for George Orwell'sHomage to Catalonia, Malraux'sL’espoir and Claude Simon's Lepalace.The backcloth can be the entirecity —as in the works ofEduardo Mendoza, Víctor Moraor Ruiz Zafón— or individualdistricts: Gràcia in MercèRodoreda; Carrer d’Aribau inCarmen Laforet; Poblenou inXavier Benguerel; El Guinardó

in Juan Marsé; and theRaval in the novels ofVázquez Montalbán,Terenci Moix andMaruja Torres.

those of the river Ebro are thefocal point for the works ofSebastià Juan Arbó and JesúsMontcada's novel Camí de

sirga (The Towpath);Empordà is the literaryhomeland of the greatprose writer Josep Pla,the scene of Solitud(Solitude), VíctorCatalà's greatest novel,and that of JavierCercas' recent best-seller Soldados deSalamina (Soldiers ofSalamina); MiquelLlor's novel Laura a La

ciutat dels sants is set in Vic,and Marià Vayreda's Lapunyalada takes place in themountainous Garrotxa region.The greatest of all Catalonia'sliterary settings, however, isBarcelona. Joan Maragall'sgreat poem L’Oda a Barcelonais dedicated to it and theaction of novels such as Lafebre d’or by Narcís Oller

(1846-1930) or JosepM. de Sagarra's VidaPrivada takes placethere. The shady BarriXino and theAvinguda Paral·lel aredescribed by Frenchwriters such as Carco,Bourget, Pieyre deMandiargues or JeanGenet while the

When Fructuós Gelabert, thepioneer Catalan film-maker,shot “Sortida dels treballadorsde la fàbrica Espanya Industrial”(Workers leaving the EspanyaIndustrial factory) in 1897, hewas marking Barcelona's debutas a film set.After the Second World War,Hollywood disembarked on theCosta Brava in the person ofdirector Albert Lewin who filmedPandora and the Flying Dutchman(starring Ava Gardner, JamesMason and the Catalan actorand bullfighter Màrius Cabré)there in 1951. In 1959 much of

Suddenly, Last Summer,directed by Joseph L.Mankiewicz andstarring ElizabethTaylor andMontgomery Clift,was shot at Begurand Pals.The AvingudaParal·lel and the nowvanished gypsy quarterof Somorrostroprovided the settingfor Los Tarantos(1963), a film by

F. Rovira Veleta with CarmenAmaya and Antonio Gades in theleading roles, which won an Oscarfor the best foreign-languagefilm. In 1965, Orson Welleschose Cardona Castle as one of thesettings for Chimes at Midnight.

Catalan localities have becomemuch sought-after settings forfilm and television productionsand suitable locations for a widerange of advertising spots.Evidence of this is provided byfilms such as Ken Loach's Landand Freedom (1995), PedroAlmodóvar's Todo sobre mimadre (All About My Mother,1999), the urban comedies ofVentura Pons, or thedocumentary En construcción(2001) by José Luis Guerín.Catalonia has been an attractivecinematographic setting formany renowned filmmakers,including the American directorWoody Allen. Fulfilling hispromise to film a movie inBarcelona, he has converted theCatalan capital into the settingfor one of his most recent

projects. All thesecinematographicproductions put aspotlight on theCatalan countryside,culture, architectureand society, whichthousands ofmoviegoers will seeall over the world.Ava Gardner in Tossa

Cardona, the setting for Chimes atMidnight

The shooting of a film at La Barceloneta

Episodes from more recenthistory and the Civil War areportrayed in settings thatinclude Gelida in JaimeCamino's Las largas vacacionesdel 36 (The Long Holidays of1936, 1976). The period whenBarcelona was known as the“Rose of Fire” is evoked infilms such as La ciutat cremada(The Burnt City, 1976), byAntoni Ribas, and Un hombrellamado Flor de Otoño (A ManCalled Autumn Flower, 1978),by Pedro Olea.Nowadays — notably from the1992 Olympics onwards —Barcelona and many other

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Catalonia as a film set

18

OF REJOICING A LAND

No feature of a countrytells you more about itsidentity than its traditionalpopular festivals.Catalonia's festivecalendar is packed withevents all year round. Italso has an establishedtradition of civic festivities.The most famous is thefeast of Sant Jordi, held on23 April, when the streetsfill up with book and flowerstalls. This festival haswon recognition fromUnesco, which declared itInternational Book Day.The other great civicfestival is 11 September,the Catalan nationalholiday. The Patum of Bergafestival was also includedin the Unesco WorldHeritage Humanity list in2005.

Since the 19th century, teams of Catalans of all ages andclasses have gathered to build spectacular human towers, or"castells". Their motto is «strength, balance, courage and

sense». Today this tradition remainsvery much alive. Human towers arestrongly identified with the Camp deTarragona and Penedès regions,though in recent years they havegained widespread popularity in manyother parts of Catalonia.

Human towers

A performance by castellers

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Folklore and traditionsIn summer many localities celebratetheir festa major, or local festival.Several items invariably appear on theagenda: sardana-dancing —the sardanais Catalonia's most popular dance— orjotes —a dance proper to the Terres del'Ebre— ; "giants" —figures over threemetres tall with a wooden structure insidethat enables people to carry them— anddwarfs; firework displays and all-nightdancing to the sound of the latestmusic.

Traditional "giants"

A correfoc: a festival of fire andgunpowder

The sardana, Catalonia's most popular dance

23 abril, the feast of Sant Jordi

Festivals with an identityCatalonia's national day, on11 September,commemorates the date onwhich the siege of Barcelonaby the troops of Spanishking Philip V came to atragic end in 1714. This wasthe last episode in the Warof Succession, which led tothe loss of Catalonia'snational freedoms. The great spring festival isSant Jordi, dedicated toSaint George, Catalonia'spatron saint. On this dayboth friends and lovers giveeach other gifts of booksand roses.

Festivals of fireFire is probably one ofCatalonia's most ancientand important signs ofidentity. One example is theeve of the feast of SaintJohn (24 June), when greatbonfires are lit in thesquares and streets ofvillages, towns and citiesand Catalans celebrate thesummer solstice all nightlong to the sound of music,rockets and fireworks. Fireand gunpowder are part ofmany other Catalan festivalstoo and numerous localfestivals include a correfoc, aparade featuring fantasticfire-spitting beasts andbangers and led by «devils». The Patum of Berga is oneof the festivals mostassociated with fire,celebrated on the Feast ofCorpus Christi.

Catalonia's great festivetradition is constantlyevolving and in recent yearsmany of the leading dramagroups that perform in ourstreets and squares havedesigned festive events formajor internationalgatherings. Comediants andLa Fura dels Baus arecurrently the foremostcreators of new forms of collective merrymaking. Streets alive with merrymakingThe Patum of Berga

Catalan exports merrymaking

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THE VALUE OF GASTRONOMY

The Catalan label of originCatalonia's most famous andcharacteristic culinaryspeciality is pa amb tomàquet(bread rubbed with tomatoand olive oil), which is oftenserved with excellent home-produced pork sausages.Other dishes include:escudella i carn d’olla, ahearty winter stew; xató, a

salad typical of southernCatalonia; calçots, tenderonion shoots dipped insalvitxada sauce; caragols a lallauna (roast snails),escalivada (char-broiledvegetables), and coca derecapte (reminiscent of pizza).

Besides preparing nourishing and tastytraditional Mediterranean dishes, many Catalanchefs have excelled in recent years as veritableresearchers into the country's raw materialsand the creators of a successful blend oftraditional and innovative cookery. Their recipeshave won the highest international prestige.

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Traditional sausages

Traditional produce cookedin the modern way

The international chef Ferran Adrià

Catalonia, a land of wine

Pa amb tomàquet, a tradition of Catalan cookery

Catalan gastronomy, like somany aspects of our country,arose out of popular wisdom

and tradition.Geographicallyspeaking one candistinguish two mainstyles of cookery: thatof the mountains andhinterland,predominated bymeat and sausages,produce of the dairy,market garden andfarmyard, game, andmushrooms; and thatof the coast, featuringfish and seafood,

often accompanied by riceand vegetables. Cataloniaalso has countless mouth-watering sweets and deserts.One of the most popular iscrema catalana, with burntsugar and caramel. Eachtown and village has its ownspecialities and manysweetstuffs are prepared forparticular liturgicalfeastdays: torró –such as thatmade in Agramunt– forChristmas, mones for Easter,coques de Sant Joan atmidsummer, and panelletsand chestnuts for All Saints.

Traditional cookery

Cookery and innovation

Wine and cava

Panellets, a typical autumn dessert

Guides and critics all over theworld consider that Catalancuisine is currently experiencing averitable "golden age". Catalanrestaurateurs include some of theworld's most prestigious names,such as Ferran Adrià, Joan Roca,Carme Ruscalleda, SantiSantamaria and Carles Gaig, allveritable geniuses of avant-gardecuisine. Catalonia also has schoolsof gastronomy –the one at theMercat de la Boqueria inBarcelona, and the AulaGastronòmica de l’Empordà– andresearch organizations such as theLaboratori de Cuina, the Alíciacentre (Nutrition and Science) atSant Benet de Bages, or the SentSoví chair at the University ofBarcelona.Every other year the Fira deBarcelona is the venue forAlimentaria, one of the leadingEuropean salons for the food andagriculture industry and thecatering trade.

Wine is another key feature ofany Catalan meal. Vines havebeen grown all over thecountry for countless centuriesand wine is produced undereleven regional labels of origin.Cava sparkling wine has itsown label of origin. Prepared bythe traditional method in thePenedès, Terra Alta and Concade Barberà regions, it is one ofthe country's leading exports.The introduction of leading-edge enologicaltechniques has raised certainCatalan wines –notably Prioratand Montsant– to theviticultural forefront.

Cava, a Catalan product

Natural parks and protected areaswww.parcsdecatalunya.netwww.diba.cat/parcswww.valldenuria.cat

P. N. d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici 973 624 036P. N. del Cadí-Moixeró i Pedraforca 938 244 151P. N. de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa 972 266 012P. N. dels Aiguamolls de l’Empordà 972 454 222P. N. Alt Pirineu 973 622 335P. N. Serra del Montsant 977 827 310P. N. del Delta de l’Ebre 977 482 181P. N. de la Muntanya de Montserrat 938 777 777P. N. del Montseny 938 475 102

P. N. de Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac 938 318 350P. N. de Garraf 935 971 819P. N. del Montnegre-Corredor 938 679 452P. N. del Cap de Creus 972 193 191P. N. dels Ports 977 504 012P. N. Montgrí, Illes Medes i Baix Ter 972 751 701P. N. de la Serra de Collserola 932 803 552P. C. del Castell de Montesquiu 938 529 234P. C. d’Olèrdola 935 971 819Paratge Natural de Poblet 977 871 732Paratge Natural de l’Albera 972 545 079Espai Protegit de la Vall de Núria 972 732 020Reserva Natural del Delta del Llobregat 934 793 201

Port Aventura-Vila-seca i Salou 902 202 220www.portaventura.es

Catalunya en Miniatura-Torrelles de Llobregat 936 890 960www.catalunyaenminiatura.com

Poble Espanyol-Barcelona 935 086 300www.poble-espanyol.com

Parc Zoològic de Barcelona 932 256 780www.zoobarcelona.com

Aquàrium de Barcelona 932 217 474www.aquariumbcn.com

Parc d'Atraccions Tibidabo-Barcelona 932 117 942www.tibidabo.cat

Water parks, theme parks, amusement parks

Aqua Brava-Roses 972 254 344www.aquabrava.com

Aquadiver-Platja d'Aro 972 828 283www.aquadiver.com

WaterWorld-Lloret de Mar 972 368 613www.waterworld.es

Illa Fantasia-Vilassar de Mar 937 514 553www.illafantasia.com

Aquapolis-La Pineda 902 345 011www.aquopolis.es

Marineland-Palafolls 937 654 802www.marineland.es

Aqualeón-Albinyana 977 687 656www.aqualeon.es

Club de Golf de Barcelona 937 728 800Club de Golf Can Bosch-Sant Feliu de Codines 938 663 096Club de Golf La Mola-Matadepera 937 300 516Club de Golf Montbrú-Moià 937 449 168Golf de Caldes-Caldes de Montbui 938 626 265Golf Sant Joan-Rubí 936 753 050Golf La Roqueta-Castellgalí 938 331 328Club de Golf Castellterçol 679 757 335Reial Club de Golf El Prat-Terrassa 937 281 000Golf La Garriga 938 612 751Club de Golf Taradell 938 126 678Club de Golf Vilalba 938 444 886

COSTA DE BARCELONAClub de Golf Llavaneres 937 926 227Club de Golf de Sant Vicenç de Montalt 937 914 949Can Cuyàs Golf - Sant Feliu de Llobregat 936 855 566Club de Golf Terramar-Sitges 938 940 580

COSTA DAURADAClub de Golf Aigüesverds-Reus 977 752 725Club de Golf Bonmont -Mont-roig del Camp 977 818 140Club de Golf Costa Daurada-Tarragona 977 653 361Club de Golf la Graiera-Calafell 977 168 032Golf Portaventura-Vila-Seca 902 109 374

TERRES DE LLEIDARaimat Golf Club-Lleida 973 737 539

Golf courses

Federació Catalana de Golf 934 145 262www.catgolf.com

PIRINEUSClub de Golf Camprodon 972 130 125Reial Club de Golf de Cerdanya 972 141 408Club de Golf Fontanals de Cerdanya 972 144 374Aravell Golf. La Seu d’Urgell 973 360 066Club de Golf Ribera Salada–Solsona 973 299 282Golf Sant Marc. Puigcerdà 972 883 411

COSTA BRAVAClub de Golf d’Aro-Mas Nou de Platja d’Aro 972 826 900Club de Golf Costa Brava-Santa Cristina d’Aro 972 837 150Club de Golf Platja de Pals 972 667 739Club de Golf Girona-Sant Julià de Ramis 972 171 641Club de Golf l’Àngel de Lloret 972 368 533Empordà Golf Resort-Gualta 972 760 450Club de Golf Peralada 972 538 287Club de Golf Torremirona-Navata 972 553 737PGA Golf de Catalunya-Caldes de Malavella 972 472 577Golf Serres de Pals-Pals 972 637 375Golf Mas Pagès- Sant Esteve de Guialbes 972 561 001

CATALUNYA CENTRALClub de Golf Montanyà 938 840 170Club de Golf Vallromanes 935 729 064Club de Golf Sant Cugat 936 743 908

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La Ginesta www.portginesta.com 936 643 661Garraf www.clubnauticgarraf.com 936 320 013Aiguadolç www.portdesitges.com 938 942 600Vilanova i la Geltrú www.cnvilanova.cat 938 150 267

BARCELONÈSPort Olímpic www.pobasa.es 932 259 220Barcelona www.rcnb.com 932 216 521Barcelona www.maritimbarcelona.org 932 214 859Barcelona www.portvellbcn.com 933 176 135Badalona www.marinabadalona-sa.es 933 207 500Sant Adrià de Besòs www.portforum.com 933 562 725

COSTA DAURADAPort Segur www.portsegurcalafell.com 977 159 119Coma-ruga www.clubnautic.com 977 680 120Tarragona www.portesportiutarragona.com 977 213 100Torredembarra www.port-torredembarra.es 977 643 234Salou www.clubnauticsalou.com 977 382 166Cambrils www.clubnauticcambrils.com 977 360 531L’Hospitalet de l’Infant www.cnhv.net 977 823 004

TERRES DE L’EBREPort Calafat www.portcalafat.com 977 486 184L’Ametlla de Mar www.cnametllamar.com 977 456 180L’Ampolla www.nauticampolla.com 977 460 215Sant Carles de la Ràpita www.cnscr.com 977 741 103Les Cases d’Alcanar www.cncaportlescases.com 977 735 001Sant Jordi d’Alfama 977 486 189

MarinasDirecció General de Transportsdel Departament de Territori iSostenibilitat 934 958 000www.gencat.cat/portsgeneralitat.com

COSTA BRAVAPortbou www.portdeportbou.cat 972 390 712Colera www.cnsmcolera.com 972 389 095Llançà www.cnllanca.cat 972 380 710El Port de la Selva www.cnps.es 972 387 000Roses www.portroses.com 972 154 412Santa Margarida 972 257 700Empuriabrava www.empuriaport.com 972 451 239L’Escala www.nauticescala.com 972 770 016L’Estartit www.cnestartit.es 972 751 402Aiguablava 972 623 161Llafranc www.nauticllafranc.net 972 300 754Marina Palamós www.lamarinapalamos.es 972 601 000Palamós www.cncostabrava.com 972 314 324Port d’Aro www.cnportdaro.net.com 972 818 929Sant Feliu de Guíxols www.clubnauticsantfeliu.com 972 321 700Cala Canyelles www.cncanyelles.com 972 368 818Blanes www.cvblanes.cat 972 330 552

COSTA DE BARCELONAArenys de Mar www.cnarenys.com 937 921 600El Balís www.cnelbalis.com 937 929 900Mataró www.portmataro.com 937 550 961Premià de Mar www.marinapremia.com 937 549 119El Masnou www.portmasnou.com 935 403 000

Activity tourism and adventure sports

Ara Lleida-Patronat de Turisme Terres de Lleida www.lleidatur.com 973 245 408

Patronat de Turisme Costa Brava-Girona www.costabrava.org 972 208 401

Patronat de Turisme de la Diputació de Tarragona www.costadaurada.info 977 230 312

Diputació de Barcelona-Turisme www.turismepropbarcelona.cat 934 022 970

Torisme Val d’Aran www.visitvaldaran.com 973 640 688

Ski resorts

Associació Catalana d’Estacions d’Esquí i Activitats de Muntanya (ACEM) 934 160 194www.catneu.net

Federació Catalana d’Esports d’Hivern 934 155 544www.fceh.cat

DOWNHILL SKIINGBaqueira Beret www.baqueira.cat 973 639 010Boí-Taüll Resort www.boitaullresort.com 902 406 640Gran Pallars. Espot Esquí www.granpallars.com 973 624 058La Molina www.lamolina.cat 972 892 031Masella www.masella.cat 972 144 000Gran Pallars. Port Ainé www.granpallars.com 902 190 192Port del Comte www.portdelcomte.net 973 492 301

Tavascan www.tavascan.net 973 623 079Vall de Núria www.valldenuria.cat 972 732 020Vallter 2000 www.vallter2000.com 972 136 057

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIINGAransa www.aransaski.cat 973 293 051Bosc Viròs www.boscdeviros.com 973 622 201Guils Fontanera www.guils.com 972 197 047Lles www.lles.net 973 293 049Sant Joan de l’Erm www.santjoandelerm.com 973 298 015Tuixén-La Vansa www.tuixent-lavansa.com 973 370 030

23

Tourist officesBARCELONA

Badalona934 832 990www.badalona.cat

Barcelona932 388 091www.catalunya.com

Barcelona932 853 834www.barcelonaturisme.cat

CATALUNYA CENTRAL

Calaf938 680 833www.calaf.cat

Caldes de Montbui938 654 140www.caldesmontbui.cat

Cardona938 692 798www.cardona.cat

Figaró-Montmany938 429 361www.elfigaro.net

Igualada938 051 585www.anoiaenviu.cat

Llinars del Vallès938 413 424www.barcelonaturisme.cat

Manlleu938 515 176www.manlleu.cat

Manresa938 784 090www.manresaturisme.cat

Moià938 301 418www.consorcidelmoianes.cat

Montserrat938 777 777www.montserratvisita.cat

Prats de Lluçanès938 560 732www.pratsdellucanes.cat

Prats de Rei, els938 680 366www.altaanoia.info

Roca del Vallès, la938 423 900www.larocavillage.com

Rubí935 872 760www.rubi.cat

Sant Cugat del Vallès936 759 952www.santcugat.cat

Sant Joan de Vilatorrada938 361 708www.elcardener.com

Seva938 125 712www.portesdelmontseny.com

Súria938 695 685www.suria.cat

Tavèrnoles938 887 308www.tavernoles.cat

Terrassa937 397 019www.visitaterrassa.cat

Vic938 862 091www.victurisme.cat938 851 715www.osonaturisme.cat

COSTA BRAVA

Arbúcies972 162 477www.arbucies.cat

Banyoles972 575 573www.banyoles.cat/turisme

Begur972 624 520www.visitbegur.cat

Bisbal d'Empordà, la 972 645 500www.visitlabisbal.cat

Blanes972 330 348www.blanes.cat

Cadaqués972 258 315www.cadaques.cat

Caldes de Malavella972 480 103www.caldesdemalavella.cat

Calella de Palafrugell972 614 475www.visitpalafrugell.cat

Castelló d’Empúries972 156 233www.castello.cat

Empuriabrava972 450 802www.castello.cat

Escala, l'972 770 603www.lescala.cat

Estartit, l'972 751 910www.visitestartit.com

Figueres972 503 155www.figueres.cat

Girona872 975 975www.catalunya.com

Hostalric902 196 446www.hostalric.cat

Llagostera972 805 468www.llagostera.cat/turisme

Llançà972 380 855/972 120 944www.llanca.cat

Lloret de Mar972 364 735 / 972 372 493 / 972 365 788www.lloretdemar.cat

Maçanet de Cabrenys972 544 297www.massanet.org

Palafrugell972 300 228/972 611 845 www.visitpalafrugell.cat

Palamós972 600 550 www.palamos.cat

Pals972 637 380www.pals.cat

Peralada972 538 840www.peralada.cat

Peratallada (Forallac)972 538 840www.forallac.cat

Platja d'Aro972 817 179www.platjadaro.cat

Portbou972 125 161www.portbou.cat

Port de la Selva, el 972 387 073www.elportadelaselva.cat

Roses 902 103 636www.roses.cat

Sant Antoni de Calonge972 661 714www.calonge.cat

Sant Feliu de Guíxols972 820 051www.guixols.cat

Sant Hilari Sacalm972 869 686www.turisme.santhilari.net

Sant Pere Pescador972 520 535www.santpere.cat

Santa Cristina d’Aro972 835 293www.santacristina.net/turisme

Sarrià de Ter972 213 262www.turismegirones.cat

Torroella de Montgrí972 755 180www.museudelamediterrania.org

Tossa de Mar972 340 108 www.infotossa.com

Vilabertran972 505 902www.vilabertran.cat

Vilobí d'Onyar (aeroport de Girona)972 942 955www.catalunya.com

COSTA DAURADA

Alcover977 846 452www.alcover.catAltafulla977 651 426www.altafulla.cat

Arboç, l’977 167 725www.arbocenc.org

Bisbal de Falset, la 977 819 012www.labisbaldefalset.org

Calafell977 699 141/977 699 141www.calafell.cat

Cambrils977 792 307www.turcambrils.info

Capafonts977 868 204www.capafonts.cat

Coma-ruga 977 680 010www.elvendrellturistic.com

Cornudella de Montsant977 821 000www.cornudella.altanet.org

Creixell977 138 132www.creixell.cat

Cunit977 674 777www.cunit.cat

Espluga de Francolí, l'977 871 220www.esplugadefrancoli.cat

Falset977 831 023www.turismepriorat.org

Hospitalet de l'Infant, l'977 823 328www.hospitalet-valldellors.cat

Margalef977 819 167www.margalef.org

Montblanc977 861733www.montblancmedieval.cat

Montmell, el977 169 137www.elmontmell.cat

Mont-roig del Camp977 179 468 www.mont-roig.cat

Morera de Montsant977 827 346www.morera.altanet.org

Nulles977 614 965www.nulles.altanet.org

Pineda, la (Vila-seca) 977 371 712www.lapinedaplatja.info

Poblet (Vimbodí)977 871 247www.concadebarbera.info

Prades977 868 302www.prades.es

Reus977 010 670/977 327 155 www.reus.cat/turismewww.turismebaixcamp.org

Reus (aeroport)977 772 204www.catalunya.com

Roda de Barà977 657 774www.rodadebara.cat

Salou977 350 102www.isalou.info

Santa Coloma de Queralt977 880 478www.stacqueralt.altanet.org

Santes Creus (Aigúamurcia)977 638 141www.altcamp.cat

Selva del Camp, la977 844 630www.laselvadelcamp.cat

Tarragona977 233 415/977 250 795www.catalunya.comwww.tarragonaturisme.cat

Torredembarra977 644 580www.turismetorredembarra.cat

Ulldemolins977 561 866www.ulldemolins.cat

Valls977 612 530www.valls.cat

Vendrell, el 977 665 872www.citvendrell.cat

Vila-seca (La Pineda)977 371 712www.lapinedaplatja.info

COSTA DE BARCELONA

Alella935 552 339www.alella.cat

Arenys de Mar937 922 601 www.arenysdemar.cat

Caldes d’Estrac937 910 588www.caldetes.cat

Calella937 690 559www.calellabarcelona.com

Canet de Mar937 940 898www.canetdemar.cat

Castelldefels936 352 727www.castelldefelsturisme.info

Collbató937 779 076www.viladecollbato.org

Cubelles938 952 500www.cubelles.cat

Gavà932 639 600www.gavaciutat.cat

Malgrat de Mar937 653 889www.turismemalgrat.com

Mataró937 582 968www.mataro.cat

Palafolls937 620 611www.palafolls.cat

Pineda de Mar937 623 490 www.pinedademar.cat

Prat de Llobregat, el (Aeroport)Terminal 1 934 784 704Terminal 2 934 780 565www.catalunya.com

Sant Pol de Mar937 604 547www.santpol.cat

Sant Sadurní d'Anoia938 913 188www.santsadurni.cat

Santa Susanna937 679 008www.stasusanna.cat

Sitges938 109 340www.sitgestur.cat

Vilafranca del Penedès938 920 358www.turismevilafranca.com

Vilanova i la Geltrú938 154 517 / 938 935 555www.vilanovaturisme.cat

PIRINEUS

Alp972 890 385www.alpturisme.cat

Bagà938 244 862www.baga.cat

Baix Pallars (Gerri de la Sal)669 180 448consorcigerri.blogspot.com

Bellver de Cerdanya973 510 229www.bellver.cat

Berga938 221 500www.elbergueda.cat938 211 384www.turismeberga.cat

Besalú972 591 240www.besalu.cat

Camprodon972 740 936/972 740 010www.valldecamprodon.orgwww.camprodon.cat

Castellar de n’Hug938 257 097www.ajcastellardenhug.cat

Cercs938 248 187www.mmcercs.cat

Coll de Nargó973 383 048collnargo.ddl.net

24

Coma i la Pedra, la 973 492 378www.comapedra.cat

Esterri d’Àneu973 626 345www.esterrianeu.cat

Gironella938 380 093www.parcfluvial.org

Gósol973 370 016www.gosol.cat

Isona 973 665 062www.parc-cretaci.com

Lladorre (Tavascan)973 623 079www.tavascan.info

Llavorsí973 622 217llavorsi.ddl.net

Montagut i Oix972 287 804www.montagutioix.net

Montferrer973 298 135www.montferrecastellbo.ddl.net

Olot972 268 112/972 260 141www.parcsdecatalunya.netwww.olot.cat/turisme

Organyà973 382 002organya.ddl.net

Pobla de Lillet, la 938 236 146www.poblalillet.cat

Pobla de Segur, la973 680 257www.pobladesegur.cat

Pont de Suert, el 973 690 640www.elpontdesuert.cat

Puigcerdà972 880 542/972 140 665www.puigcerda.catwww.cerdanya.cat

Ribera de Cardós973 623 239www.riberadecardos.org

Ribes de Freser972 727 728www.vallderibes.cat

Ripoll972 702 351www.ripoll.cat

Saldes938 258 046www.saldes.cat

Sant Feliu de Pallerols972 444 474www.ddgi.cat/sfp

Sant Joan de les Abadesses972 720 599www.santjoandelesabadesses.cat

Sant Joan les Fonts972 290 507www.santjoanlesfonts.cat

Santa Pau972 680 349www.garrotxa.com/santapau

Seu d'Urgell, La 973 351 511www.turismeseu.com973 353 112www.ccau.cat

Solsona973 481 009/973 480 050www.ajsolsona.catwww.turismesolsones.com

Sort973 621 002www.pallarssobira.info

Tremp973 650 005www.ajuntamentdetremp.cat

Tuixent (Josa i Tuixén)973 370 030www.trementinaires.org

Vall d’en Bas, la972 692 177www.vallbas.cat

Vall de Boí, la973 694 000www.vallboi.cat

Vall de Cardós973 623 239www.valldecardos.org

Vallcebre626 696 976www.vallcebre.cat

TERRES DE L’EBRE

Aldea, l’977 450 012www.laldea.catAmetlla de Mar, l'977 456 477/977 456 329www.ametllademar.catAmpolla, l'977 593 011www.ampolla.catAmposta977 703 453www.turismeamposta.catAscó977 406 583www.asco.catBenifallet977 462 249www.benifallet.altanet.orgCamarles977 470 040www.camarles.catCases d'Alcanar, les 977 737 639www.alcanar.catDeltebre977 489 679/977 489 309www.deltebre.orgGalera, la977 718 339www.la-galera.catGandesa977 420 910/977 420 018www.gandesa.catwww.terra-alta.orgGodall977 380 018www.godall.catHorta de Sant Joan977 435 043www.hortadesantjoan.catPerelló, el 977 491 021www.elperello.catRasquera977 491 021www.rasquera.catSant Carles de la Ràpita977 744 624www.turismesantcarlesdelarapita.orgSant Jaume d’Enveja977 478 056www.santjaume.catSénia, la 977 713 000www.lasenia.catTivissa977 417 551www.tivissa.catTortosa977 449 648/977 445 308www.turismetortosa.comwww.baixebre.catUlldecona977 573 394www.ulldecona.catTERRES DE LLEIDA

Agramunt973 391 089www.agramunt.catAlguaire (Aeroport)973 032 700www.aeroportlleida.catArbeca973 160 008www.arbeca.cat

Balaguer973 445 194/638 683 177www.balaguer.catwww.trendelsllacas.cat

Baronia de Rialb, la973 460 234www.baroniarialb.cat

Bellpuig973 320 408www.bellpuig.cat

Borges Blanques, les 973 142 658www.turismegarrigues.com

Cervera973 531 303www.lasegarra.org

Guimerà973 303 525www.guimera.cat

Guissona973 551 414www.guissona.cat

Ivars d’Urgell671 577 055www.ivarsvilasana.cat

Lleida902 250 050/973 248 840www.turismedelleida.catwww.catalunya.com

Tourist information on the Internet

Agència Catalana de Turisme www.catalunya.comDirecció General de Turisme www.gencat.cat/empresaiocupacióPalau Robert (Centre d'Informació de Catalunya) www.gencat.cat/probertTurisme de Barcelona www.barcelonaturisme.catPatronat de Turisme Terres de Lleida www.lleidatur.comPatronat de Turisme Girona-Costa Brava www.costabrava.orgPatronat de Turisme de la Diputació de Tarragona www.costadaurada.orgDiputació de Barcelona-Turisme www.turismepropdebarcelona.catInstitut per al Desenvolupament de les Comarques de l’Ebre www.terresdelebre.orgTorisme Val d’Aran www.visitvaldaran.com

Important telephone numbersDirectory enquiries (Spain and abroad) 11818 / 11825Police catalane 088Police nationale 091Police municipale 092Barcelona Information 010Emergency services 112Information about the state of the roads 900 123 505Direcció General de Turisme (Generalitat de Catalunya) 934 849 500Agència Catalana de Turisme 934 849 900(Catalan government) enquiry line 012

TransportationInternational airportsBarcelona 902 404 704Girona-Costa Brava 972 186 600Reus 977 778 425

Lleida-Alguaire 973 032 700

RailwaysRenfe 902 240 202Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat 932 051 515

Bus stationsBarcelona (Estació del Nord) 902 260 606Girona 972 212 319Lleida 973 268 500Tarragona 977 229 126

© Generalitat de CatalunyaMinistry of Enterprise and LabourDirectorate General for Tourism

Idea and realization: Pauta Estratègies de Comunicació

Graphic design: Gruyere-bcn

Photographs: Oriol Alamany, J. Altadill, Bedmar, AntoniBofill, Xavier Catalán, Joan Costa, Don Balón, Ferrocarrilsde la Generalitat de Catalunya, Francesc Gomà, Konic,Mario Krmpotic, Rafael López-Monné, Ramon Manent,J. Moragues, Jordi Pareto, Ricard Pla, Sebastià Plans, Jordi Play, Elisenda Pons/©Ediciones Primera Plana, S.A.,Pere Pons, Rambol, Ros Ribas / Institut del Teatre, J. Serra /Barcelona Plató Film Commisson, Sònar, Tino Soriano,TAVISA, Francesc Tur, Toni Vidal and Pere Vivas

D.L.: B-36394-2011 SYL, S.A.

Printed in EU

25

Mollerussa973 711 313/973 603 997www.plaurgell.catwww.canalsurgell.org

Sant Ramon973 524 018santramon.ddl.net

Seròs973 780 009www.birding.cat

Tàrrega973 500 707www.urgell.cat

Torres de Segre973 792 789www.utxesa.com

Vallbona de les Monges973 330 567www.vallbona.com

Verdú973 347 007www.verdu.cat

Vilanova de l’Aguda973 460 927vilanovaaguda.ddl.net

VAL D’ARAN

Les973 647 303www.turismoles.com

Naut Aran (Salardú)973 645 197www.torismearan.org

Vielha e Mijaran973 640 110www.torismearan.org

TOURISM RECEPTIONCENTRES (CAT)Cervera 973 534 442Puigcerdà 972 880 816Ripoll 972 115 959Sallent 938 370 200Teià 935 559 977Tortosa 977 444 668Vilajuïga 972 530 977

www.turismecat.cat

Generalitat de CatalunyaGovernment of CataloniaMinistry of Enterprise and Labour