Barcelona, Costa Brava
Barcelona, Cataluna - Overview:
Barcelona, Spain's second city and the Capital of Cataluna is probably the most cosmopolitan and sophisticated city in the country. It is a very popular city break destination but can also be combined with a stay in one of our houses or hotels on the coast or in the countryside.
Barcelona, Cataluna - Sightseeing & city breaks:
Barcelona is a wonderful short break destination. The city is very compact and a great deal can be seen in two or three days. It is home to many outstanding Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings, including Gaudi's famous Sagrada Familia, and excellent museums most notably devoted to Picasso and Catalan art.
Barcelona, Cataluna - Activities:
The main attraction of Barcelona is, however, the vibrant atmosphere of the city, with its tree-lined ramblas, street cafes, superb shops and wonderful nightlife.
Barcelona, Cataluna - Coast:
Barcelona is also a seaside city and port. The seafront of Barcelona was improved for the Olympic games in 1992 and the city has a large yacht harbour with a promenade lined with cafes and seafood restaurants adjoining which is a long, wide sandy beach.
Barcelona, Cataluna - Geography:
Occupying a privileged position on the eastern coast of the Iberian peninsula, with a picturesque coastline lapped by the Mediterranean sea, Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain in both size and population. It is also the capital of Cataluna (one of the seventeen autonomous communities that make up Spain.)
The population of the city is in excess of one and half million, with a further 2 and half million inhabitants in Barcelona's outlying districts. There are two official languages spoken in Barcelona: Catalan, generally spoken in all of Cataluna, and Castillian Spanish.
Barcelona, Cataluna - History:
Barcelona has an unequivocal Mediterranean flavour. As Cataluna's capital, it has a rich history and its inhabitants are proud of their tradition and cultural influences.
Barcelona is more than just a single city, it is actually a collection of multi-faceted and diverse towns. Visitors unfamiliar with Barcelona's history might be surprised that such a modern and enterprising city preserves its historic Gothic center almost intact.
Furthermore, many are surprised by the curious contrast between the maze of narrow streets and the grid-like layout of the Eixample (an urban planning project developed at the end of the 19th century).
The city of Barcelona dates back to the founding of a Roman colony in the second century BC. Modern Barcelona experienced spectacular growth and economic revival with the onset of industrialisation during the second half of the 19th century.
The 1888 World Fair became a symbol of the capacity for hard work and the international outlook projected by the city. Culture and the arts flourished in Barcelona and in all of Cataluna.
Barcelona, Costa Brava - Our holiday accommodation and service:
Travel with secretdestinations.com holidays and enjoy delightful, privileged, sophisticated holiday destinations on the Costa Brava including Barcelona. From privately owned houses, cottages, villas, and apartments to villas with pools and hotels, in beautiful coastal and rural locations, hand-picked for an authentic taste of unspoiled secret Spain.
So, if you're looking for an activity holiday walking, cycling and trekking; exploring historic castles, fascinating villages, towns and vibrant cities such as Barcelona or Girona; enjoy wine tasting and gastronomy; fancy a spot of surfing, swimming, sunbathing or relaxing on great beaches at lovely coastal resorts such as Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc, Tamariu, Roses or Tossa de Mar; or you just want to simply escape the tourist masses with a privately owned apartment, cottage or villa with a pool in eastern Spain, then call our holiday team today. We can also assist you with flights to the Costa Brava, ferry travel and holiday car hire.
