This region is located in northeastern Spain, and borders with France and the tiny country of Andorra. Catalonia [Catalunya] is made up of (4) provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. Since hosting the Summer Olympics in 1992, the capitol of Catalonia and the largest city in Spain, Barcelona, has seen its tourism sky rocket, and has become one of the top destinations in Europe. In Catalonia, they speak their own language "Catalan", which sounds nothing like Castilian, however most people speak Castilian and all restaurants have their menus printed in both languages. This region is know for its superb cooking, and providing some of the best dishes to the country, including: Ali-Oli, Patatas Bravas, Pan con Tomate, Zarzuela (a fish stew), and much more. The most famous restaurant in the world is located here "El Bulli", in the village of Roses, where Ferran Adria makes some of the most intriguing food in the world. The famous wine region of Priorat is located in the province of Tarragona, as well as other up-and-coming wine regions like: Montsant and Conca de Barberà. The famous Cava (Spain's version of Champagne) has been made in Penedes for over 100+ years. For some of the most beautiful and mind-blowing coastlines, visit the "Costa Brava" in northern Catalonia, as it offers some of the most rocky and cliffy beaches in the Mediterranean. To find the perfect hotel, visit our Barcelona Hotel Guide.

KEY INFORMATION ABOUT CATALONIA

• Population: 7.5 Million
• Land Area: 12,399 Sq. Miles
• Provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, Tarragona
• Capitol: Barcelona
• Languages: Catalan, Castilian
• Main Attractions: El Bulli, Museo Picasso, Palacio de la Música, Park Güell, Sagrada Familia
• Small Towns of Interest: Cardona, Figueres, Montblanc, Roses, Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Sitges
• Major Soccer Teams: FC Barcelona, RCD Espanyol

WEATHER IN CATALONIA

PICTURES OF CATALONIA