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CATALONIA , THE SEAL OF QUALITY 2 Welcome to , a land at the leading edge which is eager to offer you hospitality and give you such an unforgettable stay that you will want to come again. Catalonia greets you with its beautiful scenery, its rich cultural heritage and, above all, its open-minded, enterprising people. The thriving Catalan economy has always made our country a pole of attraction, a land that looks outwards, beyond its borders, towards the horizon. A land of progress, well-being and hospitality. Catalonia was a driving force behind the economic activity and industrialization of 19th and 20th century and nowadays 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 from all over the world live side by side, a land with an open outlook, which sees tourism as a great bridge towards mutual knowledge and understanding, contact and exchange. Catalonia, the seal of quality. Catalonia has consolidated its position as a leading tourist destination by offering one key premium: quality. Entrepreneurs and government work as a team to provide a wide range of facilities giving top-rate service. Our efforts are focussed on a model that is both competitive and environmentally sustainable. Every year we train thousands of professionals to offer 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 its cuisine and wines, for instance, or now one of the most popular city tourism destinations , or the successful centenary celebrations of artists such as Antoni Gaudí or Salvador Dalí. All this is clear proof that Catalonia is a diverse and modern country offering an extensive selection of top-notch products. Catalonia, several countries in one. Catalonia has more varied landscapes than virtually any other European country. Visitors will find parks high up in the CATALONIA, A DESTINATION WITH QUALITY AND CHARACTER

mountains /that of Aigüestortes and Lak e Sant Maurici, for example , unusual rock formations, such as the massif, ancient volcanic zones, such as the 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 have been preserved or are being recovered: the Romanesque route through the Pyrenees, which takes in the Boí valley churches, or the Cistercian route, a tour of 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 by the Romans, or with its Jewish quarter. And of course you can enjoy one of the world's loveliest coastlines featuring beaches with fascinating rugged cliffs and an array of colours that range from the emerald-green of the small coves along 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 to music, and from the decorative to the visual and performing arts, but also to the field of scientific research. There are treasures of architecture and city planning to enjoy, including such ground-breaking sights as Barcelona's unique Eixample district, acknowledged as a landmark of Modernist architecture throughout the world. This legacy is further enhanced by the works of great Catalan artists, such as Gaudí, Dalí, Miró and Tàpies, which can be admired all over the country, from the Sagrada Família, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and the in Barcelona, to the Teatre-Museu Dalí in . Catalonia, a land with a thousand years of history. Catalonia is a country with an open mentality which is proud of its identity and keen to make itself known abroad. Its distinct language and culture reflect the strong personality which makes it unique in our increasingly globalized world. It is a land steeped in culture, with traditions and festivals dating back a thousand years and offering the ideal combination of feeling and culture. But it is also part and parcel of contemporary and outstandingly permeable to the latest ideas and trends on the international cultural scene. It was in just this way that Modernism a current that was establishing itself throughout 20th century Europe entered Catalonia and won worldwide renown for Catalan artists including Gaudí, Domènech i Montaner, and Puig i Cadafalch. It only remains for me to invite you to discover Catalonia's rich natural and cultural heritage, enjoy its plentiful leisure facilities, and get to know our people. Once again, welcome to Catalonia.

Ministry of Enterprise and Labour

1 Catalonia is a small country, in terms of size. But its personality, shaped by over a thousand years of history, and its 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 . THE STRENGTH OF IDENTITY Central skylight, Palau de la Música (Barcelona) Música la de Palau skylight, Central

Catalonia, a European country

Catalonia lies in the north- Nowadays the , eastern Iberian peninsula. or autonomous It has over seven million government, is Catalonia's inhabitants and occupies organ of government. It an area of 31,980 km2, comprises a President, an comparable to Belgium, Executive, and a the Netherlands or Parliament, which is one of Switzerland. the most ancient in Europe. Over the centuries, the Its jurisdiction is defined by Catalan nation has enjoyed a Statute of Autonomy and different degrees of it shares political power sovereignty under the with the institutions of the political institutions and Spanish state. Palau de la forms of government (home of the Catalan government) proper to each era.

2 Catalonia's thousands of years of history n the course of several millennia, Catalonia has witnessed the arrival of many different peoples including the Iberians, the Celts, the Greeks – who founded the colonies of Rhode (Roses) and Empúries – the Romans – who set up one of their provincial capitals at Tarragona –, the Visigoths and the Arabs. In the 12th century, a dynastic marriage between the counts of Barcelona and the kings of Aragon gave rise to the kingdom of Catalonia and Aragon, which built a medieval maritime and commercial The conquest of Majorca empire in the Catalan nationalist (13th C, MNAC) Mediterranean. demonstration (1977) The crown of Catalonia and Aragon retained its distinct political and legal identity Remains of Empúries until Philip V became king of Spain in 1714. Since then the Catalan people have been engaged in a peaceful struggle to win back their rights and freedoms. One of the most significant episodes was the recovery of self-government in 1979, when the Spanish parliament approved the preceding Statute of Autonomy, which was subsequently endorsed by the Catalan people in a referendum.

The language, a sign of identity Catalonia's own language is Catalan. This has been the case since the 12th century. When democracy was restored in 1979, Catalan and Spanish were both recognized as official languages in Catalonia. The origins of the date back to the early Middle Ages. Despite periods of prohibition and repression, the majority of still use it today. Roman amphitheatre (Tarragona) Llibre dels feits, by Jaume I

3 Christ in Majesty, Sant Climent de Taüll de Climent Sant Majesty, in Christ CATALONIA, A UNIVERSAL HERITAGE

There are clear parallels between Catalonia's periods of Catalonia's prehistoric finds are on show in the splendour and the proximity of forms to those heritage contains much archeological museums, first and foremost the predominant elsewhere in Europe: classical art when that is of note: numerous Mediterranean Basin cave Museu Nacional Hispania Tarraconensis became one of the foremost paintings which have been Arqueològic in Tarragona. provinces in the Roman empire; Romanesque art at the time of Catalonia's birth as a nation; Gothic art and When Catalonia was not yet Catalonia the great medieval and pre- when Catalonia dominated the Western Mediterranean; and declared part of the The less plentiful Visigothic Modernism – Catalan Art Nouveau – in the late 19th Unesco world heritage; the legacy is concentrated in deep imprint left by the and early 20th centuries, the time of Catalonia's national Terrassa, while traces of ancient Iberian culture, the presence of Muslims rebirth and the rise of its industrial bourgeoisie. notably the settlement at are most noticeable in Similarly, during the first three decades and the second ; and the vestiges , the Terres de half of the 20th century, the contributions of artists born of the Greek and Roman l'Ebre, and Lleida and its or trained in Catalonia were decisive to the development cultures, at the Graeco- area of influence. Roman site of Empúries of the European artistic avant-gardes, and since the and in the Roman city of recovery of democracy, Barcelona has emerged as a Tarragona, another Unesco standard-bearer of city planning and design. world heritage site. Many

4 The gems of Modernism Gaudí is undoubtedly the most famous architect of Catalonia's Modernist movement. The contemporary The of Much of his heritage Romanesque art work has been included in the At the same time as the Many of the finest Unesco world Noucentista movement –a manifestations of Catalonia's heritage and classicist, learned, architectural and artistic year after year it pro-European current heritage date from medieval The splendour of draws millions of the first three decades of times. Romanesque was the Gothic art of visitors who the 20th century–, an art form which coincided Casa Milà (La Pedrera), gaze in avant-garde reaction in tune with Catalonia's birth and Barcelona Most of the great medieval fascination at the with European trends got early development and the cathedrals date from the bone-like structures of Casa underway: Picasso and formation of the Catalan Gothic period or slightly Batlló, the stone waves of Cubism, Miró and Dalí and later. They were the Casa Milà (La Pedrera), the Surrealism. These artists emblematic seats of the Sagrada Família, rising like spent much of their lives in powerful bishoprics which a vertical hymn, or the Catalonia and many of their informed much of the Catalan dream-like landscapes of works are here. The same is territory in the feudal age. Parc Güell. But Gaudí is only true of other contemporary The most noteworthy are part of the Modernist artists, notably Tàpies. those of Barcelona, heritage: other leading Catalan literature, which Tarragona, and Girona (the names include Domènech i has produced poets such as single nave of Girona Montaner, the creator of the Foix and Carner, narrators cathedral is the widest in Palau de la Música Catalana such as , and European Gothic Sant Climent de Taüll and the Hospital de Sant novelists such Mercè architecture), along with Pau, and Puig i Cadafalch, Rodoreda, is part and parcel those of Lleida and Tortosa. of the great literary currents language. It was strongly who designed some highly But the true paradigm of of recent times, though its influenced by the Lombard characteristic buildings. Catalan Gothic architecture, development was abruptly style and spread from the Though Barcelona was the on account of the cut short by the Spanish Pyrenean valleys over much epicentre of Modernism, mathematical precision of Civil War. of the country. Pride of there are Modernist its beautiful proportions, is Since the return of place among the over two buildings in many other the splendid church of Santa democracy, Catalonia's thousand Romanesque Catalan cities, such as Maria del Mar in Barcelona. energy and creativity have buildings still standing in Girona, Lleida, Reus, The spectacular Cistercian been primarily reflected in Catalonia must go to the Tarragona, Canet de Mar monasteries –Poblet, Santes the fields of city planning, churches of the Boí and . Industrial Creus and Vallbona de les design, drama and music, Valley –declared part of the buildings were also built in Monges– are also in Gothic thanks to professionals of Unesco world heritage–, the Modernist style, even in the style –or Gothic-Romanesque international renown and monastery of Sant Pere de countryside, notably the transition style–, as is the venues and institutions Rodes, and the cathedral of cooperative wineries of del such as the Museu d’Art La Seu d’Urgell. But the Conca de Barberà, Priorat Vallès and that of Pedralbes Contemporani de most striking and memorable and Terra Alta. in Barcelona. Barcelona, Centre de Cultura feature of our Romanesque The painters Casas and Catalan Gothic painting also Contemporània de legacy are the paintings and Rusiñol, who were also flourished during the late Barcelona, Auditori, and sculptures in the Museu Modernists, sensitized the Middle Ages, assimilating Teatre Nacional de Nacional d’Art de Catalunya public to the artistic influences from Burgundy, Catalunya. (MNAC) in Barcelona influence of Paris, while Flanders and Italy. The most The powerful Catalan –which has one of the richest writers like Verdaguer, distinguished Gothic painters publishing industry has Romanesque and Gothic Maragall, Guimerà, Rusiñol include Jaume Huguet, enabled the literary collections in the world– himself, and many others Lluís Borrassà, Ferrer Bassa situation to return to and the very interesting rebuilt Catalan literature on and the Serra brothers. This normal and works are now diocesan museums. the basis of the everyday was also the age language –still very much available in both Catalan of the great alive– and the memory of and Spanish by a chroniclers the great medieval magnificent array of (King Jaume I, literature. authors: , Muntaner and Juan Marsé, Desclot), of great Quim Monzó, poets influenced Jesús Montcada, by Petrarch (such Gabriel Ferrater, as Ausiàs Marc Manuel Vázquez from ), Montalbán, and of novels such Eduardo Santa Maria del Mar as Curial i Güelfa Mendoza, Maria (Barcelona) and Tirant lo Blanc Mercè Marçal, (The White Knight). Together and many they constitute the Golden others. Age of Catalan literature. Teatre-Museu Dalí (Figueres)

5 History and tradition have The : the phoenix endowed Catalonia with a rich The Gran Teatre del Liceu, overlooking the and attractive cultural fabric Rambla in Barcelona, has risen from its ashes embracing the full gamut of the after a devastating fire. Its audience of performing arts, from drama to passionate opera-lovers, its cutting-edge the cinema, via all styles of equipment, and its opera and ballet programme —a tasteful blend of classical bel canto and musical creation. Catalonia also Italian , Wagner (a long-standing excels in artistic performance tradition in Barcelona), and 20th and 21st and interpretation and century forms of musical expression which possesses infrastructures An opera performance at the Gran delight the younger generations— make the second-to-none in which the Teatre del Liceu Liceu one of Europe's great opera houses. illustriousness of the past The Liceu's own productions alternate sagaciously with coproductions with other European theatres, making it possible combines with state-of-the-art for the great opera and ballet companies of our times to appear technology to create an ideal there alongside a wide selection of top-flight singers who uphold setting for performances by the tradition of Montserrat Caballé, Jaume Aragall, Josep Pons leading international stars. and Josep Carreras.

CATALAN CULTURE, IDENTITY AND PRESTIGE Main auditorium, Gran Teatre del Liceu del Teatre Gran auditorium, Main Theatrical events The Catalan theatrical tradition dates back to the Middle Ages. Great Catalan-speaking playwrights and actors have earned prestige for both drama and theatrical venues all over the country. Catalonia has also played a pioneering role in experimentation and renovation. Companies like Comediants, Els Joglars, Dagoll Dagom or the innovative Fura dels Baus are applauded far beyond our frontiers. Every summer sees a new edition of Performance by La Fura dels Baus at the opening ceremony of the Barcelona Olympic the open-air festival Games, 25 July 1992. The show focused on the Mediterranean. on Montjuïc and the Fira del Teatre al Carrer (street drama Catalonia, with Barcelona at Victoria de los Ángeles. festival) in Tàrrega. Plays by its forefront, has an However, it also has a strong young writers have regained established musical tradition. Flamenco tradition, embodied popularity, enabling new Its symbol is the Palau de la first and foremost by the playwrights to emerge. Some, Música Catalana, a UNESCO bailaora Carmen Amaya and such as Sergi Belbel, have world heritage building the singers Miguel Poveda gained an international designed by the great and Ginesa Ortega, as well as reputation. Modernist architect Lluís a jazz tradition featuring such Domènech i Montaner and sensational performers as recently enlarged by another pianists Tete Montoliu and famous architect, Òscar Agustí Fernández and Tradición musical Tusquets. In latter years the percussionist Jordi Rossy. supply of "serious" music has been extended by the opening of the Auditori, a building by Rafael Moneo which is the home of the Orquestra Ciutat de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya and the Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya. Catalonia has produced classical composers such as Enric Granados, Isaac Albéniz, Xavier Montsalvatge and Robert Gerhard and classical musicians including the cellist Pau Casals and the singer The Auditori de Barcelona, by the architect Rafael Moneo Palau de la Música (Barcelona)

International festivals

Catalonia hosts film festivals, such as the Festival Internacional de Cinema de , and music festivals which take place in historic buildings and other places of special artistic interest (examples are the festival held in Castle or Barcelona's Festival Grec). Catalonia also opens its doors to fusion music, jazz, electronic music, and the so-called world music. All this, along with other key musical events such as Sònar —a festival of advanced music and multimedia art— has made it a landmark on the European music scene.

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

7 THE CATALAN COAST, to Creus de Cap the from stretches Brava Costa The A WINDOW ONTO THE MEDITERRANEAN

The natural parks along the coast With some 580 kilometres of The Ebro Delta, Cap de Creus, formations. One of its prime coastline, Catalonia is Empordà Marshes and Medes attractions is the monastery Islands are the main natural of , built a fundamentally parks and protected areas on in the 10th-12th centuries. Alt Mediterranean the Catalan seaboard. The Empordà also has another country. Ebro Delta's great alluvial natural park: the Empordà plain, covering approximately Marshes, the second of It has a wide variety 320 km2, is one of the western Catalonia's great wetlands, of seascapes, ranging Mediterranean's largest which is inhabited by aquatic habitats. Part of it has numerous marshland plant from the secluded been declared a natural park. and animal species and also coves of the Costa The characteristic vegetation draws many birdwatchers. Brava in the north to Birdwatching on the Ebro Delta —reed and rush beds and Farther south, opposite the riverside woods— and the coast at L'Estartit, lie the the Costa Daurada wide expanses of rice paddies Medes Islands. The seabed with its long beaches and market gardens are surrounding them is of home to an extraordinarily enormous interest to diving of fine sand in the rich and varied fauna enthusiasts. south. There are over —notably waterfowl and seabirds— which has made it 200 beaches and 43 a favourite haunt for marinas. birdwatchers. The Cap de Creus, in Alt Empordà, is a protected area comprising both land and seashore and unusual geological

8 The most striking features of the Costa Brava, which stretches from the Cap de Creus to Blanes, are sheer cliffs plunging straight into the sea, coves nestling amid rocks and islets, and vegetation down to the waterline. On the Costa Brava, the mountains seem to tumble into the sea and it is this that makes the coastline so rugged. At the foot of the many rocky crags, the coves and beaches lie The Costa Brava, one of Catalonia's prime attractions The Catalan coast, from north to south The Aiguadolç marina hidden and protected by the pine groves that fine sand but beyond here, all Enjoying the sea grow right down to the sea. Many of today's the way to Sitges, the towering major tourist and cultural resorts, such as Garraf massif gives rise to small The sea affords numerous Cadaqués, L’Escala, de , coves. Sitges played a opportunities for enjoying Palamós, Begur, and Lloret de pioneering role in the nature thanks to the many Mar, are former fishing villages. development of tourism and leisure activities –sailing, Further south, on the Costa de Barcelona and now hosts interesting film and windsurfing, diving, Costa Daurada, long, sandy, sun-drenched drama festivals. The Costa cruising and others– which beaches predominate. Most of the towns on Daurada also offers extensive are catered for at the the Costa de Barcelona, such as Mataró, beaches with soft sand and nautical sports resorts Arenys de Mar and Premià, have marinas. shallow waters, and other located on different A little egret on the Ebro Delta Castelldefels and Gavà have long beaches of attractions as well: resorts such stretches of the coast. There as Salou, are currently five such Torredembarra, resorts in operation: Altafulla and L’Estartit-Illes Medes, Cambrils, and Palamós-Sant Antoni de the city of , Santa Susanna, Tarragona, with Salou-Cambrils-Mont- its Roman roig/Miami Platja and remains. The Vilanova i la Geltrú. coastline of the Nautical sports enthusiasts Terres de l’Ebre can also enjoy the 43 includes the marinas dotted along the important Ebro Catalan seafront. Delta natural park. The chief costal towns –L’Ampolla, L’Ametlla de Mar, Sant Carles Sitges, the tourist showcase of the Garraf de la Ràpita and Les Cases d’Alcanar– are former fishing villages which have successfully incorporated tourism and nautical sports into their natural charms.

Catalunya, a land for golfers

Arenys de Mar de Mar 36 golf courses Catalonia has a long golfing tradition and is now one of the prime European destinations for golfers, offering 36 golf links and 33 pitch and putt courses. Most are located along the coast, or a short distance inland, but there are also some in the hinterland and even at the foot of the Pyrenees.

9 Catalonia, a land of snow of land a Catalonia, A LAND OF INTERNAL CONTRASTS

Because of its varied The enchantment landforms, Catalonia of Montserrat offers a wide diversity of landscapes for a One of Catalonia's most relatively small country: it unusual landscapes is only a short trip from belongs to the mountain the high Pyrenees, with of Montserrat, a natural park lying at the very peaks rising to over 3,000 m, to other heart of the country. Its convoluted chains of hills with a strictly unique contours, Mediterranean climate and vegetation, or the resembling a sea of cornfields, vineyards, olive groves and scrub of boulders, spikes and the most arid regions. This broad range of fantastic shapes, were habitats is matched by a rich and varied plant created by water and wind which eroded the dense, conglomerate rocks. life and characteristic animal and bird species, Montserrat has been a sacred mountain since time many of which enjoy protection (the immemorial. The Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria was lammergeier in the photo is one example). founded there in the 11th century and remains to this day a focus of spirituality and culture. A Romanesque statue of the Virgin of Montserrat —Catalonia's patroness— is venerated there. The madonna's dark face and hands have earned her the nickname "La Moreneta" (Little Dark Lady).

10 THE A land of thermal waters HINTERLAND The tradition of thermal waters has been a feature of Catalan culture since it was The beautiful brought here by the Greeks, landscapes of the Romans and Arabs. Present- hinterland day Catalonia offers a wide Activity tourism selection of hydros, The Mediterranean climate, Man's imprint is clear on thalassotherapy centres and with its mild winters and the countryside of the spas. Most of these natural, not-too-hot summers, is Catalan interior, an area energy-rich waters are especially suitable for boasting a rich natural Siurana, with Montsant in the background found in privileged areas of the country with good activities like hiking —a heritage and ancient cities transportation network of footpaths over with historic buildings, a The diversity of the and an attractive 5,000 km long— or cycle rich cultural tradition, and natural heritage selection of tourism —200 routes— and long-established markets. complementary over 4,000 km of The sharp contrasts The natural parks and and leisure signposted itineraries. One between the different parts protected areas of facilities. All this can also go horse-trekking, of the hinterland are Catalonia's hinterland are makes it possible practise adventure sports reflected in the names of the clearest illustration of to consider Catalonia a such as rafting and tourist regions such as the country's extraordinary range of landscapes. The full quality kayaking on white water Terres de l’Ebre, Val d’Aran, rivers, take boat trips along gamut of Mediterranean destination in the Terres de Lleida and health and beauty the Ebro, go diving to scenery is reflected in the The Catalan tradition for thermal Catalunya Central. The sector. discover the amazing parks located in the coastal waters stretches a long way back scenery of the hinterland seabed round the Medes and pre-coastal ranges, the has been shaped by the Islands, or enjoy lowlands that separate work of generations of hang-gliding, canoeing, them, and along the Ebro Rural tourism farmers and a property ballooning and basin: Parc Natural del structure revolving round Catalonia has more than ultralighting. the traditional unit of Montseny (a Biosphere 1,700 rural tourism agricultural production: the Reserve with a wide array of establishments with a total masia, or manor farmhouse. habitats ranging from of over 13,400 beds. This strictly Mediterranean to form of accommodation, pre-Alpine); Parc Natural del which offers relaxation in Montnegre i el Corredor; close contact with nature Parc de la Muntanya de and life on the farm, has Montserrat; Parc Natural de spread fast and gained Sant Llorenç i la Serra de widespread popularity in l’Obac; Parc Natural del recent years. It is usually Garraf; Paratge Natural de associated with new forms Poblet; Paratge Natural del of activity tourism and Montsant; and the rugged provides a deeper insight Parc Natural dels Ports. into the country. A Catalan masia

THE PYRENEES Catalonia's great natural parks The Pyrenees dominate the Catalonia's great natural whole of , parks are located in the extending for more than 230 km Pyrenees and their foothills. from the peaks of Val d’Aran to They include the following: A land of snow the Cap de Creus, where they Parc Nacional Catalonia, with its 17 ski sink into the Mediterranean. For d'Aigüestortes i Llac Sant resorts, has more winter hiking and climbing buffs there Maurici; Parc Natural de l’Alt sports facilities than any are summits rising to Pirineu; Parc Natural del other autonomous approximately 3,000 m, valleys Cadí-Moixeró; Parc Natural community in Spain. Of carved out by mountain rivers, The Val d’Aran, right in de la Zona Volcànica de la these 17 resorts, 11 offer glaciers with eternal snows, the heart of the Pyrenees Garrotxa; Paratge Natural de downhill skiing and 6 cross- natural parks and protected l’Albera; and Parc Natural country skiing. Together areas. In winter the Pyrenees are del Cap de Creus. From the they possess 130 ski lifts the ideal spot for skiing. loftiest peaks (3,000 metres capable of carrying over at the westernmost end) to 150,000 skiers an hour, and the cliff tops overlooking 640 kilometres of slopes. the Mediterranean, they Artificial snowmaking offer an infinity of beautiful equipment guarantees snow landscapes. coverage between 82% and 100% on 160 km of pistes.

A lake in the Pyrenees 11 Distance in kilometres Distance in kilometres from Barcelona to: from Tarragona to:

Balaguer 143,5 128,1 Berga 102,1 Barcelona 95,1 Cervera 96,1 Berga 162,3 Falset 136,4 Cervera 85,2 Figueres 138,2 Falset 42,2 Gandesa 183,0 Figueres 229,3 Girona 102,5 Gandesa 91,2 Jonquera, la 107,1 Girona 193,6 Lleida 172,8 Jonquera, la 198,1 59,7 Lleida 100,5 Mataró 31,0 Manresa 116,7 Montblanc 113,9 Mataró 130,3 Palamós 112,9 Montblanc 35,6 Puigcerdà 149,4 Palamós 203,9 Reus 108,2 Puigcerdà 209,7 103,7 Reus 14,0 Salou 111,2 Ripoll 194,7 Seu d’Urgell, la 172,9 Salou 11,5 Sitges 40,5 Seu d’Urgell, la 180,2 Solsona 107,8 Sitges 62,2 Tarragona 95,1 Solsona 128,2 Terrassa 27,6 Terrassa 107,2 Tortosa 180,3 Tortosa 88,5 Tossa de Mar 85,8 Tossa de Mar 185,0 70,1 Vic 161,1 Vielha 279,5 Vielha 260,6 Vilafranca del Penedès 54,1 Vilafranca del Penedès 55,6

Distance in kilometres Distance in kilometres from Lleida to: from Girona to:

Balaguer 31,3 Balaguer 228,6 Barcelona 172,8 Barcelona 102,5 Berga 150,2 Berga 178,7 Cervera 57,8 Cervera 181,2 Falset 92,6 Falset 228,2 Figueres 291,5 Figueres 40,5 Gandesa 83,2 Gandesa 274,8 Girona 255,8 Jonquera, la 27,6 Jonquera, la 260,3 Lleida 255,3 Manresa 110,5 Manresa 136,3 Mataró 199,6 Mataró 74,8 Montblanc 62,9 Montblanc 196,3 Palamós 266,1 Palamós 44,2 Puigcerdà 181,2 Puigcerdà 142,8 Reus 92,0 Reus 200,0 Ripoll 188,1 Ripoll 81,7 Salou 101,2 Salou 203,0 Seu d’Urgell, la 133,6 Seu d’Urgell, la 171,9 Sitges 140,0 Sitges 137,5 Solsona 108,7 Solsona 184,4 Tarragona 99,9 Tarragona 186,9 Terrassa 169,4 Terrassa 104,1 Tortosa 123,2 Tortosa 272,1 Tossa de Mar 253,8 Tossa de Mar 39,5 Vic 158,0 Vic 66,4 Vielha 162,1 Vielha 364,6 Vilafranca del Penedès 117,8 Vilafranca del Penedès 136,5

12 Major highway World Heritage Site

Main road Natural park or protected area

Minor road Ski resort

Airport Golf course

Aerodrome Marina

13 Catalonia's cities bustle with vitality. merely in Barcelona, but all along the coast. Barcelona, the capital, is one of the great cities Many other cities, steeped in history and of the Mediterranean. Along with its with a fine architectural heritage, have metropolitan area, it accounts for practically experienced remarkable economic and half the Catalan population. The inhabitants of demographic growth in recent decades. Catalonia, however, are concentrated, not They include Girona, Tarragona, Lleida, Tortosa, Vic, Manresa, Reus, Figueres, Sabadell, Terrassa and . CATALONIA, A CONSTELLATION OF CITIES La Rambla in Barcelona in Rambla La

Catalonia, an active, enterprising country

Catalonia has a long history as an Congressos, have recently The largest ports are industrially active and enterprising been set up, enabling this Barcelona —which handles land. Moreover its experience of type of tourism to spread to more goods and tourism makes it a perfect other Catalan cities, which passengers than any other destination for business and are gradually earning a in Catalonia— and professional gatherings. It has reputation as venues for Tarragona, located near the good trade fair complexes and medium-sized conventions. petrochemical zone. convention centres and a wide Catalonia's good transport Besides Barcelona selection of other tourist facilities and communications international airport, there Saló Nàutic Internacional for the intervals of relaxation infrastructure has played a are two airports that are between one deal and the next. vital role in its economic mainly used by tourist Every year Catalonia hosts over 400 trade fairs at development. Its modern charter companies and international, domestic and local level. This figure is motorway network can low-cost airlines: Girona- hardly surprising for a country with over twenty venues, move a large volume of Costa Brava, Lleida and including the Fira de Barcelona or the new Fòrum Zone goods and passenger Reus. Convention Centre which can accommodate up to traffic. There are 1,600 km 15,000 people. Barcelona also hosts international of railway lines which link events such as the 080 Barcelona Fashion, Alimentaria, majors towns and cities and Saló Nàutic Internacional and Construmat. connect the Spanish New facilities, such as Tarragona's Palau de network to that of France.

14 Barcelona, Catalonia's d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), capital, is one of the housing the world's finest foremost cities on the collection of Romanesque western Mediterranean. paintings; the Fundació Joan Founded in Roman times, it Miró, where the artist's experienced periods of great paintings, sculptures and economic and cultural The dels Tres Dragons tapestries are on show; and brilliance in the Middle Ages CaixaForum, a Modernist- (Barcelona) style building by Puig i Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia Cadafalch containing a remarkable modern art and in the wake of the newspaper kiosks and stalls collection. Barcelona's most Industrial Revolution (19th selling flowers and pets. Two recent urban development century). It has preserved an of Barcelona's most projects were carried out in outstanding architectural important religious connection with the Fòrum heritage, notably in Gothic, buildings are located in the Universal de les Cultures Modernist (Gaudí) and districts of Ciutat Vella and The hill of Montjuïc, a blend of city-planning, art 2004, organized by the city. avant-garde styles. La Ribera: the Cathedral, and sport Barcelona has a unique, built in Gothic times, and the bustling, tree-lined basilica of Santa Maria del promenade where its Mar, one of the most citizens gather in all their outstanding examples of diversity. It is called the Catalan Gothic style. Rambla and stretches from Barcelona is the undisputed Plaça de Catalunya to near capital of Modernist the monument to Columbus. architecture and one whole On it stand the Liceu, one of district —the Eixample— Europe's most prestigious was built according to opera houses, and the Modernist tenets. Passeig de market of . It is Gràcia is the street with the also lined with popular largest concentration of major Modernist buildings: Casa Batlló and La Pedrera by Gaudí, by Puig i Cadafalch, and Casa Lleó Morera by Domènech i Montaner. The hill of Montjuïc, where the Olympic Ring was built in 1992, is also the site of three Barcelona museums which are a must for any The Area of the Fòrum de les Cultures, where The church of the Sagrada visitor: the Museu Nacional meets the sea Família (Barcelona) Cities with personality

heritage. In the northeast there are established tourist agriculture –notably fruit resorts (Palamós, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Lloret, Roses, orchards–, and a prestigious Begur), seafaring towns which have long been the cuisine. The Pyrenees haunt of world-famous artists (Cadaqués, Tossa, stretch along Catalonia's ), quaint medieval villages (, northern border. Many of Peratallada), and cities with important museums and the country's finest historic buildings (Girona and Figueres). Romanesque buildings are In southern Catalonia we find major tourist located here, as well as destinations such as Tarragona, Reus or Salou, the area La Seu, Manresa winter sports facilities and along the Ebro river, handsome old cities such as natural parks. At the far Tortosa and Montblanc, and western tip of the Pyrenees venerable old monasteries like is the Val d’Aran, a region of Poblet and Santes Creus. Occitanian language and The hinterland is dotted with still culture. The chief town, more centuries-old cities with Vielha, is a prominent historic buildings and long- winter sports centre. established markets, such as Vic, Manresa, Cardona, Igualada, Terrassa, Sabadell, and . There are scenic mountain areas too, including Montseny, Les Girona, a city two thousand Guilleries and Montserrat. Lleida is years old the capital of western Catalonia, a region of great cultural, architectural and commercial importance, with a flourishing The approach to the city of Lleida

15 With its beautiful and varied scenery, its sunlit, colourful cities, the distinctive styles of artists such as Gaudí, Dalí or Miró, and its unrivalled location — straddling the border between North and South —, Catalonia has everything it takes to develop a strong cultural identity but one that is fully immersed in our increasingly interdependent world. The taste for beauty, the love of poetry, a long tradition of cultural creativity, and the solid aesthetic and technical background of the musicians, writers and other workers of the Catalan audiovisual industry have made our country one of the most attractive and sought-after settings for 21th century creators. Joan Manuel Serrat Manuel Joan

CATALONIA: A SPECTACULAR SETTING

Music to suit the tastes of the new millennium

The promotional videoclip for the song “Vertigo”, a track on the disc idolized in the Southern Cone countries—, Lluís Llach and Raimon — How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb by the Irish group U2, shows a who make frequent appearances in France and Italy—, and Maria del strange, desert-like surface, decomposed by visual effects. This Mar Bonet — one of the "divas" of Mediterranean song. Other setting belongs to the Punta del Fangar, a sandy peninsula with an significant factors are the vitality of the Barcelona music scene in the area of over 400 hectares on the north shore of the Ebro Delta. Plenty early 21st century —featuring the group Ojos de Brujo (flamenco-hip- of other Catalan landscapes and emblematic Catalan personalities hop--funk), Macaco, Dusminguet, and others— and have also inspired prestigious creations of popular culture: the album recording experiments such as the Barcelona Raval Sessions (2003), a Gaudí (1987), for instance, by the symphonic rock group The Alan splendid reflection of the city's multiracial, multicultural pulse. Parsons Project, which contains songs such as “La Sagrada Familia” One last crucial factor is the fact that many internationally famous or “Paseo de Gracia” and was inspired by the life and works of the musicians have chosen Barcelona as their long-term, or even brilliant architect; or the conceptual disc The Waking Hour (1984) by permanent, home: Manu Chao, a former member of Mano Negro, the the duo Dali’s Car, whose members came from the Bauhaus and Brazilian Walter Pa, the American singer and composer Jackson Japan groups (Tell me man, like or not / My time is short and soon / I'll Brown, the pianist Brad Meldhau (who was accompanied for many take your clock for Dali's car / Take you spinning in the room, from the years by the Catalan percussionist Jordi Rossy), the jazz organist Lou song “Dali’s Car”). Bennett, and the Cuban singer Lucrecia. But Catalonia's greatest impact on present-day popular music stems Catalonia, right on the border between north and south, open to all from phenomena such as the Nova Cançó movement which is of great influences and capable of integrating them into a cultural discourse of importance in Romance-language countries and Latin America, its own, is currently one of the laboratories in which the musical tastes thanks primarily to singers such as Joan Manuel Serrat —who is of the new millennium are taking shape.

16 Catalonia as a literary space

The mystic and philosopher those of the river Ebro are the (1232-1315) was focal point for the works of the first great writer in the Sebastià Juan Arbó and Jesús Catalan language and played a Montcada's novel Camí de particularly important role in sirga (The Towpath); European culture. As early as Empordà is the literary the 15th century, the Valencian homeland of the great wrote the prose writer Josep Pla, great novel of chivalry, Tirant the scene of Solitud lo Blanc (The White Knight) (Solitude), Víctor which, as Cervantes Català's greatest novel, acknowledged, exerted and that of Javier widespread influence. Cercas' recent best- Scene from Terra Baixa Cervantes himself chose seller Soldados de Republican-dominated Barcelona and other parts of Salamina (Soldiers of Barcelona of the Civil War is Catalonia as the literary Salamina); Miquel the setting for George Orwell's backcloth to Don Quixote's Llor's novel Laura a La Homage to Catalonia, Malraux's last adventures. Empordà, the essential ciutat dels sants is set in Vic, L’espoir and Claude Simon's Le But it was mainly in the 19th backcloth to Josep Pla's works and Marià Vayreda's La palace. and 20th centuries that punyalada takes place in the The backcloth can be the entire Catalonia emerged as a literary mountainous Garrotxa region. city —as in the works of space. The Romantic The greatest of all Catalonia's Eduardo Mendoza, Víctor Mora imagination sung the praises literary settings, however, is or Ruiz Zafón— or individual of its mountains (Montserrat, Barcelona. Joan Maragall's districts: Gràcia in Mercè a sacred mountain associated great poem L’Oda a Barcelona Rodoreda; Carrer d’Aribau in with the myth of the Holy is dedicated to it and the Carmen Laforet; Poblenou in Grail, and Mount Canigó) and Canigó and L’Atlàntida, by action of novels such as La Xavier Benguerel; El Guinardó its legendary medieval past J. Verdaguer febre d’or by Narcís Oller in Juan Marsé; and the (Count Arnau), all of which (1846-1930) or Josep Raval in the novels of were evoked by the poet M. de Sagarra's Vida Vázquez Montalbán, (1845-1902). Privada takes place Terenci Moix and Naturalist drama produced there. The shady Barri Maruja Torres. plays such as Terra baixa by Xino and the Àngel Guimerà (1845-1924), Avinguda Paral·lel are which was made into an opera described by French by D’Albert (Tiefland) and into writers such as Carco, a film by Leni Riefensthal. Bourget, Pieyre de Other landscapes are also Mandiargues or Jean described in Catalan literature: Genet while the The Fonda España, the set for many movies

When Fructuós Gelabert, the Catalan localities have become pioneer Catalan film-maker, much sought-after settings for shot “Sortida dels treballadors film and television productions de la fàbrica Espanya Industrial” and suitable locations for a wide (Workers leaving the Espanya range of advertising spots. Industrial factory) in 1897, he Evidence of this is provided by was marking Barcelona's debut films such as Ken Loach's Land as a film set. and Freedom (1995), Pedro After the Second World War, Almodóvar's Todo sobre mi Hollywood disembarked on the madre (All About My Mother, Costa Brava in the person of 1999), the urban comedies of director Albert Lewin who filmed Ventura Pons, or the Pandora and the Flying Dutchman documentary En construcción (starring Ava Gardner, James (2001) by José Luis Guerín. Catalonia has been an attractive Mason and the Catalan actor Cardona, the setting for Chimes at and bullfighter Màrius Cabré) cinematographic setting for Midnight there in 1951. In 1959 much of many renowned filmmakers, Suddenly, Last Summer, including the American director directed by Joseph L. Woody Allen. Fulfilling his Mankiewicz and Catalonia as a film set promise to film a movie in starring Elizabeth Barcelona, he has converted the Taylor and Catalan capital into the setting Episodes from more recent for one of his most recent Montgomery Clift, history and the Civil War are was shot at Begur projects. All these portrayed in settings that cinematographic and Pals. include Gelida in Jaime The Avinguda productions put a Camino's Las largas vacaciones spotlight on the Paral·lel and the now del 36 (The Long Holidays of vanished gypsy quarter Catalan countryside, 1936, 1976). The period when culture, architecture of Barcelona was known as the provided the setting and society, which “Rose of Fire” is evoked in thousands of for Los Tarantos films such as La ciutat cremada (1963), a film by moviegoers will see Ava Gardner in Tossa (The Burnt City, 1976), by all over the world. F. Rovira Veleta with Carmen Antoni Ribas, and Un hombre Amaya and Antonio Gades in the llamado Flor de Otoño (A Man leading roles, which won an Oscar Called Autumn Flower, 1978), for the best foreign-language by Pedro Olea. film. In 1965, Orson Welles Nowadays — notably from the chose Cardona Castle as one of the 1992 Olympics onwards — settings for Chimes at Midnight. Barcelona and many other The shooting of a film at La Barceloneta

17 A LAND La Patum in Berga, World Heritage (Unesco 2005)

No feature of a country tells you more about its OF REJOICING identity than its traditional popular festivals. Human towers Catalonia's festive calendar is packed with Since the 19th century, teams of Catalans of all ages and events all year round. It classes have gathered to build spectacular human towers, or "". Their motto is «strength, balance, courage and also has an established sense». Today this tradition remains tradition of civic festivities. very much alive. Human towers are The most famous is the strongly identified with the Camp de feast of Sant Jordi, held on Tarragona and Penedès regions, 23 April, when the streets though in recent years they have fill up with book and flower gained widespread popularity in many other parts of Catalonia. stalls. This festival has won recognition from Unesco, which declared it International Book Day. The other great civic festival is 11 September, the Catalan national holiday. The Patum of Berga festival was also included in the Unesco World Heritage Humanity list in 2005.

A performance by castellers

18 Folklore and traditions In summer many localities celebrate their festa major, or local festival. Several items invariably appear on the agenda: -dancing —the sardana is Catalonia's most popular dance— or jotes —a dance proper to the Terres de l'Ebre— ; "giants" —figures over three metres tall with a wooden structure inside that enables people to carry them— and dwarfs; firework displays and all-night Festivals with an identity dancing to the sound of the latest music. Catalonia's national day, on Traditional "giants" 11 September, commemorates the date on which the siege of Barcelona by the troops of Spanish 23 abril, the feast of Sant Jordi king Philip V came to a tragic end in 1714. This was the last episode in the War of Succession, which led to the loss of Catalonia's national freedoms. The great spring festival is Sant Jordi, dedicated to Saint George, Catalonia's patron saint. On this day both friends and lovers give Festivals of fire each other gifts of books and roses. Fire is probably one of Catalonia's most ancient and important signs of identity. One example is the eve of the feast of Saint John (24 June), when great bonfires are lit in the squares and streets of villages, towns and cities and Catalans celebrate the summer solstice all night long to the sound of music, rockets and fireworks. Fire A : a festival of fire and and gunpowder are part of gunpowder many other Catalan festivals too and numerous local festivals include a correfoc, a The sardana, Catalonia's most popular dance parade featuring fantastic fire-spitting beasts and bangers and led by «devils». The Patum of Berga is one of the festivals most associated with fire, celebrated on the Feast of Catalan exports merrymaking Corpus Christi.

Catalonia's great festive tradition is constantly evolving and in recent years many of the leading drama groups that perform in our streets and squares have designed festive events for major international gatherings. Comediants and La Fura dels Baus are currently the foremost creators of new forms The Patum of Berga of collective merrymaking. Streets alive with merrymaking

19 The Catalan label of origin Besides preparing nourishing and tasty traditional Mediterranean dishes, many Catalan Catalonia's most famous and salad typical of southern chefs have excelled in recent years as veritable characteristic culinary Catalonia; calçots, tender researchers into the country's raw materials speciality is pa amb tomàquet onion shoots dipped in and the creators of a successful blend of (bread rubbed with tomato salvitxada sauce; caragols a la traditional and innovative cookery. Their recipes and olive oil), which is often llauna (roast snails), served with excellent home- escalivada (char-broiled have won the highest international prestige. produced pork sausages. vegetables), and de Other dishes include: recapte (reminiscent of pizza). escudella i carn d’olla, a hearty winter stew; xató, a THE VALUE OF GASTRONOMY

Escudella i carn d’olla carn i Escudella 20 Traditional cookery Catalan gastronomy, like so many aspects of our country, arose out of popular wisdom and tradition. Geographically speaking one can distinguish two main styles of cookery: that of the mountains and hinterland, predominated by meat and sausages, produce of the dairy, market garden and farmyard, game, and mushrooms; and that Traditional sausages Pa amb tomàquet, a tradition of Catalan cookery Panellets, a typical autumn dessert of the coast, featuring fish and seafood, often accompanied by rice and vegetables. Catalonia also has countless mouth- watering sweets and deserts. One of the most popular is crema catalana, with burnt sugar and caramel. Each town and village has its own specialities and many sweetstuffs are prepared for Cookery and innovation particular liturgical feastdays: torró –such as that Guides and critics all over the made in Agramunt– for world consider that Catalan Christmas, mones for Easter, cuisine is currently experiencing a coques de Sant Joan at veritable "golden age". Catalan midsummer, and panellets restaurateurs include some of the and chestnuts for All Saints. world's most prestigious names, such as Ferran Adrià, Joan Roca, Carme Ruscalleda, Santi Santamaria and Carles Gaig, all veritable geniuses of avant-garde cuisine. Catalonia also has schools of gastronomy –the one at the Mercat de la Boqueria in Barcelona, and the Aula Gastronòmica de l’Empordà– and Traditional produce cooked The international chef Ferran Adrià research organizations such as the in the modern way Laboratori de Cuina, the Alícia centre (Nutrition and Science) at Wine and cava Sant Benet de Bages, or the Sent Wine is another key feature of Soví chair at the University of any Catalan meal. Vines have Barcelona. been grown all over the Every other year the Fira de country for countless centuries Barcelona is the venue for and wine is produced under Alimentaria, one of the leading eleven regional labels of origin. European salons for the food and Cava sparkling wine has its agriculture industry and the own label of origin. Prepared by catering trade. the traditional method in the Cava, a Catalan product Penedès, Terra Alta and Conca de Barberà regions, it is one of the country's leading exports. The introduction of leading-edge enological techniques has raised certain Catalan wines –notably Priorat and Montsant– to the viticultural forefront.

Catalonia, a land of wine

21 Natural parks and protected areas P. N. de Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac 938 318 350 www.parcsdecatalunya.net P. N. de Garraf 935 971 819 www.diba.cat/parcs P. N. del Montnegre-Corredor 938 679 452 www.valldenuria.cat P. N. del Cap de Creus 972 193 191 P. N. d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici 973 624 036 P. N. dels Ports 977 504 012 P. N. del Cadí-Moixeró i Pedraforca 938 244 151 P. N. Montgrí, Illes Medes i Baix Ter 972 751 701 P. N. de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa 972 266 012 P. N. de la Serra de Collserola 932 803 552 P. N. dels Aiguamolls de l’Empordà 972 454 222 P. C. del Castell de Montesquiu 938 529 234 P. N. Alt Pirineu 973 622 335 P. C. d’Olèrdola 935 971 819 P. N. Serra del Montsant 977 827 310 Paratge Natural de Poblet 977 871 732 P. N. del Delta de l’Ebre 977 482 181 Paratge Natural de l’Albera 972 545 079 P. N. de la Muntanya de Montserrat 938 777 777 Espai Protegit de la Vall de Núria 972 732 020 P. N. del Montseny 938 475 102 Reserva Natural del Delta del Llobregat 934 793 201

Golf courses Club de Golf de Barcelona 937 728 800 Club de Golf Can Bosch-Sant Feliu de Codines 938 663 096 Federació Catalana de Golf 934 145 262 Club de Golf La Mola-Matadepera 937 300 516 www.catgolf.com Club de Golf Montbrú-Moià 937 449 168 PIRINEUS Golf de Caldes-Caldes de Montbui 938 626 265 Club de Golf 972 130 125 Golf Sant Joan-Rubí 936 753 050 Reial Club de Golf de 972 141 408 Golf La Roqueta-Castellgalí 938 331 328 Club de Golf Fontanals de Cerdanya 972 144 374 Club de Golf Castellterçol 679 757 335 Aravell Golf. La Seu d’Urgell 973 360 066 Reial Club de Golf El Prat-Terrassa 937 281 000 Club de Golf Ribera Salada–Solsona 973 299 282 Golf La Garriga 938 612 751 Golf Sant Marc. Puigcerdà 972 883 411 Club de Golf Taradell 938 126 678 Club de Golf Vilalba 938 444 886 COSTA BRAVA COSTA DE BARCELONA Club de Golf d’Aro-Mas Nou de Platja d’Aro 972 826 900 Club de Golf Llavaneres 937 926 227 Club de Golf Costa Brava-Santa Cristina d’Aro 972 837 150 Club de Golf de Sant Vicenç de Montalt 937 914 949 Club de Golf Platja de Pals 972 667 739 Can Cuyàs Golf - Sant Feliu de Llobregat 936 855 566 Club de Golf Girona-Sant Julià de Ramis 972 171 641 Club de Golf Terramar-Sitges 938 940 580 Club de Golf l’Àngel de Lloret 972 368 533 Empordà Golf Resort- 972 760 450 COSTA DAURADA Club de Golf Peralada 972 538 287 Club de Golf Aigüesverds-Reus 977 752 725 Club de Golf Torremirona- 972 553 737 Club de Golf Bonmont -Mont-roig del Camp 977 818 140 PGA Golf de Catalunya- 972 472 577 Club de Golf Costa Daurada-Tarragona 977 653 361 Golf Serres de Pals-Pals 972 637 375 Club de Golf la Graiera- 977 168 032 Golf Mas Pagès- Sant Esteve de Guialbes 972 561 001 Golf Portaventura-Vila-Seca 902 109 374

CATALUNYA CENTRAL TERRES DE LLEIDA Club de Golf Montanyà 938 840 170 Raimat Golf Club-Lleida 973 737 539 Club de Golf Vallromanes 935 729 064 Club de Golf Sant Cugat 936 743 908

Water parks, theme parks, amusement parks

Aqua Brava-Roses 972 254 344 Port Aventura-Vila-seca i Salou 902 202 220 www.aquabrava.com www.portaventura.es Aquadiver-Platja d'Aro 972 828 283 Catalunya en Miniatura- 936 890 960 www.aquadiver.com www.catalunyaenminiatura.com WaterWorld-Lloret de Mar 972 368 613 -Barcelona 935 086 300 www.waterworld.es www.poble-espanyol.com Illa Fantasia-Vilassar de Mar 937 514 553 Parc Zoològic de Barcelona 932 256 780 www.illafantasia.com www.zoobarcelona.com Aquapolis-La Pineda 902 345 011 Aquàrium de Barcelona 932 217 474 www.aquopolis.es www.aquariumbcn.com Marineland-Palafolls 937 654 802 Parc d'Atraccions -Barcelona 932 117 942 www.marineland.es www.tibidabo.cat Aqualeón-Albinyana 977 687 656 www.aqualeon.es

22 Marinas Direcció General de Transports La Ginesta www.portginesta.com 936 643 661 del Departament de Territori i Garraf www.clubnauticgarraf.com 936 320 013 Sostenibilitat 934 958 000 Aiguadolç www.portdesitges.com 938 942 600 www.gencat.cat/portsgeneralitat.com Vilanova i la Geltrú www.cnvilanova.cat 938 150 267

COSTA BRAVA BARCELONÈS www.portdeportbou.cat 972 390 712 Port Olímpic www.pobasa.es 932 259 220 Colera www.cnsmcolera.com 972 389 095 Barcelona www.rcnb.com 932 216 521 Llançà www.cnllanca.cat 972 380 710 Barcelona www.maritimbarcelona.org 932 214 859 El Port de la Selva www.cnps.es 972 387 000 Barcelona www.portvellbcn.com 933 176 135 Roses www.portroses.com 972 154 412 Badalona www.marinabadalona-sa.es 933 207 500 Santa Margarida 972 257 700 Sant Adrià de Besòs www.portforum.com 933 562 725 Empuriabrava www.empuriaport.com 972 451 239 L’Escala www.nauticescala.com 972 770 016 COSTA DAURADA L’Estartit www.cnestartit.es 972 751 402 Port Segur www.portsegurcalafell.com 977 159 119 Aiguablava 972 623 161 Coma-ruga www.clubnautic.com 977 680 120 Llafranc www.nauticllafranc.net 972 300 754 Tarragona www.portesportiutarragona.com 977 213 100 Marina Palamós www.lamarinapalamos.es 972 601 000 Torredembarra www.port-torredembarra.es 977 643 234 Palamós www.cncostabrava.com 972 314 324 Salou www.clubnauticsalou.com 977 382 166 Port d’Aro www.cnportdaro.net.com 972 818 929 Cambrils www.clubnauticcambrils.com 977 360 531 Sant Feliu de Guíxols www.clubnauticsantfeliu.com 972 321 700 L’Hospitalet de l’Infant www.cnhv.net 977 823 004 Cala Canyelles www.cncanyelles.com 972 368 818 Blanes www.cvblanes.cat 972 330 552 TERRES DE L’EBRE Port Calafat www.portcalafat.com 977 486 184 COSTA DE BARCELONA L’Ametlla de Mar www.cnametllamar.com 977 456 180 Arenys de Mar www.cnarenys.com 937 921 600 L’Ampolla www.nauticampolla.com 977 460 215 El Balís www.cnelbalis.com 937 929 900 Sant Carles de la Ràpita www.cnscr.com 977 741 103 Mataró www.portmataro.com 937 550 961 Les Cases d’Alcanar www.cncaportlescases.com 977 735 001 Premià de Mar www.marinapremia.com 937 549 119 Sant Jordi d’Alfama 977 486 189 El 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 Tavascan www.tavascan.net 973 623 079 i Activitats de Muntanya (ACEM) 934 160 194 Vall de Núria www.valldenuria.cat 972 732 020 www.catneu.net Vallter 2000 www.vallter2000.com 972 136 057 Federació Catalana d’Esports d’Hivern 934 155 544 www.fceh.cat CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING DOWNHILL SKIING Aransa www.aransaski.cat 973 293 051 Baqueira Beret www.baqueira.cat 973 639 010 Bosc Viròs www.boscdeviros.com 973 622 201 Boí-Taüll Resort www.boitaullresort.com 902 406 640 Guils Fontanera www.guils.com 972 197 047 Gran Pallars. Espot Esquí www.granpallars.com 973 624 058 Lles www.lles.net 973 293 049 La Molina www.lamolina.cat 972 892 031 Sant Joan de l’Erm www.santjoandelerm.com 973 298 015 Masella www.masella.cat 972 144 000 Tuixén-La Vansa www.tuixent-lavansa.com 973 370 030 Gran Pallars. Port Ainé www.granpallars.com 902 190 192 Port del Comte www.portdelcomte.net 973 492 301

23 Tourist offices Calella de Palafrugell Arboç, l’ Vila-seca (La Pineda) 972 614 475 977 167 725 977 371 712 BARCELONA www.visitpalafrugell.cat www.arbocenc.org www.lapinedaplatja.info Badalona Castelló d’Empúries Bisbal de Falset, la COSTA DE BARCELONA 934 832 990 972 156 233 977 819 012 www.badalona.cat www.labisbaldefalset.org Alella www.castello.cat 935 552 339 Barcelona Empuriabrava Calafell www.alella.cat 932 388 091 972 450 802 977 699 141/977 699 141 www.catalunya.com www.castello.cat www.calafell.cat Arenys de Mar 937 922 601 Barcelona Escala, l' Cambrils www.arenysdemar.cat 932 853 834 972 770 603 977 792 307 www.barcelonaturisme.cat www.lescala.cat www.turcambrils.info Caldes d’Estrac 937 910 588 CATALUNYA CENTRAL Estartit, l' Capafonts www.caldetes.cat 977 868 204 Calaf 972 751 910 www.visitestartit.com www.capafonts.cat Calella 938 680 833 937 690 559 www.calaf.cat Figueres Coma-ruga www.calellabarcelona.com 977 680 010 Caldes de Montbui 972 503 155 www.figueres.cat www.elvendrellturistic.com Canet de Mar 938 654 140 937 940 898 www.caldesmontbui.cat Girona Cornudella de Montsant www.canetdemar.cat 977 821 000 Cardona 872 975 975 www.catalunya.com www.cornudella.altanet.org Castelldefels 938 692 798 936 352 727 www.cardona.cat Creixell www.castelldefelsturisme.info 977 138 132 Figaró-Montmany 902 196 446 www.hostalric.cat www.creixell.cat Collbató 938 429 361 937 779 076 www.elfigaro.net Cunit www.viladecollbato.org 977 674 777 Igualada 972 805 468 www.llagostera.cat/turisme www.cunit.cat Cubelles 938 051 585 938 952 500 www.anoiaenviu.cat Llançà Espluga de Francolí, l' www.cubelles.cat 977 871 220 Llinars del Vallès 972 380 855/972 120 944 www.llanca.cat www.esplugadefrancoli.cat Gavà 938 413 424 932 639 600 www.barcelonaturisme.cat Falset www.gavaciutat.cat 977 831 023 972 364 735 / 972 372 493 / 972 365 788 www.lloretdemar.cat www.turismepriorat.org Malgrat de Mar 938 515 176 937 653 889 www.manlleu.cat Maçanet de Cabrenys Hospitalet de l'Infant, l' www.turismemalgrat.com 977 823 328 Manresa 972 544 297 www.massanet.org www.hospitalet-valldellors.cat Mataró 938 784 090 937 582 968 www.manresaturisme.cat Palafrugell Margalef www.mataro.cat 972 300 228/972 611 845 977 819 167 Moià www.margalef.org Palafolls 938 301 418 www.visitpalafrugell.cat Montblanc 937 620 611 www.consorcidelmoianes.cat Palamós www.palafolls.cat 972 600 550 977 861733 Montserrat www.montblancmedieval.cat Pineda de Mar 938 777 777 www.palamos.cat Montmell, el 937 623 490 www.montserratvisita.cat Pals www.pinedademar.cat 972 637 380 977 169 137 Prats de Lluçanès www.elmontmell.cat Prat de Llobregat, el (Aeroport) 938 560 732 www.pals.cat Mont-roig del Camp Terminal 1 934 784 704 www.pratsdellucanes.cat Peralada Terminal 2 934 780 565 972 538 840 977 179 468 Prats de Rei, els www.mont-roig.cat www.catalunya.com 938 680 366 www.peralada.cat Morera de Montsant Sant Pol de Mar www.altaanoia.info Peratallada () 937 604 547 972 538 840 977 827 346 Roca del Vallès, la www.morera.altanet.org www.santpol.cat 938 423 900 www.forallac.cat www.larocavillage.com Nulles Sant Sadurní d'Anoia Platja d'Aro 938 913 188 972 817 179 977 614 965 Rubí www.nulles.altanet.org www.santsadurni.cat 935 872 760 www.platjadaro.cat www.rubi.cat Pineda, la (Vila-seca) Santa Susanna Portbou 937 679 008 972 125 161 977 371 712 Sant Cugat del Vallès www.lapinedaplatja.info www.stasusanna.cat 936 759 952 www.portbou.cat www.santcugat.cat Poblet (Vimbodí) Sitges Port de la Selva, el 977 871 247 938 109 340 Sant Joan de Vilatorrada 972 387 073 www.concadebarbera.info www.sitgestur.cat 938 361 708 www.elportadelaselva.cat www.elcardener.com Prades Vilafranca del Penedès Roses 977 868 302 938 920 358 902 103 636 Seva www.prades.es www.turismevilafranca.com 938 125 712 www.roses.cat www.portesdelmontseny.com Reus Vilanova i la Geltrú Sant Antoni de Calonge 977 010 670/977 327 155 972 661 714 938 154 517 / 938 935 555 Súria www.reus.cat/turisme www.vilanovaturisme.cat 938 695 685 www.calonge.cat www.turismebaixcamp.org www.suria.cat PIRINEUS Sant Feliu de Guíxols Reus (aeroport) Tavèrnoles 972 820 051 977 772 204 Alp 938 887 308 www.guixols.cat www.catalunya.com 972 890 385 www.tavernoles.cat www.alpturisme.cat Roda de Barà Terrassa 972 869 686 977 657 774 Bagà 937 397 019 www.turisme.santhilari.net www.rodadebara.cat 938 244 862 www.visitaterrassa.cat www.baga.cat Salou Vic 972 520 535 977 350 102 Baix Pallars (Gerri de la Sal) 938 862 091 www.santpere.cat www.isalou.info 669 180 448 www.victurisme.cat consorcigerri.blogspot.com Santa Cristina d’Aro Santa Coloma de Queralt 938 851 715 972 835 293 www.osonaturisme.cat 977 880 478 www.santacristina.net/turisme www.stacqueralt.altanet.org 973 510 229 COSTA BRAVA Sarrià de Ter Santes Creus (Aigúamurcia) www.bellver.cat Arbúcies 972 213 262 977 638 141 Berga 972 162 477 www.turismegirones.cat www.altcamp.cat 938 221 500 www.arbucies.cat Torroella de Montgrí Selva del Camp, la www.elbergueda.cat 972 755 180 977 844 630 938 211 384 972 575 573 www.museudelamediterrania.org www.laselvadelcamp.cat www.turismeberga.cat www.banyoles.cat/turisme Tossa de Mar Tarragona Besalú Begur 972 340 108 977 233 415/977 250 795 972 591 240 972 624 520 www.infotossa.com www.catalunya.com www.besalu.cat www.visitbegur.cat www.tarragonaturisme.cat Camprodon Bisbal d'Empordà, la 972 505 902 Torredembarra 972 740 936/972 740 010 972 645 500 www.vilabertran.cat 977 644 580 www.valldecamprodon.org www.visitlabisbal.cat Vilobí d'Onyar (aeroport de Girona) www.turismetorredembarra.cat www.camprodon.cat Blanes 972 942 955 Ulldemolins Castellar de n’Hug 972 330 348 www.catalunya.com 977 561 866 938 257 097 www.blanes.cat COSTA DAURADA www.ulldemolins.cat www.ajcastellardenhug.cat Cadaqués Alcover Valls Cercs 972 258 315 977 846 452 977 612 530 938 248 187 www.cadaques.cat www.alcover.cat www.valls.cat www.mmcercs.cat Caldes de Malavella Altafulla Vendrell, el Coll de Nargó 972 480 103 977 651 426 977 665 872 973 383 048 www.caldesdemalavella.cat www.altafulla.cat www.citvendrell.cat collnargo.ddl.net

24 Coma i la Pedra, la TERRES DE L’EBRE Vilanova de l’Aguda 973 492 378 Aldea, l’ 973 711 313/973 603 997 973 460 927 www.comapedra.cat 977 450 012 www.plaurgell.cat vilanovaaguda.ddl.net www.canalsurgell.org Esterri d’Àneu www.laldea.cat VAL D’ARAN 973 626 345 Ametlla de Mar, l' Sant Ramon www.esterrianeu.cat Les 977 456 477/977 456 329 973 524 018 973 647 303 Gironella www.ametllademar.cat santramon.ddl.net www.turismoles.com 938 380 093 Ampolla, l' Seròs Naut Aran (Salardú) www.parcfluvial.org 977 593 011 973 780 009 www.ampolla.cat 973 645 197 Gósol www.birding.cat www.torismearan.org 973 370 016 Tàrrega www.gosol.cat 977 703 453 Vielha e Mijaran www.turismeamposta.cat 973 500 707 973 640 110 Isona www.urgell.cat www.torismearan.org Ascó 973 665 062 Torres de Segre www.parc-cretaci.com 977 406 583 TOURISM RECEPTION www.asco.cat 973 792 789 Lladorre (Tavascan) www.utxesa.com CENTRES (CAT) Benifallet 973 623 079 977 462 249 Cervera 973 534 442 www.tavascan.info Vallbona de les Monges www.benifallet.altanet.org 973 330 567 Puigcerdà 972 880 816 Llavorsí www.vallbona.com Ripoll 972 115 959 Camarles Sallent 938 370 200 973 622 217 977 470 040 llavorsi.ddl.net Verdú Teià 935 559 977 www.camarles.cat 973 347 007 Tortosa 977 444 668 Cases d'Alcanar, les www.verdu.cat Vilajuïga 972 530 977 972 287 804 977 737 639 www.montagutioix.net www.alcanar.cat www.turismecat.cat Montferrer Deltebre 973 298 135 977 489 679/977 489 309 www.montferrecastellbo.ddl.net www.deltebre.org Tourist information on the Internet Olot Galera, la 972 268 112/972 260 141 977 718 339 Agència Catalana de Turisme www.catalunya.com www.parcsdecatalunya.net www.la-galera.cat Direcció General de Turisme www.gencat.cat/empresaiocupació www.olot.cat/turisme Gandesa (Centre d'Informació de Catalunya) www.gencat.cat/probert 977 420 910/977 420 018 Organyà www.gandesa.cat Turisme de Barcelona www.barcelonaturisme.cat 973 382 002 www.terra-alta.org Patronat de Turisme Terres de Lleida www.lleidatur.com organya.ddl.net Godall Patronat de Turisme Girona-Costa Brava www.costabrava.org Pobla de Lillet, la 977 380 018 Patronat de Turisme de la Diputació de Tarragona www.costadaurada.org 938 236 146 www.godall.cat Diputació de Barcelona-Turisme www.turismepropdebarcelona.cat www.poblalillet.cat Horta de Sant Joan Institut per al Desenvolupament de les Pobla de Segur, la 977 435 043 Comarques de l’Ebre www.terresdelebre.org 973 680 257 www.hortadesantjoan.cat www.pobladesegur.cat Torisme Val d’Aran www.visitvaldaran.com Perelló, el Pont de Suert, el 977 491 021 973 690 640 www.elperello.cat www.elpontdesuert.cat Rasquera Puigcerdà 977 491 021 Important telephone numbers www.rasquera.cat 972 880 542/972 140 665 Directory enquiries (Spain and abroad) 11818 / 11825 www.puigcerda.cat Sant Carles de la Ràpita www.cerdanya.cat 977 744 624 Police catalane 088 www.turismesantcarlesdelarapita.org Ribera de Cardós Police nationale 091 973 623 239 Sant Jaume d’Enveja Police municipale 092 www.riberadecardos.org 977 478 056 Barcelona Information 010 www.santjaume.cat Emergency services 112 972 727 728 Sénia, la www.vallderibes.cat 977 713 000 Information about the state of the roads 900 123 505 www.lasenia.cat Direcció General de Turisme (Generalitat de Catalunya) 934 849 500 Ripoll 972 702 351 Tivissa Agència Catalana de Turisme 934 849 900 977 417 551 www.ripoll.cat www.tivissa.cat (Catalan government) enquiry line 012 Saldes Tortosa 938 258 046 977 449 648/977 445 308 www.saldes.cat www.turismetortosa.com www.baixebre.cat 972 444 474 Ulldecona Transportation www.ddgi.cat/sfp 977 573 394 International airports Sant Joan de les Abadesses www.ulldecona.cat 972 720 599 TERRES DE LLEIDA Barcelona 902 404 704 www.santjoandelesabadesses.cat Agramunt Girona-Costa Brava 972 186 600 973 391 089 Reus 977 778 425 972 290 507 www.agramunt.cat Lleida-Alguaire 973 032 700 www.santjoanlesfonts.cat Alguaire (Aeroport) 973 032 700 Railways 972 680 349 www.aeroportlleida.cat Renfe 902 240 202 www.garrotxa.com/santapau Arbeca Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat 932 051 515 Seu d'Urgell, La 973 160 008 973 351 511 www.arbeca.cat Bus stations www.turismeseu.com Balaguer Barcelona (Estació del Nord) 902 260 606 973 353 112 973 445 194/638 683 177 Girona 972 212 319 www.ccau.cat www.balaguer.cat www.trendelsllacas.cat Lleida 973 268 500 Solsona 973 481 009/973 480 050 Baronia de Rialb, la Tarragona 977 229 126 www.ajsolsona.cat 973 460 234 www.turismesolsones.com www.baroniarialb.cat Sort Bellpuig 973 621 002 973 320 408 www.pallarssobira.info www.bellpuig.cat Tremp Borges Blanques, les 973 650 005 973 142 658 www.ajuntamentdetremp.cat www.turismegarrigues.com Cervera Tuixent (Josa i Tuixén) 973 531 303 973 370 030 www.lasegarra.org www.trementinaires.org Guimerà Vall d’en Bas, la 973 303 525 972 692 177 www.guimera.cat www.vallbas.cat Guissona © Generalitat de Catalunya Photographs: Oriol Alamany, J. Altadill, Bedmar, Antoni Vall de Boí, la 973 551 414 Ministry of Enterprise and Labour Bofill, Xavier Catalán, Joan Costa, Don Balón, Ferrocarrils 973 694 000 www.guissona.cat Directorate General for Tourism de la Generalitat de Catalunya, Francesc Gomà, Konic, www.vallboi.cat Mario Krmpotic, Rafael López-Monné, Ramon Manent, Ivars d’Urgell J. Moragues, Jordi Pareto, Ricard Pla, Sebastià Plans, Vall de Cardós 671 577 055 Idea and realization: Pauta Estratègies de Jordi Play, Elisenda Pons/©Ediciones Primera Plana, S.A., 973 623 239 www.ivarsvilasana.cat Comunicació Pere Pons, Rambol, Ros Ribas / Institut del Teatre, J. Serra / www.valldecardos.org Lleida Barcelona Plató Film Commisson, Sònar, Tino Soriano, Vallcebre 902 250 050/973 248 840 Graphic design: Gruyere-bcn TAVISA, Francesc Tur, Toni Vidal and Pere Vivas 626 696 976 www.turismedelleida.cat D.L.: B-36394-2011 SYL, S.A. www.catalunya.com www.vallcebre.cat Printed in EU

25 Generalitat de Catalunya Government of Catalonia Ministry of Enterprise and Labour