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Catalan Tourist Board Nordic Countries

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Catalan Tourist Board Nordic Countries

Catalonia is a Mediterranean destination with a millenary history, its own culture and language, plus a wealthy historical and natural heritage. With a population of over 7.5 million, the region covers 32,107 km2 and enjoys a temperate and mild Mediterranean climate, characterised by dry, warm summers and moderately cool winters. is home to many significant metropolises, from the capital, , to the province cities of , and and smaller towns filled with remarkable heritage and majestic monuments. The region offers extensive opportunities for tourists; from culture cravers to family travellers, sports enthusiasts and wildlife wanderers or for those just looking to relax, Catalonia’s excellent facilities place it as one of Europe’s prime tourist destinations.

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Main news: late 2017 ...... 4 Main news: 2018 ...... 12 Get inspired: story angles for 2018 ...... 15 Catalonia Events calendar 2018 ...... 25

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Products from Catalonia recognised in the Great Taste Awards 2017 Catalonia’s food scene is celebrated for its organic and traditional Catalan character. Due to its climate, the quality of Catalonia’s products has received significant international recognition. Most recently, the UK’s Great Taste Awards 2017 recognised four products from the Lands of Lleida; cured sausages and hamburgers of Cal Tomàs in the high mountains of Pallars Jussà, the almond nougat and honey from Alemany in La Noguera, olive oil from the Els Torms mill in Les Garrigues, and finally Mahou San Miguel beer brewed in the city of Lleida. Those have also recognised the Catànies from Penedès, the Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Migjorn in Bages and Oleum Priorat in . greattasteawards.co.uk/2017-winners

Catalan gastronomic products

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Casa Vicens to open late-October Renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí’s first major construction, , will open to the public as a museum for the first time on the 16th November. Located in the Gràcia district of Barcelona, Casa Vicens is the final Gaudí World Heritage site building to admit public visitors. The building was the artist’s first residential construction, built as a summer home between 1883 and 1885 for wealthy industrialist Manel Vicens. Not only was Casa Vicens the starting point of Gaudí’s career, the property is different to anything that had been built in the region previously. The construction is graphic, geometric and unique, and has undergone three years of extensive renovations in preparation for its opening as a museum. www.casavicens.org

@ Casa Vicens. @ Turisme de Barcelona. Gaudí’s Casa Vicens

‘The Fifth Lake’, top circular hiking route ‘The Fifth Lake’ is a new circular hiking route through the Catalan , divided into five stages, starting and ending in La Pobla de Segur. It combines undiscovered and breath-taking landscapes, charming accommodation and top quality mountain . Covering more than 100km, the route passes several lakes, including Montcortès. This new route has proved popular and was awarded the “Best Product in Active ” in the 2017 Fitur awards. www.elcinquellac.com

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@ El Cinquè Llac. Landscapes from the Fifth Lake route

El Cinquè Llac New route launches, combing the and Romanesque art and architecture The Romanesque Centre of Vall de Boí has recently announced the ‘Romanesque art and architecture and falles’ route. This new route combines fire feasts called falles of the Pyrenees, and the Romanesque-style churches of Vall de Boí: two unique Catalan traditions within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout summer, travellers can discover the legacy of the valley’s medieval past set against the backdrop of spectacular scenery on these trips. The Alta Ribagorça District Council has also signposted the “Paths of Fire” routes for self-guided tours. These 10 routes start at the beacon where the falles are lit and continue down into the mountainside.

2017 record year for Fruit Tourism in Lleida Fruiturisme, a project launched to promote fruit tourism in Catalonia, allows visitors to witness the blossoming peach trees in fields of Aitona while discovering the cultural and architectural heritage of El Segrià county. In 2017, the Fruiturisme project attracted over 5,500 followers, proving beneficial to the local economy and enabling local producers to promote their produce and discuss the rich gastronomy of Aitona. The peach flowering season usually takes place in March, this year 2017 from 8 to 22 March. fruiturisme.info/en/experiencies

Miravinya - a new driving route through the Penedès Visitors can explore the of Penedès region by car with the Miravinya route. Travellers can download an app which contains a map and audio guide which directs them along comprehensive route through the Penedès, exploring the geography, nature, culture and history of the area. www.enoturismepenedes.cat/en/miravinya-explore-landscape-

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Miravinya route in Penedès

The Diputació de Barcelona is awarded the Biosphere Certification Under the brand ‘Barcelona is much more’, Diputació de Barcelona promotes the three tourist destinations that have embarked on the Biosphere certification process and were recently awarded this prestigious label: ‘Costa Barcelona’, ‘Paisatges Barcelona’ and ‘Pirineus Barcelona’. The label certifies that the region fulfils the requirements of the ‘Biosphere Destination’ standard and successfully applies 6 specific criteria in its tourist policies: sustainable management, economic and social development, conservation and improvement of cultural heritage, environmental conservation, quality and safety, and involvement of the visitor. www.biospheretourism.com/en/entity/costa-barcelona/319 www.biospheretourism.com/en/entity/paisatges-barcelona/320 www.biospheretourism.com/en/entity/pirineus-barcelona/321

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New ‘Castellers’ museum in The city of Valls has established a brand new ‘Castellers’ museum dedicated to the Catalan human towers. This museum will explore all of the details of these impressive human feats, and will be the only one of its kind in the world.

Human Towers biannual competition in Tarragona

Els Ports, new Family Holiday Destination

Els Ports Natural Park, located in the south west of Catalonia, has been awarded the Family Holiday Destination (FHD) seal of approval for its ecological value, active and nature offerings and its gastronomy. The accolade is awarded to towns, cities and resorts that go above and beyond to cater to the family market in accommodation, restaurants, facilities and tourist attractions. Nowadays, 25 Catalan destinations have this seal of approval. www..com

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Terres de l’Ebre, one of the TOP 100 green destinations in 2017 For the second consecutive year, the Terres de l’Ebre area has been recognised by the Global Green Destinations association as one of the top 100 sustainable destinations for 2017. Terres de l’Ebre was recognised as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2013 and it works on all sustainability elements to make the tourism development compatible with nature conservation. Catalonia is strongly committed with sustainability and it has celebrated the Year of Sustainable Tourism in 2017, following the path of the WTO, the United Nations and the European Commission. terresdelebre./en

Trabucador beach in Ebre Delta

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New 2017

Barcelona

Midmost Majestic Hotel Group – opened 2017 Located in a 1919 building, this new four-star hotel boutique in Barcelona has 56 rooms and a panoramic roof with swimming pool and bar. www.hotelmidmost.com/en

 Hotel Golden Tulip Barcelona 4* – opened 17th July Close to Plaça de Les Glòries in the 22nd district in Barcelona, this is the first ‘Golden Tulip’ property in . The hotel has 158 rooms, a Catalan restaurant, bar and three event rooms. It also has a roof top terrace on the seventh floor, with a jacuzzi, pool and spectacular views of the city. www.goldentulip.com/en/hotels/golden-tulip-barcelona

 Room Mate Gerard – opened summer 2017 This is the fifth opened Room Mate Hotel property to open in Barcelona, making it the city with the most hotels from the Kike Sarasola chain. Room Mate Gerard has 66 rooms and is located in Urquinaona, in a classic Eixample building. www.room-matehotels.com/en/gerard

 Mosaic by Ona Hotels – opened summer 2017 One Hotels opened its second hotel in Barcelona with 53 rooms. The hotel is located in in a building dating back to 1888 in Rambla de Catalunya. www.onahotels.com/en/hotel-mosaic-barcelona

 Almanac Barcelona – opened September 2017 Almanac Barcelona is the first property to open in a collection of luxury hotels, located just steps from Passeig de Gràcia. The hotel has a rooftop terrace, Azimuth, which offers views over the city, a sun lounge, pool and rooftop bar. Línia is the hotel’s Mediterranean brasserie which offers a dining and sharing menu throughout the day. www.almanachotels.com

 SB Glow Hotel – opened July 2017 SB Hotels eighth hotel in Barcelona is located in the 22nd district, opposite to Torre Agbar. This 4* hotel has 235 guest rooms and event space. Its terrace, El Voladis, features a pool, cocktail bar and MUC restaurant. www.hotelsbglow.com

 5*GL H10 The One Barcelona – opened February 2017 Located in Barcelona’s most exclusive district, The One Barcelona is a new 5* Grand Luxury hotel with a sophisticated interior design that inspires comfort and tranquillity. The hotel offers spacious and bright rooms, a restaurant and cocktail & wine bar, a spa, an exclusive guest-only plunge pool and solarium and a magnificent rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the city. www.h10hotels.com/en/barcelona-hotels/the-one-barcelona

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Costa Brava

 5* GL Alàbriga Hotel & Home Suites – opened april 2017 Hotel Alàbriga’s is inspired by the hull of a yacht and aims to integrate into its natural surroundings. Located in a unique and very special location in Sant Feliu de Guíxols - just 105km from Barcelona and 48 from Girona, the hotel blends art, excellent service and sophistication. www.hotelalabriga.com

Costa Barcelona

 Melià Hotels International, ME Sitges – opened summer 2017 ME by Melià hotel opened on the Sitges seafront in summer 2017. It has 213 rooms, two restaurants, bars, events spaces, a wellness centre, kids club and promotes a Mediterranean lifestyle. www.melia.com/ME-Hotels/Sitges

Costa Daurada

 Sercotel Cunit Suites & Spa – opened 10th May 2017 This new 4*hotel in the Costa Daurada has 32 suite apartments, a swimming pool, spa area with sea views and event spaces. www.sercotelhotels.co.uk/hotels/spain/Tarragona/sercotel-cunit

Terres de Lleida

 Casa Guilla– opened summer 2017 Casa Guilla or Fox House is a beautiful medieval venue, nestled in the Spanish Pyrenees. The property has undergone a huge renovation to become a boutique country house, also available for private hire. www.casaguilla.com

del Roser, Lleida – opened 10th August 2017 Parador de Lleida, a four-star, luxury hotel is housed in the convent of El Roser which dates to the 17th century and is located in the heart of the Historic Centre of Lleida. It is a stone’s throw from the city’s Commercial Axis and the Seu Vella (Old Cathedral) hill. The hotel occupies two buildings; a former church, now the main restaurant and the residential complex, with 53 rooms over three floors arranged around the central cloister. www.parador.es/en/paradores/parador-de-lleida

New hotels 2018 Barcelona

 5*GL Edition Barcelona – early 2018 The Barcelona Edition will be a 100-room luxury-lifestyle hotel located in the Ciutat Vella district, close to the Cathedral of Barcelona and iconic Santa Caterina Market. The space will include three restaurants, a club and rooftop bar area. www.editionhotels.com

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Nordic tourists to Catalonia to grow in 2017 Catalonia welcomed over 17.9 million foreign visitors in 2016, which equated to an expenditure figure of €17,328 million. The Nordic Countries is the 7th largest outbound market for tourism in Catalonia, with more than 746.000 Nordic tourists visiting in 2016.

Between January and September 2017 these figures increased by 9% compared with the same period last year, with more than 733.000 Nordic tourists visiting Catalonia. In addition, the expenditure raised 4’3% between January and October, with a total of 749.000 Euros.

Sunset in Catalonia

No rdics spend about 188€ daily pro capita while visiting Catalonia during 2017; Nordics are the Europeans with the highest daily spending per person during their visit in Catalonia.

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2018, the Year of Culture During 2018, the Catalan Tourist Board will be celebrating the Year of Culture. The region’s millenary history has left a legacy of cultural attractions ranging from thousand-year-old cave paintings and Greek and Roman artefacts, to Medieval and Romanesque monasteries and iconic pieces of modernist architecture. Catalonia also boasts nine UNESCO World Heritage designated sites and its cultural festivals and traditions are world-renowned. Further than its history and heritage, its own culture and language, a wealth of natural heritage and its rich gastronomic scenery make it a prime destination for cultural tourism where visitors can explore the landscapes that inspired Catalonia’s geniuses and uncover its unique cultural traditions. www.catalunya.com

Tarragona to be part of the Ancient Europe UNESCO route The city of Tarragona will feature in UNESCO’s new Ancient Europe tourist route. Eight other European cities have will be included that will demonstrate the cultural heritage of the continent and will be linked to the year of European Cultural Heritage in 2018.

Roman amphitheatre in Tarragona

XVIII Mediterranean Games The Mediterranean Games are a multisport competition organised within the Olympic movement, with recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Tarragona will host the 2018 Games from 22 June to 1 July. Across 10 days, Tarragona will welcome 4,000 athletes from 26 different countries, 1,000 judges and representatives of the International Federations and the International Committee of the Games, 1,000 journalists from all over the world, 3,500 volunteers and more than 150,000 spectators. This event will have an impact on the local labour market, creating more than 3,000 new jobs. http://www.tarragona2018.cat/en

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Priorat-Montsant-Siurana to become UNESCO World Heritage site On February 2018, the Priorat-Montsant-Siurana region will present its candidacy to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Historical Heritage Council has considered that this area has a Mediterranean and agrarian landscape which has been maintained by the peasants. Moreover, the region works for a model of sustainable development, giving prominence to proximity products and especially developing wine tourism.

Sunset in Siurana

Costa Brava

 Chocolate Factory and Hotel from the Roca Brothers – early 2018 The Roca Brothers (owners of the awarded Celler de Can Roca restaurant) and the chocolate expert Damian Allsop are working together in a project to create a chocolate factory plus a luxury boutique hotel in the centre of Girona. The chocolate space will show visitors all the process of creating good quality chocolate and will allow them to buy top products with the chocolate as a base ingredient. The hotel will be located in an emblematic building in the heart of Girona.

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Catalonia is a Mediterranean destination in north-eastern Spain with a millenary history, its own culture and language as well as a wealthy natural heritage. Covering 32,107km, the region offers extensive opportunities for tourists from culture cravers to family travellers, sports enthusiasts to wildlife wanderers and those just looking to relax.

There are thousands of areas to explore in Catalonia and most of them absolutely unknown by international travellers. This section provides ideas and interesting story angles for 2018.

Catalonia’s hidden trails: 3 amazing but unknown hikes

> Route of Torrent de Cabana – Route of the seven gorges (easy) The Torrent de Cabana route, also known as Seven Gorges, is a wonderful 10km circular route near Campdevànol (Ripollès), which passes seven magnificent gorges and offers ample opportunity for swimming.

> Ruta dels Estels del Sud – Southern Stars (moderate) The Estels del Sud route is a circular mountain crossing, which links five mountain shelters in the Els Ports Natural Park located in the south of Catalonia. The 100hm route takes five days at a leisurely pace and climbs up to 4,200m.

> Camí dels Bons Homes – Cathars Way (difficult) The Camí dels Bons Homes or Way of the Good Men is a linear mountain crossing between Catalonia and . The itinerary recalls the exile of the Occitan Cathars, also called Good Men and Good Women, who promoted pure and simple Christianity. The Catalan section is made up of four or five stages between the Sanctuary of Queralt () to the Montsegur Castle (Arièja). The hike is between 189 kilometres or 205.2 depending on the route.

Els Ports Natural Park Sanctuary of Queralt in Berga

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Discover Catalonia on two wheels like a professional cyclist

> Did you know that a stage of the Tour de France takes place in Catalonia? The ninth stage of the Tour de France has become an event in its own right in the city of Vielha and in Val d’Aran. Tourists and locals celebrate as the cyclist pass through 100km of beautiful Catalan countryside and tackle the steep inclines in spectacular Catalan Pyrenees. Visitors don’t have to wait until the Tour de France to enjoy cycling in Catalonia; thrilling rides are on offer throughout the year, including the Vielha Circular and the marked mountain pass.

> Take part in the Sea Otter Europe cycling festival in Costa Brava Girona is one of the cycling world capitals. The city has become a reference point for cycling enthusiasts, thanks not only to its geographic location but also because it has everything cyclists need to practise this sport. After a hugely successful first edition of the Sea Otter Europe, this cycling festival will be back in Girona in 2018, from 08-10 June. During the event visitors will enjoy different competitions, exhibitions and all kind of activities related with the bicycle.

> Join the pros at the Campus Melcior Mauri in Costa Daurada Discover new road cycling routes and climbs in Catalonia by cycling in Costa Daurada. The Costa Daurada roads are a hidden gem, where a wealth of routes lead into the pink limestone mountains and world renowned vineyards. Can you imagine yourself cycling next to internationally recognized cyclists such as Melcior Mauri? From 15 to 18 March 2018, you will have the chance to do that at the Campus Melcior Mauri.

Cycling in Costa Daurada

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Take to the Catalan Pyrenees, a totally unspoilt skiing destination

> The Lleida Pyrenees: a skier’s paradise Boasting the longest snow season in the Pyrenees and the highest ski slopes in Spain, Lleida is the perfect skiing destination. Its 11 ski resorts (6 alpine and 7 cross-country) offer skiers 492 kilometres of marked ski slopes, 242 slopes and 100km of snowshoe circuit. Don’t miss out the largest and most exclusive ski resort in Spain, Baqueira Beret, tucked away in the fascinating Val d’Aran, an area surrounded by peaks reaching 3,000 m, with its own Aranese language and unique gastronomy. In addition to the great offer of alpine and cross-country skiing, there are a wide range of sporting leisure activities and après-ski targeted at all ages. Among the best are the excursions on dog-drawn sleights, snowmobiles, horse-riding, quads, heli-skiing and panoramic flights by helicopter.

Dog sledding at Baqueira Beret

> Looking to combine a city break with a snowboarding or skiing holiday? Located just 2 short hours from Barcelona, La Molina is the perfect resort for those looking to combine a city-break with time on the slopes. It was the very first resort to open in Spain and together with the resort of Masella forms the Alp 2.500 Ski Domain encompassing 121km of slopes. The Catalan Pyrenees are easily accessible from the city by car, train, or even helicopter. There is also the Barcelona SkiBus which takes guests directly to the Alp 2.500 domain with daily 6.30am departures from Barcelona during the ski season (December – March). The all-inclusive pass costs around €77 per person and includes transfer by bus, ski pass for Alp 2,500, accident insurance and ski/snowboard hire. The passes are available to buy at a number of locations within the city including at tourist information points.

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Catalonia, a land of activity

> Whether it’s land, water or in the air, Catalonia is a heaven for all adventure enthusiasts Catalonia is a leading destination for active tourism and adventure sports, offering a wide range of land, air and water activities. From the Pyrenees to the coast, travellers can enjoy water sports like rafting, canyoning, kayaking, diving and sailing. On land, horse-riding, BTT and trekking are among the most popular options, while paragliding in the Àger and Organyà valleys or hot air ballooning in la Garrotxa Volcanic Park are also unique experiences.

> Did you know that Muntanyes de Prades in Costa Daurada is one of the top European spots for climbing? Muntanyes de Prades and specially the iconic village of Siurana is one of best places in the world for rock sport climbing. This popular style of climbing is generally practised on pre-prepared routes around 150 feet tall. Offering more than 800 climbing trails surrounded by a breath-taking landscape, Muntanyes de Prades is the perfect destination for all levels of climbing lovers. Moreover, the area offers plenty of hiking options from where travellers can see the climbers.

> Swim with big tunas on a Tuna Tour As a destination, Catalonia offers many opportunities to get close to wildlife. Among these, none are as unique as the Tuna Tour in l’Ametlla de Mar. Located south of Tarragona, the Tuna Tour offers travellers the chance to learn from local experts about the history, fishing, feeding, research, biology and gastronomic value of bluefin tuna before diving in and snorkelling among hundreds of the giant fish. The story of tuna is an integral part of Catalan history and Climber at Siurana, Costa Daurada cuisine, and guests will also have the chance to sample local tuna as part of the tour.

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Take on 5 unique Catalan Foodie Experiences

> Lunch at the mussel beds Visitors can embark on a relaxing cruise across the Alfacs Bay in Sant Carles de la Ràpita and Fangar Bay in L’Ametlla de Mar and gain an insight into seafood farming before enjoying shellfish tasting and spotting flocks of flamingos.

Flamingos at the Ebre Delta Natural Park

> Drink wine aged in the depths of the ocean No experience is as unique as drinking wine aged under the sea at a depth of 27 metres, with the bottles having been carefully selected to those that are best adapted to the submerged conditions. On the seabed, the wine is affected by varying factors, such as the water pressure, the lack of oxygenation through the , the movement of the bottle due to the currents, the light level and the exchange of salinities with the wine. Travellers can enjoy this truly unique experience at Hotel Cala Jòncols in Costa Brava.

> Vinegar tasting at Avgvstvs Forvm The Avgvstvs Forvm is located where once was the Roman road that connected Rome with the most important cities in the Mediterranean. Avgustvs Forvm is recognised for both its and vinegars. What makes it very special, is that it is the only winery in Catalonia specialised in vinegar. Here, visitors can find wine and vinegars tasting, food pairing and family activities.

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> Olive Oil experiences – millenary olive trees There are five protected designations of origin of extra-virgin olive oil in Catalonia: Les Garrigues, Siurana, Terra Alta, Baix Ebre-Montsià and Empordà, each offering a product with very different body and aroma thanks to the diversity in climate, soil and olive varieties. Visitors can enjoy olive oil experiences all over Catalonia but one of the most special and unique ones is to visit the ancient olive trees fields of Ulldecona. The tour takes visitors through an area that boasts almost two thousand trees aged between one thousand and two thousand years. These trees have 8 meters of perimeter and have been catalogued as monumental trees. The visit finishes with an olive tasting of these millenary olive trees.

Millenary olive trees at Ulldecona Catalan olive oil

> Cook like Ferran Adrià from ancient Rome Apicius was an eccentric gastronome from the Roman era - the Ferran Adrià of Emperor Augustus’ time. The conservation of his recipes until today has allowed the creation of a unique, didactic and interactive gastronomic initiative. Domus Apicius - Ca l’Apici, translated from Latin - is the workshop-restaurant coordinated by a history professor who has brought to the kitchen the knowledge of the civilization which has left such an impression on Tarragona. Eat while learning about Roman history and domestic curiosities.

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Unknown routes for cultural lovers

> The Landscape of Geniuses route The Landscape of the Geniuses is a cultural route that enables visitors to discover the landscape that inspired the works of Antoni Gaudí, Joan Miró, Pau Casals and Pablo Picasso. The route includes the villages of Reus (Gaudí), (Casals), Mont-Roig (Miró) and Horta de Sant Joan (Picasso), and all have family friendly activities along the way.

> 1714 Route Every year on 11 September, Catalonia celebrates its National Day, commemorating the defeat of the Catalan people against the troops of Philip V in 1714. To learn more about the events leading up to the defeat, visitors can take a historical trip to sites linked to the War of Succession; La Seu Vella of Lleida, the University of Cervera, Manresana Tower, Cardona Castle or the Rafael Casanova birthplace, which has now become the museum of the defensive hero Barcelona.

> Go back to the Medieval times in Costa Brava Get ready to embark on some of the most spectacular journeys to the past, to times when the lands of Girona formed the frontier between the Arab and Christian worlds, to times of kings, counts and knights. You’ll see imposing castles that preserve intact all their mediaeval splendour, still protected by their defensive walls, and others in ruins, discreetly hidden amid the vegetation. They all bear witness to our history. Discover Girona, a city that invites visitors to trace its more than 2000 years of history through two fortified enclosures, the Força Vella, the Medieval Quarter and the Jewish quarter. Continue your route through the little villages of , Monells and Peratallada, all of them with an outstanding medieval architecture such as porticoed town squares, fortified castles or walls. End your trip in Pals, walk through its narrow- cobbled streets and explore the Visigoths tombs, the church or the Torre de les Hores. Medieval Pals > Gaudí unknown There are a lot of world renowned works of the genius architect Antoni Gaudí, but there are still a few of his constructions that remain unknown: the first is Casa Vicens in Barcelona, the first house designed by the architect which had never been open to the public before but from the 16th November 2017 has opened as a museum. There is also the Güell Crypt inside the Güell colony in Santa Coloma de Cervelló, close to Barcelona. Finally, up in La Pobla de Lillet there are the Jardins Artigas, a garden where nature and architecture fuse in perfect harmony.

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4 unusual day train trips from Barcelona

> From Barcelona to the exuberant nature of Montseny in less than one hour If you are looking for somewhere with beautiful mountain scenery near Barcelona, Montseny Natural Park will amaze you. Declared UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this massif has been a hiking school for many . But, as well as being an area where you can take long hikes or short walks, Montseny offers a thousand and one ways to enjoy your time there: discovering the flora and fauna, enjoying its extraordinary cuisine or trying to experience the park by bike or horseback instead of walking.

> Modernist and Sant Cugat’s lively market Deep into the modernism architecture in the former industrial city of Terrassa. Just 45 minutes away from Barcelona by train, this city shows visitors how Modernism was applied in a range of buildings: factories, warehouses, chimneys, utility buildings and a real marvel such as the Masia Freixa. Get the train and visit the neighbour city of Sant Cugat, where you will find the stunning Monastery. Climb the belfry to enjoy splendid views of Collserola, enter the majestic church to discover the transition from the Romanesque to the Gothic and then explore the museum, with its Romanesque cloister. Finally, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Mercantic, a market where more than 200 traders and collectors display their antiques and restored goods, offering a diversity of and design furniture, and unique objects from all decades, styles and prices.

Masia Freixa, Terrassa

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> Discover the Capital of Wine and the Capital of Spend a day exploring the Penedès region, a land of contrasts which has the greatest wine production of Catalonia and is home to the capital of wine, Vilafranca del Penedès and the cava capital, Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. To find out about the secrets of wine, both in its production and its history, the best thing is to visit one of the museums or visitor centres in the different wine regions. But the day trip wouldn’t be complete without taking part of some of the great wine experiences in offer in this area which will allow you to learn more about the culture. So, why not to try horse riding through vineyards, take a or a course, cycle through vineyards on an electric bike, have lunch among rows of vines or even create your own cava. In the Penedes Region you are spoilt for choice.

Codorníu Cava, Sant Sadurní d’Anoia Cycling through the vineyards

> Gorgeous gardens by the sea at ’ Marimurtra Located in Blanes, in Costa Brava, the Marimurtra Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens on the Mediterranean. At the top of steep cliffs running along the sea, you can enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramic views over the coastline and get to know more than four thousand plant species, most of them exotic ones, as well as several specimens that are extraordinary because of their age or size. After the visit to this stunning gardens, head up to the beach for a swim before enjoying a typical Mediterranean meal.

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Get spoilt in Catalonia!

> Treat yourself with Gerunda Fuga Gerunda Fuga is a body treatment which covers every inch of skin with tradition and uses products from the land which have medicinal properties for the body and soul. It is an experience which dates back to the Greeks and Romans, and can be enjoyed in several Beauty Club hotels and spas in the region. The massage treatment aims to relieve the mind and body of stress and take the recipient on a spiritual journey across the mountainous regions of the Pirineu de Girona, and through rushing rivers, lakes, streams, and springs towards the Costa Brava.

> VIP breakfast with cava in a hot air balloon in La Garrotxa Travellers can explore Catalonia from the sky by flying over the Natural Park of the Volcanic Area of La Garrotxa in a hot air balloon, overlooking mountains, forests, rivers and volcanoes. The experience can be made even more special including a typical Catalan breakfast with cava, which will be enjoyed from 2.000 metres high.

La Garrotxa Natural Park from a hot air balloon

> Romantic escape to enjoy the Pyrenean skies Mix romance, science, culture and tradition in this unique experience by heading to the Catalan Pyrenees and enjoying the views of one of the best skies in Catalonia. The observation will be done from different places like Port de la Bonaigua, Esterri d’Àneu or Espot, depending on the season and the moon. Learn how to identify constellations and observe the main deep ski objects while tasting some typical liquors from the Catalan Pyrenees.

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January 2018

Three Kings Parade. 05/01/2018. Catalonia On the evening of 5 January all eyes were on Their Majesties the Kings of the East, Melchior, Caspar and Balthasar, who visit each town bearing gifts for all the family. This is the popular Parade of the Three Kings, one of Catalonia’s most deep-rooted traditions. On the following day, all the Catalan children find presents at home from the Three Kings, or coal if they were badly behaved during the year.

Gran festa de la Calçotada. 29/01/2018. Valls, Costa Daurada This popular gastronomic festival fills the streets and squares of Valls with Calçots, colours and sounds. Calçotada is a Catalan tradition that consists of meeting friends and family to eat Calçots (a type of spring onion) which are grilled on the barbecue, dipped in Romesco sauce and eaten wearing a bib to avoid staining your clothes! The day includes a varied programme of traditional festive events, parades, calçot-related competitions, calçot-grilling demonstrations, a calçotada market and calçot-growing, sauce-making and eating competitions, plus a tasting. Originally from Valls, these are eaten all around Catalonia, usually outdoors and during the wintertime.

February 2018

Marxa Beret 04/02/2018 – 05/02/2018. Baqueira-Beret, Val d’Aran This popular event has attracted over 1,300 participants in the past, and it continues to be one of the top cross-country skiing events in the region. It is part of the Euroloppet Circuit, comprising the thirteen most important long-distance amateur races in Europe.

Elefant d’Or International Circus Festival 22/02/2018 – 26/02/2018. Girona, Costa Brava Building on the success of the previous festivals in , the city of Girona is the new host of the Circus Festival. Girona is strongly committed to attracting top artists from all over the world to leave us spellbound with memories that will last a lifetime. Come and discover the magic of trapeze artists performing pirouettes at great heights; riders performing unbelievable acrobatics on horseback; jugglers with amazing reflexes; tightrope workers defying the laws of physics; prestigious ballet dancers; clowns and many other breath-taking attractions.

Sitges carnival 08/02/2018 – 14/02/2018. Sitges, Costa Barcelona Sitges Carnival features a string of colourful parades with people dressed in fancy costumes, folk-dancing, theatrical performances, live street music, children activities and gastronomic events, such as the Xatonada of Sitges – a delicious salad made with the region´s traditional xató sauce. This festival welcomes over 3,000 participants every year.

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March 2018

Snowboard World Cup. 02/03/2018. La Molina, Pyrenees The FIS Snowboard World Cup is a worldwide contest series which features six snowboard events: big air, halfpipe, slopestyle, snowboard cross, parallel slalom and parallel giant slalom. For each event, the best rider will be crowned the small Crystal Globe, with all World Cup results of the respective event taken into account.

Barcelona Zurich Marathon. 12/03/2018. Barcelona The streets of Barcelona will host thousands of runners from around 87 countries, taking part in the Barcelona Zurich Marathon, which has become a benchmark event in Europe with its fascinating sights along the 42-km route, as well as the city's excellent climate.

Bike Camp Melcior Mauri. 15/03/2018 – 18/03/2018. Cambrils, Costa Daurada Catalunya hosts the Bike Camp Melcior Mauri in March. During four days, guests will be able to enjoy pure cycling while discovering the breath-taking landscapes of Costa Daurada. The special guests for 2018 have not been revealed yet, but the ones for 2017 were Miguel Indurain – winner of five consecutive Tours de France – and the renowned climber Claudio Chiappucci.

Barcelona Beer Festival. 24/03/2018 – 26/03/2018. Barcelona Barcelona Beer Festival is the meeting point for craft beer lovers. BBF was established with the goal of spreading the culture of high quality craft beer. Over three days, craft beer is brought into the spotlight, raising its visibility so more people can discover its joys. The festival celebrates over 300 different craft beers, quality food, activities and much more.

Easter procession in Verges. 29/03/2018. Verges, Costa Brava The Procession of Verges, composed of a series of theatrical performances, has taken place each year since ancient times. The procession begins with the performance of Jesus being condemned to death and continues towards midnight with scenes of Christ's journey to Calvary represented along the streets of Verges. One of the procession’s highlights is the eagerly awaited Dance of Death – one of the most important symbols of the town and its popular culture, performed by five skeletons leaping to the sound of a drum.

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April 2018

Vivid wine festival. April 2018. Costa Brava VIVID Wine Festival celebrates the world of wine, featuring an intense programme of activities during the month of April: conferences, wine pairings, theatre, show cooking, special menus, music, open door days, wine hiking, wine kayaking and more. It takes place all over the counties of Alt Empordà and Baix Empordà.

Skimo World Cup Final. April 2018 TBC. Val d’Aran The best ski mountaineers of the world will join in Val d’Aran to decide who is the winner of the International Ski Mountaineering (ISMF) circuit with an Individual and Vertical race in the Senior category. The event is organised by the ‘Excursionista Aran’ club in conjunction with the ‘Centre Excursionista de Catalunya’ as well as the FEEC and FEDME Federations.

Open Banc Sabadell, trofeu Conde de Godó. April 2018 TBC. Barcelona The Barcelona Open, or ‘Trofeu Conde de Godó’ to locals, is an annual professional tennis tournament which hosts some of the world’s top male tennis players for the best tennis in the world on clay. The tournament will be hosted at the oldest tennis club in Spain, Real Club de Tenis Barcelona-1899.

Medieval week and the legend of Saint George. April 2018 TBC. Montblanc, Costa Daurada Medieval Week of Saint George sees the town of Montblanc bring the legend of St George and the dragon – thought to have taken place in front of the Montblanc town walls – to life. The town’s streets and squares are embellished with the colours of its four noblest houses and the walls are festooned with historic flags and standards. Medieval-themed events and performances take place throughout the week, including the performance of the Legend of St George, a spectacle of light, sound and fireworks, and the Dracum Nocte 2.0 the Origin of Evil. Visitors can also enjoy the ‘Patrol Path’ Medieval Route, a humorous dramatised tour of the town’s most emblematic spots, along with re-enactments including the Medieval Market, the Medieval Supper and the Wine and Cava Market.

Sant Jordi. 23/04/2018. Catalonia Visitors to Catalonia are invited to take part in Sant Jordi’s day, a Catalonian celebration known for its combination of culture and romance. The tradition sees couples exchange gifts of a book, a rose or both. Book and flower shops set up stalls all over town; book-lovers will find all the latest publications and famous authors signing copies of their books as the smell of roses fills the air. The unique festival stems from the blending of historic traditions, including local celebrations of the legend of St George and a medieval rose fair which occurred in the historic Chapel of Sant Jordi.

Grenaches du Monde 2018. 11/04/2018 – 15/04/2018. Gandesa, Terres de l’Ebre Gandesa will host the Grenaches du Monde 2018 event, where more than 250 professionals from all over the world will be guided from Barcelona to Terra Alta through the wine scenery of the region. The contest for the professional public will be combined with activities for the final consumer, including tastings from DO Terra Alta wines.

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May 2018

Falset Wine Fair. 05/05/2018 – 06/05/2018. Falset, Costa Daurada The beautiful market town of Falset is the capital of Catalonia’s Priorat region, famous for its powerful red wines – known for their intense minerality derived from vineyards planted on granite, chalk and fractured slate from Destinations of Origin (DO) Priorat and Montsant. The annual Falset Wine Fair is a must-do for all wine lovers, with local exhibiting at stalls throughout the town’s historic sites, as well as hosting bespoke events. The fair includes wine tastings, wine pairings, music and other activities sure to delight foodies, including olive oil tastings and cooking competitions.

Formula 1 Grand Prix. 11/05/2018 – 13/05/2018. Montmeló, Costa Barcelona Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will host Formula 1 Grand Prix, featuring the best drivers in the world, who will meet on the racetrack in an unmissable show of speed.

Girona Temps de Flors. 12/05/2018 – 20/05/2018. Girona, Costa Brava In May, the old town of Girona celebrates spring by becoming a canvas for a bevy of colourful floral compositions during the Temps de Flors (Flower Season). Visitors find a huge variety of floral murals by national and international artists, spread across the city’s courtyards, monuments, streets and gardens. The festival includes something for everyone, with flower, photography and film competitions, an A Capella music festival and special food and wine offerings featuring flowers as a key ingredient in many of the city’s restaurants.

Tarraco Viva. 12/05/2018 – 27/05/2018. Tarragona, Costa Daurada UNESCO World Heritage Site Tarragona is known for its spectacular Roman ruins, including its amphitheatre and aqueduct, set amidst the city’s golden Mediterranean beaches and thriving culinary scene. Each year, the international Festival of Roman History in May brings the city’s Roman past to life, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy the port city’s ancient monuments. The festival features artisan fairs, concerts, theatre performances and processions with a Roman theme, including gladiatorial shows in the iconic amphitheatre. The festival extends to the cuisine as restauranteurs create menus featuring Roman recipes and ingredients.

The Snail Festival. 25/05/2018 – 27/05/2018. Lleida, Terres de Lleida Catalonia’s Aplec de Caragol (Snail Festival) has become an internationally-recognised gastronomic event which sees 200,000 hungry visitors consume 12 tons of snails over one weekend in the city of Lleida. The festival features chefs preparing local delicacies including , grilled meats and sausages, stews and salads, and of course, snails. The festival includes competitions and music hosted by the Federation of Snail Festival Social Clubs, with the 100 participating social clubs each preparing dishes and hosting events.

Primavera Sound Festival. 30/05/2018 – 03/06/2018. Barcelona Urban music festival Primavera Sound returns to Barcelona in 2018. Considered an unmissable event internationally, the festival is one of Europe’s biggest indie and alternative music festivals. The lineup for 2018 has not been announced yet. The last edition featured performances from Arcade Fire, Frank Ocean, The xx, Bon Iver, Aphex Twin, Solange, Grace Jones and many more. The festival is known as a platform for smaller, more underground names, making it an excellent opportunity to catch the next big music star.

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June 2018

Welcome to the Farm. 02/06/018 – 03/06/2018. Catalonia Welcome to the Farm sees local farmers, gastronomic hotels and world-class restaurants open their doors to travellers to uncover their culinary secrets and savour Catalonia’s fresh produce, from fine wine and cava to fresh meats and local cheeses. Farmers from across Catalonia will hold open days to showcase their gardens, herds, workshops and fields, as well as providing unique insight into their production methods. Foodies can sample exclusive menus at a number of local restaurants and will have an opportunity to purchase directly from local producers. The initiative is sponsored by the Alicia Foundation, a Catalonian research centre devoted to technological innovation in cuisine, the improvement of eating habits and the evaluation of food and gastronomic heritage.

Falles del Pirineu. June 2018. Pyrenees In summer, the villages of the Lleida Pyrenees celebrate the festival of the Falles and various fire festivals which, since 1 December 2015, have been recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of mankind. This festival is a collective ritual whose roots stretch back thousands of years and which has its climax on the magical eve of Sant Joan (23rd June). During the celebrations, the youngest participants light the Falles on the mountainside. Then, at night, they drag the Falles down the mountain in what resembles visually spectacular river of fire. Once at the village square, they are received with music and a ringing of bells. With the Falles already half-consumed by fire, a bonfire is lit and traditional dances are performed.

Sea Otter Europe. 08/06/2018 – 10/06/2018. Girona, Costa Brava The 2018 Sea Otter Europe Costa Brava-Girona Bike Show, the second edition of this cycling festival, will take place next year in Girona. The city will once again host this major event which, last June, during its inaugural edition, exceeded all expectations by amassing over 30,000 visitors, 350 brands, 15 sports events and 4,130 cyclists, with a highly positive valuation thanks to the global showcase into which it turned Girona and the Costa Brava. This year, the event will include a series of notable new features, and the Fontajau expo zone will be increased by 30% to meet demands.

Costa Brava PWA World Cup. June 2018 TBC. , Costa Brava The event takes place annually in Sant Pere Pescador – Gulf of Roses – right next to the La Ballena Alegre campsite. It is no coincidence that a world tour event is held in these waters since the scenic conditions and climate are excellent with good temperatures, wind and wonderful long beaches.

Grand Prix MotoGP. 15/06/2018 - 17/06/2018. Montmeló, Costa Barcelona The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will host again one of the scoring rounds for the MotoGP™ World Championship. The Catalan circuit will gather the world categories of Moto3™, Moto2™ and MotoGP™.

Transpyr Gran Raid MTB. 10/06/2018 – 16/06/2018. Pyrenees Transpyr Gran Raid is designed to offer a personal challenge and provide one of the best mountain bike adventures in the world. The route immerses riders in the scenery and cultures of the Pyrenees, from the southern slopes of the mountains, crossing and merging Catalonia Pyrenees, , Navarra and Euskadi.

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Patum de Berga. June 2018 TBC. Berga, Pyrenees La Patum de Berga has been held annually for centuries during Corpus Christi and has managed to preserve both its religious roots. It includes a whole series of theatrical representations, characters and figures that fill the town of Berga every year, with fire and dance playing a central role. La Patum de Berga in Catalonia has been declared Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Sónar Festival. 14/06/2018 – 16/06/2018. Barcelona Created in 1994, Sónar is a pioneering festival with a unique format and content. Its first class reputation as a leading reference for international festivals is by virtue of a carefully balanced cultural offering, combining a playful nature, the avant-garde, and experimentation with electronic dance music's newest trends. In 2018, the festival will be celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Gay Pride Barcelona. 23/06/2018 – 30/06/2018. Barcelona Barcelona Gay Pride is one of Europe’s main gay pride festivals and attracts nearly 150,000 people each year. Aside from the ‘floats’ that parade through the city, there are plenty of parties in and around Barcelona. The main march sets off at 6pm on the Saturday via Avinguda Paral·lel to Plaça Espanya - and then transforms into a huge street festival at Avenida Maria Cristina - where performers entertain the crowds.

XVIII Mediterranean Games Tarragona. 22/06/2018 – 01/07/2018. Tarragona, Costa Daurada The Mediterranean Games are a multisport competition organised within the Olympic movement, with the recognition of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Games will take place from the 30th of June to the 9th of July 2017 in 16 venues across the Tarragona. It will cover 33 sports disciplines, with around 4,000 athletes from 26 different nationalities. In addition 1,000 international judges, 1,000 journalists, 3,500 volunteers and more than 150,000 spectators attend the event.

Buff Mountain Festival. 29/06/2018 – 01/07/2018. Vall de Boí, Pyrenees Families, nature lovers, and sports enthusiasts will flock to the Parc National d'Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici and the magical Vall de Boí for the second BUFF Mountain Vall De Boí Festival. 1,300 people participated in the first edition in a wide range of activities, including BUFF Epic Trail, MTB Marathon, climbing, canyoning, rafting, yoga, concerts and sports workshops.

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July 2018

Habanera Singing Festival. July 2018 TBC. Calella de , Costa Brava Known as the ‘Fisherman’s lament’, havanera is a style of music created by homesick Catalan fishermen in Cuba and is part of the tradition that created Tango. Brought to the Costa Brava in the 19th century by repatriates, it was sung in coastal taverns for generations, always accompanied by a glass of flambéed rum known as rom cremat. The havanera was first performed on the beach of Calella de Palafrugell during a gathering of singers in 1966 and has continued annually over the past 51 years. With its picturesque white houses, the fishing village of Calella is the perfect setting in which to experience this piece of Catalan culture. The evening festival is held at Port Bo beach and sees groups of havanera singers perform traditional pieces.

Rennaissance Festival. 19/07/2018 – 22/07/2018. Tortosa, Terres de l’Ebre Located on the banks of the River Ebre, the city of Tortosa was an important centre of Catalan Renaissance art which retains a strong Medieval and Renaissance heritage. Among the most striking of historic sites is the towering Arab castle of La Suda, now a Parador de Turisme hotel – an ideal base from which to experience the city’s living history. This July, visitors will be immersed in the splendour of the 16th century during the annual Renaissance Faire when over 500 actors and musicians join 3,000 townspeople in bringing the era vividly to life. Sample Renaissance delicacies, witness a sword fight and dance to Renaissance music.

Castell de Festival. July & August 2018. Peralada, Costa Brava The beautiful de Peralada and its expansive gardens, located just 40 minutes from Girona by car, are a picturesque setting for this renowned music festival. Visitors can enjoy concerts across a variety of music styles, including pop, symphony, jazz and opera, as well as theatre shows, on the festival’s three stages.

FeMAP. 01/07/2018 – 31/08/2018. Pyrenees The international Early Music Festival of the Pyrenees (FeMAP) is becoming one of the most valued early music festivals in Europe, offering a wide variety of music concerts in select venues of important cultural heritage.

Vijazz. July 2018 TBC. Vilafranca del Penedès, Costa Barcelona ViJazz Penedès combines the renowned wines of the Penedès region – known as the wine capital of Catalonia – with acclaimed jazz music. Attendees can enjoy live jazz while trying over 300 types of wine and cava from 40 different Penedès cellars. A wine fair offers visitors the chance to participate in wine tasting and pairing sessions by top wine experts and . Many of the international scene’s most reputable jazz figures, such as Joan Chamorro and the James Brown Original Band, have played free concerts in the historic centre of Vilafranca del Penedès.

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European Balloon Festival. July 2018 TBC. Igualada, Paisatges Barcelona The European Balloon Festival is the largest balloon festival in Spain and one of the largest in Europe. Visitors can enjoy the spectacle of more than 50 hot air balloons flying and competing in races around the town of Igualada, just 40 miles west of Barcelona. Visitors can also participate in scheduled activities, including bike courses, sumo and juggling workshops; view ‘wind igloos’ – old balloons used for concerts, event venues and swimming pools – or take off in a balloon themselves. The evenings bring another flavour to the festival with ‘Night Glow’, during which the balloons are filled with light and accompanied by a firework display.

Blanes fireworks competition. July 2018 TBC. Blanes, Costa Brava Each summer, the Costa Brava town of Blanes plays host to the International Costa Brava Fireworks Contest. Set during the Festa Major de Santa Ana de Blanes, the festival is in honour of the town’s patron saint and sees pyrotechnics companies from around the world compete to put on the most innovative and dazzling fireworks display. Each year the festival hosts several companies who entertain crowds each evening with amazing shows of light and sound along the Blanes seafront, attempting to impress judges across two categories – ‘popular’ and ‘technical’.

Cambrils International Music Festival. July & August 2018. Cambrils, Costa Daurada The Cambrils International Music Festival covers a whole range of musical styles including jazz, flamenco, opera, ballet, piano and gospel. The events take place in different venues throughout the town - the smaller venues holding about 200 people and the large venues holding around 600. The festival programme varies from year to year and sees musicians coming from all over the world to Cambrils.

Cap Roig Festival. July & August 2018. Calella de palafrugell, Costa Brava One of the most popular events on the Costa Brava, Cap Roig Festival is a series of outdoor summer concerts set in the auditorium of ‘Jardins de Cap Roig’ – the botanical gardens of the 20th century Cap Roig castle. 2017’s line-up included Passenger, Wilco, Norah Jones and Jason Derulo. In addition to incredible music acts and a beautiful setting, the festival also boasts an exceptional dining experience from the Michelin starred Via Veneto restaurant.

August 2018

Festes Majors. August 2017. Catalonia Several of Catalonia’s biggest festivals take place across the summer period. The Festes Majors are celebrations in honour of the local patron saint of all the towns, villages and cities in Catalonia. During these festivals, each village’s streets are transformed with activities, parades, (people dressed as devils play with live fireworks), Castellers (human towers), live music and much more.

Barcelona Circuit Festival. 09/08/2018 – 19/08/2018. Barcelona Barcelona’s Circuit Festival - the world’s biggest LGTBI festival – welcomes over 70,000 participants from the LGTBI community for a two-week festival and converting Barcelona into the world’s top gay destination.

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September 2018

Filoxera Festival. 07/09/2018 – 08/09/2018. Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, Costa Barcelona The festival of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia reminds how at the end of the XIX century, the village overcame the plague of the phylloxera which destroyed all the vineyards of the region. The phylloxera is the main element of the party and, as such, it is the fantastic animal that represents the village of Sant Sadurní. Other protagonists of the festival are the fire and the music.

Mostra del Vi DO Empordà. September 2018 TBC. Figueres, Costa Brava The Figueres Wine Festival offers visitors to the region the chance to sample the very best of the Designation of Origin Empordà Catalan wines. Tours include ‘Figueres, Art & Wine’, which explores the town’s local artistic heritage, including the burial place, museum and theatre of Salvador Dalí. Figureres is one site of the Dalí Triangle and the other two iconic locations where Dalí lived and worked are Portlligat, home to the artist’s private residence and workshop, and Púbol, home to the Dalí Castle House-Museum, which Dalí constructed for his muse, Gala, who is buried onsite.

Tàrrega Theatre Show. 06/09/2018 - 09/09/2018. Tàrrega, Terres de Lleida FiraTàrrega is the international market for performing arts that takes place every year in Tàrrega during the second weekend in September. Founded in 1981, it provides insight into what is going on in performing arts world, with special emphasis on street arts, visual and unconventional shows.

ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup Final. 08/09/2018 - 10/09/2018. La Seu d’Urgell, Pyrenees The 2016 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup heads to La Seu d’Urgell to celebrate its final. The Olympic discipline of canoe slalom is contested on a whitewater course with athletes navigating through a combination of up and downstream gates.

Catalonia’s National Day. 11/09/2018. Catalonia On 11 September, Catalonia celebrates its National Day, known as the Diada. The day commemorates when Catalan troops were forced to surrender to the Castilian forces of France and Philip V of Spain after the 14 month Siege of Barcelona in 1714. It has become a celebration of Catalan identity and culture, observed with parades and events across the region. Numerous events and Catalan traditions take place during Diada, including concerts, poetry readings and the building of human towers, known as Castellers.

Rice festival. 17/09/2018. L’Ampolla, Terres de l’Ebre Every year the fishing port of L'Ampolla celebrates the harvest festival, is dedicated to the farm workers and exploring former planting techniques. Inhabitants of Terres de l'Ebre and visitors can get to know part of the production process of this widely-consumed food.

Salomon Ultra Pirineu. September 2018 TBC. Cerdanya, Pyrenees Marathon Pirineu 2017 is a 45 km high-altitude mountain endurance run in conditions of semi self- sufficiency. The course runs through the stunning landscape of the Cadí Moixeró Natural Park, with 2,400m of positive elevation gain.

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La Mercè. September 2018 TBC. Barcelona Every year, around September 24th, Barcelona celebrates La Mercè, patron saint of the city, and it’s Festa Major. The festival of festivals, draws between 1,500,000 and 2,000,000 people during its week-long duration. Festivities - both cultural and artistic - take place throughout the city in different public spaces.

Delta Birding Festival. September 2018 TBC. Delta de l’Ebre, Terres de l’Ebre The Delta Birding Festival takes place every year in Terres de L’Ebre. During this festival, the Delta, one of the most important natural spaces in the Western Mediterranean, hosts a wide programme of activities with lectures, courses, workshops and contests coupled with a large fair of products and services for birders and nature lovers.

Harvest Festivals. September & October 2018. Catalonia All around Catalonia the wine culture is celebrated and plenty of villages celebrate the harvest festival. During September and October, wineries open their doors to allow visitors take place in the grape harvest process. Some of the main ones happen around the Penedès and Priorat area.

Voll-Damm International Jazz Festival . September - December 2018 . Catalonia The Barcelona International Jazz Festival is one of the most important jazz festivals of its kind in the world, balancing heavyweight artists with up-and-coming names across an exciting programme.

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October 2018

Cavatast. October 2018 TBC. Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, Costa Barcelona 95% of Catalonia’s cava comes from the Penedès region and, in October, cava-lovers can sample the best that the region has to offer at the highly anticipated Cavatast festival in Sant Sadurní D’Anoia. Almost fifty cava producers, restaurants, butchers, bakers and chocolate makers will display cavas and other products for tasting over the three day event. Visitors can sample cava and local produce, learn about the different makers and purchase local products, as well as take part in the different activities available such as guided tours, specialised workshops and cava pairings at local cellars and cava wineries.

Sitges Film Festival. October 2018 TBC. Sitges, Costa Barcelona Sitges Film Festival is the number one international fantasy and horror film festival in the world. With a solid experience, the Sitges Festival is a stimulating universe of encounters, exhibitions, presentations and screenings of fantasy films from all over the world.

Temporada Alta Festival. October - December 2018. Girona, Costa Brava Temporada Alta is a performing arts festival that takes place across 13 unique venues in the cities of Girona and Salt, from October through to December. The festival features theatre, dance, circus, contemporary creation, music, cinema and family events from national and international performers. It hosts major international acts as well as providing a springboard for fresh talent, working to promote productions that bring together Catalan and international artists. Attendees will catch innovative dramatisations, first performances and new productions from renowned performers.

Human Tower competition. 01/10/2018 – 02/10/2018. Tarragona, Costa Daurada The longstanding Catalan tradition of building human towers, or , originated near the city of Tarragona. Traditionally, the Castellers take place as part of traditional festivals, as well as in performances throughout the Castellers season (June – November). In the past 50 years, clubs (colles) have been established throughout Catalonia, with the tradition classified as a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2010. Several of the colles have open practice sessions where visitors can watch or try their hand at building these acrobatic marvels.

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November 2018

Castanyada. 01/11/2017. Catalonia The Catalan tradition of La Castanyada is a popular All Saints’ Day festival held each year on 1 November. It welcomes visitors with concerts and stalls filled with seasonal delicacies, including castanyes (), sweet potatoes, sweet wine and panellets – small Catalan cakes made of marzipan, almonds and various flavours. For an authentic Halloween tradition, head to the small village of Sant Feliu Sasserra in Bages, where a fascinating two-day Witch Festival is held every year in honour of the 23 women who were sentenced to death during the Inquisition after being accused of witchcraft. Locally known as Fira de les Bruixes, the event begins on the night of 31 October in Plaça de l’Església with a parade that runs through the village’s darkest corners.

December 2018

Christmas markets and fairs. December 2017. Catalonia Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmas markets in Catalonia. The most famous of these is Barcelona’s Fira de Santa Llúcia which sits under the city’s famous Gothic cathedral. A favourite amongst tourists and locals alike, the market has over 300 stalls selling festive decorations, nativity scenes, handmade crafts, plants, food, wine and the famous Caga Tió. Visitors looking for a Christmas market off- the-beaten-track should head to the charming town of in the . Alternatively, there’s Tarragona’s Christmas market, which is adorned with twinkling fairy lights and sells an assortment of ornaments and crafts.

Living nativity scenes. December 2017. Catalonia Living Nativity Scenes have been performed across Catalonia for hundreds of year. The Christmas spectacle reenacts biblical scenes and brings the traditional roles of country people back to life.

Tió de Nadal. 24/12/2017. Catalonia Caga Tió, a small log of wood with a painted smiling face, is a Christmas Catalan tradition. It appears in homes across Catalonia every year on the 8 December during the Feast of Immaculate Conception. Children keep the log as a pet until Christmas, in the belief that the log will bring more gifts if they look after it well. On Christmas Eve, the children are given a stick with which they hit the Caga Tió and sing a special song, for the Caga Tió to then produce presents.

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