Catalunya is a region as different from Spain as it is from France and yet geographically on the doorstep of both. 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 stand out since its inception during the high middle ages.

Catalunya was an independent country from around 1050 until it was annexed by Philip V in 1714. Self-government was returned in 1979 and despite years of repression and prohibition Catalan as a language had survived and is still used by the majority of Catalans today.

Art is central to the Catalan way of life and the region has birthed many poets and artists. Modernism had its birth here with artists such as Salvador Dali and Antoni Gaudi. Opera has strong roots in Barcelona and Tarragona and Catalunya has played a pioneering role in experimenting and renovation (have a look for Dagoll Dagom or Fura dels Bau). Sitges has an international film festival and the festival Sonar have made Catalunya a landmark on the European music scene with Barcelona at the forefront.

With some 580 km of coastline Catalunya is a fundamentally Mediterranean country. It has a variety of seascapes ranging from the secluded coves of the Costa Brava in the north to the Costa Daurada with long fine sandy beaches to the south. At last count, there were over 200 beaches and 43 marinas, more than enough to keep any salt water fanatic happy for weeks.  Inland and one finds Montserrat mountain, thermal spas, great natural parks, the Pyrenees and a constellation of cities.  Our collection of private villas with pools will enchant you and entire you to explore this fascinating region.

Sports fans will love the 17 ski resorts, 36 Catalunyan golf courses and 33 pitch and putt courses. They range from the feet of the Pyrenees right down to the coast and have some incredible views.

Barcelona is the capital and should be included in any trip to the region and accounts for almost half of the population. The best way to see Barcelona for the first time is to take the Bus tour. They depart from Plaza Catalunya in the town centre. Although a stroll down the ramblas towards the beach to watch the street entertainers is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. The city has become synonymous with shopping due to the largest shopping mall in Spain being here - El Corte Ingles. Whatever you do, take your time, Barcelona is a very laid back city in a very laid back region

Due to its popularity and distinctly different forward thinking mentality, Catalunyan cities have become popular once again with the youth of Spain. Gerona, Tarragona, Lleida, Tortosa, Vic, Manresa, Reus, Figueres, Sabadell, Terrassa and Igualada are great for days out.

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