Barcelona Region
Just outside of Barcelona is the monastery of Montserrat (below). A famous pilgrimage location because of the Black Madonna, it is also a must see tourist attraction because of itīs stunning location, history and views. Rising some 3000 ft above sea level it is a prominent feature of the Catalunya countryside and can be seen for miles around. It is also very simple to get to without a car. Take the train from Plaįa Espanya to the station Aire Montserrat. Leave the train and catch a cable car and you will be rewarded with a spectacular journey across the river and up the mountainside to the Montserrat monastery.
Down the coast from Barcelona and an easy journey by train is Tarragona and a little further still the mini Barcelona, the city of Valencia. Valencia is now famous for the Americaīs Cup and itīs bid for a Formula 1 street race to rival Monaco. However, both Tarragona and Valencia are steeped in history and have much to interest the amateur historian, especially from the Roman period and the casual tourist alike.
Up the coast from Barcelona, in the Costa Brava, are some beautiful coves yet only a few miles away long stretches of sandy beaches such as those at Pals. Pals town is one of many hill top towns typical of the Catalunya countryside. Torroella de Montgri is another fascinating place with a huge fort built on the mountain overlooking the town and countryside. Of course, Canaques also has to recceive a mention here as the play place of Dali,Picasso and friends and now of the rich and famous. Crystal clear blue waters make this a perfect area for snorkelling and there are many diving centres (Sub aqua) on this part of the coast. Iles de Medes is a Spanish underwater national park with some of the best diving in the Mediterranean.
Inland from the Costa Brava is the town of Girona, with an old town, cathederal and what was once a thriving Jewish quarter. The town of Figureres is a little further up the AP7 motorway and is home to the Dali museum and itīs own Rambla. Inland from the coast there is magnificent countryside. Long fingers of cliffs point through the countryside and are home to much wildlife and bird life. We have seen white storks, vultures (griffin), european bee eaters, wild boar, ginnettas and more.
Girona and Figureres are accessable by train. The Costa Brava coast is a nice day trip but you will need to do this trip by car or bus.
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