Catalonia – a tourist magnet that’s distinctively different

Catalonia – a tourist magnet that’s distinctively different – Catalonia’s distinctive culture and language have been at the heart of serious political upheavals in recent times – but don’t let that put off a visit to this wonderful region.

The Catalan Tourist Board has just unveiled an exciting Year of Culture for 2018 when  visitors will be able to explore and enjoy the region’s wealth of cultural attractions, spectacular landscapes and unique gastronomy scene.

For the Catalan tourism industry it is a case of business as usual.

Boasting nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, Catalonia is world-renowned for its cultural festivals, traditions and superb gastronomic scene, that are steeped in history and age old traditions.

Explore Tarragona

The city of Tarragona will feature in UNESCO’s Ancient Europe tourist route. Tarragona itself is known for its spectacular Roman ruins, including its Amphitheatre and aqueduct and hosts the Festival of Roman History every May.

Catalan traditions

The city of Valls has established a brand new ‘Castellers’ museum dedicated to the Catalan human towers. The longstanding Catalan tradition of building human towers, or castells, originated near Tarragona. Traditionally, the castellers take place as part of traditional festivals, as well as in performances throughout the castellers season (June – November). In 2018, the biannual International Castellers contest comes back to Catalonia, offering visitors an incredible show where the different ‘colles’ compete to build the highest and most complex human tower.

For information on events and festivals in Catalonia, visit https://experience.catalunya.com/en

About Catalonia

Catalonia is a Mediterranean destination in the Iberian Peninsula with a millenary history, its own culture and language, as well as a wealth of natural heritage. Its rich gastronomic culture and 65 Michelin-starred restaurants make it a prime destination for wine and culinary tourism.

Covering 32,107km, Catalonia is divided into four regions; Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona.

Together, the territory offers visitors stunning scenery, culture, history and cuisine; from the towering heights of the Catalan Pyrenees to the spectacular coastline of the Costa Brava, Costa Barcelona, Costa Daurada and Terres de l’Ebre.

Its diversity and excellent facilities place it among Europe’s prime tourist areas, welcoming 18 million tourists per year.