Visiting Catalunya From Your Home In The Costa Blanca

As we drive away from the Costa Blanca and out of the region of Valencia we arrive in the Catalunya Region of Spain where the capital is Barcelona and there are many interesting towns, villages and seaside resorts to visit. It is also a straightforward drive from home in the Costa Blanca taking just 4 to 7 hours depending which towns you choose to visit. This region is home to two more famous Mediterranean coastlines the Costa Brava to the North of Barcelona and, nearer to home the Costa Dorada to the South of Barcelona.

Costa Dorada – Golden Coast

There are several great places to visit along this coast including the lively resorts of Salou and Cambrils. Salou is perfect for families and is home to the large entertainment resort of PortAventura World, here the whole family can have a fun filled holiday visiting the theme park with its thrilling roller coasters, shows, themed areas taking you through different destinations from the wild west to Polynesia. Ferrari Land is great for racing fans with adrenaline fuelled rides it gives you an opportunity to experience the thrill of Formula 1. Finally, the Caribe Aquatic Park provides an escape from the heat at this tropical themed water park with slides, lazy rivers and pools.

Cambrils is not far away and is known for its wonderful beaches, family atmosphere and delicious seafood, it also has a charming old town to explore at leisure. 

The Mediterranean city of Tarragona is the capital of the province that these resorts are located in and is rich in Roman history with excellently well-preserved archaeological sites as well as beautiful beaches. 

Sitges is just south of Barcelona is known for its lively atmosphere, nightlife and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere. It is a resort more suited to adults than families with great beaches and entertainment. The town also has a connection to art with several museums and art galleries to be visiting and an extremely pretty old town.

Why you might wonder would you leave your home in the Costa Blanca to visit the Costa Dorada but, there are subtle differences in this coastline that make for an interesting alternative, and it is definitely worth taking a holiday or short break here.

Living in the Costa Blanca we are used to having the possibility to explore vineyards and taste local wines so aficionados will welcome a trip to the area of Priorat inland from Tarragona with its rolling hills and charming villages it is home to some great vineyards and wine tours and tasting in this region will give you the opportunity to sample some of Spain’s finest red wines. Montblanc is a Medieval town which takes you back in time with its imposing castle and historic centre and the Terra Alta is a region know for its lovely landscape and olive oil.

Costa Brava – Rugged Coast

Travel a little further and you reach a change of scenery in the Costa Brava which translates to Rugged Coast, here you will find dramatic cliffs, coves and traditional fishing villages. Here you will find a place for a more authentic Spanish beach experience. The fishing villages are full of pretty houses and narrow streets it is full of history and art including the works of Salvador Dali. Amongst these towns are Cadeques which was made famous by Dali, Tossa de Mar which is a medieval walled town with great beaches, Begur is a hill village overlooking the coast with a historic medieval old town including the ruins of a castle which you can explore and enjoy panoramic views of the town and coast. However, if you are craving a party atmosphere the resort of Lloret de Mar can provide this.

The Costa Brava is awash with natural beauty from the Cap de Creus Nature Park which is a protected and rugged area to the Medes Islands marine reserve which is the perfect place to dive and snorkel. This coastline provides a real contrast to our Costa Blanca home with its dramatic coastline, it is perfect for a holiday without having to travel too far.

The capital of the region is Girona, this picturesque city from the Middle Ages runs aside the banks of the Onyar river. Here you can visit the old town, the ruins of a medieval fortress with views of the city, the Arab baths and the gothic cathedral.

The northern part of this region brings you to the foothills of the Pyrenees with delicious dishes to taste featuring truffles and chestnuts. Inland from the coast you can also explore the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone natural Park with its craters, evidence of ancient lava flows and lush forests. Various towns are home to thermal spas to enjoy some relaxation following a day of sightseeing. 

Conclusion

Just a short journey to the north of our beautiful home in the Costa Blanca will provide us with a different perspective of Spain and it is well worth planning a holiday or two to these areas to really appreciate the diverse beauty of the Iberian Peninsula.