A beautiful coastline with long sandy beaches and dreamy bays, historical towns and villages, vibrant nightlife and a mountainous landscape with peaks up to 3,000 metres high. If you are looking for a varied holiday destination with all these elements and a wonderful climate, then visit Northern Spain. You are guaranteed to have the most wonderful holiday with your family, friends or loved ones here.

Location and history

The north-eastern part of Spain is the region of Catalonia. This prosperous region on the Mediterranean Sea stretches from the Pyrenees near the French border in the north to the Valencia region in the south. It has a coastline of no less than 600 kilometres, of which the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada are the best known. These coasts have a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers. The region has three airports, so you can easily reach this destination not only by car but also by plane. 

Although its history goes back to the time of the Greeks, the typical Catalan culture originated in the Middle Ages. Many remnants from that time can be found here and the countless historical towns and villages still breathe the spirit of that era.

The most beautiful beaches and seaside resorts

The coastline, which is almost 600 kilometres long, consists of three “costas”, each of which has its own characteristics. The Costa Brava is the most northerly coast. The literal translation is “Wild Coast” which is reflected in the rocks and cliffs. In between, there are picturesque coves but also beautiful long sandy beaches. One of the most beautiful coves is Cala Aiguablava, while in Lloret de Mar you can spend a lovely beach day at Playa Santa Cristina. Nice seaside resorts include Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar and Playa d’Aro or quiet villages like Palamos or Rosas.

South of the Costa Brava, just past Blanes, begins the Costa Maresme. This area is especially popular with Spaniards and the wealthy from Barcelona who spend their weekends here. Barcelona is just a stone’s throw away and you can easily visit the beautiful metropolis from the well-known seaside resorts Calella and Malgrat de Mar.

The southernmost coast of the region is the Costa Dorada, which means “Golden Coast”. Look at the beautiful sandy beaches and you will immediately see why. The kilometres of golden beaches, no less than 215 kilometres long, are the best in Catalonia. Sun, sea and sand are therefore central in popular seaside resorts like Sitges, Cambrils and Salou. Some of the beaches that stand out include Playa de Vilafortuny near Cambrils or Cala Penya Tallada near Salou.

Barcelona, Gerona and Tarragona: the most beautiful cities in northern Spain

The most famous place in this region is the metropolis Barcelona, with its famous Ramblas where you can take a stroll and the street artists will never cease to amaze you. The medieval district Barrio Gótico is always crowded. Barcelona breathes the spirit of Gaudi, with the Sagrada Familia as its most striking building, where construction has been going on since 1882. The city beaches and the harbour are lovely places to enjoy the sun, sea and sand. Be sure to visit Furia Beach BCN!

Perhaps less known, but equally beautiful are Gerona and Tarragona. Gerona is not far from the Costa Brava. The old compact centre of this provincial capital is crossed by the river Onyar with colourful houses on both sides. The Jewish quarter of Gerona is the oldest part of the city, where you can wander through authentic alleys and squares and visit the old city walls and beautiful churches along the way. South of Barcelona, by the beaches of the Costa Dorada, lies Tarragona. The combination of beach and beautiful old town with Roman ruins like the Amphitheatre, make this city a must-see during your holiday. At the Plaça de la Font, the liveliest square in this old town, you will experience Tarragona to the full.

Picturesque villages and medieval history

Besides bustling big cities, there are many picturesque villages scattered along the coast. The fishing village Cadaquès and the medieval Pals are known as some of the most beautiful villages on the Costa Brava. Further south lies Palamos, one of the most authentic fishing villages on the coast. On the Costa Dorada, the villages of Altafulla and the better known Cambrils are well worth visiting. With dozens of beautiful villages, however, this is only a small selection of the options available to immerse yourself in the local life and history of this region.

The paradise-like nature of northern Spain

Catalonia has more than ten official nature reserves. One of the largest nature parks is Cap de Creus on the Costa Brava. Here, the foothills of the Pyrenees end up in the sea. The result is high cliffs and rugged bays surrounded by rocks. You can take the most beautiful hiking and cycling trips here. Both Cap de Creus and the Medes Islands to the south are also ideal for snorkelling and diving excursions.

The inland areas, especially on the Costa Brava, are characterised by mountain peaks that reach up to 3141 metres in the Pyrenees. Closer to the coast, the mountains are not as high, but certainly no less spectacular. The Ardenya Massif is an unspoilt area with streams and ponds, where you can go for beautiful walks, cycling trips and even horseback riding. Be sure to visit Montserrat near Barcelona, which not only has a famous monastery, but also offers hikes with breathtaking views and rock climbing on the jagged walls.

The Nature Parks Aiguamolls de l’Emporda (Costa Brava) and Ebro Delta (Costa Dorada) are the habitat of hundreds of different species of water birds. You can explore these two marshy areas with salt pans and fresh water on foot, by bike or by boat. You might spot special birds, such as flamingos, the black Ibis and purple heron.

Holiday homes and villas in Northern Spain

Do you dream of a well-deserved holiday under the Spanish sun? Of a place where you can relax in a way that suits you? Then book one of the beautiful holiday homes or villas at Club Villamar. Enjoy quality time with your family or friends in peace and quiet. Many villas even have a private pool, making sure you lack for nothing during your ultimate holiday in Northern Spain!

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