ECOTURISM in CATALONIA [LINK]

What to see?

In a small north-eastern triangle of the Iberian Peninsula lies Catalonia. Its strategic position, bordering with the Peninsula, the Pyrenees, and the Mediterranean Sea, offers a diversity of landscapes, biomes and wildlife, and cultural heritage that makes Catalonia unique. Going from the Pyrenean mountains, the landscapes include extensive coastal wetland regions, steppe habitats in the interior, pines and olive tree groves, evergreen forests in some highland regions, and a truly myriad of the different Mediterranean habitats. This is indicative of the marked culture that can be found there. Some elements from Catalan culture that cannot be missed are the “Castellers” (human towers), the Correfocs (pyrotechnical spectacles) or the Sardanas (Catalan traditional dance). The region is divided into four different provinces: Tarragona, Barcelona, Lleida, and Girona. Each region has its own personality, culture, and landmarks, perfect for a pre- or after-symposium week(s) of tourism. Here are some of the activities we propose to visit our small country.

Tarragona

Activity Tarraco: Tarragona’s Roman World Heritage Site Type Culture Time 1 day More information The Roman Tarraco // The Roman Route

 

Activity Ebro Delta: The largest wetlands and flamingo breeding colony in western Europe Type Nature, birdwatching Time 1-3 days Information What to see and do in the Ebro Delta

 

Activity Wine culture: Priorat vineyards, “Denominación de Orígen” wines of highest quality Type Culture, gastronomy Time 1 day Information Tourism in Priorat

 

Barcelona

Activity Barcelona city: A cosmopolitan European capital of architecture, culture and art Type Culture, tourism Time 1-7 days Information Tourism // Visit Barcelona

 

Activity Montserrat: A monastery on top a mountain range, peak of Catalan spirituality, surrounded by Iberian ibexes Type Nature, hiking, culture Time 1 day Information Visit Montserrat

 

Activity Delta del Llobregat: A birdwatching spot, near the Catalan capital and the Llobregat river Type Nature, birdwatching Time 1-2 days Information The Llobregat Delta

 

Activity Montseny: A remnant of European forests in the middle of the Mediterranean, with an endemic brook newt, the Montseny brook newt! Type Nature, hiking Time 1-5 days Information Natural Park of Montseny

 

Lleida

Activity Seu Vella and Castle of the King-Suda: A huge monastery and castle in the middle of Lleida city with lots of history Type Culture, tourism Time 1 day Information Tourism Lleida experience

 

Activity Mas de Melons Nature Reserve and Estanys d’Ivars: Both the heart of Catalonia’s steppes and an artificial lake in the middle of the driest part of the country, both full of endangered bird species Type Nature, birdwatching Time 1-4 days Information Espais naturals de Ponent, a natural treasure to discover Mas de melons // Estany d’Ivars and Vila-sana

 

Activity Fira de Teatre de Tàrrega: Theatre Fair in the town of Tarrega, lots of street spectacles and performances (5-8th September 2024) Type Culture, art Time 1-4 days Information Fira Tàrrega

 

Activity Adventure sports in Mont-rebei Gorge: Climbing, kayaking, rafting, paragliding, and hang-gliding in gorges and rivers Type Nature, hiking Time 1-5 days Information Hang gliding and paragliding in Àger, kayaking routes in Mont-rebei Gorge Visit Pirineus: Mont-rebei Canyon

 

Girona

Activity Girona city: A beautiful city, with a lot of Catalan history and culture, the jewish old town, gastronomy and Museums Type Culture, tourism Time 1-5 days Information Tourism // Tourist Office of Girona

 

Activity Aiguamolls Natural Park: An extense wetland near the coast, with plenty of riverine forests, tranquil rivers and lagoons full of birds and aquatic life Type Nature, birdwatching Time 1-3 days Information Aiguamolls Natural Park // Natural Park of the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà

 

Activity Garrotxa Volcanic Zone: A natural park in the few volcanic areas of Catalonia, with broadleaf forests and dormant volcanoes Type Nature, hiking Time 1-3 days Information Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park // Garrotxa Volcanic Area

 

Activity Sant Pere de Rodes: Huge benedictine monastery in top a huge rock bordering the Mediterranean sea, home to one of the largest breeding gray long-eared bat colonies in Catalonia Type Culture, tourism Time 1 day Information Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes // Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes: The Colossus of Cap de Creus