Catalonia Travel Guide

About six million people live in Catalonia, and twice that many visit every year. It's one of Europe's playgrounds, with its beaches along the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada, centered on Sitges. The province of Catalonia forms a triangle bordered by the French frontier to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the east, and the province of Aragón to the west. The northern coastline is rugged, whereas the Costa Dorada is flatter, with sandy beaches and a mild, sunny climate. Tarragona is the capital of its own province, and Barcelona is the political, economic, and cultural center of Catalonia.

Catalonia is today an autonomous region within Spain but has an older history as an independent territory of the Crown of Aragon which in some ways historically predates Spain itself. The region gained its current autonomous status first in the Republican era (1930s) and then again after Franco's death in 1975 and continues to press for more political and economic autonomy. Steer clear from political debates concerning the subject as they usually come to a dead end. You will find Spanish (called "Castellano" in Spain) somewhat helpful. However while it is wiely understood, some people may be reluctant to answer, especially away from Barcelona and areas frequented by many tourists. This is due the historic fact that during the Francisco Franco dictatorship the Spanish language was for a time imposed on Catalonia by law and the native Catalan language prohibited. By and large, Catalans are happy to help in Spanish once they realizes you are not a native Spaniard but a tourist trying your best.