We're planning on spending one of our weeks in Spain close to Barcelona. We have a choice of being based in Tarragona or Gerona. We will like to make several daytrips into Barcelona and we will have a car.<BR><BR>First Q: which would be best for visiting Barcelona, Tarragona or Gerona?<BR><BR>Second Q: which would be the best way to do this? Take the train/bus in from T or G or drive into Barcelona?

There is little to choose between the two as regards accessibility to Barcelona. Both cities are linked by direct rail service, taking about an hour depending on which train you take. Again, A7 motorway links both cities to Barcelona. There is a kind of ring road (beltway) called Ronda around the Catalan capital, with exit ramps suitable for different parts of the city. Your major problem will be city traffic, which is very heavy, and parking. For trips into Barcelona, I would use the train and the excellent metro system.

Hi<BR><BR>When I visit Barcelona from the Girona direction, I park near the outer limit of the metro and use public transport.<BR>Can't remember the name, but it is signposted.<BR><BR>Peter<BR>http://tlp.netfirms.com<BR>

DianeG, <BR>Ditto to all that Alec has told you.<BR>I'd just add that I really wouldn't drive into BCN from either location, as there is heavy construction on the Diagonal now slowing all traffic down, and we found the traffic (and motorcylces coming at one from every direction, totally unpredictable) just too tedious, really a headache-the worst we've ever seen it. I would use the car for excursions elsewhere and take the train into BCN. It's so easy.<BR><BR>Although from Tarragona there are almost twice the # of daily trains, with the new Euromed which will take you in under an hr. (but which costs 3 times more than the others), from Girona there are plenty of daily trains, more than 25, so train transfers are convenient from either city.<BR><BR>As to which city to use as a base, I would first read George Semler's descriptions of each in Fodor's Spain, or those of Lonely Planet's Catalunya or Cadogan's Northern Spain, to see which area holds the most appeal to you. I'm personaly drawn to the topography and attractions of the Girona province, more than points south of BCN, but this is a very personal preference. You'll have plenty of great sights to see in both areas.<BR><BR>In and around Tarragona you have Roman ruins, a stunning aqueduct, the spectacular Cistercian Monastery of Poblet, plus the other at Santes Creus, the wineries of the Penedes, cava cellars of Sant Sadurni d'Anoia (to visit Codorniu or Freixenet on a little tram with sampling afterwards), there's great dining in Cambrils, Montserrat is easily accessible, and the lively, sophisticated beach town of Sitges is midway between T and BCN.<BR><BR>Girona with its atmospheric Call (Jewish Quarter) and colorful buildings bordering the river plus nice Ramblas also makes a great stay (we've used it as a base ourselves), From there you can visit the Dali triangle if you have interest in that artist (the Teatre Museu in Figueres, Gala's residence of Pubol and their eccentric home in Port Lligat), the bohemian artists' colony of Cadaques, the important Green and Roman ruins at Empuries, ancient Iberian settlement at Ullstret, the scenic medieval villages of Pals and Peretallada, the lovely coves/fishing villages around Begur of Aiguablava, Sa Riera, Sa Tuna, Calella de Palafruguell, Tamariu, Llafranc. Plus from Girona you're also within striking distance of postcard picture pretty coastal Collioure across the border and adorable Ceret in French Catalonia. <BR><BR>I'd do some research, then choose whichever most fitis your interests.

Thanks to all of you - especially Maribel! What a gem you are!! We will follow your excellent advice and research the attractions of both.<BR><BR>It seems that either choice would be good for the purpose of taking the train into Barcelona; and we'll make our choice based on what appeals to us the most about the area's attractions. Both being equal, I think that I'm drawn more to Gerona, being so close to the French border and to Figueres...

Hi Diane,<BR>Great choice! I'm envious-would love to go along. Wishing you wonderful explorations!