What to do in Barcelona vicinity?
 

Message: We want to explore, by auto, the area around Barcelona for 4-5 days in late October, but we're having difficulty designing an itinerary that makes sense. We plan on going to Tarragona, Sitges, Tossa del Mar, Girona, and Figueres (for the Dali museum). Any suggestions?<BR><BR>

The Dali museum is a must-see for those interested in art and architecture - quite fascinating!! The museum also had a brochure with a couple other sites where Dali worked - these might be of interest.

You could go to the mountain spiritual sanctuary of Montserrat. I was there in '99 and found it very fascinating (although the weather was deplorable for June). <BR><BR>Pilgrims come from all over the world to visit Montserrat and see the Black Madonna. There is also an art gallery and the church that contains the Madonna has a boy's choir that is excellent.<BR><BR>If you go, bring an umbrella, rain poncho, and wear warm clothing even if it is sweltering in Barcelona.

If you send me an e-mail I will send you some folders of notes on Barcelona, trips out, the Gerona area and the Pyrenees.

Jocko<BR><BR>We travelled there 2 years ago. You will love it.<BR><BR>In Tarragona, stay at the Hotel Imperial Tarraco. Get a room with sea view 8th or 9th floor. You overlook the Med & a Roman amphitheater. Stunning.<BR><BR>North of Barcelona, east of Girona, make sure you stop or stay in Peretallada, an ancient stone village.<BR><BR>For general info see http://tourism.catalonia.net/<BR><BR>and<BR><BR>http://www.costabrava.com/catala/guia/oficines_de_turisme.htm<BR>

Jacko - I toured Catalonia in May for four days doing a loop that included the Pyranees and the coast - it was really far too much in such a short time but I enjoyed it all. I recommend you visit Karen Brown's website and download the "Costa Brava" and Barcelona itineraries.<BR><BR>http://karenbrownusa.com/spaininns/itinerary.html<BR><BR>I stayed at two of the Parador's recommended (Cardona & Seu d’Urgell) and can recommend both - the second has the most spectacular views over the sea so make sure you get a sea-view room. Don't miss Girona and if you tire of the coast, follow her route through the Pyranees, you will not be disapointed.<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip.

I, too, took the Karen Brown route ( Costa Brava and Beyond) a few years ago. Really enjoyed it. It's worth looking at her suggestions and then tailoring them to suit your style.<BR><BR>Loved Monserrat and wish I had gone to Tarragona. Spent a lovely night's stay in S'agaro at Hostel de la Gavina.

Girona and Figueres are north and Sitges and Tossa del Mar and Tarragona are south. South is more about beaches, and anclent Rome. North is more about medieval towns and mountains (and Dali) I personally love Girona. Definately worth one day and then a half day to visit Figueres IF you are a Dali enthusiast (that's all that's there) and then you could loop back to the south. There are so many lovely little towns and natural things to see in Catalonia that you cannot go wrong whichever way you go.