19 days in Catalonia Itinerary

Proud of its distinct culture and heritage, Catalonia is an autonomous region within Spain. The fierce spirit of this region and its inhabitants has shaped the history of Spain and, often, the rest of Europe. Its diverse land is home to the metropolis of Barcelona and numerous smaller urban centers, villages, and resorts, many of which are packed with sightseeing possibilities and tourists all year long. Despite seemingly unstoppable commercialization and urbanization, much of Catalonia has managed to retain the wild, unblemished beauty that drew visitors to Spain in the first place. Its main geographical feature is the mighty Pyrenees range, dominating a landscape of green valleys dotted with sleepy rural communities, ancient monasteries, and working vineyards ideal for day trips.

Lleida is a city in the west of Catalonia, Spain. It is the capital city of the province of Lleida.Geographically, it is located in the Catalan Central Depression. It is also the capital city of the Segrià comarca, as well as the largest city in the province. It had 137,387 inhabitants, including the contiguous municipalities of Raimat and Sucs.Lleida is one of the oldest towns in Catalonia, with recorded settlements dating back to the Bronze Age period. Until the Roman conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, the area served as a settlement for an Iberian people, the Ilergetes. The town became a municipality, named Ilerda, under the reign of Augustus. It was reconquered in 1149, after being ruled by the Moors for many centuries, who had conquered the town in the 8th century. In 1297, the University of Lleida was founded, becoming the third oldest in the whole of Spain. During the following centuries, the town was damaged by several wars such as the Reapers' War in the 17th century and the Spanish Civil War in the 20th century. Since then, the city has been in a constant urban, commercial and demographic growth.

Once the territory that guarded the rugged mountain passes through the eastern Pyrenees, the Province of Girona today enjoys a prosperity largely stemming from tourism, which is especially booming along the coast. Its golden beaches hug the Mediterranean Sea. Moving uphill, off the beaten path, lush valleys lead to snowy mountains. The countryside is rich with sunflower fields and densely wooded areas. Visitors are greeted by ancient villages full of whitewashed houses and tiny alfresco cafes to tour. These are the landscapes that inspired Salvador Dalí, who lived and worked in the area for many years.

One of the most developed and prosperous regions in the country, the Province of Barcelona is located in the center of Catalonia. Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees, it offers a broad range of tourist attractions and places to visit, from modern cities with distinguished cultural heritage to some of Europe’s most popular beaches. Its countryside, somewhat conquered by commercial interests, boasts Michelin-starred restaurants, award-winning vineyards, and trendy spas. In its urban centers, expect hundreds of historic sites, as well as numerous museums, galleries, bars, cafes, and shops.