Barcelona.

Barcelona is situated within the autonomous region of Spain called Catalonia - geographically in the  extreme north east  of the Spain bordering  the Mediterranean sea to the east. To the north west  France – Catalogne nord - Languedoc Roussillon  and Andorra. To the west Aragon,  Valencia to the south. Catalonia prides itself on its own national identity –ongoing debates rage regarding independence from Spain, and Barcelona is the capital. 

Barcelona, is possibly one of the most well known and well loved cities in the world with around 5 million inhabitantants within the city and metropolitan areas - famed  for the Olympics held in the 1990’s and also for its culture and art -Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro and Antoni Gaudi amongst the famous sons. Gastronomy too is an important feature- Ferran Adria having been voted the worlds best chefs on more than one occasion.
The jewel in the Catalan crown and the second city of Spain with an enviable location on the eastern  Mediterranean seaboard, home to the Generalit of Catalunya - the government of Catalonia. There is an important  commercial and passsenger port with ferries to the Balearic Isles and Italy –  departure and stop off destination for many cruise liners. Other means of communication include the international airport and a well established road and rail network within Spain and beyond to Portugal, France, continental Europe and ferries to the African continent.

A  lively and vibrant city. Tourism plays a major part in the economy although it is an important sporting, financial, media and arts centre with many international trade delegations availing of the city facilities. Spreading inland  from the sea over  the coastal plains to the heavily wooded hills. The long sandy beaches are very popular throughout the year, heaving in the summer with locals and tourists cooling off from the high temperatures.  

A dynamic city that seemingly never sleeps, with restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs of all denomination to suit all lifestyles. Beyond this aspect of the city lies a hardworking, dynamic power house of industry particularly successful in the biomedical and hi - tech industries. The Barcelona Ajuntament (town hall) continually evolving to present a fresh and dynamic look for Barcelona - Fashionistas and  Shopping in Barcelona well served with many public events throughout the year. Sports enthusiasts are particularly well served with FC Barcelona, one of the most famous football clubs in the World today and several annual Barcelona Formula One racing events.
Barcelona Tourism is a serious business in Barcelona, the Port of Barcelona a cruise destination and the International airport home to numerous national and international airlines - accessing  Barcelona from all corners of the World. There are any number of hotels and hosteleries catering for tourism of all scale - back packers to luxury city breaks.
The city is bursting with interesting visitor sites - a legacy from many of its famous sons, Antoni Gaudi and Picasso amongst them along with a plethora of festivals in which to participate ( or just spectate).
•The Sagrada Familia - ongoing work of the visionary architect  Antoni Gaudi.
•L'Aquarium de Barcelona - from shells to sharks, something for all the family to enjoy.
•Poble Espanyol - the Spanish Village high above the city at Montjuic - Spanish architecture and crafts for all the family to enjoy.
•Barcelona Zoo - Snowflake the albino gorilla may be gone but there is still plenty to see and do at this major attraction.
•The Picasso Museum - dedicated to the works of Pablo Picasso, adopted son of Barcelona city one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
A small selection of the very many activities to enjoy in Barcelona.