Catalonia is an Autonomous Community of Spain located on its Medditerranean coast bordering France. Catalonia's capital city is Barcelona, one of the most important and beautiful Spanish cities with population over 1.6 mln. Geographically Catalonia is divided into  four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. Every province is divided into smaller Comarques (kind of counties), there are 41 comarques in Catalonia. Empuriabrava is located in comarque Alt Empordà (Upper Emporda), Province of Girona.

The present borders of Catalonia are very close to those of Principality of Catalonia, the union of local counties formed during Reconquista times. Catalonis carefully preserves its history, culture and Catalan language. Catalan, Spanish and Aranese (spoken in Aran Valley) are three official languages in Catalonia. Although many of local day-to-day activities, road signs, etc. are in Catalan, you won't get lost if you speak only traditional Spanish (Castellano) or French. Knowledge of English language is also improving  in recent years, especially in coastal areas of Catalonia thanks to booming tourism.

Being one of the most economically developed areas in Spain, Catalonia plays important role in the country's economy and, particularly in the indstry of tourism. With major airports in Barcelona and Girona and convenient railway link from France the area is very popular among European citizens thanks to a great weather, historical heritage and relatively affordable prices.

Catalonia is a very popular destination for self-catering holidays. There are many options for renting villas, holiday houses and apartments of any kind on one of its Costas - Costa Daurada, Costa del Maresme or Costa Brava. Nevertheless, the major part of sea resorts in Catalonia are dominated by hotels and only a few destinations, esopecially on Costa Brava are specialized on self-catering villa renting. Empuriabrava, L'Escala and several other Costa Brava destinations.

If you stay in Empuriabrava, visiting Barcelona is quite easy - just drive about 1.5 hours by E-15/AP-7 highway to the South or take Catalonia Express from the railway station of Figueres. Figueres Station is 12 km wawy from the villa. The train ride takes 1h45min and arrives to Barcelona Sants Terminal, not far from the city's center.

In Barcelona you may find many tourist attractions. You may enjoy a stroll down La Rambla strethcing from Plaza Catalunia towards the sea, visiting cosy quarters of the old town and straight streets of Eixample as well as museums of Picasso, Miro and Gaudi. All this information you may find in any tourist guide, we just may give you a few advices.

• For those visiting  Barcelona for the first time it may be a good idea to take a tour on one of hop-on/hop-off Touristic buses cruising through the city - there are tickets valid for one or two days and you'll have a change to see all major attractions including famous buildings by Gaudi, Montaner and other architects who created the face of the city in the XX century. There are many bus stops in the city and the starting point of all routes is on Plaza Catalunya, right in the center of the city.
• If you have more time - go for a concert to the Palacio de Musica Catalana to take a look at this magnificent building by famous arhcitects and artisits.
• In addition to visiting Gaudi-related sites take a walk through Park Guell created by the architect.
• you may also enjoy shopping in numerous shops of the central Barcelona. There is also a popular shopping destination called La Roca Village located on your way from Empuriabrava to Barcelona (Exit 12 form AP7 Motorway direction Cardedeu / La Roca del Vallès).