Catalonia
Catalonia is arguably the most famous region in Spain. This is the second most populous autonomous community and is known worldwide for its cultural uniqueness and the pride of its citizens. Lying in Northeastern Spain, bordering France and Andorra and the Mediterranean coast, Catalonia is a world-class economic and tourist centre. The southern slopes of the Pyrenees, one of the last remaining intact areas in Europe, are ideal for hiking and rural tourism, as well as skiing because there are also some exquisite ski resorts. The Catalan coastline is wild and hardly accessible near the French border, but its southern part is formed by fine sandy beaches, which are magnet for holidaymakers mainly from Western and Northern Europe. The jewel of the region is its capital - Barcelona - and is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Sites like the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Gaudi's masterpieces or the cult football stadium Camp Nou are seen by millions of tourists every year. Barcelona is also an extraordinary industrial, transportation, cultural and educational centre – and its nightlife is simply proverbial.