Catalonia has its own language, its own parliament and a strong sense of being different from the rest of Spain. Barcelona is the reason most people come, but the region also has the coves of the Costa Brava, Roman Tarragona, medieval Girona and ski resorts in the Pyrenees, all within two to three hours of each other.
It is one of Spain’s richest regions and its job market for international professionals is second only to Madrid. That also makes it one of the most expensive places to live.
Climate
Mediterranean on the coast (mild winters, warm humid summers), cold winters with snow in the Pyrenees, hot dry summers inland around Lleida.
Best time: May, June and September for the coast; December to March for skiing in the Pyrenees.
Food and drink
Pa amb tomàquet, calçots with romesco in late winter, seafood rice dishes, cava from the Penedès, and one of the highest concentrations of top restaurants in Europe.
What it’s like
Barcelona dominates: a big Mediterranean city with beaches, Gaudí’s buildings and a large international population. Girona is smaller, safer-feeling and popular with families and cyclists. The Costa Brava north of Barcelona is rocky and green, with small coves; the Costa Daurada to the south has long sandy beaches.
Language
Catalan is the main language of schools and local government. You can live in Barcelona using Spanish or English, but learning some Catalan helps with schools, neighbours and many jobs. Free Catalan courses are offered by the Consorci per a la Normalització Lingüística.
Living here
Rents in Barcelona are among the highest in Spain, and the city has been restricting tourist flats. Girona, Sabadell, Terrassa and towns along the coast with a train link to Barcelona (Sitges, Mataró, Castelldefels) are common alternatives.
Getting around
The Rodalies commuter network and FGC trains cover the Barcelona area. High-speed trains reach Madrid in about 2.5 to 3 hours and Paris in about 6.5.
Towns and cities in Catalonia
Catalonia
Barcelona
Gaudí, beaches, food and Europe’s best-known city break, plus a big international job market and some of Spain’s highest rents.
€€€€ 3 to 4 days
Catalonia
Girona
A medieval city with colourful riverside houses, a famous cycling scene and the Costa Brava 40 minutes away, under 40 minutes from Barcelon…
€€€€ 1 to 2 days
Catalonia
Sitges
A beach town 40 minutes from Barcelona by train, with 17 beaches, a famous carnival and film festival, and a large international and LGBTQ+…
€€€€ 1 to 2 days
Catalonia
Tarragona
Roman Tarraco by the sea: an amphitheatre on the beach, human towers (castells), and good value compared with Barcelona.
€€€€ 1 to 2 days
Fiestas in Catalonia
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak Catalan to live in Catalonia?
Not to get by. Spanish works everywhere and English is common in Barcelona’s international circles. Children in local state schools are taught mainly in Catalan, and some public-sector jobs require it.
What is the best time to visit Catalonia?
May, June and September for the coast; December to March for skiing in the Pyrenees.
What is the weather like in Catalonia?
Mediterranean on the coast (mild winters, warm humid summers), cold winters with snow in the Pyrenees, hot dry summers inland around Lleida.
Tips from travellers
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