Luxury hotel holidays to Catalonia and Eastern Spain

Luxury holidays to Catalonia and Eastern Spain: luxury hotel holidays, touring holidays and special interest holidays

An Expressions tailor-made holiday to eastern Spain feature some of the best four and five star hotels in Catalonia and Valencia, including luxury beach resorts on the Costa Brava, mountain retreats in the Catalan Pyrenees and city hotels in Barcelona and Valencia. Eastern Spain is a diverse area with buzzing cities and mediaeval towns, rugged coastline and sandy beaches, soaring mountains and lush river deltas. There is a great wealth of historical and cultural sights throughout Catalonia and the Valencian community, both within the main cities and hidden away in the countryside. Although Barcelona is the main draw for visitors to eastern Spain, the rest of the region is well worth visiting and offers tremendous diversity. During a holiday in eastern Spain, visitors can trek or partake in mountain sports, relax on the beach and visit historic towns and cities all within the space of a few days. Catalonia itself is a unique region which provided inspiration for a number of famous artists such as Dali and Picasso, and retains a strong regional identity which is evident in its language, distinctive cuisine and lively local festivals. In the north is Catalonia, whose capital is the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Barcelona. With unique architecture and a rich culture, gourmet restaurants and lively bars, golden beaches and tranquil parks, it is not surprising that Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe. Away from the city there is an abundance of cultural and historical attractions as well as areas of stunning natural beauty. The entire region retains a strong regional identity, with its own commonly used language, distinctive cuisine and lively local festivals. Towns and cities including Girona, Tarragona, Vic and Lleida are home to a variety of highlights including mediaeval castles, cobbled old towns, ancient Roman ruins and modernist architecture. Stretching north towards the French border are the pretty coves, jagged cliffs and golden beaches of the Costa Brava, where you can still find wild and untouched stretches of coastline in between busy coastal towns. Meanwhile, inland are the snow-capped Pyrenees, a towering mountain range which forms the border with France and is dotted with remove villages, an ideal setting for trekking and partaking in mountain sports. Past the vineyards and rice fields of southern Catalonia is the Valencian Community, whose capital is Spain's third-largest city. Valencia has reinvented itself in recent years with futuristic architecture and a sophisticated port area which contrast with the historic buildings of the atmospheric old town. Further south are the sprawling beach resorts of the Costa Blanca, but if you head away from the Valencian coastline you will find craggy mountains, peaceful nature reserves, colourful citrus groves, traditional villages and ancient fortresses.

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

● Single centre or multi-centre
● Long or short stays
● Combine a number of different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Spain and within Spain, combining flights, hire-car, rail, ferries and private transfers

Our special interest holidays to Catalonia and Eastern Spain

● Food and wine holidays
● Golf holidays
● Art holidays
● Cultural holidays
● Walking holidays
● Private guided sightseeing
● Spa holidays
● Family holidays

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245

Highlights of Catalonia and Eastern Spain

Barcelona's Gothic quarter, a maze of narrow streets and plazas which is home to historic buildings including La Seu Cathedral. Modernist architecture throughout the region, particularly in Barcelona where Gaudí­ designed works including the Sagrada Familia church and Park Guell. Green spaces within Barcelona such as Montjuic, a fortress-topped hill, and Parc de la Ciutatella, a popular park with a zoo and several museums. The City of Arts and Sciences and the Fine Arts Museum in Valencia. Historic monuments within Valencia including a 15th century silk exchange and a Cathedral, home to a Holy Chalice which is said to be the Holy Grail. The Monastery of Montserrat, a religious complex in a spectacular setting atop craggy mountains with chapels, hermits' caves and numerous nature trails. Wineries in towns such as Sant Sadurní d'Anoia and Vilafranca del Penedès. Tarragona, a port city with fascinating Roman remains. The ancient walled city of Girona. Vic, a quintessentially Catalan town with an outstanding market. Cardona, a picturesque town with an impressive fortress. The renowned Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres. Charming towns along the Costa Brava such as Cadaques, as well as those further inland such as the colourful town of Begur. Pretty villages in the Pyrenees, where visitors can also hike and partake in mountain activities. Wildlife in the wetlands of the Albufera Natural Park.

Festivals in Catalonia and Eastern Spain

March: Las Fallas festival of fire (Valencia), 23 April: Celebration of Catalonia's patron saint, April: Barcelona April Fair, May: Girona flower fair, 23 June: Midsummer's Eve Festival, July: Valencia July Fair, July/August: Begur Music Festival, August: La Tomatina tomato throwing festival (Buñol), 11 September: National day of Catalonia, September: Celebration of Barcelona's patron saint, September/October: Human tower festivals (near Tarragona).

Gastronomy in Catalonia and Eastern Spain

Cuisine in eastern Spain takes inspiration from both nearby France and from central Spain whilst making use of local ingredients available including seafood, fresh vegetables, meat and game. Paella, the rice dish which is known the world over originated in Valencia. Barcelona is home to some of Spain's best restaurants, with gastronomic chefs creating innovative cuisine and over 20 boasting at least one Michelin star. Typical dishes include unusual ‘sea and mountain' combinations which use both meat and seafood, ‘Pa amb tomàquet' (bread with tomato, oil and garlic), ‘Fideuá' (a variant of Paella with pasta), ‘Zarzuela' (a seafood stew), ‘Escudella’ (a stew containing vegetables, meat, rice and pasta) and ‘Crema Catalana' (a Catalan version of a Crème Brûlée).

Climate in Catalonia and Eastern Spain

Eastern Spain enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, although mountainous areas are somewhat cooler. Late spring and early autumn are great times to visit coastal areas as the weather is warm with temperatures of around 20 degrees centigrade, although some rainfall can be expected. Summer in the cities can be unbearably hot, but the coastline is cooled by sea breezes. Winter is generally mild with occasional rain and average temperatures of 10 degrees, whilst temperatures regularly drop below freezing in the Pyrenees and snow often falls.

Catalonia and Eastern Spain travel information

Catalonia & Eastern Spain is reached very easily from the UK by air and rail.

By air

Barcelona-El Prat Airport is served by a huge number of flights to the UK and other destinations around the world. There are a number of daily flights from London airports with British Airways, as well as flights with low-cost airlines to regional airports. The airport is easily accessible from the city centre by train and bus. Valencia, Girona, Reus and Lleida airports are all served by low-cost airlines, whilst British Airways also operates flights to Alicante airport which gives access to the south of the region.

Car hire

It is possible to travel between the region's main cities by train, but a hire-car is recommended for holidays which include the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees.

Rail travel

Rail is a convenient mode of transport within most parts of eastern Spain as many towns and cities have train stations with convenient connections. High-speed trains run between Barcelona and other cities throughout Spain including Madrid, Seville and Bilbao. There is also a high-speed service from Paris which stops at Figueres and Girona en route to Barcelona, allowing visitors to travel all the way from the UK in one day.

Two centre recommendations

Barcelona can be used as a starting point for any holiday in Catalonia. Take a few days to explore the city before moving on to a beach resort on the Costa Brava or a hillside retreat in the Pyrenees. Driving distances not too long, allowing visitors to easily travel between places of interest.

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

● Single centre or multi-centre
● Long or short stays
● Combine a number of different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Spain and within Spain, combining flights, hire-car, rail, ferries and private transfers

Our special interest holidays to Catalonia and Eastern Spain

● Food and wine holidays
● Golf holidays
● Art holidays
● Cultural holidays
● Walking holidays
● Private guided sightseeing
● Spa holidays
● Family holidays

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245

Here you will find a map of Catalonia and Eastern Spain showing the locations of the hotels that we offer

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

● Single centre or multi-centre
● Long or short stays
● Combine a number of different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Spain and within Spain, combining flights, hire-car, rail, ferries and private transfers

Our special interest holidays to Catalonia and Eastern Spain

● Food and wine holidays
● Golf holidays
● Art holidays
● Cultural holidays
● Walking holidays
● Private guided sightseeing
● Spa holidays
● Family holidays

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245

Stripes of yellow and red to represent the Catanlonian flag with straw

CATALAN MOUNTAINS AND COAST DISCOVERY TOUR

8-night fly-drive holiday discovering the diverse scenery of Spanish Catalonia, including Barcelona, the mountains of the Pyrenees and the rugged Costa Brava. From £2,685 per person.
Sailing boats on blue sea in front of small island in bay with yellow sand beach in background at San Sebastian

BASQUE COUNTRY TO CATALONIA FLY-DRIVE TOUR

10-night fly-drive luxury touring holiday of north-eastern Spain, including the Spanish Basque Country, La Rioja, Aragon and Catalonia staying on the coast and in the country, as well in the ancient city of Lleida. From £2,660 per person.
Narrow houses on the beach lined with palms painted bright colours with shutters at Villajoyosa near Alicante

FROM COSTA BLANCA TO CATALONIA BY TRAIN TOURING HOLIDAY

10-night fly-rail touring holiday of the eastern Spanish coast including Alicante, Valencia, Girona and Barcelona. From £2,280 per person.
Castell D'Emporda Eastern Spain castle exterior countryside surrounds

CASTELL D EMPORDA HOTEL La Bisbal d'Emporda, Catalonia

A luxurious, 4-star, castle-hotel in the Catalan countryside near the quaint village of La Bisbal d'Emporda, with 38 rooms in the castle and new wings. Panoramic views and slow food restaurant.
Denia Marriot La Sella Eastern Spain exterior pools palm trees hotel building fields

DENIA LA SELLA GOLF RESORT AND SPA Denia, Costa Blanca

This is a 5-star golf and spa resort with about 185 rooms amongst countryside a short distance from the coast at Denia built in the style of a southern Spanish village. 27-hole golf course, fitness centre, spa and outdoor pool.
Hostal de la Gavina Catalonia exterior lawns trees hotel building

HOSTAL DE LA GAVINA S'Agaro, Costa Brava

An elegant country-style hotel on the coast with an exclusive feel, this is a 5-star hotel with 74 rooms in a 1920s villa originally. Lovely views, luxury spa, fine dining restaurant and pool restaurant.
Hotel Camiral hotel grounds, pool, pool decking, gardens and lawns, mountains in background

HOTEL CAMIRAL near Girona, Catalonia

This is a 5-star golf resort with extensive facilities and spa set in countryside south of Girona. Imaginative cuisine, tennis, bicycles, forest park and seasonal activities for children.
Hotel el Castell de Ciutat Catalonia mountains countryside

HOTEL EL CASTELL DE CIUTAT La Seu d'Urgell, Catalonia

A boutique, charming, 4-star hotel with 38 rooms and Relais & Chateaux member in the style of an alpine lodge on a hillside above the Pyrenean town of La Seu d'Urgell. Astounding views, romantic restaurant, indoor pool and spa.
Hotel Estela Eastern Spain exterior hotel building trees

HOTEL ESTELA Sitges, Catalonia

A contemporary, 4-star hotel with 65 rooms on the seafront in Sitges and renowned for its modern art colection and ultra-modern furnishings. Terrace dining in summer, gardens and pool.

Gran Claustre Eastern Spain exterior pool sun loungers balcony potted plants

HOTEL GRAN CLAUSTRE Altafulla near Tarragona, Catalonia

In the mediaeval centre of the coastal town of Altafulla near Tarragona, this is a 4-star hotel with 39 rooms in both an historic building and more modern wings. Restaurant has open kitchen, courtyard swimming pool and rooftop jacuzzi.
Exterior of hotel with pink and grey building with rectangular windows

HOTEL LLEGENDES DE GIRONA Girona, Catalonia

This is a 4-star, boutique hotel with just 15 rooms in the romantic old town of Girona. Ancient and modern architecture, spacious rooms and super location for sightseeing.
Hotel Mas la Boella Eastern Spain outdoor dining area flowers

HOTEL MAS LA BOELLA near Tarragona, Catalonia

A country-house, boutique hotel with suite-accommodation amidst acres of gardens, vines and olive groves not far from Tarragona. Dine outside in the summer on the fragrant terrace.
Mas de Torrent Catalonia hotel exterior building lawn trees pathway

MAS DE TORRENT near Palafrugell, Catalonia

A luxury, boutique, 5-star member of Relais & Chateaux, with only 39 suites built in and around a converted farmhouse a few miles from the Costa Brava. A refined base in Catalonia.
Mas Lazuli Eastern Spain hotel exterior pool gardens trees

MAS LAZULI near Roses, Catalonia

An exclusive, small luxury, 4-star hotel with just 17 rooms and excellent spa and wellness facilities. A converted 17th friary and country house, gardens of palms and vineyards surround.
Parador de Aiguablava Costa Brava hotel exterior hotel nestled in cliffside sea boats

PARADOR DE AIGUABLAVA Begur, Costa Brava

A four-star Parador with 79 rooms in a modern, white-washed building in a commanding cliff-top position just outside the village of Begur. Beachside restaurant 5 minutes' walk from the hotel.
Parador de Cardona Catalonia exterior hotel large medieval castle

PARADOR DE CARDONA Cardona, Catalonia

This 4-star Parador is housed in a mediaeval castle overlooking the town of Cardona. 54 rooms, two dining rooms, bar and lounge. Great sense of character and history.
parador de tortosa-view of battlements with hills in the background

PARADOR DE TORTOSA Tortosa, Catalonia

This 4-star hotel is located in the historic Zuda Castle. It towers over the rest of the city, offering views from above. Traditional restaurant and large outdoor pool.
Parador de Lleida exterior, traditional architecture, old brick wall, metal gates

PARADOR DE LLEIDA Lleida, Catalonia

A unique 4-star hotel with 53 rooms located in the 17th century Convento del Roser in the historic centre of Lleida. Marmita restaurant in converted church building.