Catalonia is the most north eastern region of Spain. With a fierce tradition of independence, the historical Catalan region actually encompasses part of the south of France. The Catalans have their own language, which is widely spoken. Menus and road signs in this area are typically printed in both Catalan and Spanish.

Catalonia encompasses the provinces of Girona, Lleida, Barcelona and Tarragona and the landscape here varies dramatically. In the north, it is rugged on the coast (the Costa Brava) and green and hilly inland, reaching as far as the peaks of the Pyrenees and bordering Andorra. Moving south, the landscape becomes more gentle, but is still green, with much of the rural landscape covered with dense forest.

The Catalonian climate is milder than in the south of Spain, which can be very welcome in the height of the summer. The green countryside is an indicator of the heavier rainfall here, but the season in this area is still relatively long and the proximity to the south of France means that reaching Catalonia by car from the rest of Europe is definitely feasible.

Accommodation in Catalonia varies with the countryside. Inland, the countryside is dotted with rural fincas or farmhouses, generally built of warm yellow stone. Barn conversions are common and many previously agricultural buildings have been turned into collections of rentable properties and cottages, similar to French gite complexes or Italian agriturismos. Bed and breakfast, B&Bs and guesthouses can also be found, often providing unique getaways and opportunities to stay with local families. Of course, given the long Catalan coastline, seaside villas and beach apartments are in abundance and available for direct rentals.