Catalonia offers the chance to combine a cultural city break with outdoor activities in the mountains followed by relaxation down on the fabulous Costa Brava.

Barcelona, the capital city of Catalonia is one of the most popular ‘city break’ destinations in Europe. Come and find out why millions of tourists love this city. Where else can you lose yourself in the romance of the Gothic quarter, be dazzled by the audacious avant-garde Gaudi architecture and then enjoy exquisite tastes in a tapas bar. La Rambla is the main tourist thoroughfare. Here you will find the market, interesting shops, the Christopher Columbus monument and the Wax Museum.

The Pyrenees form a natural boundary between Spain and France. Much of this spectacular mountain scenery is protected and provides refuge for wild animals. The best way to explore this landscape is by hiking. Mountain biking and climbing are also popular sports in this area of outstanding natural beauty. In the wintertime, heavy snowfall attracts many to the resort of La Molina for skiing and snowboarding.

• Holidays in Spain

Come to the Costa Brava for miles and miles of sandy beaches, thrilling water sports and endless family fun, all under the warm glow of Mediterranean sunshine. Ideal for a day trip, the riverside city of Girona or Gerona has a lovely medieval quarter with narrow winding streets, an Arab bathhouse and imposing cathedral. The Costa Brava was also the home of the famous painter Salvador Dali. The artist’s home and workshop offer fascinating insights into the environment which influenced his surrealist work.

For kids, there is plenty of splashing good fun at Catalonia’s water parks. For thrilling roller coasters come to Port Aventura Park. For animal encounters try Barcelona Zoo or the Aquarium.

Self-catering villas, houses, holiday cottages and apartments to rent in Catalonia, southern Spain: