Things to do — Catalonia

Catalonia offers a range of experiences that sets it apart from every other Spanish region. Barcelona's Modernista architecture is the unmissable entry point: Gaudí's Sagrada Família, still under construction since 1882 with completion now in sight, is one of the most extraordinary buildings in the world. Park Güell, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera) complete the Gaudí itinerary; Domènech i Montaner's Palau de la Música Catalana is the other Modernista masterpiece not to miss.

Outside Barcelona, the Costa Brava is best explored by sea kayak or on foot along the cliff paths (camí de ronda) that link coves and coastal villages. The Begur-Tamariu-Llafranc area strikes the best balance between accessibility and wild beauty. Girona, 37 minutes from Barcelona by high-speed train, is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe: the Roman walls, the Jewish quarter (el Call), the Gothic cathedral and the colourful houses along the Onyar river form a remarkably coherent ensemble.

The Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, conceived by Salvador Dalí as the total artwork of his life, is one of Europe's most original museums — a visit experienced as a surrealist performance. Tarragona completes the historical picture with its Roman amphitheatre, forums and triumphal arch, evidence of ancient Tarraco's status as capital of the Roman province of Hispania.

Gastronomy is the connecting thread of every Catalan trip: La Boqueria market in Barcelona, the market-cuisine restaurants of the Eixample, the fishmongers of the Barceloneta, cava tastings in the Penedès and the rural farmhouse restaurants (masies) serving traditional Catalan cooking compose one of Spain's richest culinary landscapes.