Catalonia Main | Description | Hotels WHY CATALONIA? Experience Antoni Gaudi's arresting architecture Hike to the magnificent Monasterio de Montserrat (880 A.D.) Savor fresh seafood dishes flavored with saffron Discover the many medieval and artist villages along Costa Brava Hike, ski, fish, or climb in the Pyrenees Mountains (pictured right: Sagrada Familia, Barcelona) From Roman ruins to modern architecture, Catalonia's rich culture has prevailed throughout the centuries. Generally known for its many coastal resort towns and vibrant capital, this region also has a vast landscape stretching up along the Mediterranean coast into the Pyrenees Mountains, with ancient Roman, Greek and Carthaginian ruins. A mix of castles, monasteries, alcazars and synagogues reflect the diverse civilizations that flourished throughout the region. Catalonia's capital, Barcelona, is a colorful city known for the phenomenal architecture of Antoni Gaudi and artists such as Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso.