Ah the Catalunya, a rich and beautiful region, whose capital is the famous and sparkling Barcelona, but contains many other pearls that should not be missing in the notebook of a self-respecting traveler.
There are so many things to see, that one post will surely not be enough, so for the moment I will focus on the part I know best and that fascinates me every time I go back.
I'm talking about province of Girona and the superlative Costa Brava.
Girona, just Girona, which is often known only because a well-known and little-loved airline, has made it one of its main stopovers. This town, on the other hand, is beautiful and rich in history and can be used as a starting point to discover the most interesting points of the area. Stroll through the Old neighborhood (historic center) e The Call (Jewish ghetto), to get to see Cases penjades, or the picturesque houses overlooking the Onyar River.
Moving towards the coast instead, be sure to visit the marvelous fortified medieval villages that follow one after the other and cannot fail to surprise you with their atmosphere: Peratallada, Monells, Pals, Vulpellac, Ullastret.
And then there is the coast, very green, well-kept, with breathtaking landscapes and small and splendid coves. From Calella de Palafrugell (small fishing village where you can stop and get at least a beer) until L'escala is all a "come on please let's stop here". My favorite beaches for the moment (I still have to see a lot of them!) Are: Playa Fonda (Begur), Playa Isla Roja (Begur), Aigua Xelida (Begur), Illa Mateua (L'Escala), Cala Montgó (L'Escala).
To stay, I recommend choosing a structure in the inner area, because they are generally cheaper. Last time I was in Torroella de Montgrí, 11 km from Begur in a lovely house found on airbnb.com (https://www.airbnb.es/rooms/463689)
There is obviously no lack of gastronomy, which here reaches very high levels. In fact, in Girona, the Celler San Roca, elected best restaurant of 2013. However, there are more low cost options, among which I absolutely recommend Korpilombolo in L'Escala (amazing modern tapas!) and the restaurant above the beach of Illa Mateua where you can eat simple seafood dishes with a splendid view of the coast.
