Steve's World Blog Information and articles on cities, towns and villages around the world.

Bordering France and Andorra the Spanish autonomous community of Catalonia has a rich and varied landscape and a rich and varied history. Containing a sizeable section of the Pyrenees mountains, Catalonia experiences a wide variety of climates from the snow covered mountain peaks with some well known ski resorts, to sun kissed seaside resorts on the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada with a warm Mediteranean climate, so Catalonia weather cannot be easily categorised, visitors are advised to check the conditions for their exact location before travelling. Catalonia covers an area of about 32,000 square kilometres and has a population of over seven million, it is divided into 4 provinces, namely Girona, Barcelona, Tarragona and the largest Lleida. Catalonia has been settled over the centuries by Iberians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors before being established as a Christian domain as Moors were driven out by the Franks in the 8^th and 9^th centuries. Catalonia developed Spain’s first true industry as Barcelona factories produced cotton made from material imported from the Americas during Spain’s Golden Age, it is still the most industrialized region of Spain. These days Catalonia is a prime destination for tourists, most of whom head for the coastal resorts of the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada or the fantastic city of Barcelona with its many attractions, others may enjoy some skiing in the Pyrenees, walking in the Vall d’Aran or visiting one of the fine natural parks, such as the Aiguestortes National Park. Whatever your interests you will surely find something to attract you in the multi-faceted Spanish region of Catalonia. Catalonia Map.