Spanish Cities and Towns

Once you have selected your preferred region of Spain read up on some of the towns and cities to narrow your choice for a property purchase. The most popular of these are described in the following pages.

Alicante, Almeria, Altea, Andalusia, Aspe, Barcelona, Baza, Benalmadena, Benidorm, Benitachell, Blanes, Calpe, Cartegena, Castilla la Macha, Catalonia, Crevillent, Denia, Elche, Estepona, Fuengirola, Granada, Guadix, La Romana, La Vega Baja, Lorca, Malaga, Mar Menor, Marbella, Mazarron, Mijas, Murcia, Nerja, Orihuela, Puerto Banus, Quesada, Salinas, Salou, Sitges, Sotogrande, Spanish regions, Tabarca, Taberno, Tarragona, Torremolinos, Torrevieja, Tossa del Mar, Valencia, Valencian Community, Zurgena

Barcelona

Barcelona, capital of the region Catalonia and 2nd largest city in Spain, located at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea on the Costa Dorada. A truly cosmopolitan city. Barcelona is Spain's major commercial and industrial centre and one of the most important European ports. Over the centuries Barcelona has grown and is now made up of five towns, not including the original city. You do not have to look far in Barcelona to see a monument or an attractive structure. They are everywhere.
Despite having a population of over 3 million, Barcelona is a surprisingly easy place to find your way round. Most places of historic interest are to be found in the confines of the old town, which is a maze of narrow streets, easy to navigate by foot.

The old town spreads northwest from the harbour and at its heart is the Barri Gotic, the medieval nucleus of the city where you will find the Cathedral and several of the major museums. At the western edge you will find the Ramblas, a series of five, short, lively streets that combine to make a broad avenue. You are likely to arrive here from the airport or the train. The Ramblas is a highlight to any trip to Barcelona and is lined with cafes, shops and restaurants as well as being the location for several important buildings and monuments. Above all, it is the street atmosphere that attracts visitors. At the southern end of the Ramblas lies the harbour. West of the Ramblas lies the Barrio Chino (China Town) with it's warren of winding streets. The medieval streets continue on either side of the Ramblas, reaching northeast through the Barri Gotic, past the Picasso Museum and southwest to the fortress-topped hill of Montjuic where the city's best museums and the Olympic stadium are located. A cable car runs from here to the waterfront area east of the harbour, an area where some of the best seafood restaurants can be found. The old town still consists of a group of neighbourhoods that were at one time, separate parishes. Each has it's own distinct characteristics. Among the things to watch for in the old town is the, Placa de Catalunya a large square with gardens, fountains and seats. Most of the buses and trains converge here and it is here you will find most of the main banks and stores. The street that leads off to the west is home to theMueseu de l’Erotica, which houses a large private collection of erotic art and artefacts. Placa del Angels is the home to the Contemporary museum of art. The Palau Moja dates from the 18th century and is sometimes open for visits. Another palace that commands a visit is the Palau de la Virreina an 18th century building that has been well restored. Inside, the rooms display wonderful examples of period decorative art as well as a collection of coins and other temporary displays. Just beyond this palace is the Rambla Sant Josep where you will find a profusion of flower stalls and the large indoor market hall. Barcelona's celebrated opera house the Gran Teatre del Liceu is also located here. The theatre burned down for the third time in 1994 when workmen set fire to scenery during last minute preparations for a show. Barcelona also has a Zoo, an aquarium and a nearby theme park.

The harbour and Port Vell
In recent years the harbour area has undergone dramatic reformations and the area now combines high-class restaurants with trendy clubs and bars. Along the promenade you will find a monument to Columbus and several beautiful buildings including the Port Office. West of this you will find the cable-car station and the port from which the ferries sail to the Balearics. A swing bridge and a series of walkways lead from here, across the harbour to the new development of Port Vell (Old Port). Here you will find fast food, a leisure complex, cinemas and ample bars as well as the aquarium.