Costa Brava

Beach town at the northern end of the Maresme: four beaches, a hotel and campsite area, the Tordera delta, a hilltop tower and trains to Barcelona.

Discover Banyoles, the lakeside town near Girona: its natural lake, 1992 Olympic rowing venue, medieval old town and Pla de l’Estany scenery.

Discover Vilassar de Mar on the Maresme coast near Barcelona: sandy beaches, horticulture heritage, a seafront promenade and easy train links.

Discover El Masnou on the Maresme coast: golden beaches, a lively marina, maritime heritage and easy trains from Barcelona.

Maresme town of about 29,300 residents, 20 km from Barcelona: five beaches on 2.5 km of coast, a Roman museum (booking required) and a Rodalies station.

Inland town of 34,603 people next to Girona, with no beach: the Coma-Cros cultural factory, walks by the Ter, markets and a base for the Costa Brava.

Maresme beach town of about 30,000 residents, roughly 50 km from Barcelona: four beaches, Roman aqueduct arches, two weekly markets and a 30-minute train service.

What Bescanó is really like: a quiet Ter-river town just west of Girona, a low-key base for the Costa Brava, the Garrotxa volcanoes and Girona city.

What Olot is really like: capital of the Garrotxa volcanic zone, dozens of dormant volcanoes, the Fageda d’en Jorda beech forest and Modernista streets near the Costa Brava.

Beach town on the Gulf of Roses with the Empúries ruins, anchovy factories, 16 beaches and coves and an 8 km coastal path. About 10,600 residents; no train.