LAGO DE LINYA is in close proximity to a number of historically significant and culturally enriched cities, villages, and regions in Europe.

LLEIDA (Lérida) is the largest city in the surrounding province as well as being one of the oldest in Catalonia, with settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. After decades of hardship, it has become a city experiencing constant urban, commercial and demographic growth. The Lleida Museum opened in 2008, featuring historical artifacts from various time periods and is but one option amongst a number of other equally interesting galleries and local museums.Traditional celebrations include the regional Festa Major and the Fira de Sant Miquel. Lleida’s most popular bar and clubbing area is informally known as Els Vins. It includes Larida, the biggest discothèque in Catalonia. Lleida also has the distinction of being an area that produces some of the best artisanal olive oil in the country, with a number of mills accepting visitors.

ANDORRA approximately an hour’s drive away, is officially known as the Principality of Andorra. It can bedescribed as a small country located in the eastern Pyrenees mountains and bordered by Spain and France. It is the 6th smallest nation in Europe and has the curious distinction of having the highest capital city (Andorra la Vella) with an elevation of 1023 meters. The Principality, which was formed in 1278, prospers mainly because of its active tourism industry – an estimated 10.2 million visitors a year – and thanks to the profits derived from its status as a tax haven.  Perhaps due to the merriment and comfortable lives they enjoy, people of Andorra have the 4th highest life expectancy in the world — 82 years at birth.

BARCELONA — only an hour away from LAGO DE LINYA by car -– is one the top tourist destinations in Europe. One can spend the day taking in the sights and enjoying the wide variety of activities and gastronomical delights available in this bustling city. Furthermore, it offers excellent shopping, international trade fairs, and is notorious for its lively nightlife. The history of this proud capital city- the 2nd largest in Spain – dates back to the 3rd century B.C. It eventually evolved into one of the biggest European melting pots for cultural influences. It features a myriad of beaches, a beautifully preserved medieval old town (Barri Gòtic) and  an enviable Mediterranean climate. With all that it has to offer, it is not surprising that Barcelona welcomes several million visitors per year.

GIRONA (Gerona) is a popular destination, as it conveniently takes less than two hours to get there from Barcelona,by train or by bus. First inhabited by the Iberians, the city has seen many changes in the centuries since its inception. In 1414, King Ferdinand I  gave the title of Prince of Girona to his first-born son, Alfonso. The title is currently carried by Prince Felipe, Prince of Asturias, the first prince since the 16th century to do so. The present day Cathedral is one of the most important examples of Spanish Gothic Architecture and the remnants of the old fortifications are an extraordinary reminder of its historic past.  The walls and lookout towers that make up these fortifications are split in two – a small section in the north of the old town and a much larger section in the south. It is possible to walk the entire length of the walls and climb the towers, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Girona and the surrounding countryside.

COSTA BRAVA (“Wild Coast”) is a popular coastal region of northeastern Catalonia in the province of Girona, some 2 hours from Barcelona. It stretches from the peaceful beach town of Blanes all the way to the French border. The combination of an excellent summer climate, its proximity to nature and superb beaches have allowed resort towns such as Blanes, Tossa de Mar, and Platja de Aro to experience major growth. Small towns like Cadaqués, which is close to both the French border and the foothills of the Pyrenees, have attracted such distinguished artists as Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso.  Dali lovers are urged to visit the whimsical Dalí Theatre and Museum in Figueres– one of the most important and visited museums in Catalonia. One can also visit Dalí’s House-Museum in Port Lligat, near Cadaqués and the Castle of Púbol in Púbol. Other small coastal towns worth mentioning include Pals, Begur,Empuriabrava, LLafranc and Sant Feliu de Guixols.

MADRID, the fairly young – by European standards – capital city is just three hours from Barcelona by high-speed AVE train. This classic city has held its prestigious position in Spain since 1561 and offers a plethora of breathtaking palaces, churches, parks, monuments and monasteries. Madrid easily maintains its status as one of the most sophisticated capitals in the world, boasting an air of aristocratic distinction in terms of culture, gastronomy and leisure activities. This being said, it can also be a city of startling yet pleasurable contradictions as evidenced by its infamous nightlife and unpretentious tapas bar scene.

SEVILLE – five hours by high-speed AVE train from Barcelona — is the largest city in southern Spain, and arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Over 2,000 year old, this iconic Spanish town nestles proudly on the scenic river Guadalquivir, and is known for its all-white patios, beautifully decorated façades, fantastic food and culture, which make it an ideal location to experience the quintessential Spain. Notable buildings include the 16th century Cathedral and Alcazar with its carefully manicured gardens. The narrow cobblestone streets are lined with picture – perfect balconies and aromatic orange trees, allowing the sensual smell of brightly colored blossoms to fill the air.

CARCASSONE is a magnificent fortified city located in southern France — just a 3.5 hour drive from Barcelona. It’sadvantageously located between a road leading to the bustling city of Toulouse and the Mediterranean Sea.  Despite the Visigoths’ initial claim to the city in the 5th century, the Romans were the first to occupy the land and fortify it with a stunning fortress ( initially thought of as a palace but turned into a genuine fortress by the 12th century) – fully restored in 1853 and added to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1997.

COLLIOURE is arguably the loveliest village in southwest France – just 24 kms from the Spanish border – it rests like an artist’s dream on a hilltop with the Pyrenees Mountains gently cascading in the background. Character-wise, it is the perfect mix of Spanish and French Catalan culture and attitude, a mix that can be seen through its cuisine and street signs. Visitors generally come during the late summer months to take advantage of the fantastic Mediterranean weather, but Collioure is so peaceful and inviting that one can enjoy a short stay here year-round. Activities include kayaking on the clear blue waters or a leisurely stroll through the charming old town – featuring an 800 year old château. Famous painters inspired by the simple beauty of this place include Matisse, Arles and Van Gogh.