Barcelona
is capital city of the
autonomous region of Catalonia and is Spain's second biggest city with
a population of about 1.6 million (2008). It is situated north of Spain
on the Mediterranean coast, about 160 km (100 miles) southeast from the
border of France.
Barcelona has changed dramatically
since it hosted the 1992 Olympic Games. It has become one of the most
cosmopolitan, forward thinking and diverse cities in Europe.
The
city offers just about
everything - the beach, the mountains of Tibidabo and Collserola, an
incredible history, culture and architecture. Barcelona is also one of
Europe's prime locations for nightlife with its multitude of bars,
restaurants and clubs.
Climate
Most
days the skies are clear and
you will not see a cloud in the sky. The hottest months are July and
August when the temperatureregularly reaches 35C (95F) and the
humidity is very high. These months can be uncomfortable for
sightseeing.
When it rains, it usually rains
hard, and there is plenty during Barcelona's wettest months of
September and October. June is perhaps the best time for sightseeing if
you want to avoid the rain whilst getting plenty of sun without too
much heat and humidity.
During the winter temperatures are
still around 14C (57F), the coldest months being January and February.
But it can feel much colder than this due to the strong winds and moist
air.
Transport
The
city has a lost cost and
well-serviced public service network with buses, trams, metrosystem,
trains and funicular (mountain train) all integrated.
The city's airport is El Prat de
Llobregat, the second largest in Spain and situated just 15 km (9
miles) from the city centre. There are two other airports outside the
city: Girona airport (90 km) and Reus (113 km).
