While Barcelona is the capital of the Catalan region of Spain, you need to get outside of the city and explore the countryside. We chose Girona as our base, about 60 miles north of Barcelona. If you're flying Ryanair, the low-cost European carrier, they use this airport to serve Barcelona.
Staying in Girona puts you close to lots of outdoor activities in the midst of an ancient walled city. The Hotel Historic is located next to the Girona Cathedral in the old town (within the walls): skinny streets, cobblestones and lots of professional cyclists. Lance Armstrong owns a home a block away from the hotel and the lobby has plenty of signed photos and jerseys from famous cyclists.
From Barcelona north to the French border is the "Costa Brava," alternatively dotted with sheer cliffs and beautiful beaches. There is great sea kayaking in Tamariu, located about 75 miles northeast of Barcelona. The homes on the water are built into the cliffs -- and the harbor is a u-shaped bay between two big cliffs. Charles Harris-Inman, our guide with Spanish Trails, had the kayaks set up when we got there, so we pushed off and headed out into the Mediterranean.
In a kayak you sneak right up on the shorebirds and sea life. Tucked between the cliffs are several caves. You can paddle into the darkness -- although it's comforting to have a guide who knows the way.
After kayaking we visited a small vineyard, Con Seis, where the vintners themselves take you on a tour to show off the grapes and the tasting room.
Head northwest into the Pyrenees Mountains for hiking among small Catalan villages. We started our hike in the medieval village of Rupit. Much of the town is literally built into the rock. Charles took us inside a couple of shops and homes where you could see the foundations snug against the rock.
Your hike takes you to steep canyons, high overlooks, where you gaze over steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Spanish Trails offers travelers a chance to try a new, popular outdoor sport in Europe called "canyoning." You put on a thick wetsuit and go to the top of a waterfall. There you rope up and basically slip and slide your way down the side of the cliff. I didn't do it -- but we watched several folks who did.
After hiking around for a couple of hours and venturing to the very edge of the cliffs, return to the village and enjoy a typical Catalan meal. You start out with toasted bread, some garlic and tomatoes.
Tradition dictates that you slice the garlic in half and rub the toasted bread with that. Then slice the tomato and rub the rough surface with it. Add olive oil, salt and pepper to taste -- and you have the perfect appetizer! On the table will be some chilled red wine. At our restaurant in Rupit, the proprietor brought out a "mixed grill" with rabbit, lamb, beef and some sausage. After a long hike, it was the perfect meal.
The combination of outdoor activities and historic exploration is the perfect mix in Catalonia. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, you'll learn some of the differences between Spain and Catalonia and you'll learn about the stages of civilization in the area -- from pre-Roman, to the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the modern era.
Aside from visiting Gaudi's incredible cathedral, art lovers should make plans to take the train 30 minutes north from Girona to the Savador Dali Museum in Figueres. It's an incredible collection that displays the incredible diversity of Dali's work. There are sculptures, jewelry, paintings, interactive displays and really crazy works of all kind. Even the museum building has a whimsical style.
It's worth taking a morning to go and visit the museum.
Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based travel marketing consultant. Contact him via his travel blog: www.alaskatravelgram.com
If you go
• GETTING THERE: From Anchorage, the quickest way to Spain is via Condor Air's twice-weekly flights to Frankfurt from Anchorage. From there, hook up with Lufthansa to Barcelona, or fly Ryanair from Hahn Airport.
Hahn is 75 miles away, accessible by bus. Be sure and get some Euros in advance. Once you arrive, you should be able to use the ATMs to get more -- although you should advise your bank that you are traveling.
• CALLING HOME: Order a local SIM card for your cell phone through a provider like Cellular Abroad. It's an affordable way to stay in touch. If you don't have a compatible cell phone (like my Blackberry), most services will include a handset.
• CHARGING UP: Be sure and get a power adapter for Europe. Online travel stores like Magellan's have converters and surge protectors for almost any country.
By SCOTT MCMURREN
Daily News correspondent