The authors guide us through every corner of this fascinating region, where they have spent much of their time over many years. GaudiOCOs Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of the most unusual churches in the world, with its melting sand-castle appearance and odd bubble-shaped spires. Catalonia''s Costa Brava provides stunning views as the Mediterranean waves clash with the jagged coastline. The stretch of small resort cities along the Costa Brava, which means the Rugged Coast, feels like a world caressed by the heavens. Stand above the rocks and look down to the sweeping coastline, the sea stretching endlessly. Relax at a seaside bar, sipping cocktails. Hike the trails leading from the shore to the hills above. Unlike the tourist-swarmed French Riviera, the Costa Brava is intimate. It''s like discovering a well-guarded secret. There are several busy resort cities, but there are also many quiet and isolated beaches. Some of the prime beach cities include Roses, L''Escala and Blanes. Mountain-climbing destinations, ski resorts, spa villages, Gallo-Roman ruins and prehistoric cave paintings are abundant in the region. Catelonia is marked by breathtaking cliffs, expanses of beaches and the thriving, hip seaside city of Barcelona. In the Navarre region, men taunt large, dangerous animals for PamplonaOCOs annual Running of the Bulls. Andorra is its own little world, and not just because it''s a 290-square-mile independent principality (a fifth the size of Rhode Island). Nestled atop some of the highest peaks of the Pyrenees, the principality is filled with amazing architecture, surreal panoramic views and some of Europe''s finest skeeng resorts. Andorra attracts tourists for its duty-free shopping alone. Because many visitors are French and Spanish residents seeking bargains, there is a very authentic European flair to a vacation here on the one hand. On the other hand, the shopping deals can lend the principality''s capital, Andorra la Vella, an unfortunate bargain-basement ambiance. Catalan is the national language, but French and Spanish are widely spoken. This is an ideal destination for lovers of both the city and the great outdoors. Quite possibly one of the globe''s best adventure travel destinations, the capital city itself is also an urban oasis perched at an altitude of 3,300 feet."

The authors guide us through every corner of this fascinating region, where they have spent much of their time over many years. Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of the most unusual churches in the world, with its melting sand-castle appearance and odd bubble-shaped spires. Catalonia's Costa Brava provides stunning views as the Mediterranean waves clash with the jagged coastline. The stretch of small resort cities along the Costa Brava, which means the Rugged Coast, feels like a world caressed by the heavens. Stand above the rocks and look down to the sweeping coastline, the sea stretching endlessly. Relax at a seaside bar, sipping cocktails. Hike the trails leading from the shore to the hills above. Unlike the tourist-swarmed French Riviera, the Costa Brava is intimate. It's like discovering a well-guarded secret. There are several busy resort cities, but there are also many quiet and isolated beaches. Some of the prime beach cities include Roses, L'Escala and Blanes. Mountain-climbing destinations, ski resorts, spa villages, Gallo-Roman ruins and prehistoric cave paintings are abundant in the region. Catelonia is marked by breathtaking cliffs, expanses of beaches and the thriving, hip seaside city of Barcelona. In the Navarre region, men taunt large, dangerous animals for Pamplona's annual Running of the Bulls. Andorra is its own little world, and not just because it's a 290-square-mile independent principality (a fifth the size of Rhode Island). Nestled atop some of the highest peaks of the Pyrenees, the principality is filled with amazing architecture, surreal panoramic views and some of Europe's finest skeeng resorts. Andorra attracts tourists for its duty-free shopping alone. Because many visitors are French and Spanish residents seeking bargains, there is a very authentic European flair to a vacation here on the one hand. On the other hand, the shopping deals can lend the principality's capital, Andorra la Vella, an unfortunate bargain-basement ambiance. Catalan is the national language, but French and Spanish are widely spoken. This is an ideal destination for lovers of both the city and the great outdoors. Quite possibly one of the globe's best adventure travel destinations, the capital city itself is also an urban oasis perched at an altitude of 3,300 feet.

Annotation. The authors guide us through every corner of this fascinating region, where they have spent much of their time over many years. Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of the most unusual churches in the world, with its melting sand-castle appearance and odd bubble-shaped spires. Catalonia's Costa Brava provides stunning views as the Mediterranean waves clash with the jagged coastline. The stretch of small resort cities along the Costa Brava, which means the Rugged Coast, feels like a world caressed by the heavens. Stand above the rocks and look down to the sweeping coastline, the sea stretching endlessly. Relax at a seaside bar, sipping cocktails. Hike the trails leading from the shore to the hills above. Unlike the tourist-swarmed French Riviera, the Costa Brava is intimate. It's like discovering a well-guarded secret. There are several busy resort cities, but there are also many quiet and isolated beaches. Some of the prime beach cities include Roses, L'Escala and Blanes. Mountain-climbing destinations, ski resorts, spa villages, Gallo-Roman ruins and prehistoric cave paintings are abundant in the region. Catelonia is marked by breathtaking cliffs, expanses of beaches and the thriving, hip seaside city of Barcelona. In the Navarre region, men taunt large, dangerous animals for Pamplona's annual Running of the Bulls. Andorra is its own little world, and not just because it's a 290-square-mile independent principality (a fifth the size of Rhode Island). Nestled atop some of the highest peaks of the Pyrenees, the principality is filled with amazing architecture, surreal panoramic views and some of Europe's finest skeeng resorts. Andorra attracts tourists for its duty-free shopping alone. Because many visitors are French and Spanish residents seeking bargains, there is a very authentic European flair to a vacation here on the one hand. On the other hand, the shopping deals can lend the principality's capital, Andorra la Vella, an unfortunate bargain-basement ambiance. Catalan is the national language, but French and Spanish are widely spoken. This is an ideal destination for lovers of both the city and the great outdoors. Quite possibly one of the globe's best adventure travel destinations, the capital city itself is also an urban oasis perched at an altitude of 3,300 feet.

Green Spain, as Northern Spain is often known, offers the visitor a great variety of landscapes: lush forests, deep-green valleys, soaring high mountain scenery, and exquisite beaches. For those looking for more thansun and sand, cultural highlights such as Santiago de Compostela, and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao are contrasted with the wonderful national parks that canbe found in the Central and Eastern Pyrenees. But the best beaches and most charming villages are not neglected. Everything is depicted in the glorious visual style for which Eyewitness Travel Guides are known. Over 700 photographs & illustrations The Flavors of Northern Spain - local produce and classic dishes Cutaways and floorplans of all the major sights Comprehensive selection of hotels and restaurants Sights, beaches, markets and festivals listed town by town Walks, scenic routes and thematic tours Full-color detailed maps of towns and regions

Explore the historic cathedrals and architecture, stroll through wineries, and see beautiful beaches in northern Spain. Discover DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Northern Spain. + Detailed itineraries and "don't-miss" destination highlights at a glance. + Illustrated cutaway 3-D drawings of important sights. + Floor plans and guided visitor information for major museums. + Guided walking tours, local drink and dining specialties to try, things to do, and places to eat, drink, and shop by area. + Area maps marked with sights. + Detailed city maps include street finder indexes for easy navigation. + Insights into history and culture to help you understand the stories behind the sights. + Hotel and restaurant listings highlight DK Choice special recommendations. With hundreds of full-color photographs, hand-drawn illustrations, and custom maps that illuminate every page, DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Northern Spain truly shows you this region as no one else can.

Packed with travel information, including more listings, deals, and insider tips: CANDID LISTINGS of hundreds of places to eat, sleep, drink, and feel like a local RELIABLE MAPS to navigate Western Europe's busy cities or idyllic towns INSIDER TIPS on the best hostels, gay and straight nightlife, and travel deals VOLUNEER AND WORK OPPORTUNITIES, from Svalbard to Malta HIKING, BIKING, and CAMPING, from the Norwegian fjords to the beaches in Greece The world's most exciting FESTIVALS, including Hungary's Sziget and Italy's Spoleto A PHRASEBOOK with essential vocab in nine different languages