T he Catalan region and culture make for a very special atmosphere and charm – unmistakably Spanish, yet unique. The Catalan coast is stunning and varied. In the north of the region the Costa Brava, or ' wild coast', keeps its popular main resorts restricted to a few small pockets, leaving an otherwise wonderful stretch of unspoilt beaches backed either by farm land or by steep, wooded hills, all interspersed with pretty villages. Further south, you can experience the excitement and sophistication of vibrant Barcelona and the lively resorts and long beaches of the Costa Dorada. Be sure to explore Spain's traditional interior too. There is a lot more to Catalonia than just its beaches and there is more history, heritage and culture to be investigated throughout the region's towns, villages and countryside than can be fitted in to one visit. BarcelonaCatalonia's exuberant capital has many outstanding art museums and transcendent modernist architecture such as Gaudí's Sagrada Familia alongside the high quality shopping areas. The long street known as La Rambla is also a big favourite with visitors to the region. Cadaquésis considered by many as the most picturesque coastal village of Catalonia. Narrow pedestrian streets with some great shops and restaurants wind up the hillside and around the beautiful harbour. Lovely at any time; best seen in the evening. You can also visit the artist Salvador Dalí's house in this village. FigueresVisit surrealist maestro Salvador Dalí's bizarre museum. You can't miss it – the walls are covered in croissants and topped with giant eggs. Some of Dalí's most bizarre work is also exhibited inside. THINGS TO SEE AND DO One way is to go from Portsmouth to Bilbao or Plymouth to Santander and then across northern Spain. Or, from the western channel ports, keep to the west of France until Bordeaux, then turn east to cross the border near Perpignan. From Calais, go via Reims to join the A6 at Beaune to avoid Paris. The shortest way is around Paris to the A71 then the A20 to Toulouse or the toll- free A75 to Montpellier. These are also much quieter than either the A6/ A7 or the A10. BEST WAY TO GET THERE Montserratand its monastery Just 50 kilometres north- west of Barcelona is the " serrated mountain". The drive around and up the sierra is impressive enough, but the view from the monastery village clinging to the mountainside is the icing on the cake. For those so inclined, the monks' haunting chants can be heard within the church several times throughout the day and make for a peaceful and reflective journey's end up the mountain. Tamariu, Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell Three relaxed little beach towns south of Cadaqués that are especially nice to visit in low season. Port AventuraInternationally famous theme park with some hair- raising rides. See also our Carefree Winter brochure for holidays in Spain and Portugal from September to June. Vilanova i la Geltrú Sitges Gerona Port Aventura Vilanova Park p51 and p132 Aquarius p51 and p141 Ebro Llobregat FRANCE SPAIN CostaBrava ANDORRA Sierrade Montserrat Lérida Catalonia ANDORRA LA VELLA CostaDorada Figueres Tarragona 16 201962 96 58 25 186 3011 31 44 46 31 21 15 39 50 19 33 16 6 6 PerpignanPyrene es 10Barcelona See also the fold- out map inside the front cover Cadaqués Mediterranean Spain 50call Carefree0845 130 7701 or024 7642 2024– please quote your membership number

Unit + 2Extra person per night per nightAdultChild under 13 19.7- 29.8£ 28.65£ 6.30£ 3.80 1.1- 18.7 £ 13.60£ 3.65£ 2.60 30.8- 31.12 7 Nights 1.1- 18.719.7- 29.8 30.8- 31.12 2 Adults£ 251£ 359 Extra Adults£ 26£ 46 Child 4- 12£ 19£ 27 Infant 0- 3FreeFree 7 Nights 15.3- 3.44.4- 18.424.6- 7.78.7- 14.8 19.4- 29.530.5- 23.615.8- 31.8 13.9- 9.101.9- 12.9 18.10- 31.1010.10- 17.10 2 Adults£ 267£ 294£ 366£ 409 Extra Adults£ 18£ 19£ 22£ 23 Child 2- 12FreeFree£ 14£ 16 Infant 0- 1FreeFreeFreeFree Unit + 2Extra person per night per nightAdultChild under 13 8.7- 14.8£ 35.65£ 3.20£ 2.20 24.6- 7.7 £ 29.60£ 3.05£ 2 15.8- 31.8 4.4- 18.4, 30.5- 23.6 £ 19.60£ 2.65Free 1.9- 12.9, 10.10- 17.10 All other dates£ 15.80£ 2.45Free The best deal for youp12- 13 Ferry dealsp14- 21 Maps and guidesp22- 23 Holiday coverp24- 2751 Mediterranean Spain ESP01Sant Pere Pescador15 Mar- 31 Oct Aquarius Carefree's opinionPopular with campers from all over Europe, the relaxed atmosphere of this friendly and attractive site adds to its appeal for families who love the beach. Flamenco and other events, set around a beautiful flower- filled courtyard on site, are complemented by local beauty spots such as the traditional fishing village of Cadaqués. Location ? Away from the busy resorts of the Costa Brava, with direct access to a long, sandy beach ? Modern facilities in traditional Catalan- style buildings ? Sant Pere Pescador two miles, Figueres 13 miles, Cadaqués 20 miles, Gerona 32 miles, Barcelona 87 miles Facilities ? 438 pitches; 75- 80m2; open, shaded and part- shaded; all with electricity, some larger and with water and drainage ? Roped off swimming area in sea ? Bar and beach bar ? Restaurant ? Snacks and take- away ? Supermarket ? Play area ? Sea fishing ? Cycle hire ? Sailing ? Sailboard hire and windsurfing lessons ? Activities, excursions and entertainment ? Cash machine ? Modern wash blocks ? Washing machines ? Facilities for disabled Information ? High season – busy but relaxed, with a broad international clientele ? Low season– excellent and extremely well- kept facilities include a heated wash block ? Owned and run by the Rupp family, English spoken ? Standard pitches – maximum unit length 8m ? 100m2pitches – no unit length restriction ? BBQs permitted ? Freedom Camping site – see pages 38- 41 Cadaqués ESP02Vilanova i la GeltrúOpen all year Vilanova Park Carefree's opinionWhatever time of year you go, Vilanova Park takes some beating, with its pleasant climate and high quality facilities, which are open all year apart from the outdoor pools. Close by are Barcelona, some of Europe's best beaches, Sitges' old- world charm, Vilafranca's wine cellars to which the site runs excursions, and Montserrat's mountain monastery. Location ? Hillside setting among flowers, shrubs and exotic trees, two miles from the Costa Dorada beaches ? Sitges five miles, A7 motorway 15 miles, Barcelona 30 miles, Port Aventura theme park 37 miles, Montserrat monastery 40 miles ? Excellent facilities, located in and around an old Catalan farm building Facilities ? 1,368 pitches; open and part- shaded; all with electricity, some with water ( not drinking) and drainage, drinking water taps throughout the site ? Outdoor pools ? Heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam bath, gym and aquagym programme ? Paddling pool ? Bar ? Restaurant ? Snacks and take- away ? Pizzeria ? Supermarketand shops ? Play areas ? Tennis courts ? Cycle hire ? Fitness room ? Activities, excursions and entertainment ? Local golf discount ? Surgery ? Small wildlife park ? Regular bus service from entrance to beach and train station ? Modern wash blocks ? Laundry service ? Facilities for disabled ? Mobile homes and chalets for hire ? Wifi Information ? High season– very popular and busy with an international clientele ? Low season– a quieter base with top quality facilities open all year; still very popular on Spanish national holidays and some weekends. Ideal base to visit Barcelona. Heated wash blocks with hot and cold water to showers, wash basins and laundry sinks ? Owned by Señor Rosel and run by Señor Martinez, English spoken ? 5.7- 23.8 minimum stay five nights ? 5.7- 23.8 maximum unit length 7m ? BBQs permitted Electricity 10A included ? Dogs £ 4.40 ? Tourist tax included ? Pitches with water connection £ 3 For extra nights or extra pitch facilities refer to Pitch Only prices below ESP02Pitch Only prices ESP02Inclusive Holiday prices from Electricity 6A £ 2.85 ? Dogs ( permitted on specified pitches) £ 3.15 ? Tourist tax included ? 100m2pitch £ 1.30-£ 3.50 ? All- service pitch 100m2£ 2.10-£ 5.50 For extra nights or extra pitch facilities refer to Pitch Only prices below ESP01Pitch Only prices ESP01Inclusive Holiday prices from 23.8- 26.9 book site ref SRA16 from p141 1.4- 19.5 book site ref WRA10 from p132