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RENFE operates lines out of Barcelona in all directions, making it easy to escape the city. Most regional trains leave from Estació de Sants Tips on Getting To Barcelona and Estació Passeig de Gràcia. Call the RENFE information line for destinations and schedules.

Numerous regional bus companies operate all over Catalonia. Most depart from Estació del Nord – call the station for more information.

A car is essential if you wish to explore off the beaten track, particularly in the Pyrenees and the Catalonian heartland. There are many car rental companies, including all the big names (Avis, Budget, Hertz), all of which have offices at the airport. Prices range from €240–420 for a mediumsized car for a week. To rent a car, you should be over 25, and have a valid driver’s licence, a credit card and a passport. Booking your rental car from abroad or on-line is often cheaper.

Mountain bikers will find a wealth of rugged terrain in the Pyrenees. The Turisme de Catalunya has maps and brochures as well as a good website showing bike routes throughout Catalonia. Club Element leads mountain bike tours through the lush Cerdanya Valley and along the Costa Brava.

“Sightsea” off the Costa Brava aboard glass-bottomed boats and other sea cruisers. L’Aventura del Nautilus conducts coastal sea cruises from L’Estartit to the Medes Islands off the Costa Brava. Excursiones Marítimas plies the Mediterranean from Calella and Blanes to Tossa de Mar, stopping at lovely coves along the way.

Discover Catalonia on organized bus tours, which include trips to the Monestir de Montserrat, Girona, the Teatre-Museu Dalí in Figueres and the Costa Brava. Also offered is a one-day tour that visits Montserrat and Barcelona’s Modernista marvels. Bus tours are organized by Julià and Pullmantur.

The new numbers for many roads in Catalonia that were issued in 2001 are now all that appear on signs. The old names have been phased out.

The best time to get out of town is in the late morning. Avoid long holiday weekends (pont ) and Friday evenings, when traffic is always heavy. Since most Spanish take their holidays in August, motorways are particularly busy around this period.

RENFE offers a 40 per cent discount for children aged four to 11. Enquire when booking tickets.

This well-stocked tourist office offers plenty of material on Catalonia, from maps to information on outdoor sports and festival listings. Changing exhibits on the region are also on display.