The small city of Sitges parties big. The nightlife is thumping, the people are gorgeous and the annual Carnival festival is utterly epic. A countercultural touchstone, Sitges is lively and very LGBT friendly. Native food and beverage is sublime—you simply must sample the Malvasia wine, made from grapes descending from Ancient Greece. Don’t miss the Museu Romàntic "Can Llopis" or, if you’re in Sitges in October, the world-renowned Sitges Film Festival, a cinematic extravaganza of horror, sci-fi and fantasy.

One of the most historic sites in Spain, Girona lies in northeast Catalonia, just 99 km (62 mi) from Barcelona. Founded by Romans, the city later was taken over by Moors and Franks before finally falling under the rule of Barcelona. Influenced by different cultures and religions, the city beckons visitors with beautiful architecture. The Old and New Town offer many opportunities to pleasurably get lost and observe local life and culture.

The soft sea breeze, the crystalline waters and the tranquility are a few of the most important traits of La Pineda Beach. Almost four kilometers of beach lines the seafront promenade of this coastal resort. La Pineda has some of the cleanest, safest and environmentally best-managed beaches, as the Blue Flags regularly awarded by the European Foundation for Environmental Education attest. A wide range of activities can be organized right on the beach.

<p>Whether you're looking for sandy beaches, rocky coves, tranquil villages or mountain scenery, Spain's Costa Brava has something to offer you. Situated in the north-east of the country overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Costa Brava region enjoys hot summers and mild winters, making it an all-year-round holiday destination. </p><p>There are plenty of opportunities in the Costa Brava to play golf, tennis or football, as well as to take part in water sports. The Sant Daniel Valley on the western side of the Gavarres hills has mountain biking and trekking paths with stunning views. If you are looking for a cultural activity, the Archaeological Museum in Banyoles is housed in a Gothic palace and has displays of paleontology and pottery as well as archaeology. Modern art lovers must not miss the Theatre Museum in Figueres which has a collection of Salvador Dali's paintings. At the end of the day, if you still have some energy, there is no shortage of nightlife in towns such as Lloret de Mar. </p>

Salou, on the Costa Dorada, nestles between quaint Cambrils and calm La Pineda. Just seven miles south of elegant Tarragona, the compact resort town is a family favourite, due in no small part to the existence of Port Aventura and Aquopolis theme parks. Gentle beaches and a slew of exciting fiestas in August add to Salou's appeal for families. A good variety of clubs and bars round out the picture. To see more of the area, or for daytrips to Tarragona or Barcelona, it's easiest to rent a car.

Cambrils has a well-deserved reputation as the culinary capital of the Costa Dorada. There is a veritable cornucopia of fresh local ingredients, ranging from fish and other seafood to the internationally acclaimed DO Siurana olive oil. Between the historic population center and the ports, life in Cambrils unfurls peacefully around beaches and promenades. Looking on as fishing boats glide into the harbor and discovering the Old Quarter are two of the many pleasures that await in this Catalan town.