Great days out in Spain

1. Aquabrava (Rosas)

This large water park on the Costa Brava is a perfect place to go on a hot, sunny day. There is a huge variety of rides, swimming pools and spacious green areas. For younger children, there is a pirate island with smaller slides and a pirate boat to keep them occupied. Fun is guaranteed at this beautifully landscaped park, there is something for everyone. We have negotiated a 10% discount off the entrance fee to Aquabrava for all Canvas customers.
www.aquabrava.com

2. Aquarium (Barcelona)

The aquarium in Barcelona is a fascinating day out. It is one of the largest aquariums in Europe and is the most important aquarium in the world for Mediterranean sea life. With twenty-one aquariums, containing several hundreds of various species of fish, algae and invertebrates you are sure not to get bored. At Aquarium de Barcelona the emphasis is on education and conservation, their motto being 'to know is to love and to love is to protect', be prepared to be engrossed!
www.webarcelona.com

3. L'Estartit

L'Estartit is a modern tourist resort and fishing village. Its sandy beach is more than 5 km long and is extremely good for children. Apart from the attraction of l'Estartit's beach and souvenir shops, the port of l'Estartit is the best place in the area from where to take a boat trip. The fabulous Medes islands are a short distance away; here the snorkelling and scuba diving possibilities are endless. Many of the boats are glass-bottomed or you can go organised scuba/snorkelling expeditions around the isles, just walk along the pier and pick up leaflets from the various companies offering excursions.

4. Empuria Brava

The large Empúria Brava marina is very impressive indeed. The town was built in 1967 around a grid network of canals (around 20km in total). Almost every beautiful house has a boat parked on its own private jetty, it is quite a sight! The marina is definitely worth a visit, even if only to look in awe at the incredible boats! There is also a market here on Saturdays which comes highly recommended.

5. Universal Mediterranea

With over 90 shows a day, 30 attractions, 23 themed restaurants, 22 shops and more than 3000 people at your service, this truly is one of the best days out that the Costa Dorada has to offer. Renamed in 2002, the Universal Mediterranea has some of the most exhilarating rides yet, Dragon Kahn, the largest roller coaster in Europe, is guaranteed to leave you feeling a bit wobbly! The park also has a wide selection of restaurants serving dishes from around the world.
www.universalmediterranea.com

6. Cadaquès

Cadaques is an extremely beautiful town situated on a bay on the eastside of the Cabo Creus peninsulas. It was discovered by painters in the 19th century and Picasso painted some of his most famous works of art here. From the 1920s Cadaques became well known thanks to Salvador Dalí, who lived in house near the beach. Nowadays there are many lovely shops and restaurants along the narrow winding streets and it is host to the famous International Music Festival in August.

7. Delta del Ebro

The Delta del Ebro is a large nature reserve, 320sq. km, in the heart of Catalonia and offers a wealth of wildlife to explore. The reserve is rich in Mediterranean flora and fauna and also has a museum with exhibits showing the history of the towns situated around the reserve and an ecomuseum showing how humans are attempting to protect the natural world. The Delta del Ebro is an interesting day out for those interested in wildlife, birds and marshland.
www.ebre.com/delta/esp/

8. Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain buzzes with life and attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is a beautiful city, especially from an architectural point of view. For a real taste of Barcelona take a stroll down Las Ramblas, admiring the street entertainers and maybe doing a bit of shopping too, then explore the maze of small streets in the Gothic quarter. Be sure to visit Gaudí's Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia, his unfinished masterpiece and the symbol of the city. Barcelona is a city with much to offer and a 'must-see' if you are in Catalan Spain.
www.bcn.es

9. Gerona

Gerona is the second largest city in Catalonia. It has an amazing medieval town centre and many beautiful Gothic and Romanesque buildings which have survived repeated attacks and sieges down the centuries. Take time to wander up the narrow streets towards the cathedral, stop in at a café, have a look in a few of the tiny shops and then when you get to the top of the hill be prepared for an awesome sight…the baroque cathedral itself. Gerona is a beautiful city, especially if you appreciate architecture.
tourism.catalonia.net

10. Salvador Dalí Museum - Figuerès

Figueres is home to the Teatre-Museu Dalí, the only museum in Europe dedicated solely to the work of Salvador Dalí. Dalí was born in Figueres in 1904 and lived his life a few miles away in Cadaques. When Dalí returned to Figueres in 1961 he spent years converting the former municipal theatre and turning it into a showcase for his work. The museum is fascinating, Dalí's unique style is evident both inside and outside the building and you will never cease to be amazed by his bizarre, surreal art.
www.dali-estate.org

11. Cabàrceno nature park

This large natural park in Carbàrceno is well worth a visit. There are many animals to see including bears, giraffes, lions, elephants and leopards. The park is very well spaced, the animals therefore having large enclosures. There are many large green areas which are great for picnics or just for relaxing in between animals! But most impressive of all is the range of animals this park has, almost every animal you could want to see is in the Cabàrceno.
www.aeza.es/zoos/cabarceno

12. Santander

The capital of Cantabria is beautifully set with sandy beaches on one side and open countryside and high mountains on the other. The centre of Santander is set between the city's two ports. The oldest building in the city is the incredible gothic cathedral. Don't miss the Royal Palace which stands at the top of the Magdalena Peninsula. The Magdalena Peninsula also has a popular public park with a mini-zoo, playground restaurants and cafés.