i'm flying into barcelona on the 9th of june and staying in spain until the 24th. i plan to stay in the city until maybe the 15th but i'd like to see some of the countryside around it after that - particularly along the coast. does anyone have any recommendations as to small towns worth a visit, and where i could stay?

taking a commuter train out of barna sants station you can reach Blanes, and beyond. the coastal line runs via mataro a commuter town a bit like crosby is to liverpool. between mataro & badalona -an urban extension of barcelona there a number of satelites all with good bathing facilities -the tide is pretty often clean. there are a few hotels & pensions and plenty of restaurants with value business lunchtime menus. Travelling north from mataro the towns become more geared to tourism though many retaining their catalan character > i really like arneys del mer. In july and august you can take a bus to sant celoni a busy town with a reasonable grand hotel , dominating catherdal, bargin street market & good nightlife(including some pricy restaurants.) if you like football there are two regional teams based in the municipal stadium, pleasent campsite site nearby. back to the coast and a couple of stops further up is sant pol del mer. there is a nice nude beach with a rocky coast and always clear h2o. lunch can be taken al fresso on the adjoining beach bar. at dusk gay men cruse the area. further on is calella a family resort and lots of irish bars. most af the settlements between here and blanes are tourist orientated built in the franco expansion era of the '60s & early '70's The costa brava itself starts at blanes and north after lloret, quite chick in its own way are some really interesting settlements. hiring a car is easy and worthwhile

Not on the coast, but Montserrat is worth a visit.

If you can work out the pricings from Catalunya station, you can get a Ticket which includes the mountain tram, although on the way up it is best to get off at Montserrat Aeri station and take the cable car to the monastery. From there get the funicular higher up and walk to the summit on easy paths. Allow 2 hours up, less back. Incredible rock formations for some exciting photos.

Have a late night drink at Taxidermista on Placa Reial.

Eat in the Boqueria. If you feel brave try one of the tripe-based stews.

Come back for a week on September 19th for the Merce. Possibly Europe's best party.

Hi,

Whilst in Barcelona, make sure you don't miss "Bari Gotic" (gothic town), not far from Las Ramblas. Also "Poble Espagne" (traditional Spanish village) which has a fantastic tapas bar. You have to take the tour bus here though. You can buy tickets for the bus at the tourist info point, at the end of Las Ramblas. I can't remember how much they were (I went nearly 3 years ago) but they weren't expensive. Oh, and if you like football (or even if you don't!) it's worth a visit to Barcelona football stadium.

Hope this helps you!

V x