Catalonia is a land of rich and varied scenery, with 580 km of Mediterranean coastline, which offer perfect conditions for nautical sports, and mountain areas, as the Catalan Pyrenees ideal for skiing, hiking, and adventure sports. A rich architectural heritage has preserved in many fine cities steeped in character, with magnificent historic buildings, among them Girona and Tarragona. Barcelona, Catalonia’s capital, offering a lively cultural life and good shopping, is one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean.