Diversity and harmony are also apparent in the character of the people of Barcelona, who are enterprising and hardworking, enjoy life and, in particular, have great civic price and are lovers of culture.
These characteristics have made Barcelona into a first-class tourist destination and the ideal setting for meetings and congresses.
ACCESS by air
Barcelona is easy to get to. The city’s airport, which was completely renovated ten years ago, has now designed new runways and is about to undergo a second extension programme in order to double its capacity.
More than 50 scheduled airlines that fly to and from Barcelona-El Prat International airport. And there are some low cost companies that arrives to Girona and Reus airport (both connected to Barcelona by no more than 110 km. by highway)
There are eight daily trains from Barcelona to Madrid: five departing during the day and three at night.
(Renfe)
ACCESS by sea
Barcelona harbour has eight passenger terminals (five for cruise liners and three for ferries) and a 2.500 metre long mooring which means it can offer cruise and ferry operators an excellent service. Ferry traffic is run by four companies: Transmediterránea, Buquebus, Grandi Navi Veloci and Umafisa, who operate regular services to Palma, Mahón and Ibiza (Balearic Islands) and Geneva (Italy).
(Port of Barcelona)
ACCESS by road
A17 motorway from Barcelona to La Jonquera (at the French border), 154 km., links up with the French motorway network, and then on northem Europe, or through to eastern Europe via Nice, Monaco and Italy. The A-7 motorway to the west and south connects Barcelona with the rest of Spain.
Barcelona has 11,000 yellow and black, mid-to-high-level range, cabs. The services they provide include: seating for 7, easy access for the disabled, radio-telephone, air-conditioning, payment by credit card and hire services for congresses and conventions.
Barcelona has an extensive public transport network serving the entire city. It comprises five metro lines, and a fleet of 800 buses which operate on over 80 routes connecting all the city’s districts. As well as the single ticket, which can be purchased at the metro stations and on the buses, there are also 2, 3, 4 and 5 day passes which help you make the most of your visit by allowing unlimited access to the entire network.
The Tourist Bus is the best choice for organising your visit to Barcelona and the most original way of discovering the city’s main landmarks at your leisure. Along the entire route, you can get on and off the bus as many times and for as long as you like, and once you have visited the landmark you are interested in, you can board the next bus.
Barcelona enjoys a mild climate and an average annual temperature of 17 degrees Celsius. The sun shines on most days of the year and the Mediterranean brings cooling sea breezes to the city and moisture to the atmosphere.
Rainfall is light, except during the few rainy months of the year, and, needless to say, it rarely snows.
Even the lowest temperatures are relatively mild, except in unusual circumstances. Northern Europeans who live in Barcelona affirm that the weather is like a wonderful gift, which is repeated day after day.
