Uncover Nîmes' rich history at the interractive Musée de la Romanité. In stark contrast to the Roman Amphitheatre standing just opposite, the Musée de la Romanité is housed in a striking futuristic glass and steel structure designed by Elizabeth de Portzamparc, showcasing artefacts and exhibitions exploring the life of local people over the course of 25 centuries. 

Take a stroll around the Jardins de la Fontaine, grand 18th-century gardens located around the water source where ancient Nîmes was first founded. Discover the Roman monuments and statues here at one of Europe's first public parks.

Visit Les Arènes, a twin-tiered amphitheatre which is the best preserved of its kind in France. Over 2000 years old, the arena once seated 24,000 spectators. Grab an audio guide to provide you with context as you explore the arena before viewing replicas of gladiators' armour in the museum.

Cross Tarragona's medieval Pont del Diable, the 'Devil's bridge', once used to supply the city with water from the Francolí River.

Bask in sun on Tarragona's Platja Llarga beach, with a backdrop of pine forests and mountains of the Bosque de la Marquesa National Park.

Discover Tarragona's Roman amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It was once used for gladiator fighting and gruesome public displays but now provides a fascinating window into the past.

Overlooking Barcelona, Montjüic is a hilltop vantage point a world away from the labyrinthine streets of the city below. Explore the castle and botanic gardens, and see the grand Olympic Stadium originally built for the 1929 Olympics and refurbished for the 1992 Games.

Architect Antoni Gaudí is one of Barcelona’s most famous residents and no visit here is complete without seeing at least one of his organic and imaginative buildings. Both Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera) are easily spotted on a wander down Passeig de Gràcia. If you've a little more time, take the metro up to Parc Güell and wander among the colourful ceramic structures, and for full immersion into Gaudí's grandiosity and ambition, visit the still-unfinished Sagrada Família.

There are a number of beaches in and within easy reach of the city. Barceloneta is the closest to the city centre and both the most famous and most popular. There's plenty of beach volleyball and ping pong on offer, as well as places to find fresh seafood. Head to Nova Icaria if you're after something a little more sedate, with the same range of beach activities on offer on a smaller scale. For something altogether quieter, make your way north to Platja d'Ocata, a pristine, tranquil stretch of beautiful golden sand.