While most people’s minds go to Barcelona when talking about Catalonian, the true heart of the region is the historic city of Lleida. Sitting beneath the colossal shadow of the Turo Sou Vella Cathedral, the city is a living museum where every corner features some small piece of Catalonian history. Typical for the region, the city is also a fantastic cultural hub, with a superb selection of art galleries and festivals.

Weather is standard for northern Spain, peaking around 31°C in the summer and rarely freezing in the winter. While you’ll have to travel around a 100km to get to the closest beach, the city boasts many picturesque parks that offer spectacular days in the sun. With such an incredible combination of history, culture and climate, Lleida is a hidden gem and a fantastic holiday destination.