Base yourself in an apartment in Barcelona city centre and you can easily get out to the surrounding countryside and beaches to explore. Take a day trip out of the city to see the natural landscape, wild rugged coastline, quaint market towns and vineyards and experience another side to the region of Catalonia.

First of all you need to figure out how you're going to get around the region. If you are confident to drive then hire a car for convenience and the quickest way to travel. A rental car means you can organise your schedule to suit yourself and don't have to rely on other public transport.

The public transport system in the region is actually quite reliable so as long as you plan everything beforehand there shouldn't be aby problems. The Estacio d'Autobus Barcelona Nord has all their routes and timetables listed online, check out their website for more details.

You can also get around the region by train, there are two operators - RENFE and The Catalan Government railways or FGC. They run from various stations around the city.

If you like to hike, ramble or cycle then Catalonia is surrounded by hills and low mountains, some within walking distance from Barcelona. In some places the ‘gran recorreguf' has been put into place which is a series of long-distance footpaths running throughout the region and highlighted by red and white signs pointing the way. Situated at various locations along the paths are campsites and inns to lodge for the night before continuing in the morning.

In Barcelona itself it's also possible to go on a hike. Check out the Parc de Collserola, which is particularly hilly and features shady paths leading to fantastic views. Catch the FGC train from Placa-Catalunya or Passieg de Gracia and alight at Baixador de Vallvidrera station. Montserrat is also great for the views and a nice place to hike but can get really busy in the summer months. Historically an important destination for pilgrims heading to the Benedictine monastery at the top it still attracts lots of locals and there's also a museum up there. Ask at the local tourist office as they have maps of the trails leading to the caves.

There's much more beautiful beaches than those in the city, take a ride further along the coast and you'll be impressed by the secluded bays and tranquil sands. It also gives you a chance to stop off at one of the small villages and towns where life is slower and the locals friendly. Head south and you'll eventually come to Sitges where the streets are whitewashed and, depending when you visit, will give you a different vibe. In the winter it's very relaxed and perfect for a romantic getaway, whilst the summer months are packed with, mostly gay, party-goers due to its reputaion as a gay hotspot since the 60's.

A day trip will get you to the wine region of Barcelona, make your own way or take a guided tour where you get to taste some of the finest wine Catalonia has to offer. The area of Penedes is easily accessible if you are reliant on public transport, catch the train to Vilafranca a quaint little medieval town with a market on Saturday and and the 14th century Basilica de Santa Maria. Vinseum is a wine museum where you get to see how the wine is made and take a trip out to the vineyards.There are a few other main wineries in the area that also organise tours.

Vic is just under an hour from the city and will give you a real taste of life in Catalonia. If you can get there on a Tuesday or Saturday then you'll get to see the market which is located in the Placa Major. The Museu Episcopal has some stunning 12th century murals to admire if that's your type of thing, whilst there's much more to see in the village, particularly the historical architecture, and churches and in the surrounding areas.

There are lots of apartments to rent in the city itself, this then gives you the choice of seeing all the city centre sights and attractions or getting out of town for a few days.