In fact, this duality gives rise to mar i muntanya (sea and mountain), a series of typical Catalan dishes that combine ingredients such as meat and fish or seafood and represent the region’s perfect balance. Gastronomist and historian Jaume Fàbrega defines these recipes as a singularity that’s shared by no other kind of European cuisine. Ultimately, the diversity of landscapes is key to the quality of life in Catalonia, the character of its society and its gastronomy. And it will also be key to your events and meetings, with a wide range of options to turn them into unforgettable experiences. The sea, centre stage The 580 kilometres of the Catalan coastline offer a wide array of aquatic activities at any time of the year. Six nautical resorts and numerous companies propose unique water-based experiences that can serve as the ideal driving force behind your incentive trip. Organise a team building activity in the form of a corporate regatta in the waters of Barcelona or a Corporate Social Responsibility activity linked to the environment on the beaches of the Costa Dorada. Kayak beneath the cliffs of the Costa Brava or gather at the great temple of Mediterranean biodiversity, the Barcelona Aquarium. And, of course, you’ll also find all the facilities required to hold any event beside the sea, from first-rate accommodation such as the Hotel Santa Marta in Lloret de Mar and Le Méridien Ra Beach Hotel & Spa in Vendrell to restaurants like La Daurada in Vilanova i la Geltrú and the Infinitum Beach Club in Salou. You won’t be short of options. Catalonia, the venue for global events Catalonia’s links with the sea are undeniable, and the fact that Barcelona will hold the 37th America’s Cup of sailing provides irrefutable proof. Catalonia will host the international competition that’s set to confirm its status as a nautical benchmark around the world. And it’s not the only event on the calendar; the Barcelona International Boat Show is a classic that showcases the latest innovations in the world of sailing each year. The sea is also a major economic engine. Catalonia is firm in its commitment to the blue economy, a strategy to support the sustainable growth of a maritime sector that generates up to 5.4 million jobs and 500,000 million euros each year. This is also investment in research and innovation, seeking to create solutions for challenges such as the health of the oceans and human activities in the marine environment. When the sea becomes a mountain Anything is possible in Catalonia; you can travel from a hidden cove on the Costa Brava to a 3,000-metre peak in the Pyrenees, from a fine sandy beach in the Maresme, Barcelona, Baix Llobregat or Sitges to a rocky massif like Montserrat or from the rice paddies of the Ebro delta to the Ports Natural Park. You can enjoy both sides of the coin in the same day. To do so, you’ll find projects such as Olot-Girona-Lloret, a partnership between three destinations in the province of Girona which offer a joint proposal for your event or incentive trip to Catalonia. Three different landscapes, including the mountains, towns and the sea, that are just 35 minutes away from each other. It’s the ideal combination for taking full advantage of Catalonia’s natural diversity. Meetings in the high mountains As you can see, Catalonia also boasts breathtaking mountain landscapes. You’ll find spectacular venues surrounded by nature, such as the Hotel El Jou Nature in Guardiola del Berguedà, the Xalet de Prades, the Grand Hotel La Florida in Barcelona and the Gran Hotel Mas d’en Bruno in Torroja del Priorat. The Vall d’Aran in the Catalan Pyrenees offers impressive panoramic views and a wide variety of incentive activities throughout the year. In the cold seasons you can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing and sledding and many other adventures on the snow. In the warm seasons, you can try the mountain bike routes, rafting, canyoning and exclusive cultural visits to Aranese heritage. The valley was the first mountain destination to obtain the Biosphere Responsible Tourism certificate in 2014 and provides a great example of Catalonia’s commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism. Montserrat, in the heart of Catalonia, is a very different mountain with a mystical significance for its population. It has wonderful nature and facilities for professionals, with buildings for meetings, conventions and conferences and activities to be enjoyed in the surrounding area. And the mountains don’t end there; you can organise an event at the Cardona Salt Mountain, at the top of the Tibidabo or in the Mountains of Prades. Make your next event or meeting an experience with mar i muntanya!