Where can you sleep?
The oldest part of the city of Lleida is found in the historical centre where apart from being close to the main important monuments of the city, you will be able to track the 4 Km that make up the Eje Comercial de Lleida, one of the largest shopping streets in Europe. For those who prefer going somewhere quieter, you can stay in the Pardiñas quartier, where you will find the Parque de la Mitjana, or in Ciudad Jardín, in the outskirts of the city.
Here in Lleida you will find many locations that will grant you a peaceful and quiet atmosphere: the historical centre in Guimerá from the Middle-Ages, the spectacular natural views of Boí or Tahull, or the wonders of Vielha, are some of the towns and villages that seem to be stuck in time, and therefore we recommend for you to visit.
What to do in the area?
The Pyrenees are a place which needs to introduction. But if you would like some advice on what to visit here, you must write down in your list a visit the natural reserve in Aigüestortes, and one to Lago de Mauricio, the only lake of this size in the whole of Cataluña.
The views in Valle del Bohí are also some of the most spectacular ones from our list of recommendations, but apart from the scenery you will also find here up to 9 churches built in the Romanesque style which have been declared UNESCO world heritage sites. The churches of San Clemente, Santa María in Tahull, the church of Natividad in Durro, or the one of San Félix in Barruera, are some of them.
Special mention needs to be made of the capital, where you will also find very romantic spots to walk by, such ad in Parque de Mitjana, the biggest one in the city, or visit the cathedral of la Seu Vella, a truly unique exponent of the Romanesque and Gothic style, or take a picture together next to the templar castle in Gardeny.
What typical foods are recommended?
The gastronomy in Lleida is a homage to the land and the fields, and to good eating. Abundant yet simple in essence, amongst the most traditional dishes you will find escargots, which here are widely appreciated, so much so, that there's even a celebration on their honour known as the Aplec del Cargol. If you fancy a snack later, there's nothing like having some bread with 'fuet' one of the most typical cold meat delicacies in this region. The 'cassonada' is also a must, a warm and very filling stew eaten during the coldest months. To finish your meal, you can do so by having some 'crepes' in the local way of elaborating them.
Where are the festivities?
If you fancy yourselves cinema lovers and are in the city of Lleida, you can attend not one but two festivals dedicated to the art of filmmaking: the Muestra Internacional de Cine de Animación, showcasing animation films and held at the end of February, and the Muestra de Cine Latinoamericano de Cataluña, in April, which does the same for Latin American cinema.
You will also find in this province several celebrations considered of National Tourist Interest: in the Carnavales de Solsona you will be able to dance and join 'charangas', and other street groups, the Pasión de Cervera is a must to any theatre lover, and the Rali de la Noguera is another must for those who love kayak or would like to give it a go.
