Landlocked between Tarragona, Barcelona, Aragón and France, Lleida makes up for its lack of coastline with some beautiful green countryside and some majestic mountainous scenery in the Pyrenees, where you can also find beautiful undisturbed lakes - all of which makes for excellent hiking country. The main city Lleida is situated in the south west of the province, well connected between Barcelona and Zaragoza.
It is the mountainous and rural areas that really make Lleida what it is. Because of this fertile farmland, Lleida is the site of many important agricultural shows, and the olive groves in the area produce some of the most celebrated olive oil in Spain. Its delicate fruity flavour makes it a favourite of gourmets for their green salads, but is also widely enjoyed on a piece of freshly baked bread.
Heading south of the lakes you will find a wine region that produces an excellent selection of red and white wine grapes such as Merlot and Chardonnay, and features Europe's biggest single vineyard in Raimat. Tours and tasting are all part of the fun here, and the cava and Cabernet Sauvignon are delicious!
Mention the village of Sort and most Spaniards will tell you that this tiny village in Lleida has the good fortune to always throw up a winning lottery ticket. Consequently, hundreds of people pass through here before Christmas just to pick up a ticket. Just to add to the mystery, the Catalan word Sort means luck! For those seeking more spiritual rewards, consider the Monastery of Poblet, just over he province border in Taragona. It lies in glorious open country, vast and sprawling within massive walls and towering gateways.
