@Soupe du jour I just have to say, Comunitat de Valencia. I lived in Sagunto for two years. Barcelona is nice and all, but Sagunto has a Roman theatre. It's just a couple of hours down the road from Barcelona. ... and Sagunto has some awesome paella. I could go on... Like, look into the towns of Albarracín and Morella. They're both very cool - and off the beaten path. There are cave paintings accessible around Albarracín. Morella is an all-around lovely experience with a castle on top of the hill. Be prepared to walk. Oops, I guess I did go on. Cultural adventures rule!