Watch the spectacle of balloons

Igualada, a town in Catalonia, will play host to a festival of hot air balloons from around the world in early July.

The event attracts around 25,000 spectators, 40 specialist hot air balloons and is one of the largest such events in the whole of Europe.

Other than the opportunity to watch the balloons be blown up and ascend into the sky, tourists can take part in activities on the ground, including a market.

Igualada is one hour's drive from Barcelona for those who have travelled by ferry and chosen to bring their own cars.

The festival is free for spectators and some companies offer the chance to ride in one of the crafts.

Good weather conditions in the area mean that there are 300 flying days, enabling pilots to run frequent hot air balloon trips.

Based near Igualada is the Ultramagic balloon factory and the Ultramagic firm also offers the chance for budding pilots to earn their flying licence.