Last Sunday travelers to Spain got a new flight option–an airport in Lleida (also known as Lérida) in Cataluña.
Lleida is an ancient town, founded in prehistoric times and boasting the typical Spanish attractions of historic buildings, modernist architecture, museums, good food, and a fun nightlife. Of particular interest is the 12th century Romanesque Church of Sant Llorenç with its elegant altarpieces. Atop a nearby hill is the Templar castle of Gardeny, built in the same century.
The airport officially opened Sunday with the landing of a special Airbus A320 Vueling flight from Barcelona. Vueling will start commercial flights on February 5 to Paris and Palma de Mallorca.
The government also hopes travelers to nearby Andorra will use the airport. They estimate 50,000 travelers will use the airport in its first year.