Costa Brava
Costa Brava, between the Mediterranenan and the Pyrenees, is
the popularly accepted name of the littoral of the province of
Girona.
Its nature, climate and history create a setting of odd,
haunting beauty that is hard to grasp, but that never fails to
seduce, with its lush vegetation propped against the blue and
green immensity of the sea. Right up to the edge of the sea,
hanging on occasions over abrupt cliffs, on others in the actual
proximity of the beaches, the vegetation paints the fine golden
sand green, blending with the ochre of the earth, inland, and
together with the dominant landscape.
The 16ºC of average annual temperature, with moderate
rainfall, and the 2,500 hours of sunshine that illuminate the
historic-artistic vestiges, recalling the existence of a notable
past, are only the visible aspects of a reality that has a
hidden pulse waiting to be discovered.
Its 214 kilometres of coastline stretch between Blanes in the
south, surrounded by El Maresme and El Montseny, and Portbou in
the north, on the French border. Beaches, coves, cliffs and
woods sit among renowned places like S’Agaró, Tossa de Mar,
Begur, Cadaques and Portlligat. The modern tourist
infrastructure of the area has turned Costa Brava into one of
Spain's most popular tourist destinations.
The most northern of the Costa's, Costa Brava is surely one
of the most engaging and inspiring coastlines in Europe. This is
the place where the great mountains of the Pyrenees seem to run
out of space and tumble into the sea. There are steep rocky
coves and craggy inlets, with enchanting little beaches hidden
away in them. The weather is always cooler than that of it's
southerly neighbours but a lot more pleasant (mid 20's) during
the summer months.
Barcelona The capital of the area and Spain's second city
that offers something for everybody. Some nice beaches, which do
get crowded with locals at week-ends but are some of the best in
the area. All Football fans will want to visit the Neu Camp
stadium but do take along a Spanish translation book or you'll
be left guessing what the excellent trophies are. The buildings,
many of which feature the work of an eccentric genius named
Gaudí, will blow you away. The art, with significant collections
by Picasso and Miró, will make it a visit to remember for all
art lovers. A vibrant City.
Lloret de Mar/Fanals
Lloret de Mar/Fanals Biggest resort on the Costa Brava, and
said to be the most concentrated in Spain. The original "once a
small fishing village" has now become a seaside metropolis whose
population is given as 18,000, bursting through the 200,000 mark
in the high season, Lloret is certainly brash and busy. There is
a little charm remaining in the tight grid of narrow streets
just back from the main beach where many a delightful little bar
and fish restaurant awaits discovery.
The seafront promenade, marking the S boundary of the old
town, is also pleasant for a stroll. Although there are traces
of history going back 1,000 years, there is none of the rustic
nostalgia evoked by its Latin name - Lauretum, the Field of
Laurels. There is some peace to be had in the more recently
developed sprawl to the S, where most of the apartments are
situated. Daytime entertainment is beach-based, including water
sports along with a go-kart track; bowling alley; riding
stables; 18-hole golf course about 25 miles N at Santa Cristina
de Aro (Club de Golf Costa Brava). At night the centre pulsates
at all hours with music bars, usually with a non-Spanish theme.
Some discos have spectacular laser shows. Casino; entertainments
laid on by hotels; theme evenings and banquets. Journey time
from the airport is around an hour.
Malgrat de Mar
Malgrat de Mar A fairly lively no-frills resort, specialising in
good-value holidays. The railway is a big drawback for families
with young children, as it is protected only by a low
balustrade. Long stretch of coarse sand punctuated by small
rocky outcrops, between which there are narrow, shelving bays.
Pedestrian subways at long intervals allow access under the
railway to the beach. Sunbeds, parasols and the usual
water-sports offerings.
Santa Susanna
Santa Susanna This is a modern resort which has a splendid
shingle beach. There's a good handful of interesting gift shops
to browse around, together with a number of small restaurants
and cafe-bars. A stroll along the promenade will bring you to
nearby Malgrat de Mar, which offers more things to do both day
and night.
Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar Originally an artist's colony, Its other name
is blue paradise, with which it was baptised by Marc Chagall who
visited and painted the town in 1933. Later other painters,
writers and intellectuals arrived. Since then it has become an
important international tourist centre, which does not mean that
it has not managed to preserve one of the most harmonious
sceneries on the coast.
Of pre-Roman origin, the remains of a Roman villa with a
magnificent mosaic were found in the surroundings and the Vila
Vella, the 12C old part, still preserves is narrow, winding
streets of medieval design and is surrounded by a curtain wall
with five towers, of which only three are left. Tossa de Mar has
a fine pebbled beach and offers a wide range of restaurants,
cafés and shops. Evening time is fairly quiet and the resort
therefore offers relaxed family holidays. Journey time from the
airport is around an hour.
