COSTA BRAVA , SPAIN

The Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, covering the coastal towns and villages of the beautiful province of Girona in Catalonia.

Many who do not known the region, think only of built up resorts such as Lloret de Mar and Blanes. The truth however, is that the Costa Brava is home to some of the most delightful towns, villages and beaches in Spain.

The Costa Brava has an intricate coastline of over 300 kilometres washed by the Mediterranean Sea, and backed by the high Pyrenean mountains. It is a diverse region of extraordinary natural beauty and has a very deep artistic and historical heritage.

History & Culture
The Costa Brava has for many years attracted the artistic and cultural community; its natural beauty giving inspiration to famous artists such as Salvador Dali, Joan Miro and Pablo Picasso.

The region is a wealth of architectural, monumental, cultural, artistic and gastronomic treasures. Romantic routes exist which trace the regions culture, heritage, sports and cuisine at a leisurely pace.

Languages
The two official languages are Catalan and Castilian. Most of the indigenous population speaks Catalan regularly, and the entire population understands and speaks perfect Castilian.

Towns and Villages of the Costa Brava
Roses is an essentially Mediterranean town with a notable tourist and seafaring tradition. The town itself dates back to the 8th century BC. It is located in a unique natural environment in the northern area of the Costa Brava, it is less than 30 km from the French border, 65 km from Girona and 160 km from Barcelona.

Once a small fishing town, the seaside resort of Blanes still retains some of its original charm; the resort boasts a four-kilometre stretch of coastline with wide sandy bays and small rocky coves, most of which are well served with water sports and other tourist facilities.

Tossa de Mar is a pretty town with cobbled streets, constructed around a magnificent ancient castle, located in the Spanish region of Catalonia on the Costa Brava. The beautiful mountainous hinterland with lush green valleys, gorges and natural springs creates a stunning backdrop. There is also a bustling beach life in this attractive resort, which appeals to couples and families alike.

Lloret de Mar is situated in the southern part of the Costa Brava, 70 kilometres to the north east of Barcelona. This is one of the Mediterraneans most popular resorts and certainly the liveliest holiday spot on this stretch of the Spanish coastline. The former fisherman’s village covers 48 square kilometres, and has five main beaches along a 7 kilometre of coastline.

Begur is a pretty medieval village with cobbled streets and whitewashed houses draping the hillside below the ruins of a stone castle.

The medieval town of Pals is located on the Costa Brava, to the east of the city of Girona. 
Situated on top of a hill, overlooking Platja de Pals, this charming town with its cobbled streets, craft shops, traditional restaurants and bars is a great place to visit in Catalonia.

South east of Girona, roughly midway between Lloret de Mar and Begur, is the fabulous
beach-side resort of S'Agaro. Elegant S'Agaró sits alongside cosmopolitan Platja d'Aro, where a recognised circular route skirts the peaceful streets of the old town. Castell d'Aro is the historical centre, and has preserved all its medieval charm. 


Calella de Palafrugell is an attractive resort, well known for its various rocky coves, sandy beaches and excellent fish restaurants. The area is becoming better known thanks to the annual International Jazz Festival held in the extensive gardens of Cap Roig, just to the south.

Beaches
The beaches of the Costa Brava vary from beautiful stretches of golden sand, to tiny coves, backed by pine-clad hillsides.

Salvador Dali was inspired by the picturesque coves which are typical of this coastal region, the spectacular scenery at Port Lligat inspired much of his work. The wonderful village of Cadaques, is home to the Cap de Creus Nature Reserve which forms a series of beautiful tiny unspoilt coves.

Cuisine
The gastronomy of the Costa Brava is rich and
varied. Principally it is the typical Mediterranean diet of fish and seafood with fresh vegetables, olives and olive oil rice and pasta.

We recommend that visitors try some traditional
Catalan dishes whilst on holiday, especially delicious are 

Escudella I Carn D'olla, vegetable broth with pork, veal and chicken. Pa Amb Tomàquet, 

simply rustic bread, can be toasted, rubbed with tomato pulp and dressed with oil and
salt; these delcious breakfast can also be served with ham, sausage or tortilla.

Coca is a very thin dough baked with onions,
peppers and other vegetables served with and meats, or fish (especially sardines).

Climate
In keeping with its geographical diversity, there are numerous climates and microclimates, depending on the altitude and the proximity of the sea. In general, the area enjoys a mild temperate and Mediterranean type climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters.



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