Discover the perfect harmony between turquoise-blue waters and pine green forests and mountains that this beautiful corner of Catalonia holds.
The Costa Brava stretches
along 100 miles of the Catalonia coast line in the north east of Spain. The
ruggedly stunning coast is full of high-rise resorts and modern marinas
catering for the package holiday tourist.
It stretches between
Blanes in the south and Portbou in the north, on the French border. The whole
length of the coastline is dotted with beaches, coves, cliffs and woods. With
names such as S’Agaró, Tossa de Mar, Begur, Cadaques and Portlligat, the modern
tourist infrastructure has turned Costa Brava into one of Spain's most popular
tourist destinations.
The more intrepid holiday
makers seek out the many deserted coves scented with pine and citrus trees,
fragrant herbs and bright flowers. But even the least adventurous traveller can
get away from the packaged resorts and discover the relatively unspoilt fishing
villages and towns that are awash with ancient castles and fortifications.
The area is also a haven
for divers with an abundance of wrecks to explore in the crystalline waters.
Being in the north of
Spain, the Costa Brava’s climate is somewhat milder than other areas making it
ideal for families.
The average monthly
temperatures are:
|
°C |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Day |
13 |
13 |
15 |
17 |
20 |
24 |
28 |
28 |
25 |
21 |
16 |
13 |
|
Night |
3 |
4 |
5 |
7 |
10 |
15 |
17 |
17 |
15 |
11 |
6 |
4 |
As with many tourist
areas, there is plenty of shopping to be done in Costa Brava. All of the
resorts along the coastline have a range of traditional and cosmopolitan shops.
You can find anything from souvenirs to local delicacies, arts and crafts.
Most resorts such as
Banyoles, Blanes, Figueres, Girona. L’Estartit, Olot, Platja d’Aro, Torroella
de Montgri, Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar have open air shopping areas with
cafes, restaurants and children’s play areas.
Depending on which resort
you choose, the degree of nightlife varies along the Costa Brava. The
undisputed capital of nightlife is Lloret de Mar. Here you can dance the night
away in numerous bars and clubs such as Tropics, Bumper’s Disco and Hollywood
Dance Club. For those that enjoy a flutter, it is also home to the Casino
Lloret de Mar.
Calella also has a lively
night culture with over 50 bars. Some of the clubs in this area are Turisme 35,
The Avenue, The Tunnel and Western Saloon. Although not quite as lively as
Lloet de Mar, Calella certainly has plenty to offer the night owls amongst us.
Blanes is a quieter area
with a few music bars and clubs. It is more geared up for families as is
L’Estartit which only has a few clubs such as The Podium, Rockerfella’s and
Maxim’s. Roses is also a quieter resort offering more traditional Tapas bars,
ballroom dancing, flamenco and a few international clubs. If you want to party
here, look out for New Orleans, Disco Cyber City, Picasso, Zodiac and
Octopussy.
We have already seen that
there is a wealth of things to see and do within the area of Costa Brava.
However, here are a few more suggestions of excursions that you might like to
take during your stay:
The tap water is safe but
you will probably prefer bottled water mainly due to taste.
As with most tourist
areas, although crime isn’t a big problem, you should take the usual
precautions with your valuable and beware of pick pockets in crowded areas.
