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We also recommend our guests to visit Barcelona, if they donīt know the
city and have enough time, so as to spend one day there: there are all
Gaudíīs works of Modernist art ( the Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera,
Park Guell...), las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter, the 1992 Olympics buildings,
and many other interesting places to visit. If you have heard of an interesting
place in Catalunya that you want to visit during your stay, but donīt
know exactly where it is, you can ask us about it by e-mail, and we will
inform you if itīs easily reached from our house or not.
LīALBERA. A Natural Park that extends across the oriental
Pyrenees, between La Jonquera and Portbou, two border passages with France.
There are Megalithic constructions in the area. The Information centre
is in Espolla village (mornings) and La Jonquera. There are Beech groves
and oak woods. There is a breeding centre of a kind of Mediterranean tortoise
in Garriguella. Olive trees and vineyards can be seen in all the villages
included in the park. There are also several castles (Requessens for example,
near Cantallops) and Romanesque churches.
AMPURIAS OR EMPURIES. The ancient ruins of Ampurias represent the Mediterranean
entryway of thr Greek and Roman civilisation into the Iberian Peninsula.
These are the ruins of the ancient Greek port, where the torch of the
Olympic flame came from Athens(Greece) for the opening of Olympic Games
of Barcelona 1992. There is an archeological museum. Walk through the
pinewoods by the sandy beach, well kept and with amenities for familiar
leisure. There is also a pleasant promenade between LīEscala and Sant
Martí dīEmpuries, an old stone village, passing the Ampurias ruins.
BAGUR OR BEGUR. Small and lively village by the coast, with several calas
(small sandy beaches such as Sa Tuna, Sa Riera, Tamariu, Fornells), coves
and cliffs of great beauty , exuberant woods and crystaline waters that
are the maximum expression of la Costa Brava. There is the Lighthouse
of Sant Sebastiá.
BANYOLES. Capital of the Pla de līEstany area, mainly known for the beauty
of its lake, the biggest in Spain. During the summer of 1992 in the Barcelona
Olympic Games, the rowing events took place in the lake. As in many other
lakes itīs said that a big monster lives under its waters, but we havenīt
seen it yet...What you can see are the "pesqueras", 6 small houses by
the lake for private family use: fishing, bathing, changing clothes,...You
can do a lot of sport by the lake (walk, rent a bike) or in the lake (
rowing boats, kayacking, swimming).You canīt miss the Romanesque church
of Santa María de Porqueres (12th century) if you do get round
to the tour of the lake ('Estany' in Catalan). There are some medieval
buildings around the square with arcades and the old quarter.
BESALU. It was the capital of the ancient Besalú county, nowadays
disappeared. It's a Medieval village with a Romanesque bridge over the
Fluvià river, and a Jewish quarter, known as "El Call", very important
because of its purification baths, "Miqwe".Note the square with arches
and the churches of Sant Pere and Sant Vicens, all in Romanesque and early
Gothic styles. In the vicinity, Beuda and Palera are worth a visit because
of their Romanesque churches, and on top of the mountain, the Mare de
Deu del Mont hermitage with its great look-out point.
CADAQUÉS - CAP DE CREUS Pleasant fishing village that, because
of the installation of the residence of the artist Salvador Dalí
(born in Figueras) in Port-Lligat, has turned into a very popular resort
for artists and intellectuals all over the world. Not far from Cadaqués
lies the Creus Cape Natural Park , the first natural land and sea natural
park of Catalunya, at the most northern edge of the Costa Brava.
CALDES DE MALAVELLA - SANTA COLOMA DE FARNERS. Caldes ( in Latin meaning
'hot water' ) was known for its thermal activity from Roman times. In
the village there are several spas where you can have different treatments
for the body ( massage, baths, sauna, pressure showers,.....), even if
you are not staying in the hotel -spa. You will also find a spa with the
same services in the neighbouring Santa Coloma de Farners, capital of
La Selva area. Some other medicinal springs and fountains can be found
in Sant Hilari Sacalm, Viladrau and Arbúcies , all in the mountainous
area of La Selva, in the Montseny Natural Park.
CAMPRODON VALLEY . This peaceful valley in the heart of the Pyrenees
has interesting Romanesque churches in the villages of Camprodon and other
small villages such as Setcases, Molló, Linars or Beget. There
are lots of pleasant trails for hikers. Vallter is a family ski resort
just after Setcases village.
CASTELLFOLLIT DE LA ROCA. From the road from Besalú to Olot
you have the impressive view of the over-hanging village founded on basaltic
columns over the Fluviá and Turonell rivers. The old quarter with
its church and balcony over the Fluviá is very attractive. It is
included in the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa. Nine
kilometres north in the impressive Alta Garrotxa , you will find the medieval
village of Oix, with its castle and church. An unpaved, but in good state,
road takes you to Beget, another hidden Romanesque treasure among mountains;
Beget is also reachable from Camprodon.
CASTELLÓ DīEMPURIES. In the olden times this was the capital of
the Empuries county. It still maintains the great Santa María church(Gothic
, with Romanesque bellfry ) and other interesting buildings (Town Hall,
the old Lonja de Mar,...). By the coast we can find the Empuriabrava marina,
a resort with canals for boats and a small sporting airport with a lot
of parachuting activity. Another interesting spot by the coast is the
Natural Park of Marshlands of līEmpordá, the ideal place for bird
watching where the Fluviá and the Muga rivers flow into the Mediterranean
sea. And next door, there is one of the longest beaches in la Costa Brava,
Sant Pere Pescador, known for its dunes and the strong winds that blow
in the Rosas Bay, ideal for windsurfing, sailing and other water sports.
FIGUERAS. Capital of the Alt Empordá area, Figueras is a lively
modern city known all over the world for the Theatre-Museum of Salvador
Dalí , containing a large part of his work, from his beginning
and surrealistic period until the latter stages of his life. Another remarkable
place to visit is the Toy Museum, which will delight children and adults
alike. Strolling down the Rambla and the pedestrian area around Dalíīs
Museum, is a pleasure for shopping and a very Mediterranean activity.
GIRONA. Capital of the province and the Gironés area. Its Old
Quarter by the Onyar river is full of colour with painted houses by the
river, and also full of history, with its single- nave Cathedral ( Gothic
and Baroque styles ), Sant Feliuīs church, the Jewish Quarter (Call) and
Sant Pere de Galligansī church (nowadays Archeological Museum ).There
are several interesting museums, outstanding among them being the brand
new Cinema Museum.Strolling around the pedestrian area around the Rambla
and both sides of the river is a pleasure and a continuous temptation
for shopping.
LA BISBAL. Capital of the Baix Empordá area , it is also known
as the ceramic capital. Itīs full of stores selling pottery not only from
La Bisbal ( there are two kinds: the black one, without enamel or varnish;
and the enameled one in yellow, blue and green ), but from all over Spain.
There is a Ceramics Museum. In the vicinity, there is also the village
of Ullastret and some other interesting villages such as Corca, La Pera
and Pubol.
LA MOLINA - LA MASELLA. The two main and biggest ski resorts in the Girona
Pyrenees.They are also worth a visit during the summer.
LīESCALA. Important fishing village, nowadays very popular for tourism
and the salted anchovies (you have to taste them!!) . It has several good
beaches including the Ampuries ruinsī one and it has a pleasant promenade
( it was remade for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, where the torch
with the olympic flame from Greece arrived to Spain ).
MEDAS ISLANDS - L ī ESTARTIT- TORROELLA DE MONTGRI. The paradise for
scuba divers and underwater photographers, nowadays it's a Natural Park
to protect the underwater fauna and flora from the increasing number of
visitors. In the touristic resort of LīEstartit you will find many diving
centres if you want to try this experience. In Torroella de Montgrí,
7km. inland, you will find a completely different atmosphere: narrow streets,
stone buildings, a square with arches, a medieval castle and church....
OLOT - VOLCANIC AREA OF LA GARROTXA. Capital of la Garrotxa area. There
are several interesting Modernist buildings by the Firal (the street where
the market is held on Monday). There are Comarcal (regional) and Volcano
museums. The town of Olot is included into the Natural Park of Volcanic
Zone of la Garrotxa. There are relaxing walks in the vicinity of La Moixina
and La Deu springs. Great views of the volcanos can be had from the Area
de Xenacs look-out (deviation in Les Preses, direction Vic). Another interesting
route is the Santa Pau road, with the Santa Margarida and El Croscat volcanos
and the beautiful beech grove known as La Fageda dīen Jordá.
PALAFRUGELL - CALELLA. Palafrugell is mainly known for its coastal
settings Calella and Llafranc, and the Sant Sebastian lighthouse. Palafrugell
has an important cork industry, and also a Cork Museum. Calella de Palafrugell
is one of the best examples of the Costa Brava spirit: still a fishing
village, with its white painted houses facing the blue, cristaline waters.
Calella is very famous because of its 'habaneras' (songs the Catalan sailors
created and sang away from home, mostly in Cuba) festivals during the
summer nights. The Cap Roig botanic garden facing the blue sea is a visit
you can not miss. Another pleasant walk you will enjoy is the coastal
path from Calella to Llafranc.
PALS. Medieval village carefully rebuilt in stone, with narrow streets
for pedestrian use, and plenty of small shops of ceramic and decoration
objects, antique dealers and good restaurants. Most of the houses are
second residences of wealthy people of Barcelona, so you wonīt see many
people on the street, only visitors like you. 4 km. away lies the Pals
beach, a very long one after the Ter river mouth. Part of the beach is
nudist.
PERATALLADA Another medieval village , also rebuilt, but with more
activity and people living in it. There is a remarkable number of antique
dealers and good restaurants, one of them being in the Gothic castle.
Pals and Peratallada are good options for cultural and gastronomic interest
if you donīt want to spend the full day on the beach (take care with the
sun; protect your skin with lotions and hats, stay in the shade during
the hottest hours of the day).
PERELADA Famous for its castle where the Casino is installed and its
Summer Music Festival. It has wine and cava production.Wandering through
its narrow streets, looking at the stone buildings, it seems you are living
in another century. There is a Wine Museum and Romanesque and Gothic convents.
RIBES DE FRESER In the middle of the Ripollés mountains, where
the only rack-railway in Spain climbs to Queralbs (where the road ends
) and to Nuria valley. In Nuria you will find a small ski resort, with
accomodation available, a small lake , the Shrine of Nuria and the inmensity
of the imposing mountains to discover.
RIPOLL. The monastery of Santa María de Ripoll (9th century) is
a Romanesque jewel: don't miss the cloister and the main entrance porch
(12th century) , full of sculptures of allegories and biblical scenes,
the 12 months of the year through the peasant life, ...Next to the monastery
is the Folklore Archive Museum, that show us the ancient iron and textile
industries of the Ripollés area , and the way peasants lived in
these mountains.
SANTA PAU. Included in the Natural Park of Volcanic Zone of la Garrotxa.The
Santa Margarida and El Croscat volcanos and the Fageda dīen Jordá
beech grove are worth a visit and there is a pleasant promenade. In the
well-kept medieval village of Santa Pau, the square with arches (known
as Firal dels Bous) and the castle stand out.
SANT FELIU DE GUIXOLS- SīAGARÓ. Tourist resort with its pleasure
harbour. This costal resort maintains better the old atmosphere of family
vacations, enjoying the rest, the sea, the cuisine,... Among all the neighbouring
coastal resorts (Palamós, Calonge, Playa de Aro, Lloret, Blanes
) it is the least affected by the tourism that invaded the Costa Brava
in the 60-70īs. Anyway, just to mention that this part of the shore has
lots of calas (small sandy beaches ) of incredible beauty, that are worth
a visit and a dive ( but if you want some advice, donīt try it in August,
because you will find such a lot of people, cars and noise, that it will
ruin the charm of the visit). Also remind you that there is a path, belonging
to the G.R. net (Gran Recorrido, meanning long distance ), that goes all
trouhgt the coast, from one beach to the next, climbing and descending,
that allow you to enjoy the view of the next calas.
SANT JOAN LES FONTS! Marvellous walks on the flat and down by the river
where the shade of the trees will give some relief from the sun. There
is also a wonderful volcano you can climb, to find the beautiful crater
surrounded by meadows and a fabulous view of the nearby villages and hills.
English guide available.
SANT JOAN DE LES ABADESSES. Romanesque Benedictine monastery. Ruins of
sant pol church, also in Romanesque style. Following the road to the village
of Ogassa, with its ancient coal mines, you can drive to Camprodon by
an asphalt forestal road, enjoying the impressive views and some small
Romanesque hermitages.
SANT PERE DE RODES. On the road from Figueras to Llança. Impressive
Benedictine monastery (9th century ) on top of the mountains with fantastic
sea views of the villages of Port de la Selva (pleasure harbour) and Selva
de Mar.The Romanesque monastery is a national monument. Some small hermitages
and dolmens (megalithic constructions) can be found in the area. This
part of the Alt Empordá area is remarkable because of its vineyards
and olive trees.If you visit Vilajuiga, Pau, Garriguella or Capmany ,
you can taste the wine and the oil.
TOSSA DE MAR. Seaside fishing town that despite its urban and touristic
growth, keeps the charm of its old quarter with the spectacular medieval
wall with defensive towers.
VALL DE BIANYA. The small village settlements spread across the valley
and lots of 'masias' tell us of agriculture as being the only way of living
through the centuries. Also there are several Romanesque churches scattered
across the valley: the most interesting is Sant Salvador de Bianya. From
this small rural settlement to the top of Capsacosta mountain , you can
follow the ancient Roman way, the Via Annia, a branch of the famous Via
Augusta. It is an interesting stop on your visit to the Ripollés
area (Camprodon, Sant Pau de Seguries, Ripoll, Sant Joan de les Abadesses,
Ribes de Fresser,...).
VALL DīEN BAS. This big municipality includes several picturesque small
villages, all of them with their own particular identity: Sant Esteve
dīen Bas, Sant Privat dīen Bas, Joanetes and La Pinya. It is an interesting
balance between the cultivated land and the centenary masías, the
wild vegetation and the villages, the mountains and the plain, the Romanesque
buildings and the bucolic atmosphere. People are very hospitable, the
food is good and abundant, nothing breaks the harmony,....You only have
to come and enjoy it.
See Mas ca la Coixa BOOK
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