Girona — Full Of Surprises
Located in the heart of Catalonia, Girona is Costa Brava’s largest city and is still relatively undeveloped by tourism, with most people heading straight from the airport to nearby resorts or to Barcelona. However, Girona has a lot to offer! The historic, medieval area of Força Vella is excellent for unhurried walks and has featured in many historical films and TV series, including “Game of Thrones” and “Perfume”. Don’t miss the Gothic Santa María de Girona cathedral, with its massive nave, baroque facade, monumental stairs, tall towers, and majestic stained glass windows. You should also visit the medieval Arab Baths, which are a monument to the city’s Moorish history.
No visit to this small and lively city would be complete without trying its delicious food. Regarded as one of the world’s best restaurants, book well in advance to secure a table at El Celler de Can Roca. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, you’ll find restaurants serving food from all over the world and traditional bars with tapas on almost every corner as well as squares such as Sant Felieu. Girona’s Jewish quarter is located between Sant Llorenc and Forca and is a must-visit, as is the Onyar river. Simply wander over its bridges for the best views of the colourful buildings “leaning” over the water below. More breathtaking views can be enjoyed by climbing the walls of the old town — the perfect vantage point to snap a few shots of the Girona skyline.
Dali’s Triangle
Salvador Dalí was a world-famous surrealist from Barcelona, who left numerous traces of his art across the Costa Brava. Even if you’re not an art fan and museums leave you cold, you’re bound to encounter some of Dalí’s legacy — including huge eggs atop a roof — on your travels around the coast. These eggs are symbolic of new life that was so important for the artist and you can see them at the Dalí Museum in Figueres, where the artist was born and was eventually buried. The museum was established in the 1960s under Dalí’s supervision in the former city theatre and to visit is a truly surreal experience — it’s advised to book your tickets online in advance.
Located a few kilometres from Cap de Creus, Port Lligat is the former home of Salvador and his wife Gala. Their residence consists of several other buildings combined and houses a small museum where you can view furniture and other decor from the Dalís’ time living here. The property is open to a maximum of ten visitors at a time so it is highly recommended to buy your ticket in advance.
After your sightseeing, head to the centre of Cadaqués with its white-painted, red-roofed houses. The local bars serve up delicious Catalan dishes of fish, seafood and meat and you can also relax and soak up wonderful views from the town’s small beach. Finally, no talk of the Dalí Triangle would be complete without mentioning the medieval town of Púbol, where the painter bought the local castle as a gift to his wife. Take a stroll through the surrounding gardens to see the famous sculpture of an elephant on long legs among the exotic trees.
The Green Oasis Of Blanes
The Costa Brava is popular for its rich flora, with several botanical gardens on the rocky cliffs around the fishing town of Blanes. These provide not only the opportunity to observe well-kept thermophillic plant species but also to enjoy remarkable views of the rugged Mediterranean coastline. On a cliff close to the centre of this charming town is Jardí Botànic Marimurtra, one of Europe’s most beautiful botanical gardens. Founded by Carl Faust in the 1920s, its name comes from the sea and the myrtle that grows naturally in the area. The garden is divided into various zones with 6,000 plant species from all over the world, including South Africa, Mexico and the Canary Islands.
We also highly recommend the Mirador de Ramon Margalef viewpoint, named after the famous Catalan biologist and ecologist. Cala Bona, a quiet sandy-pebble beach, is also worth a visit and other nearby botanical gardens include the Jardí Botànic Tropical Paratge Pinya de Rosa, famous for its cactus collection, and the Jardins de Santa Clotilde, with its breathtaking panorama of the sea. Blanes itself is the perfect place to enjoy Catalan cuisine. The restaurants located in the atmospheric squares and open-air markets serve up mouth-watering fish and seafood dishes, fresh vegetables and sparkling cava wine.
A Scenic Trail Along The Camí de Ronda
Did you know that the Costa Brava can be walked from south to north and back again? This is possible thanks to the Camí de Ronda, a scenic walking trail whose history dates back to the 19th century. Back then, smuggling routes ran between the area’s picturesque fishing villages and officers of the Civil Guard and the Carabineros used to chase down crooks in the area. Today, this trail is an excellent alternative for visitors who want to explore multiple beaches along the Costa Brava. Walking the Camí de Ronda allows you to get to know the region better, enjoy spectacular views and rest in hard-to-reach coves with crystalline waters. The route meanders through small villages with a range of restaurants and accommodation along with beautiful viewpoints.
There are two routes to choose from — a 43 km linear coastal trail or a 140 km inland circular route. The first should take around two-three days of easy trekking and is possible to complete with children, while the second is a week-long challenge and is therefore less frequented. If you don’t want to complete the entire linear route, you can take a shorter walk between the villages of Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Begur. For the peace and wilderness that the Costa Brava remains famous for, visit the coves of Molí and Maset and the beaches of Sant Pol, La Fosca, Castell and Sa Conca, along with seaside towns, such as Platja d´Aro. If you start the route in Sant Antoni de Calonge, be prepared for a demanding trek along a narrow clifftop path, but also stunning views. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
For more than just a tourist resort, you can’t beat Costa Brava’s tranquility, wild beaches, art, stunning views and delicious Catalan cuisine. See you there!
