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Pristine white sands, sheltered coves, rocky and rugged cliffs and breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean- welcome to the Costa Brava. This is the coast of the Catalan province of Girona. Its name is often translated as "wild coast”. Its 214 kilometers of coastline stretch between Blanes in the south, surrounded by El Maresme and El Montseny, and Portbou on the French border in the north.
The modern tourist infrastructure of the area has turned Costa Brava into one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations. Many towns along the cost have been transformed into resort towns. The beaches here boast the Blue Flag of the European Union as they are very clean and well maintained. The gentle temperatures of the Costa Brava and its rich landscape provide many open-air activities such as windsurfing walking, horse riding, and trekking. The underwater riches of the Costa Brava are another of its tourist attractions. Boats with undersea views, snorkeling or diving provide an excellent chance to get to know the large numbers of animal and plant species living in these depths.
Typical of the region, the towns of the region are full of Medieval and Roman monuments and ruins. A trip to any of these towns is bound to give you a memorable holiday experience.
• Figueres
Situated between the eastern end of the Pyrenean chain and the Costa Brava, Figueres is a town full of tourist attractions. Figueres, county capital of Alt Emporda, extends over a river plain situated inland in the province of Girona. Known as the home of Salvador Dali, this town offers visitors the chance to go to the Dali Theatre-Museum, dedicated to the genius of surrealist painting. The old town center is full of buildings and monuments from the medieval period.
The Dali Museum:
The Dali Theatre-Museum, situated in the old municipal theatre, has become one of the main cultural places to see in the city. Designed by the artist himself, it holds an important exhibition, which, through numerous works, allows you to take a trip through the career of the man considered a master of Surrealism.
Contact Address:
Plaza de Gala y Salvador Dali, s/n 17600
Figueres (Girona)
Tel. +34 972677500 Tel. +34 972677581 /
Fax +34 972501666
www.salvador-dali.org
Timetables:
From 1 July to 30 September: Daily 9am-7.45pm.
From 1 October to 30 June: Tuesday to Sunday 10.30am-5.45pm.
Closed: Mondays
Entry fee:
General admission: 10 Euro
Reduced admission price: 7 Euro(over 65s, Youth Card holders and students, with ID).
Free admission: children under 9 years.
• Banyoles
Eighteen kilometers away form Girona, in the vicinity of the volcanic zone of La Garrotxa Nature Reserve, is the town of Banyoles. Between Sierra Rocacorba and the Fluvia and Terri rivers, this town enjoys an incomparable natural setting. The most important spots of tourist attractions are: the Banyoles lake- where you can hire boats to go rowing on the lake; Pia Almoina, a medieval, 14th-century construction, and the Regional Archaeological Museum.
• Tossa de Mar
This coastal town lies in the southern county of La Selva. It has a huge beach of white sand defended by a splendid walled town. A tour of these medieval streets transports you back to the greatest period of Catalan history. From the town, you can catch glimpses of the bay of Tossa and the outline of the nearby coast. Being a costal town, there are plenty of resorts, hotels and restaurants at the service of the tourists. Remains of Roman palaces and villas, and the municipal museum are worth a visit.
Website: www.tossademar.com
• Roses:
This town in the province of Girona offers a multitude of beaches and coves among rocky cliffs, where visitors can practice a great variety of water sports as well as walking in the nearby Aiguamolls de l´Emporda and Cap de Creus natural parks.
Coves with clear water, cliffs, and wide sandy beaches with all kinds of facilities extend along the coast at Roses. Some of its beaches have been marked with the Blue Flag symbol, which accredits the quality of their environment. Restaurants, bars and terraces are established on the most beautiful parts of the coast so you can enjoy splendid panoramic views while you dine on the exquisite cuisine. Among the other attractions are the remains of the Greek city of Rhode, founded in 776 BC and the parish church of Santa Maria y la Casa Mallol. www.roses.cat
• Blanes
The township of Blanes is located in the southernmost end of the province of Girona, by the mouth of the Tordera River. Along its four-kilometer-long coastline, cliffs alternate with quiet coves. There are two botanical gardens: Mar i Murtra and Pinya Rosa. In the town remains of the castle of Sant Joan, and a monumental site with Gothic buildings from the 14th and 15th century are worth a visit. The beaches of the town are: Treumal, Santa Francesc, Santa Ana, Blanes and S’Abanell. www.blanes.net
• Cadaques:
This beautiful costal town is situated on the Cap de Creus peninsula. Its rocky coast, fringed by beautiful beaches and quiet coves, forms one of its main attractions, together with the incredible landscape offered by the Cap de Creus Natural Park. The beauty of Cadaques has long inspired internationally famous painters and artists. The wide cultural offer of Cadaques ranges from its many museums and art galleries, like the Municipal Art Museum, or the Perrot-Moore Museum, which brings together works of European graphic art, and the International Music Festival, which is held annually in the church of Santa Maria.
The beaches here are: Calders, Nans, Sagi, Peri Fet, and Caials. www.cadaques.org
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