The COSTA BRAVA - ( Catalonia )
The Costa Brava, translated as meaning the Wild Coast is a classic , unique and divers Spanish Costa offering something for every one.
The Costa Brava is the coastline located within the province of Girona which forms part of the Autonomous region of , Catalonia. It covers an extension of around 5.800 square kilometers .
When Spain started becoming popular in the 1970s as a popular holiday destination, a couple of the resorts located in the southern part of the Costa Brava had a reputation, and rightly so, as a cheap fish, chips and sangria hotspot, however the Costa Brava offers visitors to the area so much more as it is one of the most diverse and beautiful Costas in Spain. It has an important history affected by Roman and Greek civilizations, not to mention being the birthplace of Dali, one of Catalonia's best loved sons.
The stunning Catalonian Pyrenees mountains forms the northern border of the Costa Brava between El Puig de Querol and El Puig de l'Abet Coronat. Its western end borders the province of Barcelona. The coastline is around 234 Kilometers long with some 665.000 inhabitants. In keeping with its geographical position there are numerous climates and macro climates. In general though the area enjoys a warm, gentle Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters.
The coastal part of the Girona is made up of 4 counties Alt Empordà, Baix Empordà, Gironès, Pla de l'Estany and Selva. The natural diversity of the terrain has helped shape the towns in the area wqith charming towns and villages such as Monells, Pals, Peratallada and Peralada. Other towns along the coast include El Port de la Selva, Palafrugell and Cadaqués, with the major toruist centres being found at Roses, Empuriabrava, Blanes, Lloret de Mar, L'Estartit, Platja d'Aro, Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Palamós. Figueres has its own unique Dalí Museum and the capital Girona has one of Europe's most visited Jewish quarters.
Some of the main tourist attractions in the area include the Cap de Creus Natural Park, the medieval villages of Pals and Peraltallada, pottery at La Bisbal, the botanical gardens at the maritime Selva, the old towns of Girona and Tossa del Mar, The Banyoles lake, Cadaques and Sant Pere de Rodes and the Catalonian Pyrenees mountains including La Messalla , the valley of Comprodon, Santa Pau and Garrotxa natural park.
There are of course many colorful annual fiestas , music and other traditional festivals to enjoy throughout the year. Many of the local celebrations have deep rooted traditions, some medieval and quite unusual.
Girona and the Costa Brava is also home to a simply fantastic selection of Bars, small cafes and over 2,500 Restaurants where you can enjoy the local gastronomy based on seafood and other quality produce of the land.
Accommodation is wide and varied on the Costa Brava with a fine selection of Hotels, Hostels, Campsites, self catering apartments, mountain shelters and Rural accommodation to choose from. For a change how about
escaping the cold climate in the north of Europe and enjoy winter holidays with Thomson .
Some of the top rated hotels along the beautiful Costa Brava include the
Hotel and Spa Cala del Pi
This luxury hotel offers direct access to Platja d’Aro’s Cala del Pí Beach. It has a free 600m² spa, free Wi-Fi and parking and an outdoor pool with sea views.
Rooms at Hotel & Spa Cala del Pí feature a hydromassage shower and a private terrace, many with views over the Mediterranean Sea. All come with satellite TV,
pillow menu and Loewe amenities.
Another favourite is the Hotal Clipper and Villas
This new hotel is located halfway between Torroella de Montgrí and Pals beach; just 60 metres away from the beach and surrounded by 3 golf courses.
The space and light of this 4-star hotel will be a pleasant surprise when you arrive. The interior design is comfortable, while outside you can also enjoy the spacious gardens with swimming pools for adults and children. After a dip in the pool you can soak up the sun on one of the poolside sun beds. Relax in the hotel’s lounge, enjoy a drink in the piano bar or dine in the restaurant, where the generous terrace offers a perfect place for al fresco dining.
A great vaklue hotel located in Roses is the
Hotel Ramblamar
Situated just 20 metres from Roses Beach and a 5 minute walk into the town centre. All rooms have air conditioning, balconies and most have sea views.
Ramblamar has its own restaurant which serves Mediterranean dishes. There is also a bar where guests can enjoy a drink whilst looking out over the bay from the terrace.
The area surrounding Roses offers many activities and interesting cultural visits, such as Cap de Creus and Aiguamolls National Parks. The Dalí Museum in Figueras is just 18 km away and the Ciudadela Museum is in Roses.
If you are looking for a vibrant town suited for all the family the Lloret de Mar is definately a good choice. The
Guitart Monterrey is a fine resort
and boasts big outdoor swimming pools and a 900m² spa centre. Walking distance from Lloret Beach, Guitart Monterrey offers a private beach club and free transfer to Fenals Beach.
Guitart Gran Hotel Monterrey is set within 50,000m² of exotic gardens. There is free Wi-Fi in public areas and rooms are all soundproofed, with sea or garden views.
The spa and wellness centre includes a Jacuzzi, a Turkish bath, a sauna and a range of treatments. Access to the spa comes at an additional cost but well the pampering
The hotel also offers superb restaurants, with al fresco dining on the terrace. The gourmet Freu Restaurant offers creative dishes, based on Catalan cooking. There is a buffet restaurant with show cooking and a pool restaurant.
 Google Map of the Costa Brava
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