Tourism in Catalonia

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The Coastal Regions

The Costa Brava to the Costa Dorada

The coast of Catalunya is famous for its beautiful scenery, idyllic little fishing villages and wonderful climate which makes it perfect to visit at almost any time of the year. The Romans played a large part in the development of the region, and established many trading ports here as they passed through on their way down the country. The main centre of interest at the time was Tarragona, but Roman influence and architectural remains can be found in many places along the coast.

(To see the accommodation we have to offer on the coast of Catalonia click on one of the following links – villas on the coast or apartments and townhouses)

Working down the coast from France, the following represent only a number of the most interesting places to visit during your stay:

Cadaquès

Cadaquès is a hidden gem. Tucked into the rockiest and craggiest of coves, accessible only by cliff edge twisting roads, it is a gorgeous little village with white houses and impossibly winding streets, literally carved from the rocky ground on which it stands. This is not a beach lover’s destination – the beaches are coarse and pebbly – but it is a place for romantics. The crystal clear water and the fishing boats in the harbour, the peaceful ambience and inspiring landscape – all of this combines to make this a destination beyond reproach. Salvador Dalí painted many of his works from the scenery here, and even had his house here, which is now open to the public and a most interesting spectacle in its own right.

Much of the unspoilt nature of Cadaqués is due to its inaccessibility; however the town has taken it upon itself to preserve its beauty too, banning the construction of high-rise tower blocks and hotels, and cherishing the original houses, churches and pedestrian streets which give the town its charm.

Take a walk through the narrow streets, eat in one of the excellent sea food restaurants, or relax in one of the stylish and elegant bars. Check out the many boutiques or art shops that accumulate here. Whatever you do, you’ll find it’s hard not to fall in love with this gorgeous little town.

Figueres

The main reason to visit Figueres is to visit the Salvador Dalí museum here. Admittedly it has an old town with some charming buildings and restaurants, but ultimately nothing to compare with the real reason it features so heavily on the tourist map – the extrovert and intriguing work of this masterful painter.

The Dalí museum is virtually the centre of the town, and is very well sign posted from most directions. It is open daily all year round except for Mondays. Dalí contributed the majority of the works himself, and many of his best works are here to be enjoyed. There are cars stuffed with cabbages, lip shaped sofas, drooping candles – everything you would expect and quite a lot you wouldn’t.

Besalú

Besalú is a charming and emblematic town. The main selling point is the impressive Roman bridge leading into the town, which is picturesque almost to perfection. After that though, the town as a whole does not disappoint. The Romanesque buildings and quiet squares give you a feeling of tranquillity rarely matched, and it is a delight just to relax and stroll though the town, perhaps stopping to enjoy a good lunch in one of the many pretty restaurants around.

Girona

Girona is an impressive and modern city, with a stunning Romanesque heart and lush scenery around it. With a population of some seventy thousand, it is neither small nor large, and is easily absorbed in a day, pottering about the old town and strolling along the roman walls. The main points of interest are the Gothic cathedral, with parts dating back to the 11th century, and “El Call” the medieval Jewish quarter, which houses a synagogue and baths. Generally though it is a city to just soak up, and there are plenty of good restaurants and coffee shops around to rest in if your feet get tired.

Banyoles' Lake

Banyoles, whose greatest claim to fame is a beautiful lake, is located an hour inland from the Costa Brava. The lake was declared a Picturesque Scenery in 1949. The impressive mountains of the Pyrenees as well as the gentler foothills rising up from the lake basin, the mild climate and the serene waters make this a peaceful and yet fascinating site. An avenue lined with plane trees borders the side of the lake which is closest to the town, reaching from the area known as "Els Desmais" to "La Draga". This is where fishing buildings called "pesqueres" were constructed for the practice of leisure activities (fishing, swimming, rowing, etc.) as well as several good bathing facilities. From this side of the lake, you can see its most well known features: the gently curved silhouette of the mountains, the vegetation along the water's edge at Can Morgat, Els Desmais, the Romanesque church in Porqueres, the rowing boats and much more. The ideal spot for taking in all of the beauty this idyllic place has to offer is El Mirador. Towards the east is the area known as Empordà, in the north are the peaks of the Pyrenees and right in front of you, stretching out like a silver shield (to use a description originally coined by the 19th century Catalan poet Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer), lies the lake. Perhaps the most beautiful time is at dusk, when the light takes on that melancholy quality that reawakens memories of the ancient legends that mark this spot. In the soft evening light you can almost see the terrifying and ferocious dragon killed by Saint Mer, the fairies casting spells on unwitting souls and the legendary Morgat. The latter was a man who one day heard a mysterious voice warning him to go home or be drowned. Moments later, a tremendous din filled the air, and he hurried home to find his fields gone, replaced by an enormous lake.
From Banyoles, you can easily reach Girona (18 Km), Besalú (13Km) and Olot (34 Km). Figueres is 29 Km away and most of the towns and beaches along the Costa Brava can be reached in less than an hour.

Empúries

This is a site of both Roman and Greek ruins, occupying some 40 hectares. The museum is small but holds a large collection of ceramics and Etruscan wares. The ruins are only open from June to September. They portray a rich existence with their fountains and splendid mosaic floors, now serenely blended into the background of the Mediterranean scenery.

Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar is a seaside town, now as popular a place as any for beach holiday makers, but originally existing in the 12th century as a fortified medieval village. Up on one steep hillside overlooking the bay are the remains of this development, a vision which gives an extra degree of charm to this quiet and peaceful town. The old part of the town is also very enchanting in its own right, making this a great place to visit whether looking for a cultural fix or just a day on the beach.

Sitges

Just forty minutes South of Barcelona on the Costa Dorada, this quiet little town comes alive in the summer, with heaving beaches and packed restaurants, and the people pouring in and out of the many stylish boutiques that fill up the shopping district in the old town. Reputedly the Gay capital of Catalonia, this town is thumping and vibrant, with nightlife to suit the most ardent partygoer. Don’t be misled though – the reason all of this goes on is because of the immensely appealing charm of the town. With old winding streets and cobbles pavements, the village reeks with a charm all of its own. Come in any month other than August and you won’t even be swamped to much to enjoy it.

Tarragona

Barcelona is now the major coastal city of Spain, but in Roman times things were different, and Tarragona held the coveted title, while Barcelona was a little known fishing town. Stemming from this rich heritage the city boasts some impressive ruins including an amphitheatre, and an attractive old town to wonder around in and enjoy some tapas. Added to this the city has an attractive beach front, which is sufficient reason for many people to come here and enjoy the warm Mediterranean sea.

Apart from the amphitheatre there is a governor’s palace and a few remains of a 2nd. Century wall. There is also a well preserved Roman aqueduct and a Romanesque Gothic cathedral.

For more insight into the various regions, click on the following links:

• Catalonia Tourism
• The Coastal Regions – the Costa Brava to the Costa Dorada
• The Mountains - Pyrenees' Valleys, Pedraforca and Montserrat
• Barcelona (from bcninternet.com)

To see our quality self-catering accommodation offers available, click on the relevant links below:

• Mountain Villas – beautiful villas and chalets in the rural Pyrenees
• Beach Villas – stunning places to stay on or near the coast.