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Costa Brava Introduction
The Costa Brava has been attracting holidaymakers from Britain for the last 30 years. With its diverse range of activities, beaches, natural beauty areas, some rugged coastlines and many pine forests the Costa Brava is an ideal choice for an all round holiday vacation.
The Costa Brava benefits from fine weather for most of the year, enabling you to enjoy a holiday experience for a much longer season than just typically July and August.
Because of the fine weather you can experience out door activities for much of the year, like water sports, hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, picnics, barbeques. Of course the Costa Brava is an ideal location for golf, with its many excellent golf courses.
From May to October the temperature is generally 25oc or more, giving you the opportunity to enjoy warm sunny days and pleasant warm evenings. Even on sunny days between November - April it is possible to get by with just wearing a T Shirt.
These days the quickest and cheapest method of getting to the Costa Brava is by aircraft. Budget airlines depart from most of the airports in the UK and the flight time is just under 2 hours.
You can fly to Barcelona or to Girona Airports. Transfer from Barcelona is approximately 1 hour and from the latter, just 25 minutes. At both these airports you will find taxis waiting, and buses which depart to most of the major resorts. It is also possible to reach the Costa Brava by car (through France) and by train.
Some resorts on the Costa Brava have a nightlife which is buzzing, all year round and attracts young people who are looking for a party such as stag weekends and hen weekends.
There are some hotels and bars that provide live music attracting a quieter crowd than the discos and clubs. It is possible to find the quieter, more chic resorts that are a little bit more upmarket.
You can also find many traditional villages and towns, where life is taken at a slower pace; a little bit of that Catalonian charm still exists, such as Blanes which is still a working village to this day.
There is something for lovers of history in the archaeological ruins at Empuries and the Megalithic digs at Roses. For lovers of art and culture there are museums and galleries, particularly the Salvador Dali Museum.
You are only a stone's throw away from the cultural Cities of Barcelona and Girona, so combining a visit to these places would be ideal if you are staying in the Costa Brava. Public Transport makes the journey easy from the Costa Brava, you don't need the worries of parking or driving if you travel via these methods.
The Costa Brava is not just about beaches and partying, it has an attraction beyond this which draws tourists back, year after year.
Costa Brava Location
The Costa Brava is located at the North East corner of Spain and forms a 160 kilometre coastline from Blanes at the start of the region, to Roses which is approx 70 kilometres from the French border. It benefits from a Mediterranean climate which is hot and dry during the summer and mild during the winter. You can expect up to 11 hours of sun shine during the summer months.
In Catalan and Spanish the word Costa means "coast" and Brava means "rugged", which describes the region exactly. Since the 1960's when the region began to see tourism, it has risen drastically from being quiet and traditional, to modern and up-market with the increase in hotels, restaurants and self catering villas meeting the demand.
It has a diverse coastline, from long stretches of sandy beaches to mountain top villages: from sandy bays to secluded sheltered coves. You can smell the aroma of the pine forests which surround some of the coves and bays.
Many of the towns have retained their originality; evidence of early life here can be seen amongst the ancient ruins and museums. The cobbled streets with medieval monuments are part of its culture, its churches stand proud.
The area is a nature lovers delight, in particular the Cap Roiq gardens, Marimurtra botanical gardens, Pinya de Rosa botanical garden and Santa Clotilde gardens. The National Park of Cap de Creus, The Medes Isles and the Montgrà massif are areas of natural beauty.
All this and more and yet, only a 2 hour flight from the UK, making it easily accessible for either a holiday or a weekend break.
Weather in the Costa Brava
The Costa Brava benefits from fine weather for most of the year, enabling you to enjoy a holiday experience for a much longer season than just typically July and August.
Because of the fine weather you can experience out door activities for much of the year, like water sports, hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, picnics, barbeques. Of course the Costa Brava is an ideal location for golf, with its many excellent golf courses.
From May to October the temperature is generally 25oc or more, giving you the opportunity to enjoy warm sunny days and pleasant warm evenings. Even on sunny days between November - April it is possible to get by with just wearing a T Shirt.
It must be said, however, that the Costa Brava can experience the Tramonata winds which can often be quite strong coming across from the mountainous regions. This can keep the temperatures down in the summer, although with high temperatures the cooling wind can be a blessing.
The sea temperatures are generally a warm 22º - 24º in the summer making splashing about in the sea, swimming or paddling a pleasant experience, at least you won't get out of the sea and shiver as you can usually rely on the sunshine to keep you warm.
Beaches in the Costa Brava
With over 5,000 miles of coastline, Spain offers the beach lover a wide array of destinations. The Costa Brava has some delightful beaches which offer a place for activities where you will find excellent facilities and clean, sandy beaches, with approved security services, excellent access and respect for the environment. All this is guaranteed by the quality certificates granted to Spanish beaches after evaluation of these parameters. The blue flag rating is the most widely known, but there are other highly prestigious, demanding systems also in place. These include the Q for Quality distinction, awarded by the Spanish Tourism Quality Institute (ICTE).
Most beaches offer good facilities and water sports to suit everyone. Scuba Diving is also popular around the shores of the Costa Brava, along with windsurfing, sailing and water skiing.
Costa Brava Car Hire
By far the best way to explore the Costa Brava is to hire a car. You may find you have everything you need at your resort and won't feel like venturing much further, but for some you will appreciate the complete Costa Brava if you have a car to get you around. For a more reasonable package you would do better to go a local agent rather than one of the international agents.
Car hire is easy. There are agencies available at most of the bigger resorts, you will need your driving license and a valid passport when you take the agreement. It is a driving offence not to have these documents with you at all times when you are driving the car.
You will be able to visit many of the finest restaurants which are located just outside the main resorts. You will also be able to visit a greater choice of beaches, some of which are a little off the beaten track, but once you get there will be well worth the visit.
There are some attractions you can visit, such as the Cap Creus Nature Reserve. You can also visit the ancient ruins which are dotted about in abundance all around Costa Brava.
Driving is pretty straight forward and all Costa Brava roads use internationally recognised road signs.
Transfers from Barcelona and Gerona airport
Arriving at a foreign airport can often be a strenuous affair and with most customers traveling independently these days having a pre-booked airport transfer is an essential part of your holiday package. Local taxis at the airport can sometimes be limited or with long queues, by booking a pre-booked you can not only make a fantastic saving on your transfer but also avoid all the stress of queues and haggling with taxi drivers. Book your airport transfer service here now >>
Airport Shuttle Bus Service from Barcelona and Gerona airport
In most of our gateway airports you can pre-book an Airport Shuttle Service. This is a pre-booked only service that operates between the relevant airport and holiday resort. In normal times you can expect to wait up to 30 minutes for your shuttle bus to arrive however as this is a pre-negotiated service and only available to participating travel companies then expect to pay far less to get from the airport to your destination accommodation than other traditional forms or transport such as local taxis. Book your airport shuttle service here now>>
Shopping in the Costa Brava
For a cosmopolitan shopping experience you should try the Espai Gironès commercial centre where you will find a grand variety of more than 120 shops. There are numerous bars and restaurants and there is a leisure centre with a multi screen cinema, ten pin bowling and a Children's Adventure/Leisure Park. There is free parking with 2,500 spaces.
Also in Girona the old quarter of El Barri Vell has a pedestrianised shopping area with designer boutiques, craft and antique shops and many traditional jewellers with exclusive designs. There are also many wine merchants where you can taste and sample some delicious Spanish wines.
Platja d'Aro has many choices of shops including jewellers, perfumeries, designer boutiques, sports and toy shops. There are also plenty of restaurants with terraces and bars where you can take it easy after a busy few hours of browsing.
At Tossa de Mar there are some jewellers, souvenirs shops, perfumeries, sports and toy shops with plenty of places to choose something to eat or drink.
Blanes and L'estartit have similar shops with good varieties of restaurants and bars, ice cream parlours and plenty of narrow streets to browse through looking for a bargain.
Loret de Mar is probably the biggest area of shopping with lots of streets to walk through behind the beach area. There are some shopping malls although most items tend to be touristy and the shops are very geared up for souvenirs, so you should be able to find something to take back home. There are food and vegetable market stalls weekdays in Carrer Senia del Rabic and Carrer Verge de Loreto.
MARKET DAYS
MONDAY Blanes and Cadasque
TUESDAY Lloret de Mar
WEDNESDAY Begur
SUNDAY Roses
Eating Out in the Costa Brava
One of the delights on many menus in the Costa Brava is "suquet de peix" (Fish Stew). The local fishermen usually make their catch early in the day, you can watch while they haul the catch in and then you can be sure that you will be eating fresh fish that very night.
The Spanish take great delight in their eating. It forms the basis of their culture, something that you might experience if you attend one of their fiestas during the year. They usually eat a good meal at lunch time, and then take their time over their evening meal which starts late but takes hours to complete.
Pork is also a favourite, you will often find this being spit roasted, especially at local fiestas and festivals. Its skin is often brushed with a delicious coating of herbs, garlic, and tomatoes or sometimes it is just salted and dribbled with olive oil.
Typical Catalan dishes could consist of anchovies, lobster with chicken, manos de cerdo estofadas(stewed pigs trotters) and butifarra(similar to black sausage).
For people who have a sweet tooth, try the "Crema Catalan(Catalan crème caramel), "el cremat" (coffee with burnt rum) or fritters made with apples or apricots served with a very sweet sauce.
Nightlife in the Costa Brava
Some resorts on the Costa Brava have a nightlife which is buzzing, all year round and attracts young people who are looking for a party such as stag weekends and hen weekends.
There are some hotels and bars that provide live music attracting a quieter crowd than the discos and clubs.
Lloret de Mar is probably the nightlife capital of the Costa Brava. Here you will find many clubs such as Tropics which has 2 dance floors, 5 bars and spectacular laser shows in elaborate tropical surroundings. Guest celebrity D.J.'s host evenings here which always draws a packed house. Bumper's Disco, is also a place to go with its unique glass dance floor where you can watch the fish swim beneath your feet. There are tropical birds and palm trees, the disco is a Caribbean theme. Another popular nightclub is The Hollywood, you won't be disappointed if you decide to spend an evening here.
There is also a casino at Lloret de Mar, but you will need your passport to get entry into here. There are hotels that organise Flamenco evenings, Karaoke and much more family entertainment.
Calella has some lively nightlife in the way of tapas bars, Spanish, Indian, Chinese and Italian restaurants. The old part of town is the most interesting at night. For foam parties, discos and clubbing head for the SW part of town where you will find plenty of clubs which offer laser shows, international D.J.'s - particularly at Tourisme 35, The Avenue, the Tunnel and Western Saloon.
Estartit is also popular for clubbers: Rockerfella's, Simpson's, The Podium and Maxim's are the Resorts best clubs which start late and go on until the early hours. If you are looking for something a bit more traditional then you could eat in one of the many Spanish restaurants, or have a pint or two in the English Pub where you can also get a traditional English roast.
Blanes town has fiestas throughout the year, the biggest of which is the Festa Major summer fair from July 24-28th. There is music, dancing and entertainment in the streets and the highlight of the fiesta is the fireworks contest attracting participants from worldwide as the contest has become a major event both nationally and internationally,
You'll find a lively nightlife in Roses with everything from small late-night tapas bars and ballroom dancing to spectacular flamenco shows and international clubs. Or just relax on the terrace of a waterside tavern and watch the sun set.
If you fancy a gamble, the beautiful Castle of Peralada Casino has 81 slot machines and 16 tables where you can try your luck at American and French roulette, poker and blackjack. You're Passport is needed to gain entry.
Tossa de Mar has several restaurants, cocktail bars and clubs to keep the average "thirty-something" happy, but it's definitely not the wild party scene you'll find in Llorett de Mar!
Golf in the Costa Brava
Nowadays the Costa Brava is a well renowned golfing destination to combine a holiday with some golf. Professional golfers play here giving it the reputation it deserves. With almost year round good weather, it is possible to play in T Shirts, even in November.
PGA Golf de Catalunya, Caldes de Malavella
An 18 hole course which has regularly featured in Golf World magazine and has been host to the Spanish Open and the Sarazen World Open championships. A second course has recently been opened. Green fees are from €67 (low season) and the greens are set in beautiful surroundings. There is a club house, a golf shop, a golf school and a restaurant.
Club de Golf Peralada, Peralada
Set with views of the Pyrenees surrounding the course, the 18 hole golf course is flat and level. There is a club house, a Pro-shop, a golf school and a restaurant. Green fees start from €48 (low season).
Golf Platja de Pals, Pals
Laying in the natural dunes on farmland of Arenals de Mar and surrounded by pine forests, the 18 hole course was host to the 1972 Spanish Open competition. The facilities are excellent with a Pro-shop, a Clubhouse, Club rental, Restaurant and bar. Prices start from €60 (low season).
Emporda, Torroella
The course is made up of 4 nine hole course, which combined form six different rounds of 18 holes. Strategic water hazards wind through pine trees to wide fairways providing ample shelter from winds. Facilities include a Pro-shop, driving range, restaurant and bar, golf school and buggy hire.
Club de Golf, Playa de Aro
An 18 hole course incorporating water hazards and bunkers. Set in splendid surroundings with picturesque views of the landscape around it. Facilities include a snack bar, restaurant, two putting greens and a shop and golf school. The Clubhouse is a converted Catalan farm dating from 1841.
Torremirona Golf Club, Navata
Set in idyllic surroundings between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea the 18 hole course has excellent facilities: a bar, lounge, a driving range, club hire, restaurant, swimming pool, crèche, tennis, gym and a Pro-shop.
Golf Serres de Pals, Pals
Set in pine forests, with lakes as an extra challenge, the 18 hole course is immaculate design. It has a club house, a driving range, club hire, a golf school and a restaurant. Prices start from € 48 (low season).
Costa Brava Golf Club, Sta.Cristina d'Aro
An 18 hole course with good facilities such as a Golf Shop, Driving range, Bar and large restaurant, Buggy hire, and Golf school. Prices from €50 (low season).
Girona GC, Sant Julia de Ramis
An 18 hole course with exceedingly fine grass and superb views of the mountains around it. There is a club house and prices start from €52 (low season).
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