Immerse yourself in an azure sea, walk the paths of the ramparts but also discover a historical heritage that ranges from megalithic sites to modernist architecture, Greek sites or medieval fortresses: the Costa Brava remains to be discovered in all its diversity. Why not take the opportunity to discover the wine routes or follow in the footsteps of Master Dalí
A dive into 5000 years of history
Delicious secluded coves surrounded by impressive cliffs and adorned with pines, idyllic blue sea coming along beautiful expanses of fine sand and ideal temperatures almost all year round: all these images have contributed to making the Costa brava one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, particularly appreciated by the French. But we know that it is also a formidable gateway to an exceptional historical and cultural heritage. And the range of discoveries will be wide, from megalithic monuments from the Bronze Age to the works of the great painters of the 20th century, such as the dolmen of the Creu d'en Cobertalla, the greatest in Catalonia, or by deepening his knowledge of the country's child, Salvador Dalí. Iberian relics, Roman or Greek sites, medieval architecture, Jewish or Arab districts, modernist circuits will mark out your route. With a few must-see stops such as the Iberian village of Ulltraset, founded more than 2,500 years ago; the citadel of Roses, home to the remains of the Greek city of Rhodes; the Empúries deposit, a Greek trading post and the Roman gateway to the Iberian Peninsula. Not to mention the monastery of San Pere de Rodes, one of the jewels of Romanesque architecture. The walk will also allow you to discover fortified villages such as Pals or Tossa de Mar and to follow modernist architecture, notably in Girona or Figueres or its Indianos versions, the name given to the children of the country who returned to build beautiful houses once they had made their fortune in Cuba. And that we will find in particular in Cadaqués, Begur or Lloret de Mar. Tempted? Please note that 2018 will be the year of cultural tourism in Catalonia and that on this occasion a whole programme, guided tours, themed routes, traditional festivities have been developed to allow you to better understand the richness of this heritage
Creeks and postcard beaches
The first mention of Costa Brava was made in 1908 by the journalist Ferran Agulló, when he was contemplating the steep coves of San Feliu de Guíxols from the hermitage of San Elm. But this origin should not make us forget that from Portbou to Blanes, the coasts of this coastline display a very different range of proposals. And all along these 200 km of coastline, it runs along small coves and rugged coasts, for the north, then alternating coves and beautiful and vast beaches, going further south (245 beaches and coves, in total). Many of them flying the blue flag. Lovers of fine sand will surely appreciate the beaches of San Pere Pescador, those linking L'Escala to San Martí d'Empúries and, of course, the Bay of Roses, which has been part of the club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World since May 2011. But fans of isolated corners can rest assured, the coastline is also full of calas, accessible after a few efforts or by following the pathways along the coast, as in Tamariu, Begur or Cadaqués. While the dominant colour will be that of the deep blue waters under a sky often clear by the tramontane, the surrounding area will also appreciate the variety of natural spaces, which from the sea to the mountains, will pass from the humid forests to the luxuriant vegetation of the Mediterranean coast. With a menu of activities, multiple water sports such as sailing, surfing, scuba diving or snorkeling, hiking along the pathways, without ruling out the strictest idleness
Discovering the Dalinian Triangle
Picasso, Derain or Matisse... there are many painters who have been inspired by this land, but if there is one emblematic figure of this Costa Brava, it is Salvador Dalí. A beloved child of the country, whose journey along these coasts will be an opportunity to discover or rediscover the works, while visiting the places marked by his eminent presence. Following in the master's footsteps will of course lead you first to Figueres, his native city, to visit the Teatre-museu Dalí. If it has been installed since 1968 in the former municipal theatre of the city, according to the painter's wishes, it is because, according to his own words, it meets three requirements: to be a theatre, for a painter "eminently" theatrical, to be in front of the church where he was baptized and finally to be the place where his first painting exhibition was held. On the occasion of a visit to this place, which is more of a "surrealist object" than a museum, you will of course see the rainy Cadillac, installed in the former theatre floor. The next stop will take you to Portlligat, which houses the Casa Museu Salvador Dalí. A small fisherman's house bought in 1930 by the painter and refurbished with all his creativity. You will discover its apartments, its workshop, its library, pretty terraces and also a swimming pool, very logically quite surreal. And it is by going to Púbol, in the Baix Empordà, that you will know the third pillar of the Dalian triangle: the Gala Dalí Castle. An old medieval house redecorated by the artist in homage to his wife Gala. And we can now visit it at night
Sea and mountain in the plates
With the sea on one side and the mountain on the other, these two entities could only meet in the kitchen, with multiple opportunities to test the variations throughout this costa. There are also many variations on rice, which can be served with fish and seafood, meat or poultry and can be enjoyed on site if possible by going to Pals, where the rice has been awarded the "Empordà products" quality label. Just like eight other products including Figueres onion, Palamós shrimp or Empordà fritter, a small fritter with a green anise taste. The variety of products is adapted to the culinary seasons. Autumn will give pride of place to mushrooms, winter will bring xatonades, cod-based dishes or escudella i carn d'olla, a kind of pot-au-feu and summer will be the time for suquets, fricassee of fish. And on the sea side, we will enjoy the sea urchins during the garoinades. We will also not forget the pa amb tomàquet (a slice of bread rubbed with a tomato and drizzled with olive oil), which is inseparable from Catalan cuisine, whether it is to decorate tapas at the time of vermouth, so dear to Catalans, or to accompany the delicatessen with a sandwich. As the Emporda has an agricultural tradition of more than 2500 years, it is also possible to follow the route of the Denominations of Origin (DO) in order to visit the more than 40 bodegas in total
Smart info
When? When? With a Mediterranean climate, this coast can be visited all year round. The festivities take place throughout the year. Summer will of course be more favourable for beach activities, but tourism is more massive. Spring and autumn are ideal for more cultural discoveries. Winter also has some nice surprises in store, especially by avoiding queues that are too long to visit the monuments.
Duration. A weekend getaway is possible to appreciate some specific points such as the city of Girona or Figueres. For a better immersion in the history of the region, one week will not be too long, especially if you want to enjoy the many assets of the destination: beaches, sports, gastronomy and cultural visits. Two weeks is perfect.
Practical information. On the official Costa Brava website or their facebook
