Delicious isolated coves, impressive cliffs, but also beautiful expanses of fine sand, current from Portbou to Blanes, the Costa Brava can also boast the idyllic blue of the sea, ideal temperatures and many facilities dedicated to holidaymakers. A few dozen kilometres away, a passage through the Pyrenees of Girona will provide a subtle pleasure, combining the pleasures of skiing in winter with the joys of the nearby beach. And, everywhere, the pleasures of the table are the delight of smart tourists who have chosen to stay in this region that has so much to offer.

A gastronomy of choice

The sea on one side, the mountain on the other, these entities had to meet in the kitchen. Many variations on rice combine fish and seafood with meat or poultry. Restaurants are also sensitive to the seasonality of products - pay attention to this too - and they promote local cuisine - ask in advance, as many towns and villages organise days dedicated to a local product. As for sweets, each city has its own speciality, but you can't leave without tasting the Brunyols de l'Empordà, small fritters with a taste of green anise. Marked by often harsh living conditions, the gastronomy of the mountainous regions of the northwest offers dishes that are often rich and hearty. But always delicious!

Very popular culinary events

Like any region that prides itself (rightly) on the pleasures of the table, the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees of Girona organise numerous events to highlight its cuisine.

Indeed, each city has its own festivals or gastronomic days. From spring to autumn, we therefore enjoy ourselves, sometimes more than reason, all over the region.

From May onwards, gambas lovers will enjoy themselves and head towards Palamós and its surroundings. A visit to this port, which is very lively in summer, will provide you with everything you need to know about pink shrimp, gamba, a real local star: history, fishing methods, ways of preparing it and advice on how to enjoy it. Espai del Peix de Palamós offers fixed-price menus to enjoy gamba, whether fresh and natural or on toasted bread with tomato and anchovies. Noodles with garlic, a dessert and a good local wine will also complete the menu. After lunch, we will enjoy digesting by walking through the old town with its steep streets and beautiful views of the sea or by walking along the coast via the walkway.

In June, head for the bay of Roses, a seaside resort renowned for its 45 km of beaches, its three natural parks (Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, Cap de Creus and El Montgrí, Illes Medes i Baix Ter), the presence of the ruins of Empúries and... its cuisine of course! Thanks in particular to the "Suquet de Peix", a kind of fish stew with potatoes where you can add squid, mussels, prawns, chilli and olive oil, and traditionally cooked by local fishermen. Today, it is featured on the menus of Roses restaurants, especially in June.

In July, Cerdanya is popular for the gastronomic days of the cuisine of the Pyrenees of Cerdanya. The Cuina Pirinenca de Cerdanya association, which includes about fifteen restaurants, offers "zero mileage" menus, seasonal and organic to discover the products of the surroundings. Cabbage, turnips, mushrooms, cheese and pears are on the menu to the delight of the epicureans.

September is the month of the mushroom and several municipalities celebrate it, such as Setcases. Over the weekend, entertainment, concerts and tastings are on the programme, while restaurants offer menus dedicated to the festival's star. The cities of Arbúcies and Ribes de Freser also offer beautiful tastings, while in Llagostera and Santa Cristina d'Aro, craft fairs are held and restaurants also offer special menus.

Finally, in October, it is the "escamarlans", the langoustines, which are celebrated on the coast, before in November the Gastronomy Fair of the county of Garrotxa is held on the heights of Girona. For this occasion, no less than 17 restaurants offer complete menus to discover the region's delicious local products, perfectly reworked and revisited.

And, all year round, producers and vineyards of the region await you for visits, often with tastings, for first-rate wine and food experiences.

Smart info

When? When? The coastal climate is obviously Mediterranean: summers are hot and dry and winters are very mild (around 10°C). Overall, the best times to visit the coast are spring and autumn because the temperatures remain very pleasant and the few tourists are appreciable. In winter, the Pyrenees of Girona are very popular for winter sports, while in summer the spot is a must for hiking enthusiasts. There are many gastronomic events from May to November.

Getting there. In high season, only Ryanair serves Girona airport. All year round, however, many flights are available between France and Barcelona. From there, it is easy to reach the cities of the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees of Girona by road.

Useful. To prepare your escapade as well as possible.

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