Costa Brava

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Submitted by Spain On Line on Tue, 14/12/2010 - 14:05 |

Beaches

location on the map:

Cataluña - Costa Brava

Hotels and apartments on the Costa Brava >>>

The Costa Brava or "Wild Coast" has something to suit everyone: excellent sunbathing spots, all kinds of water sports activities, a lively nightlife, sleepy coastal villages, golf courses and nature parks. It is located along the shoreline of the province of Girona in Catalonia, in the Alt Empord and Baix Empord, and stretches from the French border to Blanes, about 60 km north of Barcelona. It can be easily accessed from the Barcelona Airport (El Prat Airport), which is the second largest airport in Spain after Madrid Barajas. The Costa Brava also boasts the stunning backdrop of the Pyrenees mountain range and has many natural parks and wildlife reserves. It is also famous for its golden sandy beaches and sheltered coves and is a popular tourist destination all year round. Some of the most important resorts include Lloret de Mar, l'Estartit and Tossa de Mar. The Costa Brava was also home to the famous Surrealist artist, Salvador Dalí.

Places of interest on the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is full of beautiful beaches and charming coastal towns, but some of the best places to visit include:

Lloret de Mar - all hotels in a list | on a map
This popular resort has golden sandy beaches and offers windsurfing and sailing in the summer months. It also has a beautiful seafront promenade.
Calella - all hotels in a list | on a map
Located about 5 km south of Lloret de Mar, Calella has a beach that spans nearly 3 km and a sports and water sports center. It also has a wide variety of bars and an excellent nightlife.
Pineda de Mar - all hotels in a list | on a map
Located in the Costa del Maresme, Pineda de Mar is a more peaceful and family orientated resort with a wide range of restaurants on offer.
Malgrat de Mar - all hotels in a list | on a map
This traditional Catalan town has an excellent weekly market and shopping center. It also offers some beautiful beaches and a promenade.
Blanes - all hotels in a list | on a map
This is most southerly resort on the Costa Brava, and is extremely popular with both locals and tourists alike.

Nature near the Costa Brava, province of Girona

Over 30% of the province of Girona is a protected natural area and there are five nature parks in the region. These include the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park (which was founded in 1983 and is the largest natural park in Catalonia), The Cap de Creus Natural Park and the Natural Park of the Empordà Marshes in the north of the Costa Brava, and Montseny in the south. Montseny has a lush forest landscape and provides a refuge for a wide variety of animal species. The Natural Volcanic Park of the Garrotxa Region is also one of the most important protected areas in the region of Girona because of its Croscat volcano and the La Fageda d'en Jordà beech forest. The park is also equipped with walking routes and there are horse and carriage rides.

Nature lovers can also enjoy the scenery and wildlife in the Albera Mountain Range, which includes the towns of La Jonquera, Espolla, Cantallops, Mollet de Peralada, Sant Climent Sescebes, Rabós d'Empordà, Garriguella and Vilamaniscle. There is a concentration of megalithic monuments in this area and it has one of the richest historic and monumental heritage in Girona. The Ses Negres Marina Reserve in Begur, in the middle of the Costa Brava, is another important protected area and nature reserve. It spans an area of 80 ha and there are areas suitable for bathing and free lung diving. The Medes Isles, in the centre of the Costa Brava, are also worth of a mention. This small archipelago, made up of seven islets, are known for their rich marine ecosystem and wide variety of flora and fauna. The islets are home to a huge colony of seagulls and it is possible to go scuba diving here is certain areas.

The Ter Isle, an open natural area of great ecological value, is also a popular spot with visitors and school groups thanks to its diverse and plentiful wildlife. It is home to otters, civet cats, many different types of birds and a huge variety of butterflies. It is located close to the city of Girona.

Salvador Dalí

The world-famous artist, Salvador Dalí, is one of the Costa Brava's most famous residents. The town of Figueres, located on the Costa Brava in the Catalan province of Girona, is arguably most famous for having been the birthplace of Salvador Dalí. It currently houses the Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dalí, a huge museum designed by Dalí himself, which exhibits many of his most famous Surrealist works. Fans of Dalí can also visit Dalí's House-Museum in Port Lligat, near Cadaqués, where the artist spent most of his childhood.