It was my great pleasure to learn that I became the new host...
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It was my great pleasure to learn that I became the new host on this platform, and as I feel in the last couple of days, I ca...
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"Oh, our Costa Brava, unmatched in the world! It is brave, smiling, fantastic and sweet, worked by the storms at the blow of waves like a high relief and embroidered with bonanza kisses with an exquisiteness of a patient nun for whom hours, days and years have no value of time" | Ferran Agulló
In an expression used by sailors to describe all steep and rocky coastlines, the term was born to refer to Catalonia's region between Spain and France. The peoples who will pass from here will forge a cultural wealth of unequalled historical and cultural value. Ferran Agulló inspired and talked about these places between the sea and the mountains, also known as Empordà.
I could give you a number to describe how great this region is, but I think I will take you deeper; I tell you the impression it makes to us, seeing its landscapes. It is like moving to mythical lands. Here where Paleolithic, Greek and Roman people have passed, where sea fights and rests, pampered and protected by the wild wind of the Tramuntana.
Costa Brava is suitable for all travellers: families, couples, lonely souls. It is the best corner of the world to share or find yourself. The local language is Catalan and Spanish, but English and French are also widely spoken in tourism proposals.
Nature,
Here the Mediterranean gives us one of Spain's most beautiful maritime views, captivated by its gorges into deep and pure waters. Between forests and the sky, its path meanders the sea and makes us have vertigo by the height and its beauty. A trail known as the coastal path joins almost all the Costa Brava villages. Taking its courses, we find exuberant nature embodied in natural parks, wetlands, botanical gardens, beaches and hard-to-reach corners - called coves - which look like pearls, hidden to amaze us.
Imagine your walks in this setting—scuba diving or paddle surfing as a way to compliment your topless sunbathing or sailing.
Recommendations:
- Paddle surfing route through the coves near La Fosca to appreciate the sunset.
- Diving to see sunken ships.
- See the departure of the fishing boats at dawn from the Palamós lighthouse.
Culture,
So much beauty can inspire and attract a diversity of restless minds, so culturally, Costa Brava has a lot to offer.
Here is one of its most picturesque villages. Surrealist painting developed incomparably through the hands and dreams of Salvador Dalí, leaving an artistic legacy known throughout the world.
Since the fifties, it has been the background of films since Albert Lewin's Pandora and the Flying Dutchman were filmed. Ava Gardner as the protagonist and who on several occasions returned to the Costa Brava.
Years later, it became Truman Capote's refuge while he was writing his novel A Cold Blood. His experiences during the three summers he spent in Palamós also inspired another beautiful novel, L' Home dels Pijames de Seda.
Recommendation:
- Visit the Dalí Museum in Figueras or the house where the artist lived in the town of Cadaqués.
- Take the literary route in homage to Truman Capote or have a dry-martini in the Hotel Trias bar, where he enjoyed them!
- Participate in one of the music festivals that take place from spring to fall.
Gastronomy,
Nautical activities are in high demand, such as tourist fishing; The somewhat challenging experience of going out to fish for shrimp first thing in the morning and returning to the middle of the afternoon.
At this particular location of the Mediterranean lives one of the most succulent and tasty crustaceans in Spanish cuisine, the prawns of Palamós. Known and used by housewives and the best Spanish chefs, it has a quality seal that guarantees its origin, quality and freshness from the fish market in Palamós (Llotja de Palamós).
Another highly appreciated sea fruit on the Costa Brava is anchovies (anchovies cured in salt and water). Since the 19th century, it is one of the great products of the area. It has an exquisite quality due to the unique environment.
Costa Brava also has a production of exceptional wine. Hence, it's no surprise wine tourism activities are offered throughout the year. Still, I would like to highlight Catalan cider's production, a drink closely associated with the North of Spain. The Empordá is home to a family growing apples for more than fifty years for lovers of this drink. In 2016 they began to make cider with its own innovative method, resulting in a delicious and internationally valued product.
Finally, note that this little corner of paradise is home to the El Bulli Foundation's headquarters. An essential visiting centre for gastronomy lovers who want to know where the revolution and evolution of Spanish cuisine took place.
Recommendations:
- Wine tourism visits, especially participating in the Vivid festival, during the spring.
- Visit an anchovy production factory in L'Escala.
- Visit the Palamós Fishing Museum and participate in a cooking workshop at Espai del Peix.
The Catalan territory offers a wide diversity of incredible maritime and inland landscapes. Tourist activities are organized for all ages, from the most relaxing to the most active, from the mountains to the deepest sea. You can choose your company, your season of the year, your activity. Still, I hope your next destination is Costa Brava!
Hi Helen, a little of info about your question!
LIGHTHOUSE IN PALAMÓS,
Oficial name: Punta del Molino lighthouse.
The port of Palamós in the fourteenth century had one of the three most important port infrastructures, with Barcelona and Tarragona, but it was very dangerous to reach the port of attraction, hence the construction of a lighthouse, to facilitate the arrival of ships to the port of Palamós.
It was built and started working in 1865, the last remodeling was in 1975. There is a little house for the person who works at the lighthouse, but it is not open to the public.
CORK INDUSTRY,
Yes, the cork industry started here in Catalonia, and in fact it represents 2% of world production.
They have the Catalan Cork Institute (take a virtual visit) and the Museu del Suro, to preserve and promote the tradition and production of cork with educational activities and programs.
You can find more information, images and guided tours on the following websites:
Catalan Cork Institute, https://www.icsuro.com/eng/
the Association of Cork Entrepreneurs in Catalonia (videos), https://www.youtube.com/user/preservalobueno
and the Museu del Suro, https://museudelsuro.cat
