[Discover] Costa Brava, Catalonia

Patricia2156
Level 10
Barcelona, Spain

[Discover] Costa Brava, Catalonia

Credit Thomas CookCredit Thomas Cook

"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

 

Festival Vivid - Credit globalstylusFestival Vivid - Credit globalstylus

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.

 

Cala Del Pi - Credit MochileandoporelmundoCala Del Pi - Credit Mochileandoporelmundo

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.

Nautical tourism - Credit Red Costa BravaNautical tourism - Credit Red Costa Brava

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.

Ava Gardner en Tossa de Mar - Credit Costa Brava GironaAva Gardner en Tossa de Mar - Credit Costa Brava Girona

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!

 

Patricia de Castro
19 Replies 19

@Mary996  Interesting! Thanks!

Patricia de Castro
Helen427
Level 10
Auckland, New Zealand

Thank you @Patricia2156 

It's fascinating to see the natural Golden sand tones in the buildings in your location.

Do you have a website where we can source further information on the history behind who created them, the year and how long it took to make them, and the materials used?

 

We would love to see a photograph and read the history about the lighthouse in Palamos.

What year was it built?

Do they still operate the education sailing vessel along the route of Palamos & Tarragon to learn about the businesses that operate in those regions?
Do they still have a Cork industry?
If so do they have Cork forests?

 

Hahaha, this probably sounds a bit like a Spanish Inquistion!

 

Finally, for now, is the sad story about Prince Alexis Mdivani, may we all stop and reflect on how cars/ transport has evolved over the years as we go about our lives.

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HAWST19351012.2.109

 

@Patricia2156 @Mary996 @Liv @Dale711 

@Paloma9 @Paloma5 @Spain1 @Barcelona2 @Barcelona1 @Barcelona-Live0 @Barcelona0 @Cloud5-Barcelona0 @Barcelona-Bedroom0 

@Cork0 @Corky1 

@Costa8 @Costa4 @Costa0 @Costa2 @Costa3 

 

 

Hi, @Helen427 I'll take a look and try to answer your questions! Thanks for your interest!

Patricia de Castro

@Helen427 

Hi Helen, a little of info about your question! 

 

LIGHTHOUSE IN PALAMÓS, 

Far de Palamós (Wikipedia)Far de Palamós (Wikipedia)

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.

 

Far de Palamós - Faro de la Punta del MolinoFar de Palamós - Faro de la Punta del Molino

 

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

Patricia de Castro
Nick
Former Community Manager
Former Community Manager
London, United Kingdom

Thank you for sharing @Patricia2156 

I've added this on my list of places to visit and experience 😊