Steve's World Blog » Costa Brava

Guardamar del Segura Spain

needahand — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 09:53:00 +0000

One of Guardamar del Segura's Parks

Guardamar del Segura Spain – Located to the north of Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca coastline of Spain, is one of the most popular resorts in this region. Boasting miles of fine sandy beaches, shady parks and excellent facilities, Guardamar del Segura has everything you would expect of a modern holiday resort. Also a desirable area for the purchase of holiday homes, or even for those wishing to relocate, Guardamar del Segura has its fair share of International residents, who live happily alongside its traditional Spanish citizens. Property development has become a major industry for the town, and thousands of properties have sprung up over the last twenty years or so. The three parks for which Guardamar is well known were created when the moving sands of this coast threatened to engulf the town, and a project was undertaken to plant thousands of trees and cacti, to anchor down the sand and protect the town, the resulting woodlands were subsequently turned into parks for everyone to use. The sunny weather is of course another big attraction for visitors, who make the most of its two thousand eight hundred hours of annual sunshine. Easily reached from Alicante airport, which is just twenty five minutes north of the resort, Guardamar del Segura is a good choice of resort if you are heading to this part of Spain.

Guardamar del Segura Map.

Figueres Costa Brava Catalonia

needahand — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:03:58 +0000

A Spanish town in the Catalonia region of northern Spain, Figueres is mostly famous as the birthplace of Spanish artist Salvador Dali, and as such attracts thousands of holidaymakers and art fanatics, who visit to view a big museum which is dedicated to his work and called the Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dali. Figueres is actually a sizeable town in its own right, and has a population of over 40,000 residents, the towns name is thought to derive from the Visigothic language. A popular day trip from many of the coastal resorts on the Costa Brava coastline, Figueres shold certainly be on your hot list of places to visit whilst in the area. It lies in the north-eastern section of Catalonia, and is just 40 kilometres from the provincial capital Girona, some close by coastal resorts include Roses, Empuriabrava, Cadaques, L’Escala and Llança, so if you are visiting any of these resorts, this could be a good idea for a day trip, especially if you are an art fan, in which case it will be a real treat. Pick a day when the weather is not so hot,then you can take your time and walk around Figueres in comfort, not missing a good beach day in the process.

Fira Palace Hotel Barcelona

needahand — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:56:09 +0000

Fira Palace Hotel Barcelona

An elegant hotel well located in the city of Barcelona, Spain, the Fira Palace Hotel is ideal for both leisure and business visitors to this great city. Offering two hundred and seventy six rooms, all both excellent facilities, the Fira Palace Hotel Barcelona could be your ideal accommodation. The hotel offers such fine facilities as an indoor swimming pool, health and fitness centre, sauna, gift shop, piano bar, two restaurants, patio garden, gymnasium, hair salon etc. Rooms in the Fira Palace Hotel are available from 77 euros per night (around £64), very reasonable for a city centre hotel in Barcelona. Located in the Catalonia region of north-eastern Spain, Barcelona is the countries second largest city, it is around 150km from the border with France and about 100kn from Girona. The city has a huge variety of attractions, whether you are looking for culture, entertainment of even a beach holiday, and a visit to Spain would not be complete without a visit to this amazing place. Barcelona Map.

Casamar and Terramar Hotels Llafranc

needahand — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:50:02 +0000

Terramar Hotel Llafranc

If you are planning a visit to the coastal resort of Llafranc, located between Calella de Palafrugell and Tamariu on the Costa Brava coastline of north-eastern Spain, you will perhaps need a hotel for your accommodation in the resort. While there are several hotels which you can choose from, two of the most popular, the Casamar Llafranc and the Terramar Hotel should provide all you need for a pleasant day in the area. The Casamar Llafranc is a small friendly hotel with just 20 rooms, ideal for a quiet holiday while providing all the facilities needed for a nice holiday. The three star Terramar Hotel has more rooms with 53, and has the benefit of being located right on the beach so you can enjoy the wonderful Llafranc weather and take in the rays, while staying close to your hotel and easy to pop back for meals. Llafranc is a tranquil resort, which has not yet been ruined by tourism, expect to meet plenty of Spanish nationals, as this is a favourite spot of theirs, while also bumping into various nationalities of those enlightened enough to visit this lovely resort. Rooms in the Casamar Hotel range from 140 euros per night, while the more affordable Terramar Hotel starts at just 52 euros per night. Llafranc Map.

BOOK CASAMAR LLAFRANC

BOOK TERRAMAR LLAFRANC

Hotel Bon Repos Calella Costa Brava

needahand — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:24:01 +0000

Hotel Bon Repos Calella Costa Brava

If you are planning a visit to the Costa Brava coastal resort of Calella this year, you might want to consider the Bon Repos Hotel for your accommodation requirements. Handily situated just 350 metres from the main beach of Calella, the Bon Repos is also convenient for the town centre and the main amenities of this popular resort. Offering a superb outside pool and Jacuzzi, the Bon Repos also has a fine restaurant, lounge, bar and entertainment programme. A good base for touring the Costa Brava and Costa del Maresme and also handy for Barcelona which is only 54 kilometres away, Calella has some fine sandy beaches, terrific weather conditions, good choice of bars and restaurants and plenty of sports and water sports facilities. Rooms are offered in the Bon Repos Calella from just 23 euros per night, a very economical option for your stay in this area. The closest airport for the hotel and resort is Girona airport, which is just 45 kilometres distant, about a half hours drive.

BOOK BON REPOS CALELLA

Hotel Playa Sol Cadaques Costa Brava

needahand — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:46:39 +0000

Hotel Playa Sol Cadaques

A popular located right on the seafront in Cadaques, the 3 Star Playa Sol Hotel could well be your first choice for accommodation in this Costa Brava resort, though there are other hotels such as the Octavia, La Tarongeta and the Hotel Blaumar to choose from. You may prefer the Playa Sol’s beachside location, being situated on a small bay right beside a nice sandy beach, and you may appreciate its being handy for Cadaques town centre which is only about five minutes stroll away, in any case you will be attracted to the Playa Sol hotel’s friendly family run atmosphere and fine facilities to make your stay in this resort a pleasure. In a somewhat isolated position, Cadaques is perfect for a peaceful holiday away from the bustling crowds of some of the better known and busier Costa Brava resorts further south, and while it is visited all year round, the weather in Cadaques can get a bit windy and wild during the winter, so summer holidays are definitely more popular than winter breaks. Cadaques is ideal for visiting the Cap de Creus National Park and is also great for hikers, who visit this beautiful area to enjoy the spectacular coastline of the Costa Brava. Also ideal for water sports, this is an especially popular area for windsurfers, scuba divers and kitesurfers. Other nearby areas include Portlligat and Roses. Cadaques Map.

Hotel Blaumar Cadaques Costa Brava

needahand — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:28:29 +0000

Hotel Blaumar Cadaques Spain

If you are visiting the northern Costa Brava resort of Cadaques this year you might want to consider the three star Hotel Blaumar for you accommodation in the area. Situated only ten minutes walk from the centre of Cadaques this small family run hotel is a popular choice for those visiting the resort. Boasting a lovely sun terrace and superb outdoor swimming pool the Hotel Blaumar will surely provide everything you need for a relaxing holiday in Cadaques. In a somewhat isolated position, Cadaques is ideal for a tranquil holiday away from the crowds of some of the better known Costa Brava resorts, and while it is popular all year round, the weather in Cadaques can get a bit wild and windy during the winter months, so summer holidays are more sensible than winter breaks. Cadaques is perfect for visiting the Cap de Creus National Park and is also great for walkers and hikers, who visit this unspoilt area to enjoy the spectacular coastline of the Costa Brava. Also ideal for water sports, this is an especially popular area for scuba divers.

Palafrugell Costa Brava

needahand — Mon, 17 May 2010 14:25:29 +0000

Despite its proximity to several popular Costa Brava seaside resorts, the town of Palafrugell seems little affected by the tourism on which the area depends. Formerly supported by the local cork industry Palafrugell suffered considerably after the largest factory (American owned) closed in the 1970’s. Palafrugell these days has a population of just over 21,000 and administers the coastal resorts of Tamariu, Calella and Llafranc. Worth a visit in Palafrugell is the old town centre, where you will find the Gothic church of Sant Marti, the weekly market, the Town Hall and the Cork Museum, which informs of the previously important cork manufacture. Historically Palafrugell was a fortified town as inhabitants of the coastal towns moved inland to escape attacks by Barbary pirates, little evidence remains of its ancient fortifications and modern day Palafrugell is a more peaceful place with a slow pace of life. These days holidaymakers arrive to enjoy the fine weather, the rugged coastline and the attractive beaches.

Palafrugell Map.

Roses Costa Brava

needahand — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:00:35 +0000

A very old fishing town situated on the Gulf of Roses in Catalonia, Spain, Roses was originally founded as a trading settlement by the Greeks in the 8^th century BC. Within the walls of the later 16^th century citadel, the Ciutadella, there are still some remnants of this ancient civilisation together with artefacts from the later Roman settlement which began in the 2^nd century BC. Roses Spain became a fortified town during the 17^th century, a necessary step due to frequent pirate attacks, and these fortifications were truly tested by at least 4 sieges over the ensueing centuries, they were finally destroyed by the French in the early nineteenth century. Roses benefited greatly from the explosion of tourism during the 1960’s and 1970’s and became one of the prime holiday spots along this part of the Costa Brava coast. Roses is still a significant fishing port and has a lively marina with plenty of bars and restaurants where Roses nightlife is enjoyed by its many visitors. Roses, and the Gulf of Roses has plenty of stunning sandy beaches and some fine conditions for water sports, a great attraction for the area. Worth visiting are the Ciutadella, the church of Santa Maria, the Aiguamolls Natural Park, the Cap de Creus and the town of Figueres, birthplace of artist Salvador Dali. This are of Spain enjoys a super climate and Roses weather is ideal for holidays all year round but especially during the summer months when sunshine is the order of the day and rain rare. Roses Map.

Girona Catalonia

needahand — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 10:20:32 +0000

Girona Catalonia - Riverside Houses

A historic city in the Catalonia region of north-eastern Spain, Girona has a population of just under 100,000 and is the capital of the province of Girona which takes in many of the resorts of the popular Costa Brava coastline. Originally settled by the ancient Iberians, Girona was later called Gerunda by the Romans when they established a citadel there during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsular. Later occupied by the Visigoths and then the Moors, Girona was brought back to Christian control in the 11^th century. These days Girona is the arrival point for most visitors to the Costa Brava region being the location of the main airport for the region. The airport is actually located outside the city itself, so to visit the city you will need to take a taxi or bus and from here you can access the coastline north and south via bus or train. Girona enjoys a fine climate with the best weather being during the summer months (May to September), winters are cold with frost not unusual. Worth a visit in Girona are the old town, the coloured houses of the riverside, the ancient cathedral, the Collegiate Church of Sant Feliu and the Benedictine church of Sant Pere de Galligants. Girona is located beside the AP-7 motorway which links it with Barcelona to the south-west, and Figueres and France to the north. Girona Map.

Tossa de Mar Costa Brava

needahand — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 10:27:53 +0000

Renowned for its rugged coastline Spain’s Costa Brava has some splendid coastal resorts which are very popular with holidaymakers. One of the most attractive of these seaside resorts is Tossa de Mar, a historic town which still has remnants of its ancient walled village (Vila Vella) and was originally a Roman town called Turissa some 2,000 years ago. Tossa de Mar was one of the pioneers of the Costa Brava tourist industry attracting such early visitors as painter Marc Chagall, who stayed there in the summer of 1934, he named Tossa his “blue paradise” and the town still proudly displays (in the Municipal Museum) the only Chagall painting known to exist in Spain. Renowned for its seafood, Tossa de Mar is a great place to taste some local dishes such as simitoba (fish in garlic sauce), the town has some top quality restaurants. While Tossa de Mar will attract its fair share of culture seekers, due to its long history, it is most popular with those seeking a traditional beach style holiday and its beaches, 2 having blue flag status, are perfect for this type of holiday, and also ideal for water sports enthusiasts with scuba diving and snorkelling being especially popular. Tossa de Mar has a decent choice of hotels including the Golden Bahia de Tossa, the San Eloy Tossa de Mar and the Hotel Diana. Tossa de Mar is situated on the GI-682 about 41 kilometres from Girona and its airport.

Tossa de Mar Map.

Malgrat de Mar Catalonia

needahand — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:32:28 +0000

One of the popular coastal resorts of the southern Costa Brava, Malgrat de Mar is actually situated on a stretch of coast known as the Costa del Maresme. The town has a resident population of around 20,000 and a municipal district of 9.05 square kilometres. The modern resort is well known for its excellent sandy beaches (such as L’Astillero) which are backed by hotels and apartment complexes, there are a good choice of bars and restaurants which become very busy during the summer season when the climate is fine and sunny. The original village developed during the 13^th and 14^th centuries when it was known Vilanova de Palafolls, the original dwellings were erected on a hill called “Es Castell”, for many centuries Malgrat de Mar relied on fishing for its economic survival and this continued until the 1950’s and 1960’s when the explosion of tourism changed the face of the town forever, and the population grew from under 4,000 to its present level. In the old town there are still some well preserved older buildings showing evidence of its long history, the 16^th century church of Sant Nicolau is often referred to as the “Cathedral of the Coast” due to its large size. Malgrat de Mar is located between Blanes and Pineda de Mar and can be reached from the N-11 or the C-32 motorway.

Map.

Playa de Aro Costa Brava

needahand — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:25:17 +0000

One of the Costa Brava’s best loved beach resorts, Playa de Aro is situated between the towns of Sant Feliu de Guixols and Palamos around 35 km from the provincial capital Girona. Apart from the obvious attraction of its 2 mile long beach, Playa de Aro can also offer visitors a wonderful water park in the form of the Aquadiver Waterworld, the Magic Park amusement extravaganza, a Pitch n Putt golf course and a ten pin bowling alley, together with one of the best nightlife scenes along this popular part of the coastline. The sun is of course another major attraction with Playa de Aro weather offering some 2,500 hours of sunshine each year, the best months being from May to October. To get away from the crowds of the main resort you can enjoy the coastal path where you can enjoy some delightful scenery and discover some isolated bays and coves. Playa de Aro offers a great choice of hotels and is located off the C-31 south of Palamos.

History of Lloret de Mar Catalonia

needahand — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:59:12 +0000

One of the oldest established and best known coastal resorts along the Costa Brava in Spain, Lloret de Mar has the appearance of a modern holiday resort with some great family orientated facilities. The town however has a long and distinguished history with settlements recorded in the area since the times of the ancient Iberians way back in the third and fourth centuries BC. The Romans considered it important enough to establish a trading post in Lloret de Mar (although of course it was not called this at the time) during their time in the region, and much later a castle was built for the protection of its inhabitants, enabling them to live closer to the sea, a previously dangerous area due to pirate attacks. From about the early 11^th century it took on its present name of Lloret which is though to have come from the Latin for ‘place of laurels’. After Spanish exploits in the New World, Lloret de Mar became an important area for shipbuilding and trade, its sailors heading off for such places as Uruguay, Argentina and Cuba, bringing back many riches making the town wealthy and establishing its ‘Americanos’ as these travellers became known. The 20^th century saw the arrival of tourism in Lloret de Mar and it is this modern industry which predominates in the town today. The fine beaches, great weather and excellent facilities are what attract visitors to present day Lloret de Mar.

Lloret de Mar Costa Brava

needahand — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:52:44 +0000

The history of Lloret de Mar is forever linked to the sea, the Iberians settled in the areas of Montbarat and Puig de Castellet and established trade with the Greeks and Romans, and the Romans themselves founded a trading post in what is now Lloret. The name Lloret lo Redo first appears in 966 AD deriving from Lauretum (place of laurels). At the beginning of the 16^th century a new church was built in Catalan Gothic style and completed in 1522, the church served as a refuge from pirate attacks. With the discovery of the New World, many of Lloret’s sailors went to the Americas, resulting in a growing import and export trade with the colonies. After the collapse of Spain’s Empire, Lloret de Mar went into a period of decline and it was not until the increase in tourist activity in the 20^th century that the town recovered and became what it is today, a popular seaside resort along the Costa Brava coastline of Spain. Though the towns population is only around 30,000, this rises to over 200,000 during the busy summer season, when the weather is excellent, as many holidaymakers arrive to stay in the many hotels such as the Lloret de Mar Oasis and the Costa Encantada Aparthotel. Lloret de Mar has a vibrant nightlife scene and attracts the younger set especially Germans, Dutch and Belgians. Also attractive to visitors is the fine beach and excellent range of facilities. Map.

L’Escala Costa Brava

needahand — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:45:15 +0000

A smallish but popular coastal resort on the Bay of Roses, L’Escala is one of the many attractive Costa Brava resorts of the Catalonia region of north-eastern Spain. Having a resident population of just over 8,000, L’Escala has an ancient fishing port surrounded by the narrow streets of its old delightful old town. A historic area, the neighbouring Empuries (St Marti d’Empuries) boasts one of the oldest Greek settlements in Spain, also featuring later Roman parts giving evidence of their time on the Iberian Peninsular. Especially important for fishing and the salting of fish, L’Escala is well known for its anchovies and its sardines, and a number of its many fiestas are dedicated to this industry. As a tourist resort L’Escala has two distinct areas, the old town (favoured by Spanish tourists) and the newer area of Riells (favoured by International tourists). The town has a decent range of amenities and a couple of small beaches near the old town and a larger ‘blue flag’ beach in the Riells district. For nature lovers and culture seekers there are plenty of places to visit and for sports enthusiasts there is a wide choice of facilities. L’Escala Map.

Llafranc Costa Brava

needahand — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:38:18 +0000

A charming and unspoilt resort on the Costa Brava coastline, Llafranc has long been the destination of the rich and famous along with well-heeled families from Girona and Barcelona. Visited by such names as Margaret Thatcher, Elizabeth Taylor and Salvador Dali, this beautiful resort situated in a picturesque crescent shaped bay should be at the top of your holiday list for trips to the Costa Brava and Costa del Maresme. Private luxury villas dot pine clad hills around the bay and the white-walled houses of the old town look down on the beach, promenade and harbour filled with pretty yachts. The beach is golden and sandy and one of the main attractions of this resort, Llafranc and the surrounding coastline is renowned for its diving and three diving schools operate from the town. There is also a big tennis club with 24 courts, and three golf courses nearby, for golfers to get their weekly fix. A decent range of hotels includes the Casamar Llafranc Hotel and the Terramar Hotel plus some privately rented apartments and villas. Just 40 kilometres from Girona and its airport Llafranc is relatively easy to access and obtaining car hire for your stay is recommended to get the most from your trip. The area benefits from a wonderful climate and Llafranc weather is ideal for summer holidays between June and October, golfers may prefer the cooler months and divers may wish to avoid the summer crowds. The stuff of dreams Llafranc is a perfect holiday destination. Llafranc Map.

Club de Golf Costa Brava

needahand — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:30:00 +0000

If you are visiting the Catalonia region of Spain this year, and are looking to play golf, be sure to take time out to try the Club de Golf Costa Brava course located a little inland from the coastline near to the small town of Santa Cristina d’Aro. This fine 18 hole golf course is set amongst stunning scenery, and offers a great challenge to golfers of all abilities. Established in 1968 the course has a technical first nine followed by a more relaxed second nine. Places to visit nearby include Santa Cristina D’Aro and the historic coastal town of Sant Feliu de Guixols.

Empuriabrava Catalonia

needahand — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:22:46 +0000

Begun in the 1960’s during an effort to reclaim swampland, the marina resort of Empuriabrava was built to resemble Miami and Venice by Miguel Arpa Battle. Claimed to be one of the world’s largest marinas it comprises in excess of 20 miles of navigable waterways, with canals providing boat access to privately owned luxury villas. With its fine beach and good facilities it now attracts holidaymakers seeking the sun and sand of the Costa Brava coastline on which it at stands, they flock here to enjoy the wonderful Empuriabrava weather conditions which are especially attractive during the months of May to October. Many other visit Empuriabrava to enjoy the superb water sports facilities and conditions and windsurfing and kitesurfing are especially popular. Empuriabrava also boasts a fine sky diving school and numerous visitors go there to participate or learn this exciting extreme sport. This part of Catalonia in Spain of course, receives millions of visitors each year and Empuriabrava has a wide range of attractions to draw them, its nightlife scene is also vibrant with discos such as Pasarella and Pacha to satisfy the younger generation. Altogether a fine resort for a summer holiday or a winter break, you will not be disappointed with a visit to the Costa Brava’s Empuriabrava which is located between Roses and Figueres. Empuriabrava Map.

Figueres Girona

needahand — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:12:46 +0000

Capital of the Alt Empordà district of Girona, on the Costa Brava, Spain, the market town of Figueres has a population of approximately 40,000, and will be forever linked to the painter Salvador Dali (1904-89) who was born and died there. One of the most visited locations in the town is the Teatre-Museu Dali, which was founded by the artist himself in 1974 and now boasts the largest collection of his works together with those of other artists. Another famous son of Figueres was Narcis Monturiol i Estarriol, who is claimed to be the inventor of the submarine. Also worth visiting in Figueres is the Toy Museum (Museu de Joguets), the Sant Ferran castle (eighteenth century), the parish church of Sant Pere and the old Jewish Quarter. Figueres is situated just off the AP-7 motorway between the provincial capital Girona and the French border, the closest airport is at Girona some 40 kilometres away. Figueres Map.