The Costa Brava and the Pyrenees of Girona are a territory located in the northeastern part of Spain. All types of vacationers are welcome here. Sea lovers, mountain hikers, outdoor activities, historical villages, culture, traditions, gastronomy, it's simple, there is something for absolutely every taste! So why choose? The Costa Brava and the Pyrenees of Girona offer the opportunity to go from the atmosphere of the mountains to that of the coast in no time. You will have taken the time to visit museums, thermal baths, local festivals or follow in the footsteps of great artists. The offer is complete, the landscapes and the towns magnificent, here are 10 good reasons to visit one of the most fascinating territories of Spain.
1- The Costa Brava, a Mediterranean jewel
The Costa Brava has long been a landmark for many Mediterranean lovers. From Portbou to Blanes, the coastline is steep and full of beaches and coves with translucent waters. Nature plays an important role with the wonderful natural parks of Cap de Creus, the Aiguamolls of Empordà and Montgrí, the Medes Islands and the Baix Ter, with their rich biodiversity. The botanical gardens of Santa Clotilde, Pinya de Rosa, Marimurtra and Cap Roig are other relaxing places to stroll. From the Jewish quarter of Girona's old town to the ruins of Empúries, the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes and medieval towns such as Tossa de Mar, we can also admire the beauty of the heritage and the vestiges of the various civilizations that have passed through the area. Without forgetting the intoxicating Mediterranean atmosphere of cities like Lloret de Mar or Cadaqués, the latter so dear to the artist Salvador Dalí
2- Hiking and mountain heritage just a stone's throw from the sea
The Pyrenees of Girona are breathtaking mountain landscapes that can be reached in no time after a moment on the coast. While in winter, resorts such as Vallter 2000 welcome those who love snow sports, in summer the Núria Valley, the quiet valleys of Cerdanya and Camprodon or the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park offer hiking trails to enjoy the fauna, flora and breathtaking views. Mountain biking, kayaking on a river, climbing... a multitude of activities is possible in the heart of this mountainous universe. Not to mention the towns and villages with a rich heritage, in Olot, in Castellfollit de la Roca on the cliffside and in the medieval town of Besalú. Romanesque art also stands out. This style, which is one of the most emblematic of the territory, decorates the elements of many churches in small rural communities or those of the wonderful monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll
3- An outstanding cultural offer
The Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees are a territory of culture in its greatest diversity. You can follow in the footsteps of ancient civilizations in incredible sites such as Empúries and the Roman villa Els Ametllers in Tossa de Mar. We visit castles that reveal their long history, such as those of Montgrí and Sant Ferra in Figueres. We discover the work of great local artists who have marked the territory. And what better way to do this than to follow the Dalinian Triangle, with a visit to the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, the Salvador Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat, Cadaqués, and the Gala-Dalí House-Museum-Castle in Púbol, La Pera? On another occasion, we head for the Empordà to get to the heart of the local crafts. For this we stop in La Bisbal, whose Aigüeta street is full of pottery stores. You can also meet and have fun at the many festivals and traditional local celebrations that enliven the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees. Midsummer Night's Eve, music, dance, theater, film and interdisciplinary festivals, you should consult the cultural calendar to enjoy festive moments and the celebration of the arts.
4- A rich gastronomy, between sea and mountain
Wherever you stop in the Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees, the discovery of gastronomy punctuates a stroll between two villages, a hike in the mountains or a sunbathing session on the edge of a cove. The cuisine is influenced by these two prolific environments, the sea and the mountains. This area is renowned for its gastronomy in Spain and the chefs respect the traditions as much as they do their imagination. The Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees have 16 Michelin-starred restaurants, enough to satisfy the most demanding palates. The wines and oils of the Empordà PDO, the artisanal cured meats, the shepherds' cheeses, the rice of Pals, the anchovies of L'Escala, the sea urchins, fish and other beans of Santa Pau are some of the key products that delight the gastronomes.
5- The Empordà PDO Wine Route
For those who don't know, the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees have a wine culture that goes back to the time of the Greek city of Empúries. Following the Empordà PDO Wine Route means stopping at the seaside in Cadaqués, Colera or Palamós and inland in Pals, Espolla or Garriguella and meeting producers who show you around their facilities, their wineries and offer tastings of their wines. Various experiences are also offered around wine and gastronomy. Sleeping in the heart of the vineyards, treating yourself with vinotherapy, going on a kayaking trip with wine tasting and local products, the choice is yours
6- Nature for active tourism
Staying in the Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees is the perfect way to reconnect with nature. The protected natural areas are ideal for contemplating a preserved natural environment and practicing outdoor activities. The natural parks of Cap de Creus, the Empordà and Montgrí marshes, the Medes Islands and the Baix Ter, or the Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser are all places to go to hike, follow marked routes on horseback, mountain bike or segway, thrill to a canyoning session and take to the skies in a hot-air balloon or on a climbing trip. Mountain or sea, each area offers opportunities to spend time and have a good time with your loved ones
7- Wellness activities
What if we went to the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees to experience moments of wellness and come back refreshed? The area has quality spa hotels in towns such as Girona and Lloret de Mar. You can also opt for a retreat in a spa and discover the benefits of a caviar massage or a chocolate wrap. There are many health centers in the Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees to take care of your skin and your health in general. There are also activities that invite you to relax and let go, such as a session of sylvotherapy in the forests surrounding the town of Arbúcies
8- A golf territory
Are you a golf enthusiast? Then the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees are a real Eldorado. The area has a dozen golf courses set in breathtaking landscapes, both near the sea and in the mountains. Among them are the Costa Brava Golf Club in Santa Cristina d'Aro, the Pals Golf Club and the PGA Catalunya Resort in Caldes de Malavella. Let's not forget to mention the pitch & putt courses and their smaller dimensions in municipalities such as Vilademuls or Fornells de la Selva. The Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees have hotels, apartments and rural accommodation with all the comforts of home close to the golf courses to enjoy the pleasures of the little white ball
9- Specific accommodation for sportsmen and women
For sportsmen and women who wish to improve their practice, training and recovery phases, the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees offer accommodation near sports clubs that welcome the public on a daily basis for complete sports sessions guided by professionals. Whether you are into mountain sports, water sports or other activities, the area has a quality infrastructure and an ideal climate for working on the different phases of improvement, from training to recovery. Mountain biking, running, sailing, rowing, the choice is vast to enjoy a stay focused on sports.
10- Experiences to feel the reality
A territory that prides itself on the diversity of its landscapes, heritage, culture and traditions, the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees invite us to slow down and enjoy every moment of everything that surrounds us. Let's take advantage of a stay to enjoy every experience offered, such as a ride in a traditional boat or a weightless moment in the Mediterranean. Later on, let's go to the villages of the Empordà to feel the medieval atmosphere and take a trip back in time. Let's fly over the volcanic area of La Garrotxa to better appreciate every detail of the preserved and unique landscape in Spain. All these experiences to better appreciate the nature, culture, way of life and gastronomy of the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees are offered by the Premium Costa Brava Pirineu de Girona, a specialist in the area
