Costa Brava is the northernmost resort in Spain. Costa brava - spain

04.09.2016 08:34:23

Costa Brava- a long rocky coast north of Barcelona, ​​whose name literally means "Wild Coast".

They say that it is associated with the autumn-winter weather, when the sea in these places, driven by cold winds, becomes wild and dangerous.

In the 1950s, the Spanish government thought that this little developed part of the coast could be an excellent tourist area. And the officials did not fail: in the 60s, the Costa Brava experienced a real tourist boom: Western tourists flooded the coast, new hotels were built, beaches were cleared, and popular Hollywood films were filmed on medieval ruins.

Among the first centers of tourism, one of largest cities Costa Brava - Lloret de Mar (Lloret de Mar), whose name comes from the laurel tree.

To the north of it is another stunning summer resort Tossa de Mar, to the south - Blanes.

Thanks to the soft mediterranean climate tourist season on the Costa Brava begins at Easter and ends at the end of the month of September. At that time seaside towns and the towns are full of vacationers, and housing prices are rising to astronomical figures.

Around the resort towns, you can find many small secluded beaches surrounded by rocks and pine trees. natural beaches on the Costa Brava, mostly pebbly, and golden sandy beaches were created specifically for tourists from imported sand.

It is worth noting that near the Costa Brava there are sharp drops in depth. When you enter the water, at a certain moment the firmament disappears abruptly, and you find yourself at a decent depth - this can be an unpleasant surprise for beginners and those who do not know how to swim at all.

The coastal cliffs and hills of the Costa Brava are simply beautiful - they look majestic, covered with Mediterranean pines, firs, elms and other southern tree species.

The history of this region was rich and tragic, and therefore on many hills you can see preserved or dilapidated monasteries, castles, fortresses - echoes of different eras.

Along the roads of the Costa Brava, well-groomed vineyards and olive groves stretch. Most of the province is covered with dense forests - perfect place For hiking and bike rides.

So, let's talk about the most picturesque places of the Costa Brava that are worth seeing:

1. Lloret de Mar

Apartments and houses in Lloret de Mar are expensive, so those who work here usually buy or rent a house in Blanes.

A significant part of the real estate in Lloret de Mar is owned by Barcelona residents and prosperous foreigners who rent it out to tourists and come here for their summer holidays. By the way, from Lloret de Mar to Barcelona is about 75 kilometers.

The main attraction of Lloret de Mar is its spacious 2 km beach with a charming cobbled promenade where tourists can enjoy the sea and Catalan cuisine.

At one end of the beach there are rocks that can be skirted along a stone path. Here is a small lookout point, on which stands a statue of the fisherman's wife, peering into the seething sea. This is Doña Marinera, created by sculptor Ernest Maragall in 1966.

At the other end of the beach rises a small castle, which, unfortunately, does not represent any historical value. This is a private residence of Castell de Sa Caleta, which, however, has a very elegant outline and gives the entire coast a romantic and mysterious look.

2. Gardens of Saint Clotilde

The gardens were built on top of a hill: stunningly beautiful green architectural ensemble in the style of the Italian Renaissance gradually descends down to the very sea.

The gardens of Saint Clotilde were built in 1919 by a student of Nicolas Forestier, the creator of the Bois de Boulogne in France. Their total area reaches 24,000 square meters.

The customer of the construction and the first owner of the gardens was a certain Marques de Roviralta, a wealthy doctor who lived here from 1891 to 1979. His mansion, where the descendants of the aristocrat live today, still stands on the top of the hill.

In 1995, the Catalan government declared these gardens a zone of national interest, after which the architect Artur Bossi redesigned them somewhat, giving them a more original form.

On this moment The gardens of Santa Clotilde are the most beautiful on the Costa Brava.

This church was originally built in 1522 in gothic style. In 1914, it was restored by the architect Bonaventura Conill i Montobbio, this time in the modernist style characteristic of that era, with hints of Byzantine, Renaissance, and even Muslim style.

In 1936, the church was damaged during fierce fighting.

In 1312, the cathedral was built in the Romanesque style, later it was reconstructed in the Gothic style, and closer to our era, it got smoothly rounded Baroque lines.

Particular attention attracts the museum at the cathedral.

This is a well-organized exhibition of masterpieces of art and historical treasures. Be sure to pay attention to a very rare work of the 11th century - a tapestry called "The Creation of the World", which features many biblical characters.

Inside the cathedral is quite dark, and in the depths of its halls there is a rare old organ.

Its sidewalks are still lined with battered cobblestones, and tightly pressed together residential buildings look exactly the same as they did several centuries ago. On the territory of the Jewish quarter you will find many interesting shops that fit perfectly here.

6. Torras Chocolate Factory

Here, tourists can get acquainted with the history of making local chocolate, and even go up to the working workshop, where modern technologies chocolate bars are produced.

You will be offered a free sample for tasting, and after the tour you can buy something as a gift for big and small sweet tooth. A small private zoo is equipped outside, so the children at the factory will be doubly interested.

7. Lake Banyoles on the Costa Brava

The lake is mostly surrounded by forests and is of little use for residential development, making it a clean and secluded place to relax.

8. Besalu Castle Town

In the center of Besalu stands the little church of Saint Vincent, very old and very dark.

Many medieval buildings and a long a stone bridge with a gate and a lowered grate to protect the settlement - all this immerses guests in the atmosphere of European fairy tales and legends.

9. Tossa de Mar in Catalonia

Ruins rise on a hilltop to the west medieval fortress.

The parish church is already quite customary for these places named after St. Vincent.

Tossa de Mar is one of the most attractive resorts on the Costa Brava, but only at the height of summer. In the off season most of shops and establishments are closed, and there is nothing special to do here.

10. The town of Roses on the Costa Brava

It is famous for its fishing port and sports harbour.

Rosas has been a favorite holiday destination for the French for many years, some of whom have acquired apartments and villas in this town.

Near Roses you can visit the legendary El Bulli restaurant with three Michelin stars, best restaurant planets. The chef of the restaurant is the magnificent Ferran Adria, the best chef in the world.

For so many flattering epithets, prestigious stars and worldwide awards, customers will have to pay about 300 euros - this is the average cost of an order at El Bulli. According to experts, it's worth it.

After a fantastic dinner, you will surely want to spend the night in Roses.

11. Resort Empuriabrava or Spanish Venice

In that unique place residents are accustomed to parking yachts and boats next to their homes instead of cars and bicycles.

With an off-season population of around 8,000, Empuriabrava grows to an incredible 80,000 at its height. holiday season.

Houses here are very expensive, but are in high demand among foreign investors.

About half of the homeowners are Germans; a lot of Brits.

Near the Spanish Venice lies Ampurias (Ampurias) - archaeological park, where in ancient times the first Roman settlement in Iberia was located. It was from this place that the Romans began the colonization of the peninsula, which ended only with the collapse of the empire.

12. Salvador Dali Museum

The Salvador Dali Museum is called the second most visited museum in Spain after the Prado - the love of high art has not died out in Europeans yet!

But this museum is different from our usual idea of ​​institutions of this kind, and not everyone is ready for what they see.

Dali himself designed the museum in last years your life, including the smallest details. Therefore, the perception of it, from golden mannequins and giant eggs in the exterior to bright interior decoration, requires some preparation and knowledge of the master's creativity.

13. Cozy resort town of Cadaqués

The landscapes around Cadaques fully correspond to the name of the coast - this is a real Wild Coast, with quiet secluded bays and harsh rocks.

By the way, Cadaques has its own Salvador Dali Museum, and in addition a whole list interesting museums and galleries. From here it's a stone's throw to national park Creus.

In a word, one of the best places for beach and cultural recreation.

14. Pubol and the ancient castle-museum

Tourists know it thanks to the Church of St. Peter (Sant Pere), dating back to the XIV century.

Here you can also visit a very old castle built in 1017, which was bought by Salvador Dali himself in 1968 as a gift to his wife Galya (Elena Dyakonova). The castle houses many valuable paintings and drawings that Dali presented to his beloved.

Dalí completely refurbished the castle and gardens, adding amazing decorations (including giant elephants in the garden) and building a swimming pool in the courtyard with busts of his favorite composer Wagner.

Gala died in 1982 and was buried right in her castle.

Today it is a museum that is open to anyone who appreciates the spirit of the early Middle Ages and the work of the great artist of the twentieth century.

Holidays in the Costa Brava are very environmentally friendly, since most of the beaches have the Blue Flag (it is given for cleanliness and well-developed tourist infrastructure). The beaches of Fanals are rated Q, which indicates the high quality of service and amenities. Rozasa and Calonge have the EMAS category, which is assigned by the Organization for the Protection of the Environment.

Resorts in the Costa Brava are somewhat different from each other. For example, it offers huge selection entertainment for both children and adults: water parks water world and Marineland, Aqualeon Zoo, water activities (including diving and snorkeling), restaurants, numerous nightclubs and discos.

The place is rightfully one of the most beautiful and, unlike the previous one, is quieter and more family-friendly. There are a lot of natural and man-made attractions here.

Is the southernmost resort that we recommend for family vacation with kids. They will love the show with fur seals and dolphins organized here every day. And for nature lovers - the best in Europe Botanical Garden.

Other resorts of the Costa Brava:

• Ampuria Brava,
• cadaques,
• Palamos,
• playa de aro,
• Portbow,
• Puerto de la Selva,
• Rosas,
• Sagaro,
• Santa Cristina d'Aro,
• Sant Feliu de Guixols.

Climate

The climate of the Costa Brava is cold compared to other resorts in Spain. Thanks to this, there is no sweltering heat in summer - the thermometer is stably at + 23 ... + 27 degrees. Winter is quite cold average temperature about +13 degrees.

The tourist season lasts from late May to early October, when the water temperature warms up to +20 ... +25, and there is little rainfall. The rest of the time, swimming is uncomfortable, but you can do sightseeing and shopping without crowds of tourists. The rainiest month is November.

When buying a tour to Spain for the first time, many novice tourists are puzzled - where to go to the sea in Spain. Most often they are offered cheap tours on the Costa Brava. Let's see which resorts are located in the Costa Brava and what are the features holidays in the Costa Brava.

Costa Brava means "wild, rocky coast" and in general, geographically, the Costa Brava is considered part of mediterranean coast in the northeast from Blanes to the very border with, and from Barcelona to Blanes, the coast is called the Costa del Maresme.

However travel agencies tacitly, the more southern (and less wildly rocky :)) resorts, such as Calella, Pineda de Mar, Malgrat de Mar, etc., have long been included in the Costa Brava. Well, let's not break traditions and include them in the review.

Costa Brava Map

Calella (Calella) - the territory of rational recreation

Playa de Aro - the rising star of the Costa Brava

Spanish resort Playa de Aro (Platja d'Aro) is an increasingly popular holiday destination in Catalonia. And no wonder - very quickly the fishing village turned into a picturesque tourist center.

Playa de Aro and its surroundings have everything you need for an excellent beach sports and excursion tourism: the purest azure sea, a two-kilometer strip of beaches and excellent trekking routes, city entertainment and colorful ancient monuments.
The only problem in Playa d'Aro is that it is inconvenient for tourists to get to Barcelona on their own.

Relaxing holidays in Roses

resort town Roses practically unknown to the Russian tourism industry. This quiet and sunny abode is for wealthy European pensioners and lovers of a settled, many-month-long vacation at the sea. Do you want to have a holiday in Roses? Go there on your own, especially since

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Weather on the Costa Brava by months:

* This table shows average weather data collected over more than three years

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How much does a holiday on the Costa Brava cost? September 2018.

tour cost

The total cost of our package tour to Spain from Moscow, city of Santa Sussanna, hotel Riviera3* 14 nights for 2 adults and 1 child 3 years old was 2120 euros. This price includes airfare AK Russia, accommodation, meals HB, transfer, medical insurance. The tour was bought from the tour operator Biblio Globus.

Traveled in Spain on their own. From Santa Sussana to Barcelona there is an electric train. The fare there - back 10 euros. Back in Moscow, they booked tickets to the Sagrada Familia 22 euros per person, a child free of charge and to Park Güell 8.5 euros per adult, a child under 6 years old free of charge. We traveled around Barcelona by metro, a ticket costs 2.15 euros, if there are a lot of trips, it is profitable to buy a T10 travel card, for 10 trips, its cost is 9.95 euros. We also went from a tour operator to the PortAventura amusement park. The cost per person is 69 euros, the child is 30 euros for travel in a sightseeing bus.

Food and products

Santa Susanna has an excellent NouWok Chinese cafe. You pay only for a plate of 14 euros per person and you are given an unlimited number of approaches for food. A lot of seafood, fresh fish, meat, which are cooked right in front of you. Also bought groceries at the local Carrefour supermarket. Tomatoes 1.95 euros, cucumbers 1.29 euros, baguette 0.95 euros, Coca Cola 1.5 liters 1 euro, 1 liter of water from 0.15 euros, sliced ​​jamon from 2 euros, pasteurized milk 1.2 euros, cheese slices from 1.3 euros, carslberg beer 0.33 costs 0.67 euros.

Souvenirs and other goods

Shopping in Barcelona was focused on the child. Zara bought insulated sweatpants for 9.95 euros in size 122, leggings for 5.95 euros, sweaters from 3.95 to 9.95 euros, a Disney tracksuit for 10 euros, a sweatshirt for 5.95 euros, cotton shorts for 5 euros. Adidas sneakers 15 euros.

Total money spent on vacation

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Holiday experience in July

Impressions from the rest in Spain were extremely positive! Traveled alone in July 2018. That's it! The climate is very pleasant, the air temperature is about +24...+28 degrees, walking is comfortable. Refreshing sea breeze. Clean beach, refreshing Mediterranean Sea (water temperature fluctuates +21...+24 degrees. The most beautiful bewitching landscapes, nature. Very beautiful photos are obtained. July, as for me, is an ideal month for a trip to the Costa Brava, I advise everyone to go in July The price of tours is attractive and does not "bite".

Rest alone

I traveled alone. I wanted peace, quiet, peace. I just wanted to relax, relax, and you know, I did it perfectly. All the beaches are perfectly clean, which really surprised me. The climate is wonderful and comfortable. Apart from beach holiday, I visited the second largest lake in Spain - Banyoles, which is surrounded by forests. I visited museums, a water park and just walked along the streets. Had a great time, rested and took a lot of photos. The Costa Brava is ideal for a solo holiday.

What to take with you on vacation?

You need to take with you: of course, towels, personal hygiene products, light clothes (t-shirts, dresses, shorts, skirts, T-shirts, swimwear), some kind of windbreaker or light jacket, as the temperature drops in the evening, shoes (sneakers, slates, shoes ), I advise you to take a hat (panama, hat, cap), sunscreen can also come in handy, a camera or camcorder to capture beautiful views and of course you, the travelers themselves, so that there are memories of wonderful holiday. Charging device, phone, if desired, a book, tablet or some kind of magazine. Do not forget about money, passports, documents, without them anywhere. A small first-aid kit, anything can happen (poisoning, sickness, seasickness, maybe you will get scratched, etc.), you need to be prepared for your favorite difficulties. I also recommend bringing sunglasses.

The beaches are very clean and beautiful. Insanely surprised by such, I would say, even perfect cleanliness. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available on the beach, but, of course, for additional fee. There is a bar on the beach.

Pros of a holiday on the Costa Brava

Spain, Costa Brava resort - one big plus! Welcoming, smiling, friendly people, beautiful landscapes, Mediterranean Sea, comfortable temperature air and water. clean beaches, sea. Cheap tours The price was a pleasant surprise. There's a lot left positive emotions, and, I feel, I will return to this resort more than once!

Cons of staying on the Costa Brava

Of the minuses, if only food. Either I am such a winner in life that I unsuccessfully went to establishments, which is expensive and not very tasty (not everywhere, but such cafes / restaurants came across), or indeed in many establishments the food is not ice. But this tiny minus did not affect my opinion about Spain, and specifically about the Costa Brava resort!

Groups are small - up to 4 people. Routes of the 1st and 2nd degree of difficulty are offered. The whole path passes through the picturesque bays of the Costa Brava, surrounded by greenery pine forests and emerald-turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

At the end of the route - a reward for all the efforts spent - a small picnic by the rocks, where you will be offered soft drinks, chips and seasonal fruits.

Included in the price of the tour

Guide services

Transport service

professional licensed guide-instructor

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Group tour with a Russian-speaking guide.

Montserrat is one of the cultural, spiritual and religious symbols of Catalonia. Just half an hour from Barcelona is this fairy tale made of stone, created by nature.

This is the place where the Basilica of the Holy Virgin of Montserrat, the patroness of Catalonia, and the Benedictine monastery, which has existed here for almost a thousand years, are located.

The basilica is kept wooden sculpture The Holy Virgin of the end of the XII century, sculpted in the Romanesque style. For her color of dark wood, she received the name "Black Madonna", and the Catalans affectionately call her "Moreneta" - "Darkie".

The Benedictine monastery, founded in 1205 by Abbot Oliba, is not only a hermitage. He has always been...

We offer individual trips to the African safari park in Sigean in France from the Costa Brava.

Interesting, unusual, impressive - this is how you can describe the only African safari park in France in Sigean. Covering an area of ​​more than 300 hectares, this reserve has more than 3800 animals living on a huge open area under conditions as close as possible to their natural environment a habitat.

After all, the main task that the founders of the park, Paul de La Panuse and Daniel de Montfried, set themselves was to preserve the flora existing in this protected area and provide optimal conditions for the life of many animals, including endangered species.

The park is divided into 2 parts: a zone accessible for viewing exclusively by car and a pedestrian zone.

Costa Brava (in the lane from the Spanish wild coast) is located in the northeastern part of the coast of Spain - Autonomous region Catalonia, province of Girona. Among all the diversity of the Mediterranean coast, the Costa Brava combines areas of tourism and active rest with great beach resorts.

Costa Brava on the map

The region is famous for its sandy beaches, stretching from the border with France for 214 km to famous resort Blanes.

Since ancient times, the inhabitants of Greece and Rome have chosen these steep and impregnable rocky shores, with fir, pine and pine trees overgrown on them, bays with snow-white (gold) sand and pebbles, as well as picturesque bays washed by azure sea waves.

Costa Brava was the first Spanish resort accepting tourists from Russia. The Russians have chosen this region, which was facilitated by more low prices on tour packages than other destinations in Spain.

How to get to the Costa Brava

For a trip to the Costa Brava, one of the three is most convenient international airports Catalonia: Reus (8 km from the city of Tarragona), Costa Brava (12 km from Girona) and El Prat (10 km southwest of the center of Barcelona). The most popular airport is Barcelona - you can fly from Moscow in 4 hours.

Then there are various ways to get to the coast: this is both a bus and an electric train (the railway track has a length of 65 km and allows you to get only to Blanes, further automobile transport), or you can immediately rent a car or hire a taxi in Barcelona.

Climate and weather of the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is the coast of Spain, with the coolest climate, characterized by its special softness all year round. From June to October lasts beach season with an average summer temperature of + 25 ... + 28 ° С, in the winter months the column drops to + 10 ° С. Not all tourists know that the Costa Brava is a resort that is ready to receive tourists all year round, and besides summer holiday on the coast, in winter period here you can visit ski slopes in the Girona Pyrenees.

The beaches of the Costa Brava

Environmental friendliness and service of a beach holiday is ensured by strict control from local authorities. Most of the beaches are marked blue flags European Union (award for environmental friendliness and cleanliness). For a high level of professionalism in the organization of the tourism sector, the Q institute I C T E distinctions are awarded to the beaches of Fanals and Lloret de Mar. Security signs environment have the beaches of Calonge and Rosas.

Resorts and activities of the Costa Brava

A large number of small resort towns on the Costa Brava from year to year attracts here a large number of tourists. The most famous are Blanes, Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar.

Lloret de Mar deserves fame tourist capital Costa Brava. There are only two beaches in the city: Lloret and Fenals Beach, but there are water park Water World, which is also called the "city of entertainment" due to the huge number of attractions. Tourists with children will be interested in visiting the Aqualeon mini-zoo and the Marineland water park. Loud and noisy lovers have fun waiting for numerous discos, nightclubs and bars. Lovers of antiquity will not stand aside either. Cultural Center"Verdaquier" is famous for the relics of the Iberian region from 250 BC. e. Connoisseurs of outdoor activities can be offered to ride horses, play golf or tennis or get acquainted with the beauties underwater world diving or snorkelling.

Tossa de Mar is considered to be one of the most beautiful places Costa Brava. Unlike Lloret de Mar, this is more "family" and calm resort. Its decoration is very ancient fortress Villa Vella (in the Old Village lane), built in the 12th century high on a rocky shore, to protect against pirates. lovers historical excursions will be of interest: a lighthouse with a museum, several ancient churches, the ruins of an ancient Roman villa, also located on the shore historical Museum. sandy beaches The resort rests on rocky shores, and steep sea cliffs form narrow straits, beautiful bays and deep grottoes. You can admire the underwater beauties from a slowly floating glass-bottom boat, and those who like to actively relax can rent diving equipment or go snorkeling.

Blanes

Most southern resort Costa Brava Blanes favorite place rest of tourists with children, because there is a park water attractions and water park "Marineland". In addition to the usual slides in the water park, you can see a zoo with sea animals and a dolphinarium. The ruins are interesting to see. ancient castle San Juan, buildings of the 10th century and the church of Santa Maria of the 14th century. The largest seafood market of the Costa Brava takes place in Blanes every week, and nature lovers will be amazed by the most beautiful botanical garden in Europe.

In the north of the Costa Brava, there is a cozy resort of Playa de Aro. Here is everything you need for a good and unforgettable holiday: magnificent beaches, a lot of excellent hotels and a huge number of restaurants.

Separately, it is worth noting the resort of Palamos. For many decades, it was just a small coastal village whose inhabitants fished and traded cork bark. Status resort town he received only in the mid-50s of the last century, during the rapid development of tourism infrastructure.

In every town of the Costa Brava, the annual feast of the saint who patronizes him is celebrated - fiesta mayor. At this time, craft fairs and concerts are held, fireworks are arranged, and attractions are set up for children. The duration of the holiday is several days, and it ends with a parade of sparklers. In Tossa de Mar, the fiesta mayo takes place from June 28 to July 1, in Blanes from July 24 to July 28, and in Lloret de Mar from August 24 to August 30.

Nine ways to make your holiday on the Costa Brava unforgettable

• Arrange a car ride in a rented car along the coast.
• Diversify your trip by driving to France or visiting neighboring Andorra for one day.
• Fans of outdoor activities can get to Roses Bay and get kitesurfing lessons.
• Without missing a single evening, enjoy seafood dishes in numerous local restaurants.
• Visit the Botanical Garden in Blanes using a cute train as a means of transportation.
• Be sure to visit the breathtaking Barcelona.
• Dance all night in one of the many nightclubs in Lloret de Mar.
• Turn on all your patience and endurance and climb Mount Montserrat.
• Experience the beauty of the underwater world by scuba diving in Tossa de Mar.

Leisure activities popular on the Costa Brava

There is something to do in the Costa Brava and active tourists: there are several water parks in the resort, there are golf courses, for fans aquatic species more than 30 windsurfing and scuba diving centers on the coast; kayaking, canoeing and rafting along mountain rivers are held. Excursions on bicycles, horseback riding or hiking will help to diversify the rest.