Festivals and events on the Costa Brava

Alt Emporda

This region is situated at the Northeastern most corner of the Iberian Peninsula, where the Costa Brava begins, with small coastal towns like Portbou and Colera. The capital, Figueres, is known world-wide for being the site of the Dalí Theatre Museum, one of Spain's most frequently visited museums, which houses a great deal of the painter's works. From here, one can embark on a journey covering the life of Salvador Dalí, including a visit to the Púbol castle (in the BaixEmpordà region) and to his home in Portlligat, in Cadaqués.

The Alt Empordà region also boasts natural areas of great environmental interest. The Aiguamolls de I'Empordà Natural Park, situated between the towns of Castellód'Empúries, Empuriabrava (a residential area that provides a wide range of leisure offerings and where the Mediterranean's biggest residential marina is located) and Sant Pere Pescador, concentrates a large number of autochthonous flora and fauna species.

Visit BaixEmporda

El BaixEmpordá is known as the "region of coves".

 

It occupies the centre of the Costa Brava and offers, among other many temptations, a sizeable array of culinary and commercial offerings, with many of its towns and villages as the backdrop of an intense activity most weekends of the year.

 

Sites that are truly "must-sees" include the Medes islands, located just off the coast across from the Montgrí massif, the coves of Begur, Calella de Palafrugell and the SantSebastià lighthouse,, in addition to the remains of the Iberian settlement at Ullastret and the medieval villages of Pals and Peratallada.

 

The capital city is La Bisbald'Empordà, a place that has a tradition in making ceramic pottery.

 

Girona

The centre of the city of Girona is determined by the layout of the old quarter, which followed the borders of the ancient Roman city.

 

In this area we find the old Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, the wall-top promenade, opened in 1985, the SantFeliu church and the Arab Baths, which date from the 12th century.

 

One of the city's most emblematic points is the recently refurbished Rambla de la Llibertat, a beautiful shop-lined promenade. A good number of the back streets and alleyways of Girona's old quarter run between the Rambla de la Llibertat and Ciutadans street.

La Selva

La Selva is the southernmost of Girona 's regions and is characterised by its abundant water resources.

 

The contrast between the salt and fresh water is at the heart of one of the region's most exceptional attractions: the Santa Clotilde, Pinya de Rosa and Marimurtra botanical gardens.

 

But one cannot leave the Selva region without first discovering the magic of the castle and the Vila Vella or old quarter of Tossa de Mar.

The Maresme: the South of Costa Brava!

The Maresme is on the coast in the South of Costa Brava.

 

It occupies about 50 kilometres. It is famous for its climate and the holiday ambience you can find all year round in towns like Lloret de Mar or Calella.

 

People from Barcelona have always liked this coast and it was easier to get there when in 1848 the first train was constructed in Spain and went from Barcelona toMataró.

 

Nowadays this line it still exists but it is much longer than before and it is commonly used to discover this coast. It has air conditioning.

Festivals and events on the Costa Brava

January

 

Shrine Festivals (romerías) Pla de L'Estany, second fortnight.

As gatherings which fulfil the double purpose of devotion and entertainment, the romerías or aplecs are always held in hermitages and require a certain amount of travel on the part of the participants.

The festival of SantMer, held in Vilademuls in the heart of winter, attracts over ten thousand people in a tradition which dates back to the 16th century.

 

THE PILGRIMS VOW.Tossa de Mar (Selva), January 20th and 21st.

During the 15th century, when a plague devastated a number of coastal towns, the inhabitants of Tossa promised to send a pilgrim every year to the hermitage of SantSebastià, in the town of Santa Coloma de Farners, to give thanks for having driven the epidemic away. The vow has been kept for over five hundred years. The chosen pilgrim, garbed in a short cape decorated with seashells, travels the forty kilometres which separate the two towns in total silence, accompanied by approximately one thousand people. The walk lasts a whole day, with the procession arriving at Santa Coloma by sundown. Next morning the entourage sets out for the return trip and, back in Tossa, the pilgrim is met by a procession which marches alongside the town's torch lit ramparts.

 

February

 

Carnival Castell-Platjad'Aro y Palamós (BaixEmpordà)

The penitential threat of Lent is the cause of the endurance of another, even more ancient tradition: the period of unrestrained merrymaking and subversion of customs known as the Carnival or Carnestoltes, whose origins may be traced back to the Saturnalian rites of Roman times. Having overcome the prohibitions of the dictatorship, many towns have reinstated their carnivals and created crews, processions and bands which take part in the parade of floats through their streets. The carnival of Platjad'Aro is the third most important in Spain, after the ones in Cádiz and Tenerife. Palamós also stands out for the spectacularity of its Carnestoltes, which boasts a long-standing tradition.

 

HONEY FAIR

Crespià (Pla de l'Estany), second fortnight of February.

Every year Crespià pays homage to honey, a nourishing and energy-providing substance mythically associated with gold. The town's two hundred inhabitants spend many months preparing for this event, held on a single Sunday, thus continuing a tradition with roots in the Middle Ages. Visitors purchase honey and doughnuts made according to age-old recipes.

 

 

POPULAR MEALS

Carnival in Verges (BaixEmpordà) y Vidreres (Selva).

All festivals have their own meals in the open air, but some are more popular than others and become festivals. Such is the case with the Sopa de Verges and the Ranxo de Vidreres, in which the townspeople provide the goods and serve them hot in the town squares at lunchtime. Or the Suquet in Roses, a dish made with fish and potatoes which the fishermen prepare by the sea. Or the Fish Rice dished out at the SantSebastià Lighthouse. Or the Cuina de sesdones (Women's Fare), a compendium of local gastronomy prepared by the housewives of Cadaqués.

 

THE CANDLE AND TORTELL DANCES.Esponellà (Pla de l'Estany), February 2nd.

In Esponellà, for the Candlemas Festival a very simple dance takes place, consisting of circling around the square with the constable at the head of the procession. The pabordeses, who number three in representation of the town's three districts, carry bouquets of flowers and carry a ring-shaped cake over their arms.

 

March

 

April

 

POPULAR MEALS

Cadaqués (Alt Empordà), second fortnight of April.

All festivals have their meals in the open air known as àpats, but some acquire their own character and become festivals in and of themselves like the Cuina de sesdones (Women's Fare), a compendium of local gastronomy prepared by the housewives of Cadaqués with local produce.

 

HOLY WEEK PROCESSIONS

Besalú (Garrotxa), Palm Friday.

The procession of Besalú, which dates back to the 18th century, alternates images with live biblical figures. Jesus and the Apostles, converted into a chorus, sing a unique hymn from the 19th century in the town square.

 

Verges (BaixEmpordà), Maundy Thursday.

The procession of Verges has two parts. The first recalls the Passion of Christ with archaic verses. The second, parading through the town's streets, has a surprising element: five skeletons who interpret the Dance of Death.

 

Girona (Gironès), Good Friday.

The procession of Girona starts at the Cathedral and winds through the city's old quarter preceded by manaies who faithfully reproduce the Roman militia of imperial times. The climax is the singing of the Creed at the steps of the Cathedral.

 

LIVING VIA CRUCIS

SantHilariSacalm (Selva), Good Friday.

The Living ViaCrucis at SantHilariSacalm dates at least back to 1731, and has its roots in an Easter Game played in the Middle Ages in commemoration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

THE DANCE OF THE CUCKOLD

Cornellà de Terri (Pla de l'Estany), Easter Monday.

This dance takes place around May. The Cuckold, the main character around whom six couples dance, dons two twisted horns and makes his entry in the square on a cart decorated with branches.

 

May

 

FLOWER CONTEST-SHOW

Girona (Gironès), second fortnight of May.

This show organised in Girona by the Friends of the Flowers Association goes beyond a simple eye-catching exhibition; set in some of the city's great monuments where stone and flowers mutually complement each other, reinforced by combinations of light and water and the addition of paintings, sculptures and music. What began modestly thirty years ago has become a popular event and a prodigious show of sensitivity.

 

June

 

NIGHT OF THE MUSICIANS OF CASSÀ

Cassà de la Selva (Gironès), first fortnight of June.

Cassà de la Selva is the Catalonian town with the highest number of cobla (band playing typical Catalan instruments) musicians per capita, and the AssociacióAmics de la Sardana brings them all together on the Night of the Musicians of Cassà.

 

July

 

FIREWORKS CONTEST

Blanes (Selva), second fortnight of July.

Blanes has achieved international prestige with its fireworks contest, which is deemed among the most important of its kind in the entire world and is held over three nights during the Santa Anna festival. Over five hundred kilograms of fireworks are catapulted skyward in the summer's best show of light and colour. The Costa Brava International Fireworks Contest and Vila de Blanes Trophy bring together the most renowned rival pyrotechnics firms. The jury determines the winner taking into account colour, rhythm, originality, noise, the play with the design of forms and crowd approval. Visitors throng the seaside resort to watch the rockets as they are shot into the firmament.

 

MARITIME PROCESSIONS

Palamós (BaixEmpordà), july.

Lloret de Mar (Selva), July 24th.

In many coastal towns maritime processions are held to celebrate the festival of Our Lady of Carmen. The fishing boats accompany the image of the patron saint in a commemorative crossing. In Lloret, on Santa Cristina's Day, the townspeople embark on a sea voyage to their hermitage. Once there, Mass is celebrated, followed by a hearty stew. In the afternoon, the procession makes its return trip, culminating with a regatta on the last leg of the voyage. Upon reaching the beach at Lloret, the tune Toquen a córrer (Hurry up) is heard amidst encouraging cries of s'amorra, s'amorra! (they're here!) by the spectators every time a boat makes its landing on the beach.

 

SINGING OF HAVANERES

Calella de Palafrugell (BaixEmpordà), July

The origin of the Havanera is linked with the melodic airs of the Creole music of the West Indies, brought to Catalonia by 19th century sailors who covered the Route of the Antilles. Sailors and fishermen, accompanied by an accordion or a guitar, sang them spontaneously after a good meal, while they downed their rations of flambée rum. Later, public exhibitions abounded, with professional and amateur singers alike. In 1967, the Amics de Calella de Palafrugellorganised the first Cantada (<<Singing of Havaneres>>), making this town the unofficial capital of this form of song. The popularity of the festival attracts over ten thousand visitors every year, who invade the coves and fill boats to hear the melodies accompanied by the popular rum called Cremats.

 

DANCE OF THE ALMORRATXES

Lloret de Mar (Selva), July 24th and 26th.

The Dance of the Lloret Festival is called the Dance of the Almorratxes owing to the Arabian vases used during the dance. The dancers, four couples, are garbed in contemporary dress, the men in dark suits and the women in long white dresses.

 

August

 

THE LAKE FESTIVAL

Puigcerdà (Cerdanya), third Sunday in August.

During the latter part of the 19th century, the Barcelona bourgeoisie took to vacationing in chalets near the Puigcerdà Lake and gathered at the casino, which was the hub of social life. In this context the Lake Festival arose in 1886, initially an elitist gathering which gradually gained popular appeal. The main attraction is the cavalcade headed by an old woman representing the women of the Cerdanya region.

 

LAKE FISHING CONTEST

FAST PAINTING CONTEST

Tossa de Mar (Selva), last Sunday in August.

For the past thirty-five years, once a year the town of Tossa becomes, for a day, the painting capital of Catalonia. The Fast Painting Contest, which has the longest tradition in our country, gathers the best brushes for a period of twelve hours. Professionals and amateurs, beginners and experts alike set up their easels in the most suitable sites to capture, within this limited period of time, the best image of the Vila Vella and its surroundings.

 

GATHERINGS OF FLUTISTS AND <<MUSICIANS WITHOUT SOLFEGGIO>>

Camprodon (Ripollès), first fortnight of August.

Camprodon is the site of the?Gathering of Musicians without Solfeggio?, entertainers at gatherings and events who play entirely by ear, since they have no musical learning whatsoever.

 

THE MAYOR'S SARDANA

Amer (Selva), August 16th.

The?Mayor's Sardana?, which takes place once a year in the town square of Amer, has its origin in the contrapàs, a dance which in many towns of old was led by a distinguished townsperson. It is not danced, as other Sardanes, in a closed circle, but rather in an open, spiral pattern, so as to include all who wish to take part in the dance. When the band music begins to gather speed, the dancers make their entry in the square. The first place, reserved in theory for the Mayor, is often offered to a distinguished authority.

 

September

 

SHEPHERDS' FESTIVAL

Queralbs-Núria (Ripollès), September 1s t.

According to the legend, in the 8th century, Sant Gil, a Benedictine abbot from a French monastery, crossed the Pyrenees and settled in the Valley of Núria, where he attempted to convert the local shepherds to Christianity. He summoned them with a bell and fed them from a large pot, images now linked permanently with this Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary. Every year on St. Gil's Day, shepherds from both sides of this Pyrenees mountain crest gather to celebrate the feast of their patron saint.

 

SHEEPDOG CONTEST

Ribes de Freser (Ripollès), first Sunday in September.

Sheep are kept under control by the barking of a generally small, shaggy-haired dog called the gosd'atura, a local breed, under the guidance of the shepherd's voice and gestures'. In Ribes de Freser, once a year the shepherds bring their specially-trained animals to the Sheepdog Contest, where they give their orders from a closed-off enclosure. The first test consists of stopping the dog instantly upon a signal by the jury. In the second test, the dog must lead the sheep to the shepherd. To pass the third test, the dog must make all of the sheep enter and leave a fenced enclosure, all within a maximum time of six minutes.

 

VINTAGE CAR CARAVAN

Girona-Costa Brava (Gironès, Selva, Alt iBaixEmpordà), September.

Dozens of antique automobiles from near and far go for a drive through the highways and byways of Girona over a period of four days every year. In order to participate in the Girona-Costa Brava Vintage Car Caravan, the cars have to have been registered before December 1930. During the event, the drivers have time to visit monuments, enjoy good meals and satisfy, with their expert knowledge, the curiosity of uninitiated spectators.

 

THE PEDAL FESTIVAL

Girona (Gironès), second fortnight of September.

The idea of this race was hatched thirty years ago by the GrupExcursionistaiEsportiuGironí or GEiEG, and since then it has been held every year, with a spirit halfway between sport and entertainment. The number of participants has increased gradually since 1979, and now over 6,000 cyclists take part in the festival.

 

DANCE OF THE GIANTS

Olot (Garrotxa), September 8th.

One of the most important Festival is the Dance of the Giants, preceded by the dances performed by figures with huge heads and dancers wearing hobbyhorses. The figures form in two lines and kneel then they rise and turn around three times. The "horsemen" - one captain and eight soldiers - hop on one foot, face each other and strike their opponents with the swords. The giant and giantess are those of most artistic merit in all of Catalonia. When their turn arrives, they solemnly follow a tune with the air of a waltz. Their spectacular spins in the centre of the square are emphasized by the festive whirl of their capes.

 

October

 

TRIA DE MULATS

Espinavell-Molló (Ripollès), second fortnight of October.

Every year, following a tradition which dates back to the 17th century, Espinavell witnesses the descent of mares and young horses from the nearby mountains. This takes place before the cold weather season sets in the Pyrenees, when the mild autumn allows the gathering of thousands of people for the Tria de Mulats (literally, the choosing of young horses). Livestock dealers gather several days before to look over the horses, generally of Hispanic-Breton breed.

 

November

 

SHRINE FESTIVALS (Romeries)

Torroella de Montgrí (BaixEmpordà), second fortnight of November.

As gatherings which fulfil the double purpose of devotion and entertainment, the romerías or aplecs are always held in hermitages and require a certain amount of travel on the part of the participants.

The festival of Santa Caterina, in Torroella, takes place in autumn on a hillside by the castle of Montgrí.

 

December

 

CHRISTMAS TREE FAIR

Espinelves (Osona), first fortnight of December.

The inhabitants of Espinelves have consolidated a modern fair which nevertheless preserves all the essence of traditional celebrations. Thousands of outsiders visit the town over a single weekend to buy Christmas trees. The fair is the only one of its kind in all Catalonia.

 

LIVE NATIVITY SCENES

Castell-Platjad'Aro (BaixEmpordà), second fortnight of December.

Riudaura (Garrotxa), second fortnight of December.

Bàscara (Alt Empordà), second fortnight of December.

Live nativity scenes are relatively modern manifestations which reflect the iconographic tradition of these scenes and the spirit with which the representation of the Good Shepherds is imbued. They began in 1959 with the Live Nativity Scene at Castell d'Aro, which is still acted out with the valley of the same name as an idyllic backdrop. The one at Riudaura, with its constant motion, is at variance with the static nature of the majority of similar dramatisations. In Bàscara, it takes place in two different sites: in the town's old quarter and on the right bank of the Fluviàriver, where the scenes are played out in a natural setting of springs, cliffs and gardens in a highly evocative backdrop.

 

3.15.2. КостаДорада

La Costa Dorada (Daurada in Catalan) The 20 towns that make up the Costa Dorada cover a marine littoral 216 kilometers long, 786 hectares of spacious beaches with clean fine sand and transparent shallow water.

 

In between the sea and the mountain range there are wide areas filled with peaceful towns and farmlands, where vineyards, olive groves, carobs, hazel trees and almond trees grow, and occasionally even vegetable gardens. The whole area, between; hotels, camping sites and apartments, has capacity for over 500,000 tourists, and receives an average 3,500,000 visitors per year.

 

 

The large tourist centers along the beaches of the Costa Dorada have developed in recent times upon the old fisherman's quarters in old towns mainly dedicated to agriculture, and sometimes located atop the hills near the sea in order to protect themselves from attacks by corsairs and pirates in earlier centuries.

The proximity of these towns, many of them built around the silhouette of an ancient castle, contributes to balancing and humanizing the surroundings, and increases the possibilities of amusement and the use of all sorts of complimentary services for tourists.

This bucolic atmosphere contrasts with the urban dimension of the historical city of Tarragona, which deploys its splendid monumental collection that summarizes it millenary cultural evolution.

 

Inland one can easily reach places and towns with a great personality and historical interest (such as Reus, Valls, Montblanc, Tortosa) and great medieval monasteries: Poble, SantesCreus and Scala Dei, as well as picturesque landscapes (Prades, Siurana), rugged mountain ranges with big game reserves (Tivissa, Cardo and Ports de Tortosa), and the unique delta of the Ebro river, with its labyrinth of ditches and lagoons and the facilities it offers for wild fowl hunting.

 

Several areas with common features can be distinguished along the Costa Dorada. First of all there is the northern area, from Cunit to Mont-roig, with the widest beaches of all; then Vandellos, L'Ametlla de Mar and L'Ampolla, with narrower, steeper beaches, influenced by the nearby mountains; the Ebro delta, with long wide beaches and very fine sand typical of alluvial lands; and finally, from the delta to Les Cases d'Alcanar, long beaches of average width and clean heavy sand.

 

Tarragona

Tarragona is the capital of the county of Tarragonés.
This city was declared "World Heritage City" by UNESCO on the 30 of November of 2000, and from that point the city has made an intense effort to be more and more perfect to everyone!
In the year 45 BC and after constructing its walls and a port Julio Cesar designate this colony with the name of "Colonia UrbsTriumphalisTarraconensis".

It is a splendid millenary city with a population of 109,557 in habitants. It presides, due to its importance and beauty, the entire area of the Costa Dorada. It was the origin of the Romanization of the Iberian Peninsula and afterwards of its Christianization. It boasts a unique Roman and medieval monumental collection. The Gothic Cathedral, the Roman walls and towers - with cyclopean bases - and other historical buildings and remains can be visited following the exceptional PaseoArqueologico (Archaeological Avenue), atop which one can overlook a magnificent panorama of the interior district. There are plenty and excellent beaches: El Miracle, under the mirador of Rambla Nova, known as the "Balcony of the Mediterranean", La Arrabassada,2 km away, La Savinosa and Playa Llarga, a huge beach, one of the best on the Catalonian coast.

Sitges

Sitges is one most important tourist resorts on the Catalan Coast. It has managed to preserve its scenic ambience and its artistic and cultural heritage. This is why Sitges enjoys a year-round tourist trade that makes more than one believe that Sitges is a non-stop party. To a certain extent this is true, since the town has a calendar dense with cultural activities and festivals.
Its Carnival has achieved world renown (visit our Gay guide of Sitges), its old-car rallies have drawn throngs, as have the floral street carpeting during Corpus Christi, the International Festival of Fantastic and Horror Cinema, the Theatre...

In addition, Sitges is a city of museums, with such important museums as the Maricel, halfway between "Modernist" and "Historicist", the CauFerrat, which used to be a meeting place for artists, with its exhibition of forged iron and paintings by Santiago Rusiñol and El Greco. Other recommended visits include the Church of SantBartomeu and Santa Tecla, or the Vinyet Sanctuary.
The benign climate, the beaches, the picturesque streets and a bustling commercial area make Sitges one of the best places to visit year-round.

 

Don't leave Sitges without having tasted the 'xato' a local specialty.

Visit the Delta del Ebro

Visit the Ebro Delta

 

The Ebro Delta covers 320 square kilometres and is the second largest wetland area in the western Mediterranean, after the French Camargue.

 

It has many natural habitats not common to the rest of Catalonia: large lakes of salt water (such as La Tancada) or fresh water (such as L'Encanyissada), kilometres of beaches with sand dunes (El Fangar) and salt wastelands (Erms de la Tancada, Punta de la Banya), places where underground fresh water comes to the surface (ElsUllals), shallow bays (El Fangar or ElsAlfacs), riverbank woods and fluvial islands that, together with the ecosystems created by man - rice fields and salt pans - constitute a unique landscape of great natural wealth.

 

This diversity of ecosystems and flora and fauna has led to the protection of a large part of the Delta and in 1983 it was declared a "natural park". It is in fact an ornithological paradise where you can see more than 300 species of birds.

 

The Cost Dorada Climate

The Costa Dorada enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate characterized by a clear, sharp atmosphere and skies of intense blue, in winter, thanks to the mestral winds that blow from the north-east and in summer, to the garbí, or south-easterly winds. They keep the humidity low and blow away any mist or fog.

 

Average temperatures are around 7 to 10º C in winter and 20 to 26º in summer, bearing in mind that the average temperatures inland from the coast in the mountains are two to four degrees lower.

Most of the rainfall is concentrated in spring and autumn, although short, heavy showers are not uncommon in summer. The rainfall on the Costa Daurada averages between 375 and 700 mm a year. However, the rains in this area can be unpredictable and in some cases have reached 400 mm over a couple of days, or even in a few hours. This can cause a disproportionate rise in the level of rivers.

 

In summer the humidity is from 66 to 69%.

Costa Dorada Ports

The calm waters of the Mediterranean are ideal for enjoying the sea and the Costa Daurada provides good ports where you can take on provisions, make a stopover or safely moor your boat during the months, weeks or days when you are unable to get away to enjoy your favourite pastime - sailing on the sea.

 

Ports and Marinas:

COMARRUGA

PasseigMarítim, s/n
43880COMA-RUGA-ELVENDRELL
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]

Island Port type quay in the tourist town of Comarruga, near El Vendrell, on the Costa Dorada. It has moorings for 265 craft and a depth of 3m.

 

SEGUR DE CALAFELL

Passeig maritime, s/n

43882 Segur de Calafell / Calafell

Tel: [phone]

This port has moorings for 233 craft and has the following facilities: Water, Electricity, Ramp, Crane, Repairs, Bank, Supermarket.

 

TORREDEMBARRA

EdificiCapitania
43830 TORREDEMBARRA
Tel. [phone] - Fax. [phone]

The Torredembarra Marina has 820 moorings and has the following facilities: Water, Electricity, Repairs, Security, Meteorological Information, Public Toilets, Bar, Laundry, Bank, Supermarket, First Aid, Ramp (2.5 m), Crane (5 tonnes), Mobile Elevator (45 tonnes), RadioTransmitter, Credit Cards, Showers

 

TARRAGONA
Port Esportiu de Tarragona
P.O. BOX 225
43080 TARRAGONA
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]

Tarragona Marina has moorings for 442 craft and the following facilities: Water, Electricity, Repairs, Security, Meteorological Information, Public Toilets, Bar, Laundry, Bank, Supermarket, First Aid, Car Hire, Ramp, Crane (7 tonnes), Credit Cards, Showers.

 

SALOU
Club NàuticSalou, Port
43840 SALOU
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]

Salou Marina has moorings for 230 craft and the following facilities: Water, Electricity, Repairs, Security, Meteorological Information, Public Toilets, Bar, Laundry, Bank, Supermarket, First Aid, Car Hire, Crane (10 tonnes), RadioTransmitter, Showers.

 

CAMBRILS
Pº Miramar 5- Apartat de correus 34
43850 CAMBRILS
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]

Cambrils Marina has moorings for 533 craft and the following facilities: Water, Electricity, Security, Meteorological Information, Public Toilets, Bar, Car Hire, Ramp (2.5m), Crane (7.5 tonnes), RadioTransmitter, Credit Cards, Showers.

 

HOSPITALET DE L'INFANT

Muelle de la Rivera, s/n
43890 HOSPITALET DE L'INFANT
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]

This marina has moorings for 575 craft and the following facilities: Water, Electricity, Repairs, Security, Meteorological Information, Public Toilets, Bar, Laundry, Bank, Supermarket, First Aid, Car Hire, Ramp(16 m), Crane (8 tonnes), RadioTransmitter, Credit Cards, Showers, Sailing School.

 

PORT DE CALAFAT
Port UrbanitzacióCalafat
43860 L'AMETLLA DE MAR
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]

Port de Calafat Marina has moorings for 404 craft and the following facilities: Water, Electricity, Repairs, Security, Meteorological Information, Public Toilets, Bar, Laundry, Supermarket, Car Hire, Ramp (6 m), Crane (5 tonnes), Mobile elevator (45 tonnes) RadioTransmitter, Showers.

 

L'AMETLLA DE MAR
Pau Casals 52. Apartat de correus 104
43860 L'AMETLLA DE MAR
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]

This Marina has moorings for 200 craft and the following facilities: Water, Electricity, Repairs, Security, Meteorological Information, Public Toilets, Bar, Laundry, Bank, Supermarket, First Aid, Car Hire, Ramp (9 m), Crane (10 tonnes), Radio transmitter, Showers.

 

L'AMPOLLA
AvingudaMarítima, s/n
43895 L'AMPOLLA
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]

Ampolla Marina has moorings for 433 craft and the following facilities: Water, Electricity, Repairs, Security, Meteorological Information, Public Toilets, Bar, Laundry, Bank, Supermarket, First Aid, Car Hire, Ramp (10 m), Crane (2 tonnes), Mobile elevator (25 tonnes), RadioTransmitter, Showers.

 

SANT CARLES DE LA RÀPITA
Darsenadel Port
43540 SANT CARLES DE LA RÀPITA
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]

This Marina has moorings for 489 craft and the following facilities: Water, Electricity, Repairs, Security, Meteorological Information, Public Toilets, Bar, Laundry, Bank, Supermarket, First Aid, Car Hire, Ramp (16.5 m), Crane (3.5 tonnes), RadioTransmitter, Credit Cards, Showers.

 

LES CASES D'ALCANAR
Club Nàutic Casesd'Alcanar, Port
43569 LES CASES D'ALCANAR
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]

This Marina has moorings for 155 craft and the following facilities: Water, Electricity, Repairs, Public Toilets, Bar, Laundry, Bank, Supermarket, First Aid, Car Hire, Ramp (15 m), Crane (10 tonnes), RadioTransmitter.

 

PORT SEGUR For more information: Tel. [phone]

3.15.4. Рестораны

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/restaurants/la_llar_dels_pescadors

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/restaurants/can_barris

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/restaurants/can_fabes

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/restaurants/el_celler_de_can_roca

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/restaurants/el_bulli_restaurant

3.15.5. Достопримечательности

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/sightseeing/aqualeon_aquapark

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/sightseeing/aquopolis

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/sightseeing/archaeological_walk

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/sightseeing/beaches

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/sightseeing/botanic_garden_marimurtra

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/sightseeing/universal_mediterranea

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/sightseeing/cambra_arrossera

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/sightseeing/eiffel_bridge

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/sightseeing/camino_de_ronda

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/sightseeing/illa_fantasia

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/sightseeing/mon_sant_benet

3.15.6. Музеи

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/museum/cau_ferrat

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/museum/mansion_museum_dali

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/museum/maricel

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/museum/montsia_museum

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/museum/municipal_museum_tossa_de_mar

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/museum/ruins_of_empuries

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/museum/tarragona_national_archaeological_museum

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/museum/the_cinema_museum

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/catalonia/museum/theatre_museum_dali

 

Alt Emporda

This region is situated at the Northeastern most corner of the Iberian Peninsula, where the Costa Brava begins, with small coastal towns like Portbou and Colera. The capital, Figueres, is known world-wide for being the site of the Dalí Theatre Museum, one of Spain's most frequently visited museums, which houses a great deal of the painter's works. From here, one can embark on a journey covering the life of Salvador Dalí, including a visit to the Púbol castle (in the BaixEmpordà region) and to his home in Portlligat, in Cadaqués.

The Alt Empordà region also boasts natural areas of great environmental interest. The Aiguamolls de I'Empordà Natural Park, situated between the towns of Castellód'Empúries, Empuriabrava (a residential area that provides a wide range of leisure offerings and where the Mediterranean's biggest residential marina is located) and Sant Pere Pescador, concentrates a large number of autochthonous flora and fauna species.

Visit BaixEmporda

El BaixEmpordá is known as the "region of coves".

 

It occupies the centre of the Costa Brava and offers, among other many temptations, a sizeable array of culinary and commercial offerings, with many of its towns and villages as the backdrop of an intense activity most weekends of the year.

 

Sites that are truly "must-sees" include the Medes islands, located just off the coast across from the Montgrí massif, the coves of Begur, Calella de Palafrugell and the SantSebastià lighthouse,, in addition to the remains of the Iberian settlement at Ullastret and the medieval villages of Pals and Peratallada.

 

The capital city is La Bisbald'Empordà, a place that has a tradition in making ceramic pottery.

 

Girona

The centre of the city of Girona is determined by the layout of the old quarter, which followed the borders of the ancient Roman city.

 

In this area we find the old Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, the wall-top promenade, opened in 1985, the SantFeliu church and the Arab Baths, which date from the 12th century.

 

One of the city's most emblematic points is the recently refurbished Rambla de la Llibertat, a beautiful shop-lined promenade. A good number of the back streets and alleyways of Girona's old quarter run between the Rambla de la Llibertat and Ciutadans street.

La Selva

La Selva is the southernmost of Girona 's regions and is characterised by its abundant water resources.

 

The contrast between the salt and fresh water is at the heart of one of the region's most exceptional attractions: the Santa Clotilde, Pinya de Rosa and Marimurtra botanical gardens.

 

But one cannot leave the Selva region without first discovering the magic of the castle and the Vila Vella or old quarter of Tossa de Mar.

The Maresme: the South of Costa Brava!

The Maresme is on the coast in the South of Costa Brava.

 

It occupies about 50 kilometres. It is famous for its climate and the holiday ambience you can find all year round in towns like Lloret de Mar or Calella.

 

People from Barcelona have always liked this coast and it was easier to get there when in 1848 the first train was constructed in Spain and went from Barcelona toMataró.

 

Nowadays this line it still exists but it is much longer than before and it is commonly used to discover this coast. It has air conditioning.

Festivals and events on the Costa Brava

January

 

Shrine Festivals (romerías) Pla de L'Estany, second fortnight.

As gatherings which fulfil the double purpose of devotion and entertainment, the romerías or aplecs are always held in hermitages and require a certain amount of travel on the part of the participants.

The festival of SantMer, held in Vilademuls in the heart of winter, attracts over ten thousand people in a tradition which dates back to the 16th century.

 

THE PILGRIMS VOW.Tossa de Mar (Selva), January 20th and 21st.

During the 15th century, when a plague devastated a number of coastal towns, the inhabitants of Tossa promised to send a pilgrim every year to the hermitage of SantSebastià, in the town of Santa Coloma de Farners, to give thanks for having driven the epidemic away. The vow has been kept for over five hundred years. The chosen pilgrim, garbed in a short cape decorated with seashells, travels the forty kilometres which separate the two towns in total silence, accompanied by approximately one thousand people. The walk lasts a whole day, with the procession arriving at Santa Coloma by sundown. Next morning the entourage sets out for the return trip and, back in Tossa, the pilgrim is met by a procession which marches alongside the town's torch lit ramparts.

 

February

 

Carnival Castell-Platjad'Aro y Palamós (BaixEmpordà)

The penitential threat of Lent is the cause of the endurance of another, even more ancient tradition: the period of unrestrained merrymaking and subversion of customs known as the Carnival or Carnestoltes, whose origins may be traced back to the Saturnalian rites of Roman times. Having overcome the prohibitions of the dictatorship, many towns have reinstated their carnivals and created crews, processions and bands which take part in the parade of floats through their streets. The carnival of Platjad'Aro is the third most important in Spain, after the ones in Cádiz and Tenerife. Palamós also stands out for the spectacularity of its Carnestoltes, which boasts a long-standing tradition.

 

HONEY FAIR

Crespià (Pla de l'Estany), second fortnight of February.

Every year Crespià pays homage to honey, a nourishing and energy-providing substance mythically associated with gold. The town's two hundred inhabitants spend many months preparing for this event, held on a single Sunday, thus continuing a tradition with roots in the Middle Ages. Visitors purchase honey and doughnuts made according to age-old recipes.

 

 

POPULAR MEALS

Carnival in Verges (BaixEmpordà) y Vidreres (Selva).

All festivals have their own meals in the open air, but some are more popular than others and become festivals. Such is the case with the Sopa de Verges and the Ranxo de Vidreres, in which the townspeople provide the goods and serve them hot in the town squares at lunchtime. Or the Suquet in Roses, a dish made with fish and potatoes which the fishermen prepare by the sea. Or the Fish Rice dished out at the SantSebastià Lighthouse. Or the Cuina de sesdones (Women's Fare), a compendium of local gastronomy prepared by the housewives of Cadaqués.

 

THE CANDLE AND TORTELL DANCES.Esponellà (Pla de l'Estany), February 2nd.

In Esponellà, for the Candlemas Festival a very simple dance takes place, consisting of circling around the square with the constable at the head of the procession. The pabordeses, who number three in representation of the town's three districts, carry bouquets of flowers and carry a ring-shaped cake over their arms.

 

March