Welcome to the Charming Villas Blog, where we share with you some of our favorite places to visit in Catalonia, suggestions of activities, great Catalan traditions, culinary ideas and much more!
Category Archives: Activities
Charming villas Catalonia blog activities category
The province of Girona is well known as a cyclists Mecca and today around 80 professional cyclists are based here full time. Girona is where Lance Armstrong moved to in 2000 when he was in his prime and won seven consecutive Tours from 1999 (now struck-off since his doping revelations). Cycling holidays in Girona are now well catered for and there’s many companies offering different packages.
Girona cycling holidays (image copyright of Bikecat)
What makes Girona so popular with cyclists? The answer is a number of factors including the favourable climate and varied terrain. Other factors are the geographical location close to the Pyrenees, the Costa Brava, Barcelona and the French border. Also the excellent logistics and infrastructure of all things cycle related which has grown and flourished over the years.
Professional and amateur cyclists in Girona
Since 2016 the largest cycling event in Europe, the Sea Otter festival, has taken place in Girona. https://www.seaottereurope.com/ This is where all the major brands and cycling companies showcase their new bikes and apparel.
But it is not just professional cyclists that Girona is about. Amateurs and members of leisure cycling clubs from all around the world come to Girona. Not only to rub shoulders with the pro-cyclists but also to combine the trip with a vacation taking advantage of staying in a Charming Villa on the Costa Brava. When not in the saddle there’s a whole load of other stuff to do in the region. We can help arrange sampling the famed local cuisine, tasting the local wines and visiting farmers markets and for art lovers there’s the Dali triangle in Cadaques, Figueres and Pubol.
Girona cycling tours (image copyright of Bikecat)
At Charming Villas Catalonia we help our clients select the best property for their Girona cycling holidays based on cycling criteria and can also help set up bike rentals and guides. Below is a list of alternative local cycling holiday companies and also bike rental companies.
Charming Villas Catalonia specialize in the rental of high standard vacation rentals on the Costa Brava, Girona and Barcelona. Locally based we offer a free tailor made concierge service to all our customers. We work with you on all aspects of your vacation from initial villa selection right down to the last detail. Drop us a message and let us help you plan the perfect vacation in Catalonia.
One of the most frequent requests from our clients is for a private chef to come and cook a special meal at their Costa Brava vacation villa on at least one occasion during their stay. We work with a number of different chefs from Michelin star rated chefs right down to cooks who offer more homely local dishes.
I give our clients a list of our trusted chefs on the Costa Brava and What i suggest is to take a look at each of their websites. Then depending on which chefs appeal we can reach out and contact each one to ask more information about menus, rates and availability.
Having a private chef and their staff cook, serve and clear away afterwards at your villa is a fun experience. Some clients choose different chefs for different days. For example we know chefs who specializes in paellas. Another may specialize in a different aspect such as fine dining and pastries. The choice is yours!
Costa Brava private chefs
Private chef or catering company?
Usually a private chef is the better option for smaller, more intimate family groups at a villa vacation rental. However some of our private chefs have cooked at some of our Corporate getaway venues and also smaller, more intimate weddings on the Costa Brava. A professional caterer is generally your better option for larger events such as weddings.
We also know a number of cooks who do not have websites and we would be delighted to put you in contact with them. If you have any questions please contact us at catalonia@charmingvillas.net or take a look at our extra services/activities page.
Port Lligat is a small bay right next to Cadaques famous for being where Salvador Dali lived for many years of his life. His wonderful sprawling amalgamation of fisherman’s houses is now a museum and open to the public. Read on how to book a Port Lligat fisherman lunch.
Portlligat fisherman lunch
Not quite so well known is that the last remaining fishermen of Portlligat offer an informal lunch and dinner service. Right on the pier meters away from the water, it is not a restaurant and you will not find it on Tripadvisor. Think of it as a “pop-up” table run by two fishermen who like to cook. Several journalists and even food critics have over the years tried to publish but the fishermen always refuse. It is a combination of this “anti-marketing”, the unique location on the water and the freshness and quality of the food which make this a sought after and favorite of our clients.
Tables for this Port Lligat fisherman lunch are limited. Only one group for lunch and one group for dinner is catered for. Bookings are for a minimum of 10 people and maximum 16 people. Less than 10 people and you pay the price for 10. Places should be reserved as far in advance as possible, especially for summer where they are often fully booked six months in advance.
This blog post is designed for those who are planning on visiting Catalonia and the Costa Brava for the first time. This is also for people who are seeking information about where to stay and what to do in the region. Below is a basic map highlighting the Costa Brava and the Maresme coastlines.
The Maresme coastline starts from Barcelona and finishes at Blanes. From Blanes the Costa Brava ends over 200 kilometers later at the French border. The Costa Brava can be split into three rough sections; Northern, central and Southern sections. Blanes to Palamos is the southern section. The middle section from Palafrugell to L’Estartit and the northern section from L’Escala to Portbou.
The middle and Northern sections
Middle and Northern sections of the Costa Brava are somewhat less developed (with one or two exceptions). These are also more family orientated and this is where the vast majority of our properties are located.
Popular locations are Begur (and it’s beaches of Sa Riera, Sa Tuna, Aiguablava). The beaches of Palafrugell – Tamariu, Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell. Cadaques is the jewel of the Northern section of the Costa Brava.
For first time visitors to the Costa Brava i normally recommend the area around Begur/Tamariu. There’s a lot to see and do in a compact area and day-trips to explore the north or south of the Costa Brava are doable. Here is a map showing the main coves and beaches of the Begur/Palafrugell area;
The beaches of Begur and Palafrugell
Cadaques, the pearl of the Costa Brava
Cadaques in the north is probably our favorite coastal town on the whole of the Costa Brava. There’s only one road in and out of town and it is a windy mountain road which can take up to 30 minutes’ from the neighboring town of Roses. Once you finally descend into Cadaques the mountain road adventure is quickly forgotten. The town has a unique charm and ambiance which has been preserved down the centuries. This is in part thanks to it’s relative isolation from the rest of the Costa Brava located on the end of the Cap de Creus peninsula.
Cadaques has seen many artists staying over the years including Picasso, Man Ray, Duchamp, Joan Miro. Most famously of all Salvador Dali who lived a large part of his life in the neighboring Port Lligat. This link to the rich history of Cadaques is tangible today in the many local artists galleries you will find among the narrow cobbled streets of the town. The town has a somewhat Bohemian atmosphere and a wonderful selection of good quality restaurants.
However i am always cautious on recommending Cadaques to first time visitors to the region because of it’s isolated location. If travelling around visiting other towns/beaches is an important factor this can be quite a tiresome experience driving over the mountain road every day. For people who like to explore other areas i recommend finding a base in the Begur/Tamariu area and then taking a day trip to Cadaques during your holiday.
Costa Brava vacation villas
At Charming Villas Catalonia we offer a selection of luxury Costa Brava holiday villas with pools and villas with heated pools. Let us know your important criteria and we will help you find the perfect vacation rental in Catalonia.
This post is just a rough guide and with our clients we go into much more detail not only with location and villa selection but also, if needed, advice and help planning activities and day trip itineraries. Please contact Sara or Richard at catalonia@charmingvillas.net for more information.
The aim of this blog post is to list a selection of Costa Brava and Girona vineyards that offer to the public activities such as wine tasting, tours, meals and picnics.
The history of wine in Catalonia
In around the 6th century BC the Greeks founded their first trading post on the Costa Brava coastline, Empòrion (market place, and origin of the modern day name Emporda). A few centuries later the Romans would take over and call it Emporiae. Now it is known as Empuries. Since the Greeks first introduced and cultivated vines here 2500 years ago Catalonia now has no less than 10 distinct wine growing regions of which DO Emporda is one.
Costa Brava vineyards (photo credit Perelada.com)
Costa Brava vineyards map
Below is a map showing the locations of DO Emporda vineyards who offer wine tourism packages. More information can be found at the official DO Emporda website.
DO Emporda wine producers
Celler La Vinyeta La Vinyeta is one of the youngest and most dynamic DO Empordà projects. Its owners, Josep and Marta, are two young entrepreneurs who set up the business in 2002 with just 4 hectares of old vines. In 2006 they built the Cellar and began to produce their first bottles. In the space of just a few years, La Vinyeta has received numerous plaudits and has earned the appreciation of many visitors. La Vinyeta offers wine tours of the vineyards with tastings.They also offer picnics among the vines. La Vinyeta
Celler Espelt Espelt has been founded by members of a long line of winemakers. Their mantra is that the culture of wine lies in agriculture, quality, creativity and passion. The wine making tradition of Empordà and the love for the earth led those behind the project to plant vines in the Cap de Creus Natural Park. Espelt has a shop which is open to the public and offer wine tastings. Espelt
Celler Hugas de Batlle
The “Celler Hugas de Batlle” is a small family ran winery based in the center of Colera. It has a patio which serves as a production area and a shop inside with a place for tasting. The Celler offers various wine tasting options including a breakfast option and tours of the vineyards. One of the few Cellers right on the water. Celler Hugas de Batlle
Celler Arché-Pagès is a family-owned winery located in the town of Capmany. Five generations of winegrowers have cultivated the estate’s 14 hectares of vineyards. Mainly indigenous varieties of grapes are planted such as Garnacha and Cariñena. The company exercises absolute control over the entire process, from pruning the vines to selling the wine. This modern and dynamic winery offers visitors the chance to visit its facilities. To stroll through the vineyards and to taste wines with a distinctive personality. Arche Pages
Mas Lunes Mas Llunes is a modern winery that specializes in the production of wine from the estate’s own vineyards. It is owned by the Roig de Garriguella family, which has been closely involved in wine growing in Empordà for several generations. They offer wine tastings and tours of the vineyards in their own 4×4 vehicles. Mas Llunes
Mas Oller Mas Oller currently has 12 hectares of wine-producing vines and 4 hectares of newly planted vines. The approach of Mas Oller is based on reviving the winegrowing tradition of Empordà, with a modern interpretation of the concept of wine. Both the winery and vineyards can be visited at Mas Oller. The enoteca offers visitors the chance to purchase and taste the wines that it produces in an idyllic setting. They offer tastings and visits of the vineyards. Also check their website for information on special cheese and wine tastings. Mas Oller
Celler Can Sais
This small family-owned winery with a long wine growing tradition is located in the old part of the town of Vall-llobrega, in the Gavarres Massif. Can Sais attempt to produce wines with concentration and personality, wines that say something about the area and its way of life. They offer guided visits of the vineyards and instalations, wine tastings and other activities such as wine therapy massages. Celler Can Sais
Celler Bell-Lloc This Empordà farmstead is imbued with a philosophy rooted in the land, which takes advantage of recent advances to provide quality, without losing spirit and authenticity. They offer celler visits and a gastronomic experience of a meal paired with their own wines. Finca Bell Lloc
Cellers d’en Guilla New wines produced with grapes from old vines: this is the approach adopted by Cellers d’en Guilla, a new winery with limited production located in the Delfià district of Rabós d’Empordà. Offering visits and wine tastings with local food products. Celler Guilla
Terra Remota Terra Remota is a winery that is highly sensitive to its surroundings and, consequently, is strongly committed to becoming integrated within its environment. The result is a top quality wine and an enchanting landscape. They do winery visits, tastings and picnics amongst the vines. Terra Remota
Most Costa Brava vineyards require pre-booking of tastings and it is recommended to make contact at least 24 hours in advance. Contact details are listed on the websites of each Celler.
The Costa Brava has many great beaches from the isolated, hard to get to bays and coves on the Cap de Creus to the popular sandy beaches of Begur and Palafrugell. With over 200kms of coastline from Portbou in the north to Blanes on the southern tip there is a beach for everyone. Here is a selection of our personal favourites.
Our favourite beaches on the northern Costa Brava
Cala Taballera, Port de la Selva
The largest beach in the Cap de Creus peninsula. It is a good two hour hike from Port de la Selva and well worth the effort.
Cala Taballera, Port de la Selva
Platja del Ros, Cadaques
The beaches of Cadaques are not huge but this is one of the best and has great views of the Cadaques seafront in the background.
Platja del Ros, Cadaques
Sa Sabolla, Cadaques
A pleasant 45 minute walk from Cadaques in the direction of Cala Nans and the lighthouse this is a firm favorite of ours. Pebbles rather than sandy and a great place for a swim.
Sa Sabolla, Cadaques
Cala Joncols, Roses
Roughly half way between Roses and Cadaques Cala Joncols makes a great stop off for a swim if you are walking the coastal “Cami de Ronda” between the two towns.
Cala Joncols, Roses
Our favourite beaches on the mid-section of the Costa Brava
Aiguablava beach, Begur.
The beautiful turquoise waters of Aiguablava make this one of the most beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava. This beach has a few restaurants, toilets and showers and a large car park nearby.
Aiguablava beach, Begur
Platja Castell, Palamos
With over 300m of fine sand, this is one of the largest and less busy beaches in the Palamos/Palafrugell area.
Platja Castell, Palamos
Tamariu beach, Palafrugell
One of the most popular beaches of the whole Costa Brava, Tamariu beach has beautiful clear waters and fine sand. There’s also a choice of restaurants to choose from on the beach front.
Tamariu beach, Palafrugell
Portixol beach, L’Escala
Portixol beach is a great sandy beach sitting half way between the charming coastal village of Sant Marti d’Empuries and the larger town of L’Escala. There are a number of similar lovely sandy beaches each side of Portixol and a selection of restaurants within walking distance.
Platja de Portixol, L’Escala
Cala Montgo, L’Escala
Just on the southern edge of L’Escala Cala Montgo is a lovely sandy bay with great views of the Montgri national park. There’s also a couple of nearby restaurants to choose from.
Cala Montgo, L’Escala
Sa Riera, Begur
Another of our favourites, Sa Riera in our opinion, is the best beach of Begur. A large area of sand and a handful of restaurants to choose from the beach offers space yet at the same time a sense of intimacy.
Sa Riera, Begur
Llafranc beach, Palafrugell
Similar to the nearby Tamariu beach, Llafranc has a lovely sandy beach and a number of beach side restaurants to choose from.
Llafranc beach, Palafrugell
Cala Estreta
On the Cami de Ronda coastal path one finds Cala Estreta and El Crit beaches and are a nice walk from either Platja Castell or from Calella de Palafrugell to the north. Isolated and with no bars or shops these are a great beaches to escape the crowds.
Cala Estreta, Palamos
Sa Conca, S’Agaro
With numerous facilities, you can access it both by car and on foot, via a pleasant stroll along the coastal path. It has a blue flag and a few metres away from here is also the Port d’Aro marina.
One of the most popular requests from our clients is Costa Brava boat hire. Here is information on the different ports from where it is possible to charter boats. The second part of this post is a list of Costa Brava boat charter companies.
The Costa Brava coastline is well known for its crystal clear waters together with its numerous hidden bays and coves. Many of these elusive coves are only accessible by sea making boat charter a popular pursuit on the Costa Brava.
Ports on the Costa Brava
The main ports for boat rental on the Costa Brava are Roses in the Alt Emporda and Palamos in the Baix Emporda although it is also possible to hire boats in Cadaques.
Roses is located on the edge of the Cap de Creus peninsula and makes a great base from where to spend a day exploring the bays and coves of the Cap de Creus with perhaps going ashore at Cadaques for lunch.
The restless Spirit on the Cap de Creus
The coastline from Palamos to the beaches of Begur is also very interesting with plenty of hidden coves and sandy beaches where to anchor and swim. A little further north from Begur at L’Estartit is where one finds the Medes Islands which are protected from fishing and are rich in local flora and fauna and are popular with divers.
If you do not have a Skipper’s licence this restricts the type of boat you can hire to smaller, less powerful boats. The vast majority of boats available for hire on the Costa Brava come with skipper included in the price.
The Costa Brava and the province of Girona has a great selection of Tennis clubs of which probably the most well know is the club at Llafranc. Llafranc tennis club has a total of 17 clay courts and two hard courts. There’s also five Padel courts and a 25m swimming pool.
Llafranc tennis club (photo credit Llafranc tennis club)
Where to play tennis on the Costa Brava
Here is a list of some of the better known clubs on the Costa Brava and region of Girona:
Many of the tennis clubs in the Girona province offer a summer campus for children of all ages. There’s different tennis camps for different ages and levels of ability. A summer tennis campus for children on the Costa Brava is a great idea for so many reasons. Kids get to exercise, learn a sport, make new friends and parents get a bit of time off 😎
During the villa selection process Charming Villas Catalonia can offer suggestions of vacation rentals based on proximity to tennis clubs. Get in touch and let us help you select the perfect holiday villa on the Costa Brava for your needs.
Here is a map listing all the Costa Brava tennis clubs in the area:
At Charming Villas Catalonia we can book tennis courts for our clients at most of the clubs listed in the above map. Just let us know your preferences for a clay court or hard court and we will do the rest. As well as tennis check out more activities and extra services we can help plan for our clients.
From Port Bou at the north, all the way down to Blanes, the Costa Brava coastline is connected by a series of coastal paths. This network of paths, “Cami de Ronda” in Catalan, covers over 200 km of coastline linking all the major towns and villages along the way. It can take a total of nine or ten days walking at an average of 20/22 kms/day.
Cala Guillola, Cap de Creus, Cadaques
In October 2013 I spent four days walking between Port Bou and Sant Marti d’Empuries. In October 2014 i picked up again from Sant Marti and spent another four days walking to Sant Feliu de Guixolls. Traveling light with just a medium sized rucksack i booked hotels in advance. Usually arriving at my destination by mid afternoon after setting off in the mornings after breakfast at around 09.00am.
We live in the Girona province and i had already visited most of the main towns and villages along the Costa Brava. However i was really keen to explore some of the less well known areas and discover little hidden bays and coves. I chose October as this is a relatively quiet time for us at Charming Villas. The weather is generally warm and sunny but not the intense heat of the summer. Great tee shirt weather for us Northern Europeans!
I drove to the small station at Camallera, left my car and boarded the train to the frontier town, Portbou.
Walking the Cami de Ronda
costa brava cami de ronda Day 1. Port Bou – El Port de la Selva.
This stretch of the Northern section of the Costa Brava cami de ronda was relatively new to me. I had visited Llanca and Port de la Selva on various occasions but the rest of the coastline was a mystery. The train station at Portbou was huge and pretty quiet. This frontier town used to be an important hub between Catalonia and France. Now its glory days of commerce and movement are a distant memory. I didn’t hang around in the town long and quickly caught up with the red and white stripped markings showing me the way to follow.
The beach at the town of Port Bou, Costa Brava
Leaving the beach at Portbou behind me i followed the route which took me up and over a headland. I didn’t hit water again until reaching Colera. Similar to Portbou, Colera was a small coastal town which looked totally shut down on a week day in mid October. On I walked through fields and pine forests catching glimpses of blue to my left until I come to Port de Joan, a little bay just before Platja Garbet.
Port de Joan, Garbet
I got a bit stuck here as the red and white markings I had been following suddenly disappeared. I back tracked but could not find the way. Eventually i realized that the route took me around the base of the cliffs to the long sandy “Platja Garbet” beach. From here i passed through the town of Llanca and followed the well marked path to Port de la Selva.
costa brava cami de ronda Day 2, Port de la Selva – Cadaques.
I was really looking forward to this stretch through the Cap de Creus headland. Wild and wind beaten, this is where Dali spent a lot of his time gaining inspiration from the terrain. From the moment i left Port de la Selva behind me i didn’t see another soul until i reached Cadaques a few hours later. I took a little detour down to Cala Tavallera which is about a third of the way into the day’s walk.
Cala Tavallera
The rest of the day was somewhat foggy and i couldn’t see very much but nevertheless i enjoyed the walk into Cadaques.
Costa brava cami de ronda Day 3, Cadaques – Roses
Another enjoyable day walking the Cap de Creus in relative solitude. Before arriving in Roses one passes a series of beautiful little bays, the first being Cala Joncols.
Cala Joncols, Cap de Creus
After crossing the headland of Cap de Norfeu I encountered a few more bays of which Cala Montjoi is the biggest and most well known. This is where the world famous chef Ferran Adria and his ground breaking restaurant, El Bulli. The walk into Roses was quite pleasant passing some nice little beaches on the outskirts of the town.
Costa Brava cami de ronda Day 4, Roses – Sant Marti d’Empuries.
The walk out of Roses was probably my least favorite stretch of the whole walk. There was some nice bits but i didn’t really start to enjoy it until i reached the natural reserve of the Aiguamolls De L’Emporda. The Aiguamolls is a famed wildlife reserve with many rare wild birds and wildlife. The route then takes you along the Fluvia river, crossing at Sant Pere Pescador and through farmland until reaching the charming coastal village of Sant Marti d’Empuries.
The beach at Sant Marti d’Empuries
From Sant Marti i took a taxi back to the train station at Camallera and picked up my car and headed home to Besalu.
Continuing from where i had left off
Costa Brava cami de Ronda Day 5, Sant Marti – L’Estartit.
In October 2014 I was ready to go back and continue from where i left off the previous year. This time i drove directly to Sant Marti and left the car parked up.
Cala Portixol, Sant Marti d’Empuries
Once you arrive at Cala Montgo you leave the the hustle and bustle of L’Escala behind you until L’Estartit.
Cala Montgo, L’Escala
The terrain is pretty stony underfoot most of the day. There’s two little bays to stop off at before arriving at L’Estartit, Cala Ferriol and Cala Pedrosa.
Cala Ferriol, L’Estartit
Day 6, L’Estartit – Begur
Day six starts off with a pleasant barefoot stroll along the sandy beach until reaching the river Ter which flows into the sea. The book i was reading stated that you could wade through this but upon reaching the river found that this was impossible. So the only option was to walk along the side of the river to the first crossing point at Torroella de Montgri then head back towards the beach and along to Begur. There is another option which takes you through the Emporda countryside and villages of Palau Sator and Pals before reaching Begur but i preferred to take the coastal route.
Sa Riera beach, Begur
Day 7, Begur – Palamos
This is quite a long stretch of the Costa Brava cami de ronda but worth it for the breathtaking scenery along the way. First up is the view down to Platja Fonda and Aiguablava.
The view of Platja Fonda and Aiguablava
Aigua Blava, Begur
From Aiguablava the route takes you inland and brings you out at the lovely little bay of Tamariu.
The beach at Tamariu
After Tamariu the path takes you past the small cove of Cala Pedrosa, up to the lighthouse of El Far de Sant Sebastia then down again to Llafranc. For lunch you could either stop here in Llafranc or the next little coastal bay of Calella de Palafrugell.
The route now takes you through the Cap Roig headland where you will find the off the beaten track Cala Estreta.
Cala Estreta
As you approach Palamos the first beach you will come across is the great Platja Castell.
Platja Castell, Palamos
The coastal path takes you past a few more small bays before arriving on the main seafront of Palamos.
Day 8, Palamos – Sant Feliu de Guixols.
A pleasant, quite flat day of walking passing many lovely little bays.
Cala del Forn, Costa Brava
Cap Roig, Costa Brava
Platja Sa Conca, Costa Brava
I mean to get back and finish the last stretch down to Blanes so watch this space.
The Catalan city of Barcelona is without doubt one of the most loved and visited cities within Europe. Over seven million visitors are welcomed to the capitol of Catalonia each year, many taking guided tours in Barcelona. Sagrada Familia, The Ramblas, Park Güell, Casa Battlo are some of the better know attractions of the city. Although they are a “must do” there’s so much more that the city has to offer the seasoned traveler.
Parc Guell Barcelona – image credit https://parkguell.barcelona/
Tour guides in Barcelona
There’s countless guide books you can read about the city which will give you some great pointers. But to find those off the beaten track gems you really need an insider’s help to get the most out of your time in the city. Again, there’s lots of guides out there to choose from but we highly recommend getting in touch with the official Visit Barcelona website.
The website lists many ideas of places to visit and things to see and do. There’s the option of joining an arranged tour with other people. Another possibility is to arrange a bespoke itinerary best suited to your interests and schedule.
Guided tours in Barcelona
Let your tour guide create your own unique itinerary to cover your own interests. You may wish to have a Foodie related tour with Tapas in La Boqueria market perhaps? If architecture is your thing maybe a tour of Gaudi’s most iconic buildings should be on the list? History lovers? There’s loads of history for you to uncover in Barcelona! The remarkable restored former market of El Born with it’s excavated city ruins from 1700s on display should be on your list.
