The Resclosa d’Orfes

Posted on 11 January 2013 by Richard Calvin

Where is the Resclosa d’Orfes?

Orfes is a sleepy little village. Situated roughly in the middle between Figueres, Girona and Banyoles and surrounded by forest and arable pasture land.

In ten minutes you will have seen all the village has to offer. but there is a pleasant little walk from the village to the “resclosa” or ford which crosses the nearby river Fluvia.

In the map below take the track indicated by the red line and you will arrive at the ford. You can either take your shoes and socks off and walk across and return on the track indicated by the purple line or return by the same way you came.

If you have built up a good appetite, the one and only restaurant in Orfes, La Barretina d’Orfes is a great choice for lunch. They have a great selection of duck dishes and don’t miss their onion cake starter!

Plaça Major, 28 Orfes

972 560 280

Closed Thursdays and Sunday evenings.

Read Travel Blogger Sherry Ott’s account of La Barretina here.

Charming Villas Catalonia

At Charming villas Catalonia we offer our clients a varied selection of high standard Barcelona vacation rentals. From Barcelona beachfront apartments to large farmhouses close to Barcelona.

Locally based we offer a free concierge service to all of our clients. Our goal is to make sure that our clients make the most out of their time while in Catalonia. We can help plan fun day-trips to the Costa Brava and all kinds of activities and extra services. From tables at the number one restaurant in Spain, El Celler de Can Roca to dining on a pier with fishermen. Let us know how we can help plan the perfect vacation and we will do the rest.

The Festivities around the 15th of August

Posted on 1 August 2012 by Sara Marti

The 15th of August festivities

What are the festivities around the 15th of August in Catalonia? During the week before and the week after the 15th of August there are many festivals (Festes Majors) taking place in Catalonia. Streets and squares of many villages and towns are decorated and an array of traditional events take place including concerts, dancing, markets and fairs.

A decorated street during the Festa Major de Gracia in Barcelona

Why do so many festivities take place around the 15th of August? One of the reasons is because this is the period in the calendar when the mowing fields ended. Centuries ago the vast majority of the population worked in the fields so this was a huge time to celebrate. Also the Christian tradition set the 15th of August as the date to celebrate the Assumption of Mary. This commemorates the mystery of the elevation of Mary’s soul, the Mother of God, to heaven.

Festa Major de Gràcia

One of the biggest and better known festivals is the “Festa Major de Gràcia”. Gracia is one of the neighborhoods of Barcelona and which used to be a separate neighboring village near to Barcelona. No less than17 streets and squares are decorated by residents who transform their street into elaborately themed carnival style decorations.

Charming Villas Catalonia

At Charming villas Catalonia we offer our clients a varied selection of high standard Barcelona vacation rentals. From Barcelona beachfront apartments to large farmhouses close to Barcelona.

Palau de la musica Barcelona

Posted on 25 November 2011 by Sara Marti

The Palau de la Musica is one of Barcelona’s hidden treasures. Quite often overlooked by the usual tourist the Palau de la Música is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Palau de la musica Barcelona is located in the heart of city just minutes away from Placa Catalunya.

Visiting the Palau de Musica

The Palau de la musica Barcelona was built built between 1905 and 1908 as a place where music could be enjoyed at its best. Today it is still hosts important festivals and music concerts.

The breathtaking architecture full of colour and natural light is a magnificent example of Modernist architecture. The Palau was designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner, who was a contemporary of Gaudi.

The interior design, made of mosaics, sculpted stones and numerous impressive stained glasses, is absolutely stunning and well worth a visit.

The best way to enjoy the Palau is to go to an actual concert, but there are also daily tours taking place in English, Catalan and Spanish. Visit: the Palau de la Musica website for more information.