Supermarkets in Figueres

Posted on 24 February 2015 by Richard Calvin

Figueres supermarkets

We have quite a few houses available for rent in the Figueres region and and we are often asked by clients where are the best places to do their shopping. Below is a Google map where a number of supermarkets are highlighted. Bascara also has a couple of small supermarkets and a good quality butchers which are open on Sunday mornings. Bascara also has a small Sunday market selling fruit and vegetables among other items.

A list of supermarkets in Figueres

When deciding where to do your supermarket shopping in Figueres there’s two Bonpreu Esclat supermarkets. This is where we normally shop as we find Esclat to have the best quality fresh local produce.

Esclat 1. Carrer Nou s/n

Esclat 2. Av. Paisos Catalans, 2

Other Figueres supermarkets include;

Mercadona Carrer de Met Miravitlles, s/n

Aldi, Avinguda de Roses, 30, 32

BonArea Carrer Nou, 77

Carrefour, Carretera de Figueres a, Avinguda de Roses, km. 29

Figueres weekly market

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday there’s a fruit and vegetable market in Figueres. It opens at 07.00am and finishing at 2.00pm. Location; Plaça del Gra i Plaça Catalunya. Also every Thursday in Figueres there’s a large clothing street market held at Passeig Nou, Plaça del Sol i Riera Galligants.

Delicatessens in Figueres

Figueres also has a number of local delicatessens and charcuterie to choose from including the following:

El Graner specializing in local charcuterie. Av. Marignane 22, Figueres

Figueres delicatessen — Figueres charcuterie – photo credit El Graner

Ibericus sell high quality hams and charcuterie. Carrer de Peralada, 22

Carnisseria Xarcuteria F.LLADO Carrer de González de Soto, 24, 17600 Figueres

Dalícatessen Carrer de Sant Pere, 19, 17600 Figueres

Iberian Wines and Food Passeig del Cementiri, 17, Nau 1, 17600 Figueres

Casa Ribas – El Bon Beure Pujada del Castell, 17, 17600 Figueres

Carnisseria xarcuteria marcel puigmal Av. Marignane, 22, 17600 Figueres

The best place to stay on the Costa Brava?

Posted on 14 February 2014 by Richard Calvin

One of the questions we are asked by people who are coming to the region for the first time is which is the best place to stay on the Costa Brava? There’s lots of great places to choose from and this blog post is to help people get a better idea of what area might be best for them.

Begur and Palafrugell

Probably the most popular coastal area on the Costa Brava is the Begur and Palafrugell region and their beaches. Their beaches include Sa Riera, Sa Tuna, Aigua Blava, Aigua Xelida, Tamariu and Llafranc.

Like most of the Costa Brava this area is very family orientated and laid back. It is popular with local Catalans and Spanish as well as with other Europeans and increasingly North Americans who are discovering the region.

The beaches can get pretty busy during July and August. Unless you are within walking distance to a beach you may have to leave your villa quite early in the morning to find a good parking place.

Cadaques in the north

Cadaques is another popular destination and quite possibly the best place to stay on the Costa Brava. A beautiful old fishing town, Cadaques is where Salvador Dali lived for a large part of his life. His old house in the little bay of Port Lligat is now a museum and open to the public.

There is only one road in and out of Cadaques which is quite narrow and windy through the Cap de Creus headland. This inaccessibility is the main reason why Cadaques has retained its charm and avoided the developers. Because of this relative isolation of the town I always suggest to people that Cadaques makes a great base if you plan of parking up the car and sitting back and relaxing. The town is quite compact and all of our vacation villas in Cadaques are within walking distance of the center with its restaurants, bars, shops and beaches. There is a quite special and unique ambiance to the place. However beautiful Cadaques is, I would not recommend it for people who plan to spend time driving around and exploring.

Sant Marti and the ruins of Empuries

Sant Marti d’Empuries is a little off the beaten track and a favorite of ours. This tiny coastal village has a few restaurants and shops and is right on the beach. With nice sandy and un-crowded beaches this is the place we normally go to ourselves if we are having a day at the beach. For those of you interested in history there’s the ancient Greek and Roman ruins and neighboring Empuries. L’Escala which has a larger selection of bars and restaurants is only a 20 minutes walk along the seafront.

If it is bars, disco’s and partying you are after then Lloret de Mar is where you should go. Otherwise avoid it.

Other areas of the Costa Brava worth considering include Port de la Selva, Roses, and Palamos.

Luxury villas on the Costa Brava

At Charming Villas Catalonia we have a wide selection of luxury vacation rentals on the Costa Brava. Locally based we offer a free concierge service to all our clients. Please contact us for more information.

The best Costa in Spain?

Posted on 14 February 2014 by Richard Calvin

Which is the best Costa in Spain is a question we are asked from time to time. Spain has no less than 13 Costas to choose from. Nine of which are on the Mediterranean coastline from the Catalan Costa Brava in the north on the border with France down to the Costa del Sol on the southern tip of Spain.

The Costa Brava, the best Costa in Spain

We have visited most of the Costas and for us the hands down winner is the Costa Brava. In fact we liked it so much we decided to come and live here!

There’s a number of reasons why we love the Costa Brava so much. From its intimate hidden coves, the climate, the people, its culture, the food, its medieval villages. For us the all round general ambiance make the Costa Brava the best coastal region in Spain.

Early tourism on the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava was the very first Costa in Spain to welcome holiday makers back in the 1950’s and 60’s. For many people the Costa Brava conjures up images of tacky package holidays, fish and chips and sangria. It well may have been like that in the 1960’s but not any longer. Because of the rugged nature of the Costa Brava coastline the developers quickly moved further south in search of flatter, more accessible land to build their high rise apartment blocks and for the most part left the Costa Brava behind. So today the Costa Brava is perhaps one of the better preserved Mediterranean coastal areas. What we have are fishing villages, unspoiled coves and a distinct lack of large hotels, apartment blocks and package holidays.

Aigua Gelida, Tamariu — Aigua Xelida, Tamariu

With the exception of Lloret de Mar you will find very little package tourism, loud all night bars or drunken teenagers on the Costa Brava. There’s a more laid back family orientated culture here with holiday makers from a wide selection of countries from all around the world. A lot of Catalan and Spanish people who have second residences in the area.

The temperatures on the Costa Brava do not reach the heights of those on the Costa del Sol although an average of the mid 30’s in July and August is hot enough for most people.

What to do on the Costa Brava?

The province of Girona has a lot more to offer the traveler than just a fantastic coastline. There’s loads of things to see and do in the region. Choose from visiting unspoiled medieval villages, the Dali triangle, visiting the beech forests of the extinct volcanic region of La Garrotxa. Take a nice walk around the lake of Banyoles and visit the weekly farmers market.

A view of Banyoles lake along a jetty — Banyoles lake just after sunrise

Catalan cuisine

Then of course there’s the food! With a great selection of fresh local products at their disposal Catalan chefs are recognized worldwide as innovators from the record five time No1 restaurant in the world El Bulli to the current No1, El Celler de Can Roca in Girona. But it is not just all about Michelin star restaurant food as the general standard in the region is very good.

The best bits of the Costa Brava? The area around Begur and Palafrugell with its small bays and coves is very popular as is the Dali famed Cadaques. We also like the coastal village of Sant Marti d’Empuries which does not get as crowded as Begur or Cadaques and has nice beaches and a few decent restaurants to choose from.

The beach of AiguaBlava, Begur — Aigua Blava, Begur

So for us the question “which is the best Costa in Spain?” is a resounding Costa Brava!

Costa Brava water parks

Posted on 12 June 2013 by Richard Calvin

Water parks on the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava has three water parks suitable for a great family day out.

Aqua Brava in the northern section of the Costa Brava close to the town of Roses is a water park which has no less than 18 attractions to choose from. Aqua Brava. When tired of the water park (as if!) there’s also the nearby Roses Go-Carts to keep both young and older occupied.

Roses sits at the northern end of the Costa Brava and has many options of activities for the whole family. As well as the water part and Go-Karts there’s also the Wind Tunnel at Empuriabrava or if you are feeling brave Empuriabrava sky diving. Close to Roses is the coastal town of Cadaques, one of the prettiest and unspoiled towns on the Costa Brava.

Close to Lloret de Mar, Water world is a well known water park which was first opened in 1985. Water world Lloret The park has around 20 rides and is a firm favorite for all the family.

Water World Llorett de Mar — Water World Lloret de Mar

Aquadiver is another water park situated close to Platja de Aro with around 15 rides for all the family. Aqua Diver

Where to stay on the Costa Brava

At Charming Villas Catalonia we offer our clients a selection of hand picked vacation rentals on the Costa Brava. Browse our collection of beachfront holiday villas and large country farmhouses. Locally based we know the Costa Brava and province of Girona very well and offer our clients a free concierge service. We can help set up extra services and activities as well as suggest interesting day trip itineraries.

Cala Sant Francesc, Blanes

Posted on 5 May 2013 by Richard Calvin

The Costa Brava coastline around Blanes

Blanes is the last coastal town on the Costa Brava before it becomes the Maresme which then arrives at Barcelona. Cala Sant Francesc is perhaps the prettiest beach of all the beaches close to Blanes.

The lovely little bay of Cala Bona (as it is also known) just to the north of Blanes is one of the nicest intimate beaches on the whole Costa Brava. With its aquamarine waters and fine sand, the beach is a very popular destination during the summer months.

Cala Sant Francesc, Blanes, Costa Brava — The beautiful beach of Cala Sant Francesc, Blanes

Cala Sant Francesc and the beaches of Blanes

Many of the main beaches closer to the camping and budget hotel district in central Blanes do tend to get rather crowded during the summer months. Because Cala Bona is located a bit further out from town and away from the budget district it perhaps has a reputation as a slightly more refined area.

This stretch of the Costa Brava coastline also has some rock pools which are great for children to explore and search for marine life. There is also a great restaurant, Cala Bona, which is right on the beach. It does get quite full during summer and tables should be booked in advance.

Luxury villa, Cala Sant Francesc, Blanes, Costa Brava — Blanes, on the Costa Brava

Charming Villas Catalonia lists a great number of luxury villas along the Costa Brava and province of Girona. Browse our selection of luxury Costa Brava villas and farmhouses.

More information about the region can be found at the Visit Blanes website.

Michelin star restaurants in Catalonia

Posted on 30 April 2013 by Richard Calvin

Michelin star restaurants in Catalonia have been at the forefront of gastronomic invention for decades.

One of the aperitifs from a recent visit to El Celler de Can Roca

There’s a very high concentration of Michelin star restaurants in Catalonia, perhaps more than any other place on Earth. Here is a list of the Michelin starred restaurants close to Girona and the Costa Brava. With a fantastic selection of fresh local produce at their disposal Catalan chefs have always led the way in Gastronomic innovation. Ferran Adria and his ground breaking restaurant El Bulli, is quite possibly the most famous chef in the world.

Inventive dish from the restaurant Bo-Tic

A list of restaurants in Catalonia with Michelin stars

With three Michelin stars and recently voted the best restaurant in the world Girona’s very own El Celler de Can Roca leads the way. Celler de Can Roca

However El Celler de Can Roca is not the only restaurant in Catalonia with three Michelin stars. Sant Pau in Sant Pol de Mar also holds this distinction. Sant Pau

With two Michelin Stars we have Les Cols in Olot Les Cols and Can Fabes in Sant Celoni Can Fabes

Then we have a great selection of restaurants with one Michelin star in the Girona province:

Beautiful dish from Massana, Girona

Massana also in Girona Massana

L’Aliança d’Anglès in Anglès L’Alianca

Ca l’Arpa in Banyoles Ca L’Arpa

Bo-Tic in Corçà, close to La Bisbal Bo Tic

Els Tinars in Llagostera Els Tinars

Les Magnolies in Arbucies Les Magnolies

Casamar in Llafranc Casamar Llafranc

Ca l’Enric in La Vall de Bianya Cal Enric

Els Brancs in Roses Els Brancs

Can Jubany in Calldetenes Can Jubany

Where to stay in Catalonia

At Charming Villas Catalonia we take pride in helping our clients make the most of their stay in the region. We can help reserve tables at Michelin star restaurants in Catalonia for our clients as well as helping with many other activities and extra services.

Girona Barcelona high speed train timetable

Posted on 25 April 2013 by Richard Calvin

Travel between Girona and Barcelona is now much easier and quicker thanks to the new AVE high speed train line. Opened in early 2013, the traveling time between Figueres and Barcelona is around 52 minutes. Between Girona and Barcelona around 35 minutes. The cost of a return ticket is around 25€ from Girona and around 32€ from Figueres. Here is the timetable of high speed trains between Figueres to Barcelona and Girona to Barcelona.

The timetable of the high speed train between Barcelona and Girona and Figueres

RENFE Barcelona Girona high speed train timetable

The high speed AVE train line connects Barcelona and France. Before reaching Barcelona the train stops first at Figueres then Girona. Here is a link to the RENFE Girona Barcelona high speed timetable

Barcelona to the Costa Brava by train

The high speed AVE train only stops at Girona and Figueres and does not have any stops on the Costa Brava. There’s other, slower train options which get you closer to the Costa Brava coast. These are known as the Rodalies and are as follows:

The line R1 departs from Barcelona Sants station and arrives at Blanes on the southern tip of the Costa Brava.

The line R11 departs from Barcelona Sants and stops at Llanca, Colera and Portbou at the northern tip of the Costa Brava.

Train to Begur

The nearest train station to Begur and Tamariu is Girona. To reach the coastal area around Begur and Tamariu by public transport the only option is by bus. Read more in our blog post Public transport on the Costa Brava

Luxury villas on the Costa Brava

At Charming villas Catalonia we have a good selection of luxury Costa Brava villas to choose from. We are locally based and offer a free concierge service to all of our clients. We can help plan your activities and give you suggestions of day trips.

Platja Fonda, Begur

Posted on 23 April 2013 by Richard Calvin

The beaches of Begur

The coastal area around Begur has some of the nicest beaches on the whole Costa Brava. Platja Fonda Begur is without doubt one of the nicest and definitely one of our favorites. This 160m long wild and hidden spot is accessed by a long flight of steps.

The Begur coastline stretching from Platja de Raco in the north to AiguaBlava in the south offers the beach lover some great choices of beach. Each beach in the area of Begur has its own distinct character. Platja Fonda is what i would describe as a “virgin beach” with no bars, shops or nearby mass tourism. With just one path leading down to the beach it is totally untouched.

Not as big as Sa Riera and lacking restaurants, shops and bars this is perhaps a somewhat less crowded option suitable for serious beach lovers. With coarse dark sand/small pebbles the beach is perfect for those wanting to avoid the crowds of bigger beaches.

Platja Fonda, Begur, Costa Brava — Platja Fonda beach, Costa Brava

The clear turquoise waters and the lack of mass tourism make this a great choice of beach for those looking to simply enjoy swimming and sunbathing. Tip – Go early in the morning or later in the evening and enjoy the beach to yourselves.

Platja Fonda villas

Overlooking the beach we have the magnificent nine bedroom luxury villa Platja Fonda which is just a stone’s throw walk from the beach. This is a ultra-modern villa with full air conditioning and en-suite bedrooms. We also have a wide selection of alternative luxury villas close to Platja Fonda. Check out our portfolio of luxury Begur villas

For more information about Platja Fonda and the other beaches of Begur here is a link to the official tourism board of Begur

Cadaques: Where I Left My Worries Behind The Mountains.

Posted on 18 April 2013 by Richard Calvin

Cadaques Blog Trip 2013

Cadaques where i left my worries behind the mountains. This is a guest post by Ash Clark, one of our bloggers on our recent “blog trip” to Cadaques and the Costa Brava.

Seeing as I arrived at night, it wasn’t until the next day that I really got to appreciate the unique location that Cadaqués is set in. Invited on a four day blog trip by Charming Villas Catalonia Cadaques was where we were spending our first two nights.

When I woke the next morning, I got to see what it is that has made this sleepy fishing village grow into a popular summer holiday spot.

Walking from my villa through the cobbled lanes that wind around the town’s whitewashed buildings and villas, I had no doubt in my mind that I was on the Mediterranean.

Sailing on the Sant Isidre, Cadaques

I was lucky enough to spend my first day sailing on a ‘laüt’, a traditional Catalan fishing vessel. While I generally find most sailing experiences rather memorable, this particular one especially stood out as we sailed along the coastline of the Cap de Creus National Park. The unique perspective offered from the decks of our boat really allowed me to appreciate how spectacular the natural landscape is in this part of Spain.

While the coastline that Cadaqués sits on is without a doubt its main draw card, it was the mountains around the town that drew a lot of my attention.

The vast majority of the hillsides around Cadaqués have terrace levels, made from stack-stone retaining walls.

It doesn’t take one long to realize that most of these impressive walls are rather aged and that the incredible amounts of manual labor it would of taken to construct them was originally completed to serve a specific purpose.

The blank terraced hillsides that dominate the area today haven’t always been that way. I soon learned that Cadaqués was once a major producer of wine and olive oil. Unfortunately the wineries and olive farms that once thrived here were completely wiped out after an outbreak of a plant virus that destroyed the plants.

Today, wineries in the region are making a come back, offering some high quality drops of both red and white. Which, like almost every aspect of Catalan, have their own unique flare to them. Celler Martin Faixo grow their wines in the hills of Cadaques

Cadaques where i left my worries behind the mountains

As the local saying goes, “When you come to Cadaqués, you leave your worries behind the mountains.” The natural scenery, food, art and culture on display in this fascinating town really do play true to those words for those who visit.

About the Author: Ash Clark is a travel writer and photographer from Sydney, Australia. With a strong curiosity, he never manages to stay in one place for too long. To keep up to date with his current travels you can follow his personal travel blog at themostalive.com and on twitter @themostalive.

Costa Brava Hot Air Balloon

Posted on 1 April 2013 by Sara Marti

Soaring over extinct volcanoes

Everyone should go up in a hot air balloon at least once in their lifetime. Let us at Charming Villas Catalonia help you plan your Costa Brava hot air balloon trip.

The Catalan Pyrenees — The snow capped Pyrenees

If you are looking for unique activities while in the Costa Brava there can be few better than taking a Hot Air Balloon ride. There’s various balloon companies to choose from in the Girona province. For us, flying over the extinct volcanic region Garrotxa sounded exciting. The interesting mix of volcanoes, oak forest and medieval villages plus the stunning snow capped Pyrenees in the distance was a winner for us.

Extinct volcanoes — The extinct volcanoes Croscat and Santa Margarita in the Garrotxa region.

Costa Brava hot air balloon companies

We flew with Vol de Coloms who have great modern installations between Olot and Santa Pau. Another local company who fly over the Emporda region, closer to the Costa Brava are Globus Emporda.

It is early morning and there’s a sweet feeling of anticipation as the balloons are being prepared. Adrenaline starts to surge once you are asked to get into the basket. You lift silently up into the clouds and are quickly welcomed by some spectacular bird’s eye views of the surrounding landscape.

Mas de la Roureda — Mas de La Roureda, one of Charming Villas properties

Typically a flight lasts for 1.5 hours and although the wind can never be guaranteed, a common landing zone is around the picturesque medieval village of Besalu. Whilst airborne everybody is offered a glass of Cava and a type of local biscuit. With so many interesting things to look at this was an experience never to forget.

Upon returning to the installations close to Santa Pau everyone is treated to a typical Catalan breakfast of Pa amb tomaquet, cheeses, cured meats and wine. If you only take one Hot Air Balloon ride in your life make it over the Garrotxa region with Vol de Coloms.

Planning a hot air balloon excursion

At Charming Villas Catalonia we are based locally and offer a free concierge service to all our clients. We know the area very well and take great pleasure in sharing our favorite places with our clients. Apart from hot air balloon trips we can help plan a whole host of other local activities. We can help plan day trip itineraries and give you suggestions of some off the beaten track restaurants. Lunch on a pier with fishermen? No problem, we can arrange that!

Luxury vacation homes Girona

Browse our selection of upmarket and hand picked vacation homes on the Costa Brava and Girona. Let us help you with the villa selection process – we know all our homes intimately.