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.

Cala Guillola, Cadaques

Posted on 3 February 2013 by Richard Calvin

Cala Guillola, Cap de Creus Cadaques

If hidden little coves and bays are your thing then look no further than Cala Guillola, roughly half way between Cadaques and Cap de Creus.

It can be a little difficult to find (you won’t see any signs pointing you where to go) and a little difficult actually getting there but your efforts will well be worth it.

We chanced upon the cove on a bright and fresh January morning with no other people in sight. Talk about idyllic, the temptation to try out the crystal clear water was very strong but the fact that we were in the middle of winter ensured sanity prevailed.

The area around Cadaques and the Cap de Creus peninsula is dotted with little coves like this. Check out another blog post which lists all of the many coves and bays in the area; The beaches and coves of Cadaques. Or check out the local Visit Cadaques website which has plenty of local information.

Cadaques vacation homes

At Charming Villas Catalonia we offer our clients a selection of the best properties on the rental market in Cadaques. Browse our portfolio of Cadaques vacation rentals and holiday villas for rent in Cadaques.

Locally based we can help our clients plan activities and extra services. Fancy a lunch with fishermen on the pier at Portlligat? Take a Costa Brava hot air balloon trip or sail around the Cap de Creus? We can help plan all these and many more.

Aiguablava beach Begur

Posted on 3 February 2013 by Richard Calvin

The beaches of Begur

One of the prettiest beaches along the whole Costa Brava, Aiguablava beach Begur is a popular beach for holiday makers and locals alike.

The beach of AiguaBlava, Begur — AiguaBlava, Begur

At around 150m in length Aiguablava (Blue Water in Catalan) can become pretty crowded during the peak months of July and August. For this reason it is best to get there early to claim your spot!

Aiguablava beach, Begur — Aiguablava, Begur, Costa Brava

The beach of Aiguablava

One of our favourite beaches, Aiguablava is in our list of favorite beaches on the Costa Brava.

Aiguablava Costa Brava — The empty beach of Aiguablava close to Begur

Not as commercialized as nearby larger beaches such as Tamariu, Aiguablaba does however have a couple of decent restaurants. Toc al Mar is a restaurant located right on the water overlooking Aiguablava. Their specialty dishes are paellas and other rice dishes.

The photographs posted here were taken on a slightly overcast and windy February day.

Aiguablava vacation villas

At Charming Villas Catalonia we have a good selection of luxury Aiguablava holiday villas to choose from. Browse our portfolio of vacation rentals in Aiguablava and Begur.

Locally based we offer a free concierge service to all our customers. We love to help our clients make the most of their time while in the region and take great pleasure in helping arrange all kinds of activities and extra services.

Please contact us – we would be delighted to hear from you.

The beaches of Begur

Posted on 26 January 2013 by Richard Calvin

Begur and it’s beaches are far from the tacky image of all day breakfasts and mass package tourism that many people may have of the Costa Brava. This family orientated region has some of the prettiest pine clad beaches and clearest waters in the whole of the Catalan coastline.

Begur has long been a favorite summer destination for Spanish and Catalan people, especially from Barcelona, many of whom own a second home in the area.

What are the beaches of Begur?

Begur has eight beaches starting with Platja del Raco to the north of the town. With great views of the Medes Islands this is a long beach which eventually merges into the beach of Pals. Just down from Platja del Raco is the beautiful Illa Roja, a famous nudist beach. Sa Riera, Begur’s largest beach is next in line and is one of our personal favourites. A good sized beach which although does get quite busy in peak season. It retains a pleasant, intimate air to it with a handful of decent restaurants a stones’ throw from the beach.

To the East of Begur you find the bays of Auigafreda and Sa Tuna. Not as big and sandy as Sa Riera these are charming and atmospheric nonetheless and are great for people who prefer smaller, quieter beaches.

To the south of Begur you find the beaches of Platja Fonda, Fornells and Auigablava. Platja Fonda is one of the wildest and most unspoilt beaches you can find on the Costa Brava and the best in this region for sunbathing. Accessed by a series of steps this really is one of the gems of the area.

Fornells and Aiguablava are the most southern beaches of the Begur region. Here you will also find the small secluded coves of Estasia, Malaret, Ses Orats and Port Esclanya.

More information about Begur and it’s beaches can be found at the official Visit Begur website.

Begur holiday villas

At Charming Villas Catalonia we offer a selection of hand picked luxury villas on the Costa Brava. Browse our portfolio of luxury Costa Brava vacation rentals and Barcelona beachfront homes. Locally based we offer a free concierge service to all of our clients.

The beaches and coves of Cadaques

Posted on 16 January 2013 by Richard Calvin

A comprehensive list of the beaches and coves of Cadaques

Situated within the Cap de Creus headland, the beaches of Cadaques and its surrounding area tend to be smaller, more intimate coves and bays. If it is long sandy beaches you are looking for then Cadaques is not for you.

The best beaches on the Costa Brava — Platja del Ros, Cadaques on the Costa Brava

Where is Cadaques?

Cadaques is located at the end of the Cap de Creus peninsula. Windswept, wild and unpopulated, Cadaques really is stuck out on it’s own. The feeling of detachment from the rest of the Costa Brava is one of the reasons which make Cadaques so unique.

A great place for swimming, the water quality in this region is probably the best of the whole Costa Brava.

Although not official nudist beaches, don’t be surprised to see nudists in some of the more secluded bays further from Cadaques especially in the Cap de Creus.

The best beaches of Cadaques?

We have a few favorite beaches such as Platja del Ros, of of the few sandy beaches close to the town of Cadaques. We also love Cala Sa Sabolla which is a fair old walk in the direction of the Far de Cala Nans. The walk itself is a pleasant 5Km stroll through nice countryside with lovely sea views. The beach itself is pebbles rather than sand but nonetheless a great place to spend a few hours.

Another hidden favorite of ours is Cala Guillola. This is located to the north of Cadaques in the direction of the other lighthouse of Cap de Creus. Small and intimate this cove is sheltered from the local Tramuntana wind.

More information about Cadaques and the surrounding area can be found at the official Visit Cadaques website.

In the following Google map you will find the location of all the local beaches of Cadaques.

Choosing where to stay on the Costa Brava

Posted on 14 January 2013 by Richard Calvin

First time on the Costa Brava?

For many Brits the mention of the Costa Brava can conjure up notions of tacky seaside resorts possibly something akin to Blackpool in the North of England. This couldn’t be further from the truth. This blog post is aimed at helping first time visitors choosing where to stay on the Costa Brava.

Port Lligat, Cadaques — The crystal blue waters of Cadaques

It is true that the Costa Brava was the first “Costa” to open up to mass tourism in the 50’s and 60’s. However because of the rugged nature of the Costa Brava (The Wild Coast) developers quickly moved further south in search of flatter, easier accessible land to build accommodation. So with perhaps the exception of Lloret de Mar and Platja d’ Aro you find largely untouched small towns and villages all down the Costa Brava coastline.

Begur and Cadaques

A very popular area is the area around Begur. You have various beaches to choose from and is very family orientated. Another popular town, and probably my favourite, is Cadaques. Cadaques is situated in the “Cap de Creus” national park and is somewhat isolated from the rest of the Costa Brava. This is the main reason why it has retained so much character and has not been spoilt by development.

Cadaques, Costa Brava — Cadaques on the Costa Brava

What I normally suggest to people is that Cadaques is perfect for those who want to stay put. If you like to explore other towns, villages and beaches then Cadaques is probably not for you. The road in and out is pretty narrow and winding and can be a lengthy journey. So if you go to Cadaques, plan on staying there and not travelling very far. Of course there are some beautiful little bays and coves close to Cadaques and along the Cap de Creus. Most are walkable or are a short journey by car but other towns are more of a trek. If you enjoy exploring other villages and beaches then I would suggest staying around the area of Begur or Tamariu.

Luxury vacation homes on the Costa Brava

At Charming Villas Catalonia we offer a wide selection of carefully chosen vacation rentals on the Costa Brava. We offer a free concierge service and can help our clients in choosing the best place to stay on the Costa Brava.

Costa Brava towns — Towns of the Costa Brava

If you are looking at a two week vacation and this is your first visit to the area then it may be a good idea to go with two different villas in two different areas. This way you will probably get to see more meaning that it will make your choice of where to return for future visits easier. And we are sure that once you discover the Costa Brava you will want to return time and again!

Further information about the Costa Brava can be found on the official Costa Brava website.

Torras Chocolate Banyoles

Posted on 13 January 2013 by Richard Calvin

We all love chocolate right? Hands up who watched “Charlie and the Chocolate factory” in their youth and since have dreamed of visiting a real life chocolate factory? Torras chocolates Banyoles allows this dream to come true.

Torras chocolate Banyoles

In the 50’s and 60’s Torras installed many ceramic advertising signs on the sides of houses in the Banyoles region. Many can still be seen to this day and the sign pictured is in the village of Orfes.

Founded in 1890 Torras is one of the biggest chocolate producers in Spain.

Sugar-free and organic chocolate

As well as the traditional regular chocolate, Torras chocolates Banyoles also produce a large range of sugar-free, gluten-free and organic chocolates. Their pioneering sugar-free organic range is a world first!

It is possible to arrange visits to see how chocolate is made and to taste some different varieties. There’s also an on-site shop which sells the full range of Torras chocolates. It is also possible to order on-line through the Torras website. Here is the contact information to arrange a visit:

Girona-Banyoles Road, Km 15

17844 – Cornellà de Terri – GIRONA Tel.: +34 972 58 10 00

Charming Villas Catalonia

At Charming Villas Catalonia we offer our clients a wide selection of luxury holiday villas on the Costa Brava. Let us guide you through the villa selection process from start to finish.

We offer a free concierge service to all our clients and can help arrange activities and extra services. Locally based our aim to make sure that our clients get the most out of their stay while in Catalonia. We can help arrange special day-trip itineraries and give suggestions of activities and things to see and do. We are here for you.

What to do in Cadaques

Posted on 12 January 2013 by Richard Calvin

Brief history of Cadaques.

One of the most sought after holiday destinations on the whole Catalan coastline, Cadaques has an undeniable charm and mystique which draws you back time after time.

Cadaques for the most part evaded the developers of the 1960’s and 70’s mainly because of it’s isolated location within the Cap de Creus national park right at the top of the Costa Brava. The developers were more interested in flat, easily accessible beachfront real estate to exploit so thankfully left the town alone. Cadaques has been around for centuries but the only road in and out of the town was built around 1908, meaning that up until then the only real access to the town was by boat. By all accounts some Cadaques residents had sailed to Cuba and North America but had never traveled inland to the nearby town of Figueres!

The beautiful coastal town of Cadaques

The Cap de Creus peninsula is the most eastern point of Spain. This means that it is also the first part of Spain to witness the sunrise. People from the region gather at the Cap de Creus lighthouse in the early morning of the 1st of January every year to welcome in the New Year with dancing and merriment!

The area has inspired many artists, most notably Salvador Dali who lived in the area. He venerated the elements of light and texture which inspired him throughout his lifetime.

Dali bought a bunch of fisherman’s shacks on the harbour of PortLligat which I guess you could call a suburb of Cadaques. He converted them into one abode and spent a great part of his life here. The house is now a museum which is open to the public.

Cadaques beach

Things to do in Cadaques

Staying in one of our Barcelona vacation rentals or one of our luxury Costa Brava villas in Begur or Tamariu? Charming Villas Catalonia can help put together a bespoke Cadaques day trip itinerary for you. We can arrange a driver to pick you up from your villa and take take you back in the evening. Set up a local guide to walk you through the ancient heart of the town exploring the cobbled streets, artists galleries and hidden corners.

Have a unique fisherman’s lunch on the pier at Portlligat or in one of the many good standard restaurants in the town. Try the famous Cadaques Taps – a sweet dessert cake made for generations from a secret recipe by the local bakery Pastisseria La Mallorquina. Take a refreshing smoothie or organic juice at Brown Sugar, one of the most authentic bars in Cadaques.

Visit the Dali museum, take a boat trip or a pleasant walk to the the lighthouse at Cala Nans or the hidden beach of Cala Guillola. Let us know your interests and we can help you plan a bespoke and memorable day out in Cadaques, our favourite coastal town on the Costa Brava.

A great way to spend a day or half a day is to take a boat trip around the Cap de Creus. The Sant Isidre is a classic Catalan fishing boat built in 1925 and which has a capacity for up to 35 people. You will visit isolated bays which are only accessible by boat and have the option of lunch onboard.

Where to eat in Cadaques?

Cadaques also has some great restaurants and too many to list here but here is a small sample:

Martin Faixo is a producer of some great local wines grown in the Cap de Creus and they also run the two very good restaurants Can Rafa and the Enoteca MF.

Compartir Cadaques . Opened in 2012 by three local chefs who worked at the world famous El Bulli, Compartir has quickly became one of Cadaques’s most popular restaurants.

MOS Cadaques is another new restaurant which opened its doors in 2012. Contemporary food from a Michelin starred chef.

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.

Pont de Llierca

Posted on 10 January 2013 by Richard Calvin

The Romanic bridge, Pont de Llierca

The “Pont de Llierca” is a beautiful three meter wide Romanic bridge which spans the river Llierca. The date of construction is unknown but the earliest mention is in the 14^thcentury where Sheppard’s were charged a fee to cross with their livestock.

The bridge is located just off the GIV-5231 between Montagut and Saderness in the region of La Garrotxa.

The Llierca has some deep pools which are often used by locals and holiday makers for swimming during the summer months.

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.