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.

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.

Aiguamolls de l’Empordà

Posted on 4 January 2013 by Richard Calvin

Where are the Aiguamolls de l’Emporda?

The Aiguamolls de l’Empordà is a beautiful natural wetland area situated on the Costa Brava roughly between Sant Pere Pescador and Empuriabrava. With a total of 4800 hectares and over 300 species of bird this makes a great day out for nature lovers.

Walking through the Aiguamolls

Entry into the park is free but there is a car parking fee during the summer months. There’s various walking routes to choose from and at the visitor center you can buy route maps for around 30c. We went for a family day out recently and walked from the visitor center at “El Cortalet” to the southern boundary of the park towards Sant Pere Pescador. From here you can access the beach where we decided to walk back along in the direction of Empuriabrava. After a couple of km’s you pick up a track which heads back to El Cortalet making a nice circular route of approximately 5 or 6 km’s.
This stretch of beach is one of the least populated along the whole of the Costa Brava and is perfect for those who wish to escape the maddening crowd.

The full address of the Aiguamolls is:

Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l’Empordà
El Cortalet,
Ctra. De Sant Pere Pescador km 13,6
17486-Castelló d’Empúries
Tel. 972 45 42 22

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.