Costa Brava:
The Costa Brava (wild coast) is the most northerly
of the Spanish Mediterranean Costas and runs south from
the French border at Blanes to Barcelona . It includes
Catalunya ,Baix Emporda and Alt Emporda each of which
has distinctive features.
Against the blue ,green and navy blue of the sea there
is an exuberant contrast of the vegetation which reaches
down to the very edge of the sea or sometimes climbs
the steep cliffs which are studded with small bays.
Although a modern infrastructure and wide selection
of towns and villages have turned it into one of Spain
's most popular tourist areas there are many places
where time seems to have stood still.
The Pyrenees Mountains , which form the northern border
,provide a sharp contrast to the coast and hold many
small towns and villages which retain their authenticity
and appeal. During the winter they provide a popular
destination for skiing .
Climate
The climate on the Costa Brava is the most seasonal
of the Costas with temperatures a little below its southern
neighbours .Together with mild winters on the coast
the climate here is more similar to the South of France
than other hotter drier parts of Spain . Inland from
the coast the winters can be harsher especially towards
the mountains.
Transport
The airports at Girona and Barcelona have frequent
flights to and from the UK and other parts of Spain
. Perpignan , just over the French border, is also a
popular destination. The A7 toll motorway follows the
coast from the border right through the region and there
is also a good railway network.
Golf
It is little surprise that this area is rapidly becoming
the number one choice for an increasing number of golfers
.The region has recently been declared as the best emerging
golf destination in Spain by the International Association
for Golf Tour Operators . There are more than twenty
18 hole courses .
Less expensive than the crowded courses of the south
and offering a back drop ranging from the pine clad
beauty of the coast to the snow capped mountains of
the Pyrenees the Costa Brava offers some of the best
all year round golf facilities.
Excellent courses are to be found at Golf d'Aro,Mas
Nou,Pals,Emporda ,Girona ,Perelada and Santa Cristina.
Many courses are developing properties right on the
edge of the fairway giving lovely views and the convenience
of door- step golf.
Sports
The region boasts a wide variety of other sporting
activities and is famed for it sailing, surfing,diving,tennis
and horseriding. Many of the sports in the Barcelona
Olympic Games took place in purpose built facilities
which are now in general use.
Walking, mountaineering and skiing in the winter have
long been associated with the nearby Pyrenees and the
duty - free Province of Andorra is within driving distance.
Culture
For cultural and historic excursions you will find
a wealth of options from the Salvador Dali museum in
Figueres, the 13 th century town of Girona and the magnificent
hill top towns and villages such as Pals and Begur.
Like other parts of Spain there are many celebrations
and fiestas which usually revolve around music and dance.
The sardana dance is still carried on in the squares
on Saturday nights and is often accompanied by habaneras,
old fishermen's songs,with participation in both encouraged
.
Resorts
Coastal resorts range from small fishing towns such
as Cadaques and L'Escala which still retain their strong
Spanish characteristics to the established lively tourist
resorts of Lloret de Mar and Platja d'Aro.
Barcelona , whilst not literally part of the Costa
Brava is the most famous city and internationally renowned
for its culture and vibrant night life.
