travel edited by Moira Hannon

10 sizzling reasons to visit Palafrugell in , by Moira Hannon

costa PEARL OF THE COAST: on the

living! travel news pearl in the middle of Costa botanical species while the later include arròs negre (black rice n It has been a very long winter, but finally Brava, the city of Palafrugell has a lighthouse and a 15th sauté, not with squid ink) and spring is upon us, with warmer days and includes the picturesque century watchtower and suquet de peix (fish stew). brighter evenings putting us in the mood for beachside towns of Calella de hermitage. a seasonal break. Palafrugell, and Getting there Shopping And the stunning Lough Erne Resort in .A WATERSPORTS There’s a market in Ryanair has daily flights from Co Fermanagh has some tempting packages A short transfer from or Take a boat excursion Dublin to (only 45km from Palafrugell city centre for a family break or a luxurious getaway Girona airports, here are 10 reasons why or rent it and drive it Palafrugell) and Barcelona (120km selling fish, meat, fruits for two. this slice of Costa paradise should be top yourself, take a kayak away). Air Lingus flies daily to and vegetables every Lough Erne is renowned as one of the of your destination wish list... or a paddle surf and Barcelona. There are direct buses to day except Monday. North’s finest five-star hotels and the latest reach the unspoiled Palafrugell from both terminals at On Sunday the midweek offerings — Fermanagh Down Mediterranean weather spots, snorkel from the Barcelona. In Girona, get a bus market triples its size to Under, which includes a complimentary tour Hot summers, warm autumns and sand itself or scuba dive to the city centre and then sell other products, from of Marble Arch Caves, and Cruise Through another bus to Palafrugell. springs and mild winters. If you want to to discover our sea land. clothes to gadgets. Spring, designed to get you out on the lakes See www.sarfa.es avoid the peak holiday season (July and Many companies offer these — have certainly peaked our interest. August) when it may be too hot for your services on the beach. WHAT’S HAPPENING? Both packages include a one-night taste, September and October or May and Every month there’s a special stay from Sunday to Thursday from June are the best months to visit TAKE A HIKE event in Palafrugell, mainly music £129/€149pps and include breakfast, access Palafrugell and its beaches. There are several networks festivals but also gastronomic campaigns. to the Infinity Pool at the Thai Spa and With an average of trails designed to be Jazz, habaneras (traditional music from access to the Collop Walk on the resort temperature of 24°C done on foot or by bike. the fishermen), modern music, gigs on the grounds. and only three rainy Follow the coastline streets, sports meetings… See www.lougherneresort.com for more. days per month, on foot through Check what’s going on when you decide it’s got the FUN IN THE the GR92 coastal to visit! n Brittany Ferries is currently celebrating perfect climate. SUN: A rock path or “camí de its 40-year association with Ireland — the pool on the ronda” among Cultural sites company’s first sailing was from Cork to Crystal coast at Begur pine trees, Palafrugell has a large number of France way back in 1978. water coves and huts. cultural spaces to show the town’s cultural And Brittany is showing no sign of slowing beaches There are history. down as the anniversary also coincides with Palafrugell’s easy routes for The Cork Museum, the Contemporary the launch of the first ever Ireland to Spain coast is made beginners or Sculptures Museum or a painter’s ferry service, with a route from Cork to up by rocks, people simply workshop are just a few examples or the Santander. cliffs, small wanting to great cultural offer in town. The inaugural Cork to Santander crossing beaches and enjoy the ride There’s a combined ticket called will take place on Monday, April 30. e hidden corners and also difficult Palafrugell+ to visit them all for only 8. Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany of scenic beauty. routes for the Ferries, said: “The new route is already Expect coarse bravest. FURTHER AFIELD attracting a great deal of attention. sand and rocks and You didn’t come all this way to only “Of course, not alone does the new you can often swim Fabulous food visit Palafrugell area — so keep a couple service open up a Spanish link to Ireland from one beach to the The gastronomy of of days to visit the neighbour towns. but, our new Cork-Santander service will other. Palafrugell is very rich and Medieval or beautiful Begur are just deliver an additional weekly return-sailing varied. 9km from Palafrugell and are really worth from Cork to Roscoff, adding much needed NATURE AT ITS BEST You’ll find both traditional dishes and a visit. capacity to our existing line to France.” Both Cap Roig botanical gardens and the most avant-garde cuisine on the menus See www.brittanyferries.ie/holidays or call Sant Sebastià hill offer stunning views. of local restaurants, all prepared with For more information check out www. 021 427 7801 for more. The former has over 1,000 different top-quality products. The must-try foods visitpalafrugell.cat n

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