Costa Brava Destination Guide

Overview of Costa Brava The ruggedly beautiful Costa Brava holiday coast stretches for 100 miles (160km), along the shores of Catalonia in Spain's northeastern corner, from Port Bou on the Franco-Spanish border to Tossa del Mar, just north of Barcelona. The coast is filled with high-rise resort developments and modern marinas catering to package tourists, but retains enough green hillsides and lonely, wild cliffs, coves, and caves to belie its reputation as one of Europe's busiest holiday destinations. Holidaymakers revel in the hidden delights of the craggy coastline, many venturing out in boats to discover deserted coves scented with pine and citrus trees, fragrant herbs, and bright flowers. Popular resorts and marinas lie in close proximity to relatively unspoilt fishing villages and towns. Along with some old castles and fortifications, these resorts are evidence of the area's rich history. Offshore divers revel in the abundance of wrecks to explore in the crystalline waters, while seemingly endless sunshine pours down on stretches of sandy or shingle beach. The undeveloped natural areas and fishing industry have also resulted in making a holiday here a gastronomic treat. Seafood reigns supreme, from sardines to delicious lobster, but specialities also include local wild game, like boar, duck, and rabbit, which can all be washed down with a variety of wines produced from the vineyards that clothe the hillsides.

Key Facts

Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely understood in areas frequented by tourists. Catalan, Galician and Basque are spoken in the relevant areas. Passport/Visa: The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, allowing the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. Non-EU nationals must hold a return or onward ticket, all necessary documents for onward travel and sufficient funds. For travel to Spain, sufficient funds is defined as EUR 62.40 per day of stay, with a minimum of EUR 561.60 or equivalent in other freely convertible currency. Visitors to Spain also require an invitation letter or confirmation of accommodation. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after the intended date of departure from Spain. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Currency: Spain's official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money. Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

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Travel to Costa Brava Health Notes when travelling to Spain There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Medical facilities are good in Spain, but comprehensive travel insurance is always advised. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing emergency health care for EU travellers on the same terms as Spanish nationals. EU travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note that the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is still advised. Travellers should take any medication they require along with them, in its original packaging and accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what it is and why it is needed. Safety Notes when travelling to Spain Most visits to Spain are trouble-free, except for occasional street crime, which is common in the big cities; travellers are advised to take precautions to avoid theft of passports, credit cards, travel documents and money. Crime is usually petty and violent assault is rare. Be wary of strangers offering or asking for help of any kind, as it is often a distraction for accomplices. There are also scams involving letters for outstanding traffic fines or Spanish lottery winnings. If travellers exercise all the normal precautions they should have a trouble-free holiday in Spain. Customs in Spain Smoking in public places is banned and stiff fines will be imposed for smoking in areas such as enclosed public spaces, areas where food is prepared and sold, public transport, non-smoking areas of bars and restaurants, and any places that cater for children. Drinking alcohol in the streets of Madrid and the streets of the Canary and Balearic Islands is illegal. Duty Free in Spain If tax was included in the purchase price, travellers form EU countries are allowed the following items duty free: €300 (by land) or €430 (by air) gifts/souvenirs; 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg tobacco; 110 litres beer; 90 litres wine; and 10 litres spirit. Travellers from non-EU countries may have 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre spirits, 4 litres wine, and 16 litres beer. Doing Business in Spain The business culture in Spain is slowly shifting. But for now, it's entrenched in tradition and it can take some time for you to gain a foothold in the Spanish working world. It is important never to undermine authority, with hierarchy central to Spain's business world. Managers often tend to make decisions without considering input from their colleagues. A strong emphasis is placed on social status, character attributes, and personal pride. Success is often hinged upon being well-dressed, honourable, and dignified, while also exhibiting great social skills. Business meetings are generally conducted face-to-face and can go on for long periods, as Spaniards prefer long deliberations in order to avoid uncertainty in corporate dealings. Business meetings in Spain tend to tread a fine line being personal and formal. Conducting business in Spain can entail navigation through a lot of red tape and bureaucracy. Spanish is the language of business, but some of the larger multinationals conduct meetings in both English and Spanish. Business hours are often quite varied, but generally open by 9am and close in the mid-evening with a two-hour lunch break during the early afternoon. Business attire is quite conservative with dark or linen suits, with shirts and silk ties for men. Women should wear modest dresses or tailored suits. Brand names or labels attract affirmation from colleagues and associates. After the conclusion of successful negotiations, gifts are appropriate. Gifts should be of high quality and when receiving a gift, open it in front of the giver. Business cards are important and should be bilingual. Meetings are best scheduled for mid-morning, in which establishing a formal yet personable environment is important before beginning. Meetings often occur over lunches and dinners and may be characterised by several speakers. Communication in Spain The international access code for Spain is +34. Mobile phone operators provide throughout the country and the Balearic and Canary Islands. Internet access is available at internet cafes in most towns and resorts, and wifi is increasingly easily available.

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Tipping in Spain Hotel and restaurant bills usually include service charges, but additional tips are welcomed for services rendered. In established restaurants, tips of about 10 percent are expected. In Mallorca, value added tax is usually included in restaurant bills, designated IVA, and may be mistaken for a service charge. Drivers of metered taxis expect small tips and it is customary to tip about 5 to 10 percent for most services, including guides. Passport/Visa Note The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, allowing the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. Non-EU nationals must hold a return or onward ticket, all necessary documents for onward travel and sufficient funds. For travel to Spain, sufficient funds is defined as EUR 62.40 per day of stay, with a minimum of EUR 561.60 or equivalent in other freely convertible currency. Visitors to Spain also require an invitation letter or confirmation of accommodation. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after the intended date of departure from Spain. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

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Attractions in Costa Brava The allure of the Costa Brava is the combination of crowded, manicured resorts, and rugged unspoilt coastline, offering tourists the best of both worlds: great amenities and luxury, as well as natural beauty. There are a number of Blue Flag beaches along the Costa Brava, and also some secluded, rocky coves. The glorious beaches, in combination with the renowned food and restaurant scene, makes the Costa Brava ideal for resort holidays, and the most popular destinations include Roses, Lloret de Mar and Blanes. Tossa de Mar, a smaller, more authentic coastal resort village, is also a delight, and the bigger centres of Girona and Banyoles offer many attractions. There are some wonderful coastal walks and numerous golf courses to enjoy in Costa Brava, as well as many fun water sports. There is also some quality cultural and historical sightseeing for those interested, including some impressive Roman and Iberian archaeological sites. The famous archaeological site of Empuries, a Greco-Roman site with extensive ruins, is the highlight for many visitors. The nearby medieval village of Sant Marti d'Empuries is also lovely to explore. Lastly, Costa Brava is Dali country and there are three museums to visit for fans of the artist, including the fascinating Salvador Dali Museum House near Cadaques.

Girona Opening time: Tourist office: Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm, and on Saturday from 8am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm. In July and August the office is also open on Sundays, from 9am to 2pm The city of Girona, on the route from the Pyrenees to Barcelona, is one of the most important historical sites in Spain, founded by the Romans and later turned into a Moorish stronghold. Sitting astride the confluence of the Onyar and Ter rivers, this quaint medieval city attracts hordes of tourists from the Costa Brava resorts and Barcelona. All are lured by the experience of walking through the old quarter, the Call, with its narrow alleyways and ancient stone houses. Inside the ancient walls are such gems as the 12th-century Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants and the 14th-century cathedral built in the Catalonian Baroque style. The cathedral can be accessed by climbing up 90 steps. It includes a museum containing art works and rare manuscripts. Also of particular interest are the restored 12th-century Arab baths with their central octagonal pool, and the fascinating Jewish quarter where, between the 9th and 15th centuries, the culture and religion flourished on the narrow, steep streets. The arcaded promenade, the Rambla de la Llibertat, is lined with delightful cafes and shops selling souvenirs, crafts, antiques, and curiosities. In addition, the city is well supplied with museums and galleries. Address: Tourist office: Joan Maragall, 2 Telephone: Tourist office: +34 972 010 001 Website: http://www.girona.cat Email Address: [email protected]

Salvador Dali Museum House Opening time: Open daily but opening times vary according to season and day. Entry to the museum must be reserved in advance as numbers inside are limited. Admission: €12 (general); €8 (reduced); children under 9 free. The busy fishing village of Cadaques draws plenty of visitors, but they do not come for the local beach, which is rather narrow and stony. Rather, the resort town's attractions are its picturesque natural harbour, some excellent restaurants, numerous galleries, fashion, and art and craft shops, and the former home-turned-museum of world-renowned surrealist painter, Salvador Dali, situated in nearby Portlligat Bay. Dali's bizarre home consists of a labyrinthine cluster of fishermen's huts, added to the original building in various stages by the artist over a period of 40 years. Visitors must reserve a time for entry in advance as only about eight people are allowed in the museum at a time. You can book via the website, by phone, or by email and must arrive at the museum to collect your tickets at least half an hour before your appointed entry time. Touching any of the art is strictly forbidden. Despite how strict this all sounds, the staff are very friendly and the limited admission makes the experience more intimate and rewarding. Tours are not guided and the house is remarkable, as one would expect from Dali. The house is very prettily located and there are lovely sea views from some of the windows. Getting there: Train to Llanca or Figueres station. It is possible to walk to Portlligat from Llanca station, or to take the bus from Figueres. Address: Portlligat, Cadeques.

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Telephone: +34 972 251 015 Website: https://www.salvador-dali.org/en/ Email Address: [email protected]

The Medes Islands Situated scarcely a mile from the beach of the popular resort town of L'Estartit on the Costa Brava, the protected Medes Islands are seen as heaven for divers. It may not look like much above water, but the craggy little archipelago of seven islets and a few reefs form one of the most important and rich marine reserves in the Mediterranean. Meda Gran, the largest of the islands, is the only one of considerable size, and there is a 10th-century lighthouse on it. Most of the islands are just rocky outcrops jutting out of the sea, with little vegetation. However, the magic happens underwater: millions of fish and thousands of animal and plant species inhabit the shallows, crevices, and submarine caves at the base of the island cliffs, and are a delight to behold for divers of all levels of experience, whether splashing with a snorkel or descending to the depths in scuba gear. Visitors can take glass-bottomed boat trips around the islands, departing hourly in season from L'Estartit, or arrange a fully equipped diving trip through one of the numerous tourist diving centres in the resort town.

Banyoles Just north of Girona, the historic lakeside town of Banyoles is well known for hosting international rowing events. But it is also a fun, attractive, and interesting place to visit and perhaps work off some energy in a pedal-boat or on a bicycle. The bright blue lake itself is the only one in the world fed by two merging subterranean rivers. There are numerous options available to those wanting to take to the water, from a swimming dock to cruises or hire boats, and a grassy bank for sunbathers or a network of shady footpaths for those who prefer the shore. The town of Banyoles dates from 812, having developed around a Benedictine monastery. Its old section is full of fascinating ancient buildings, including the Sant Esteve de Banyoles Monastery, the Gothic Church of Santa Maria dels Turers, and the Gothic palace called the Pia Almoina. The natural history and archaeological museums are worth visiting, and all are centred around a lovely arcaded square where a traditional market has been held every Wednesday since medieval times. Address: Tourist Office: 25 Passeig de la Industria. Telephone: Tourist Office: +34 972 575 573 Website: http://www.spain.info/en/que-quieres/ciudades-pueblos/otros-destinos/banyoles.html

Garrotxa Nature Reserve Visiting the dormant volcanoes is not one of the typical things to do in Spain. Yet they offer stunning scenery and a one-of-a-kind experience. Sandwiched between the Pyrenees and Costa Brava, the region of Garrotxa is home to a multitude of prehistoric volcanoes as well as many castles and country houses. Visitors wanting to experience more of Spain than the quintessential beach and city breaks should head to Garrotxa Nature Reserve, just outside of Girona, to experience a land of amazing and rugged landscapes, fire, and ash. The reserve showcases the best of rural tourism in Spain and is perfect for enthusiastic hikers. The volcanoes in this area formed over 11,000 years ago and the region is unique to Europe. Visitors can walk, hike, or horse ride along any number of tracks and trails in the reserve and enjoy a land of stark contrasts. There are also hot air balloon rides available in the reserve, which is a very exciting way to experience the beauty of the region. Some chefs in Garrotxa create what they call 'volcanic cuisine', trying to express the landscape through food, and Michelin-starred restaurants like Les Cols are the perfect place to sample these interesting meals. Telephone: +34 972 266 012 Website: http://www.turismegarrotxa.com/_es.html Email Address: [email protected]

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Airports in Costa Brava Girona Airport (GRO) Girona Costa Brava Airport www.aena.es Location: Costa Brava 7.5 miles (12km) from Girona Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between March and October). Contacts: +34 91 321 10 00 Getting to the city: There are regular buses to a number of local destinations, including Girona, Barcelona, Costa Brava South, and Andorra. Car rental: There are several car hire agencies based at Girona Airport, including Avis, Atesa, Europcar, Goldcar, and AurigaCrown. Airport Taxis: There is a taxi stand outside the terminal. Facilities: The terminal has restaurants, duty-free shops, several banks, tour operator offices, a postbox and police office. Parking: There is indoor parking located near the terminal. Departure Tax: None

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Currency Spain's official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.

Exchange rate for 1 EUR - Euro 1.12 BMD 1.12 USD 0.77 GBP 121.65 JPY 1.46 CAD 1.10 CHF Bermudan Dollar U.S. Dollar U.K. Pound Sterling Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc 1.54 AUD 28.05 UAH 377.26 KZT 1,682.21 LBP 0.80 LYD 7.66 BOB Australian Dollar Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar Bolivian Boliviano 120.52 NPR 0.43 OMR 4.07 QAR 1.54 SGD 9.26 SEK 7.41 TTD Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona Trinidad Tobago Dollar 11.15 VEF 51.20 DOP 7.51 HRK 20.82 MXN 654.97 XOF 3.54 PGK Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc Papua New Guinean kina 1.12 BSD 2.36 FJD 25.29 HNL 123.47 DZD 1,330.84 MMK 12.50 BWP Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat Botswana Pula 3.76 PEN 774.75 CLP 534.10 AMD 27.00 CZK 22.32 MDL 138.84 ISK Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei Icelandic Krona 3,282.94 UZS 4.31 ILS 0.79 JOD 0.34 KWD 35.02 UYU 39.68 MUR Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso Mauritian Rupee 31.85 NIO 9.32 NOK 4.38 PLN 4.19 SAR 163.12 LKR 39.79 THB Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee Thai Baht 4.10 AED 4.02 BRL 4.52 RON 8.68 HKD 656.46 XAF 25,106.99 VND U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc Vietnamese Dong 15.58 ARS 3.01 XCD 8.75 GTQ 10.92 MAD 0.42 BHD 1.12 PAB Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar Panamanian Balboa 1.67 AZN 3,482.98 COP 76.30 KGS 312.53 HUF 8.79 TJS 15,285.70 IDR Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble Indonesian Rupiah 9.92 EGP 1,330.60 KRW 6,333.44 PYG 4.65 MYR 601.85 CRC 1.64 NZD Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón New Zealand Dollar 117.01 PKR 74.62 RUB 17.43 ZAR 2.37 TND 2.23 BBD 1.96 BGN Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble South African Rand Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar Bulgarian Lev 3.30 TRY 52.08 PHP 36.44 TWD 219.51 NGN 119.70 XPF 4.37 GHS Turkish Lira Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc Ghanaian Cedi 139.55 JMD 2.01 ANG 1.54 BND 123.51 RSD 7.35 CNY 22,229.06 BYR Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Chinese Yuan Belarussian Ruble 7.43 DKK 3.84 TMT 75.14 INR

Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat Indian Rupee

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Lloret de Mar Overview

The historic buildings may have given way to high-rise hotels, and fishing to foam parties, in this former Catalonian trading port, but the region's fiery spirit is still evident, which is why Lloret de Mar is regarded as the liveliest holiday spot on the Costa Brava. As a resort, the town caters mainly for the 18 to 30 age group but is also popular with families with older children. There are seemingly hundreds of British bars, discos and clubs to choose from, and the days are packed with programmes of beach frolics and fun. The resort has five rough sandy beaches, a massive water park, an aquatic zoo and a theme park. For a taste of the real Spain visitors can revel in the local cuisine or gather in the town's Placa de la Vila on Saturday evenings to join in when locals dance the traditional Catalonian Sardana dance.

Shopping in Lloret de Mar

There are a multitude of shops and markets to choose from in Lloret de Mar, and plenty of time for holidaymakers to browse, provided they can bear to leave the beach. The main shopping enclaves, from malls to small kiosks, are centred in the streets behind the waterfront. Wares tend to be touristy items, from souvenirs to bathing suits, and prices are generally reasonable although quality may be lacking. Some of the smaller shops close in the early afternoon hours and on Sundays, but in general visitors can shop happily from around 9am until late at night any day of the week during the busy summer season. The traditional local market is held every Tuesday on the Carrer dels Mestres, and there is a municipal market every weekday in the Carrer Senia del Rabic and Carrer Verge de Loreto.

Dining in Lloret de Mar

There is a wide variety of cuisine available in a plethora of restaurants and fast-food outlets at Lloret de Mar, from the best of British to traditional tapas, at very reasonable prices and generally good quality. Favourites with holiday-makers are strawberries and cream, Sangria (fruited sparkling wine) and delicious dishes of paella (seafood risotto). Many of the local restaurants in the old town offer a 'menu of the day' deal including two courses, dessert, bread and even wine for a few Euros. There are also Tex-Mex, Chinese and various other flavours to indulge in.

Activities in Lloret de Mar

The nightlife in the holiday resort of Lloret de Mar is exhilarating, with its hundreds of bars and 30-odd nightclubs pulsating all night, particularly along the Avinguda Just Marles I Vilarrodona strip of the old town. Night owls who stroll along here in the late evening are accosted by touts offering free tickets and drinks vouchers for the clubs, and partying here can be as cheap as it is lively. Among the more popular clubs and pubs are Bumpers, renowned for its Caribbean cocktails and glass dance floor; Moby's, where karaoke is the popular entertainment; and Tropics, the biggest and best nightclub in town where guest DJs rock the night with a mix of house, rock and trance music enhanced with laser lights and foam. Families opt for friendly 'home-style' pubs in the suburb of Fenals, where kids are entertained and the favourite English soap operas are screened.

Things to be aware of in Lloret de Mar

The beach is comparatively small and becomes very over-crowded in the height of the season.

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Tossa de Mar Overview

Once a haven for writers and artists, Tossa de Mar is now a favourite holiday destination for families and couples. People from all walks of life are drawn to this attractive town on the Costa Brava to eat, drink, and relax. Tossa de Mar's picturesque cobbled old town, the medieval Vila Vella, is highly atmospheric, enabling this resort to retain its historic atmosphere and authentic feel. An ancient Roman fortress overlooks the bay, providing gorgeous views. The sandy beaches are beautiful and the town's position allows for easy access to other coastal resorts and the scenic hinterland. Although well supplied with shops, bars, and restaurants, Tossa de Mar is not ideal for all-night partying and there is no nightclub scene. However, Barcelona is only 56 miles (90km) away and an ideal destination for those wanting to experience the energetic Spanish nightlife.

Shopping in Tossa de Mar

Shopping in Tossa de Mar offers a selection of Spanish souvenirs, including ceramics, leather goods, and clothing. Most shops are open from 10am to 8pm, closing briefly for siesta in the afternoons. For true bargain hunters, the duty-free shopping of Andorra is only an hour away by car, and the wonders of Barcelona are also easily reached.

Dining in Tossa de Mar

The prices at restaurants in Tossa de Mar tend to go up the closer you get to the beach. With over 300 places to eat in Tossa de Mar, there are a range of cuisines to choose from, including tapas, traditional Spanish cuisine, and various international offerings. Tursia, La Luna, Restaurant Pizzeria Bar Lluis, and L'Ajustada all come highly recommended in Tossa de Mar for good food.

Activities in Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar doesn't have a wild nightlife culture for young singles; however, there are plenty of bars and restaurants for a more relaxed night out. Many restaurants host live music and stay open past midnight during the summer tourist season. Bars like Ardilla or Tahiti are good venues to find Spanish music like rumba or flamenco, and Trinquet is the place to go for acid jazz. Other places like Chaplin's and The Mediterraneo are popular with British tourists.

Things to be aware of in Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar's popularity in summer means it can be extremely hard to find accommodation unless booked well in advance. During low season it can be very quiet, with not much of a nightlife.

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Roses Overview

The largest holiday resort town on the north of the Costa Brava is the busy, crowded port of Roses, thought to have been founded by the ancient Greeks but sporting few remnants today of its long history besides a crumbling citadel and sections of city wall. Instead the harbour town, where once a handful of British sailors repulsed an attack by Napoleon, is now a mass of typical high-rise resort developments, rising in tiers from a busy harbour and a few miles of man-made sandy beach, abuzz with holidaymakers indulging in all kinds of water sports. There is an aquatic park, go-karts, numerous take-away and fast food restaurants, scuba centres, cruises from the harbour and many more tourist amenities. The town is the only beach resort in the region that faces west, making it famous for its sunsets over the Gulf of Roses. Roses is a large and popular resort with an energetic nightlife, some good restaurants and many beautiful beaches nearby. It is suitable for relaxed family holidays and popular with the 18 to 30 age group in search of sun, sand and a party.

Shopping in Roses

Most of the shops in Roses are concentrated near the beachfront area. There are a few good markets around the town centre selling locally made holiday souvenirs such as jewellery, leather goods, and fabric. The best market is held in Roses every Sunday. Although not considered a shopper's paradise, Roses certainly provides everything holidaymakers may need on a resort holiday.

Dining in Roses

For many years Roses was famous for the celebrated El Bulli restaurant, generally considered one of the best restaurants in the world, but it has sadly closed. There are, however, still a number of good restaurants in Roses, which has a reputation as one of the better resorts as far as eating out is concerned. There are several traditional eateries serving excellent local Catalan cuisine; try the suquet de peix, a stew made from fresh fish and shellfish. The area around Xines Mulan has a range of cuisine from Mexican to Chinese food, and some steak houses.

Activities in Roses

Roses' nightlife is bustling, with every option from live flamenco music to thumping house clubs. New Orleans, in Avenida Clot dels Franquets Nord, is home to the most clubs, and popular venues include Octopussy, Picasso, and Chic. Roses hosts regular fiestas and festivals, on almost a monthly basis. The resort can be noisy at night due to all the revelry, but those wanting a quieter holiday can get accommodation a little further out from the central party hub.

Things to be aware of in Roses

Some neighbouring beaches are nudist beaches and families travelling with children should take this into account before booking a holiday.

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Blanes Overview

The most southerly holiday resort on the Costa Brava, Blanes not only attracts international tourists but is also frequented by large numbers of Spanish holidaymakers. Like many Spanish coastal resorts Blanes has grown from a picturesque fishing village into a tourist boomtown. The resort has a two-mile (3km) long stretch of coastline offering sandy bays and rocky coves. The main beachfront is lined with high-rise hotels and apartment blocks, but the historic centre of the town remains charmingly well-preserved, making Blanes a refreshing combination of commercial development and authentic Spanish culture. The alleyways of the old town reveal numerous shops, restaurants and cafes, and reminders of its past include the medieval castle of St Joan, several churches and some other ancient buildings, which attract hundreds of holidaymakers each year. The pride of the town are the two renowned botanical gardens, which boast thousands of plant species. Blanes also offers traditional street markets, several fiestas and folk dancing fairs. It is a testament to its abiding charm that it attracts locals as well as foreign visitors.

Shopping in Blanes

There are more than 700 shops in Blanes, from boutiques and supermarkets to small, traditional retailers. The Monday morning market at Passeig de Mar is the best place to buy souvenirs and various cheap clothing. Every afternoon, local fishermen sell off the day's catch here. The daily Municipal Market in Mas Enlaire is also worth a look for groceries and fresh produce. Blanes offers a variety of shopping opportunities and provides everything visitors may need.

Dining in Blanes

There are more than 150 restaurants in Blanes, many located along the promenade. Locals tend to frequent the smaller eateries behind the promenade for authentic Spanish fare. Try the tapas at Café Terrassan near the corner of Passeig de Dintre - widely considered the best in town. In general, fresh seafood is the best bet to order, as are local Catalan dishes. There is also plenty of international food on offer though.

Activities in Blanes

Although Blanes is not known for its nightlife, there are several British-themed pubs and some decent bars that stay open till late, especially in the summer months. For quality nightlife visitors should head up the coast to Lloret. That being said, at the end of July each year Blanes hosts the Costa Brava International Fireworks Contest, when the seaside town comes alive with fiestas lasting late into the night.

Things to be aware of in Blanes

On peak summer days the beach and promenade gets very crowded.

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