Villas and Holiday Rentals on the Costa Brava
Costa Brava region
You'll find a wealth of places to visit and things to do within easy reach of the Mansions of Serra Magra. In fact, the diversity of the Costa Brava can be overwhelming on your first visit to the region - but whether it be nightlife or relaxation you're looking for, you'll find it close at hand.
To get you started we suggest the following destinations.
Girona, historic capital of the region
Within half an hour you can be in the heart of Girona, historic capital of the region. Girona is a popular shopping destination and you'll find a wealth of shops and stalls selling everything from locally produced artisan products to the latest fashions in clothing and electronic gadgets. Those seeking a more cultural touch need only take a stroll through the winding medieval streets of the old Jewish quarter (one of the best preserved in the region), visit the cathedral or cross the River Onyar on a bridge designed by Eifel, famous for his tower in Paris.
Lloret de Mar, caipirinhas and ancient history
In high Summer Lloret de Mar is probably the busiest place on the Costa Brava, attracting young people from all over Europe with the staggering array of bars and clubs it has to offer. Enjoy a tropical cocktail in one of the many terraces on the main boulevard or visit the Casino to see if it's your lucky day. But Lloret has much more to offer those willing to look beyond the façade - explore the charming castle at the end of the terrace-lined main boulevard or lose yourself for an afternoon on one of the many signposted walking routes just outside the center (such as the wonderful coastal walk from Lloret de Mar to Blanes).
Blanes
If you like all things flora, Blanes is a must. There are two large botanical gardens in Blanes - Mar i Murtra and Pinya de Rosa. Mar i Murtra, just out of the city center and along the coast, is the most famous of the two and you can spend an entire day exploring and enjoying the beautiful flowers, plants and trees on show. The gardens at Pinya de Rosa comprise over 7000 plant species from aloes and agaves to yuccas and opuntias - plenty to keep you busy! Blanes also offers a wealth of architectural beauty, such as the church of Santa Maria and the Font Gòtica (the remains of an old Gothic fountain).
Tossa de Mar
North of Blanes is Tossa de Mar, the "blue paradise", as the French painter Marc Chagall called it. And he was right, because Tossa is a tantalizing mix of medieval watch-towers and walls, a golden sandy beach and a picturesque old town (Villa Vella). With its crystal clear water Tossa is a popular destination for scuba diving, but those who enjoy a relaxing promenade stroll and good food will also enjoy this traditional seaside town. While it can get busy on the beach in summertime, Tossa de Mar still retains an unspoilt character and offers a glimpse of the original Costa Brava ambience.
Sant Feliu de Guixols and Platja d'Aro, following the coast northwards
Those looking for a perfect drive should explore the coastal road heading north from Lloret de Mar to Sant Feliu and Platja d'Aro - the winding stretch between Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu is considered to be one of the most beautiful coastal routes in Spain and is a fine way to discover the delightful towns and villages dotted along the Costa Brava. The road (GI-682) has regular parking and picnic areas for those who want to take a break, enjoy the breathtaking view or stretch their legs. On a Sunday morning expect to find plenty of bikers on the road, enjoying the twists and turns. On a weekday, though, you'll find the route much quieter and will have ample opportunity to visit the numerous small coves, the harbor of Sant Feliu or go shopping in the center of Platja d'Aro, famous for its designer brand shops.
Figueres and Port Lligat, home of Salvador Dalí
If you prefer to stay inland, Figueres is a popular destination for Dalí Museum. With its central location, unusual architecture and huge trademark eggs on the roof, finding the museum is rarely a problem. Once inside you can enjoy a dazzling selection of the imaginative, bizarre and amusing work of this world-renowned Catalan artist. Be careful not to step on his grave, though, you'll be so distracted by the paintings on the wall, you won't even notice you're walking over it. If you enjoyed the visit to the museum in Figueres, you can't miss out on a visit to Port Lligat, where the artist and his wife Gala lived, to see the former Dalí home - hidden between the trees on the coast and now open to the public.
Other suggestions
The Costa Brava has a great deal to offer, and it's impossible to include everything here. But if our suggestions above aren't enough for you, why not try some of the following suggestions:
- the rice fields of Pals
- the mountains of the Montseny (natural park)
- the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes
- picturesque Cadaqués
- the volcanoes of La Garrotxa (natural park)
- the famous lake of Banyoles
- the impressive wall of Castellfollit de la Roca
- beautiful Empuriabrava
- the islands Illes Medes (near L'Estartit)
- or, of course, a visit to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia