DISABLED ACCESSIBLE HOLIDAY INFORMATION
FOR COSTA BRAVA - SPAIN
The ruggedly beautiful Costa Brava holiday coast stretches for 100 miles
(160km) along the shores of Catalonia in Spain’s north-eastern 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
exploring in boats to seek out deserted coves redolent with pine and citrus
trees, fragrant herbs and bright flowers. International resorts and marinas
lie in close proximity to relatively unspoilt fishing villages and towns
bearing evidence of the area’s rich history with ancient castles and
fortifications. 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 untouched 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.
RESORTS
See our separate guides to the following resorts in Costa Brava: Roses,
Lloret de Mar, L'Estartit, Tossa de Mar and Blanes
ATTRACTIONS
BANYOLES
The historic lakeside town of Banyoles just north of Girona 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, the clean water flowing in
at 600 litres a second. 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 grown up
around a Benedictine monastery, and its old section is full of fascinating
ancient buildings. The natural history and archaeological museums are worth
visiting, and all is centred on a lovely arcaded square where a traditional
market has been held every Wednesday since medieval times.
Address: Tourist Office: Passeig de la Indústria 25; Telephone: Tourist
Office: 972 575573
GIRONA
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 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 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 the14th-century
cathedral built in the Catalonian Baroque style. The cathedral is 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: Rambla Llibertat 1 (at the eastern end of the old
town); Telephone: Tourist office: 972 226 575; Opening time: Tourist office:
Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm. Saturday 8am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm. In July and
August the office opens Sundays 9am to 2pm as well
SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM HOUSE
The busy fishing village of Cadaques draws plenty of visitors, but they do
not come for the local beach, which is 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, sited in Portlligat Bay just to the north of the town. Dali’s
somewhat 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 are conducted through the house and garden in
small groups, having pre-booked.
Address: Portlligat, Cadeques; Telephone: Information and bookings: 972 251
015; Website: www.dali-estate.org; Transport: Train to Llanca or Figueres
station. It is possible to walk to Portlligat from Llanca station, or take
the bus from Figueres; Opening time: Open from 10.30am daily, except Mondays
and bank holidays (13 March to 6 January). Between 15 June and 15 September
no Monday closure. Visitors must pre-book by telephone, fax or email and are
admitted in groups every ten minutes during the day; Admission: €8
(adults), concessions €6, children under 9 free
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 have been dubbed
'heaven for divers'. The little archipelago of seven islets and a few reefs
forms one of the most important and rich marine reserves in the
Mediterranean. The millions of fish and thousands of animal and plant
species that inhabit the shallows, crevices and submarine caves at the base
of the island cliffs are a delight to behold for divers of all levels,
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
though one of the numerous tourist diving centres in the resort town.
VALL DE NURIA RACK RAIL
About two hours from the coast are the southern slopes of the western
Pyrenees, where in winter skiers skim the sides of the valleys, and in
summer time nature-lovers enjoy the tranquillity of the Alpine environment.
A popular excursion for holidaymakers on the Costa Brava is to take
Spain’s only cog railway into the scenic Vall de Nuria north of Girona,
surrounded by mountain peaks and passes that form a massive amphitheatre.
The rack railway connects with regional trains, departing from the
Ribes-Enllac station and travelling to the village of Queralbs.
Address: Vall de Núria Mountain Resort, Queralbs; Telephone: 972 732 020;
Website: www.valldenuria.com; Admission: Return Ribes-Nuria-Ribes: €15.85
(adults), €8.70 (children). Return Queralbs-Nuria-Queralbs: €13.60
(adults), €7.50 (children)