![Paisaje Cabo de Creus](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/Paisaje_Cabo_de_Creus.jpg)
The Costa Brava (, ; "Wild Coast" or "Rough Coast") is a coastal region of
Catalonia
Catalonia (; ca, Catalunya ; Aranese Occitan: ''Catalonha'' ; es, Cataluña ) is an autonomous community of Spain, designated as a '' nationality'' by its Statute of Autonomy.
Most of the territory (except the Val d'Aran) lies on the nort ...
in northeastern
Spain
, image_flag = Bandera de España.svg
, image_coat = Escudo de España (mazonado).svg
, national_motto = ''Plus ultra'' (Latin)(English: "Further Beyond")
, national_anthem = (English: "Royal March")
, i ...
. Whilst sources differ on the exact definition of the Costa Brava, it can be regarded as stretching from the town of
Blanes
Blanes () is a town and municipality in the comarca of Selva in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. During Roman rule it was named Blanda or Blandae. It is known as the "Gateway to the Costa Brava". Its coast is part of the Costa Brava, which stretches ...
, northeast of
Barcelona
Barcelona ( , , ) is a city on the coast of northeastern Spain. It is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia, as well as the second most populous municipality of Spain. With a population of 1.6 million within ci ...
, to the
French border, and thus includes the coastal parts of the
province of Girona.
In the 1950s, the Costa Brava was identified by the
Spanish government
gl, Goberno de España eu, Espainiako Gobernua
, image =
, caption = Logo of the Government of Spain
, headerstyle = background-color: #efefef
, label1 = Role
, data1 = Executive power
, label2 = Established
, da ...
and local entrepreneurs as being suitable for substantial development as a holiday destination, mainly for
package holiday
A package tour, package vacation, or package holiday comprises transport and accommodation advertised and sold together by a vendor known as a tour operator. Other services may be provided such as a rental car, activities or outings during the ho ...
tourists from Europe. The combination of a very good summer climate, nature, excellent beaches and a favourable foreign exchange rate (before the creation of the single European currency), which made Costa Brava an attractive tourist destination, was exploited by the construction of large numbers of hotels and apartments in such seaside resorts as
Blanes
Blanes () is a town and municipality in the comarca of Selva in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. During Roman rule it was named Blanda or Blandae. It is known as the "Gateway to the Costa Brava". Its coast is part of the Costa Brava, which stretches ...
,
Tossa de Mar and
Lloret de Mar. Tourism rapidly took over from fishing as the principal business of the area.
Etymology
![Platja de Lloret (2)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Platja_de_Lloret_%282%29.jpg)
The coast was named ''Costa Brava'' by in an article published in the Catalan newspaper ''La Veu de Catalunya'' in September 1908. Agulló, a journalist born in
Girona
Girona (officially and in Catalan , Spanish: ''Gerona'' ) is a city in northern Catalonia, Spain, at the confluence of the Ter, Onyar, Galligants, and Güell rivers. The city had an official population of 103,369 in 2020. Girona is the capital ...
, referred to the rugged landscape of the
Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by the Mediterranean Basin and almost completely enclosed by land: on the north by Western Europe, Western and Southern Europe and Anatolia, on the south by North Africa ...
coast which runs from the
River Tordera, near
Blanes
Blanes () is a town and municipality in the comarca of Selva in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. During Roman rule it was named Blanda or Blandae. It is known as the "Gateway to the Costa Brava". Its coast is part of the Costa Brava, which stretches ...
, to
Banyuls
Banyuls-sur-Mer (; ) is a commune in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France. It was first settled by Greeks starting in 400 BCE.
Geography Location
Banyuls-sur-Mer is located in the canton of La Côte Vermeille and in the a ...
with the name ''Costa Brava''.
''Costa'' is the
Catalan
Catalan may refer to:
Catalonia
From, or related to Catalonia:
* Catalan language, a Romance language
* Catalans, an ethnic group formed by the people from, or with origins in, Northern or southern Catalonia
Places
* 13178 Catalan, asteroid #1 ...
and
Spanish
Spanish might refer to:
* Items from or related to Spain:
**Spaniards are a nation and ethnic group indigenous to Spain
**Spanish language, spoken in Spain and many Latin American countries
**Spanish cuisine
Other places
* Spanish, Ontario, Can ...
word for 'coast', while ''Brava'' in both languages means 'rugged' or 'wild'. This term was officially recognized and promoted in the 1960s as it was deemed suitable to promote tourism in the region. Before Costa Brava became the official name, other names were suggested, such as ''Costa Grega'' (Greek Coast), ''Costa del Corall'' (Coral Coast), ''Costa Serena'' (Serene Coast), ''Costes de Llevant'' (Levant Coasts) or ''Marina de l'Empordà'' (Empordà Marine).
It may or may not be a coincidence that the name ''Costa Brava'' resembles ''Costa Blava'' (the Catalan designation of the
French Riviera), which is a literal translation of the Spanish ''Costa Azul'' ("Blue Coast"). This in turn is a not-quite-literal translation of the French ''Côte d'Azur'' ("Azure Coast"); ''azul'' has the same etymology as ''azur'', but it is the general Spanish term for blue, not specifically azure. A direct translation from French to Catalan would have yielded ''Costa d'Atzur''.
Geography
Extent
There are several, slightly differing, definitions of the Costa Brava:
* in his article, inftroduced the name ''Costa Brava'' for the coastline from the
River Tordera, near
Blanes
Blanes () is a town and municipality in the comarca of Selva in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. During Roman rule it was named Blanda or Blandae. It is known as the "Gateway to the Costa Brava". Its coast is part of the Costa Brava, which stretches ...
, to
Banyuls-sur-Mer
Banyuls-sur-Mer (; ) is a commune in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France. It was first settled by Greeks starting in 400 BCE.
Geography Location
Banyuls-sur-Mer is located in the canton of La Côte Vermeille and in the ar ...
, in
France
France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Its metropolitan area ...
and some beyond the Franco-Spanish border at
Portbou
Portbou () is a town in the Alt Empordà county, in the Province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. It has a population of people ().
Portbou is located near the French border in the Costa Brava region, and frequently serves as a dropping off poin ...
.
[
* the ]Generalitat de Catalunya
The Generalitat de Catalunya (; oc, label= Aranese, Generalitat de Catalonha; es, Generalidad de Cataluña), or the Government of Catalonia, is the institutional system by which Catalonia politically organizes its self-government. It is formed ...
defines the Costa Brava as the coastal region that stretches from the mouth of the River Tordera, which marks the border of the provinces of Girona
Girona (officially and in Catalan , Spanish: ''Gerona'' ) is a city in northern Catalonia, Spain, at the confluence of the Ter, Onyar, Galligants, and Güell rivers. The city had an official population of 103,369 in 2020. Girona is the capital ...
and Barcelona
Barcelona ( , , ) is a city on the coast of northeastern Spain. It is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia, as well as the second most populous municipality of Spain. With a population of 1.6 million within ci ...
, and the Franco-Spanish border.
* the Costa Brava Girona Tourism Board, a body of the tourism industry of the Province of Girona, promotes the brand name ''Costa Brava'' as an area of . By this definition, Costa Brava includes the coastal ''comarques'' of Alt Empordà, Baix Empordà, Selva
Selva () is a coastal comarque (county) in Catalonia, Spain, located between the mountain range known as the Serralada Transversal or Puigsacalm and the Costa Brava (part of the Mediterranean coast). Unusually, it is divided between the provinc ...
and the inland ''comarques'' of Pla de l'Estany
Pla de l'Estany () is a comarca (county) in Catalonia, Spain. Its name means "plain of the lake", the lake in question being the Lake of Banyoles. Banyoles is also the name of the capital of the comarca and home to over half of its people. Pla ...
and Gironès
Gironès (; es, Gironés) is a comarca (county) in eastern Catalonia, Spain, bordering Selva, Baix Empordà, Alt Empordà, Pla de l'Estany and Garrotxa. , more than half of the comarca's 175,148 inhabitants live in the capital, Girona, which ...
.
Description
The northernmost part of the Costa Brava belongs to the ''comarca'' of Alt Empordà, and is marked by the Albera Massif and Cap de Creus, the easternmost prolongation of the Pyrenees
The Pyrenees (; es, Pirineos ; french: Pyrénées ; ca, Pirineu ; eu, Pirinioak ; oc, Pirenèus ; an, Pirineus) is a mountain range straddling the border of France and Spain. It extends nearly from its union with the Cantabrian Mountains to ...
. This area near the frontier is marked by rough terrain and cliffs, with small bays along the coast, in contrast with the large plains of the Alt Empordà region, where its capital Figueres
Figueres (, ; , es, Figueras, ) is the capital of the ''comarca'' of Alt Empordà, in the province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain.
The town is the birthplace of artist Salvador Dalí, and houses the Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dalí, a large museu ...
is located. The first town from the border with France is Portbou
Portbou () is a town in the Alt Empordà county, in the Province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. It has a population of people ().
Portbou is located near the French border in the Costa Brava region, and frequently serves as a dropping off poin ...
, which grew around the railway station. A little down the coast are the seafaring villages of Colera
Colera is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of Alt Empordà, Girona, Catalonia
Catalonia (; ca, Catalunya ; Aranese Occitan: ''Catalonha'' ; es, Cataluña ) is an autonomous community of Spain, designated as a '' nationality'' by its St ...
and Llançà
Llançà () is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of the Alt Empordà in Catalonia, Spain. It is situated on the coastline of the Costa Brava, between the Cap de Creus and the French frontier and is an important fishing port and tourist centre ...
. North of the Cap de Creus lies the town of El Port de la Selva
El Port de la Selva is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of the Alt Empordà in Catalonia, Spain, on the Costa Brava. It is situated on the northern coast of the Cap de Creus and is an important fishing port and tourist centre. The romanesque ...
, while on its south lie the towns of Cadaqués and Roses. To the south of the Cap de Creus is found the Gulf of Roses, which stretches for fifteen kilometres with beaches and marshlands formed by the Muga and Fluvià
The Fluvià () is a river in Catalonia. It rises in the Serralada Transversal, passes through Olot and Besalú, and flows into the Mediterranean Sea near Sant Pere Pescador. The ancient city of Empúries
Empúries ( ca, Empúries ) was a ...
rivers, with the protected areas of the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà along the coast. Empuriabrava
Empuriabrava ( es, Ampuriabrava) is a community in the municipality of Castelló d'Empúries, in the Alt Empordà (Costa Brava, province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain). It is located in the Gulf of Roses, surrounded by the Natural Park of the ...
, part of the municipality of Castelló d'Empúries
Castelló d'Empúries is a town and municipality in the Alt Empordà in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. It lies 9 km east of Figueres.
In 1079, Castelló d'Empúries became the capital of the Empúries county due to the previous capital, Sant Mar ...
, is one of the largest marinas in the world, built in the 1960s on the marshlands of the River Muga. Further south lies the town of Sant Pere Pescador and the coastal town of L'Escala
L'Escala ( Spanish: ''La Escala'') is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of the Alt Empordà in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. It is situated on the Costa Brava, located between the southern end of the Gulf of Roses and Cala (bay) Montgó. It is an impo ...
. Between this two towns is the village of Sant Martí d'Empúries
Sant Martí d'Empúries is an entity of the town of L'Escala. It is located next to the ruins of Empúries or Empòrion. Ancient Greeks established the settlement in the 6th century BC. It was the county seat until 1079 Empúries moved to Caste ...
, which lies near the ruins of the ancient Greek colony of Empúries
Empúries ( ca, Empúries ) was an ancient city on the Mediterranean coast of Catalonia, Spain. Empúries is also known by its Spanish name, Ampurias ( es, Ampurias ). The city Ἐμπόριον ( el, Ἐμπόριον, Emporion, meaning "tradi ...
, founded in 575 BC.
The central part of the Costa Brava belongs to the ''comarca'' of Baix Empordà, whose capital is La Bisbal d'Empordà
La Bisbal d'Empordà is the county seat of the ''comarca'' of Baix Empordà in Catalonia, Spain.
The town lies 29 km southeast of Girona, 12 km west of Palafrugell and 19 km northwest of Palamós along road C-66 from Girona t ...
, with the Montgrí Massif
The Montgrí () is a small mountain range in Catalonia, on the north bank of the Ter river. It is part of the Catalan Coastal Range and its highest point is 311 m.
Features
The Montgrí Massif stretches from east to west north of the town of ...
extending on its north, from L'Escala to the village of L'Estartit
L'Estartit (; es, Estartit, link=no) is a small town and seaside resort on the Costa Brava, on the northeastern coast of Spain, located in the province of Girona, Catalonia.
The town is situated between the foothills of the Montgrí Massif an ...
, part of the municipality of Torroella de Montgrí
Torroella de Montgrí () is a coastal municipality on the Costa Brava, and small town in Catalonia, Spain. The town lies on the north bank of the Ter river, a few kilometres before it flows into the Mediterranean. The beach resort of L'Estartit als ...
. The River Ter
The River Ter is a river in Essex, England that houses various aquatic creatures. The river rises in Stebbing Green and flowing via Terling it joins the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation at near Rushes Lock. A small part of it, the River Ter SS ...
pours its water at this point, near a small archipelago
An archipelago ( ), sometimes called an island group or island chain, is a chain, cluster, or collection of islands, or sometimes a sea containing a small number of scattered islands.
Examples of archipelagos include: the Indonesian Arc ...
known as Medes Islands. Further south, following a stretch of beach and marshlands, are the towns of Pals PALS may refer to:
* Patient Advice and Liaison Service
* Pediatric Advanced Life Support
* Periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths
* Portraits of American Life Study
* Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy
* Pouch Attachment Ladder System
* Prag ...
, Begur and Palafrugell
Palafrugell () is a municipality in the Mediterranean ''Costa Brava'', located near Palamós in the ''comarca'' of Baix Empordà, in the province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. With 22,365 inhabitants it is the largest city of its comarca. Several ...
. At this point the Gavarres
Les Gavarres or Massís de les Gavarres is a mountain massif in Catalonia, Spain. It is part of the Catalan Coastal Range. The highest point is Puig d'Arques, 532 m. Other important summits are Mare de Déu dels Àngels (485 m) and Santa Pell ...
Massif meets the sea, with a coast marked by rugged cliffs, small bays and beaches amid coastal villages such as , Fornells, Tamariu
Tamariu (, Catalan for ''tamarisk'') is one of three coastal towns belonging to the municipality of Palafrugell, province of Girona, Spain, the other two being Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc. It is part of the Costa Brava, the coastal regi ...
, Llafranc
Llafranc () is one of three coastal towns belonging to the municipality of Palafrugell, province of Girona, Spain, the other two being Calella de Palafrugell and Tamariu. It is part of the Costa Brava, the coastal region of northeastern Catalo ...
and Calella de Palafrugell
Calella de Palafrugell is one of three coastal towns belonging to the municipality of Palafrugell in the province of Girona, Spain. The other two towns are Llafranc, only to the north, and Tamariu, some to the north. All three towns are part of ...
. The town of Palamós
Palamós () is a town and municipality in the Mediterranean Costa Brava, located in the ''comarca'' of Baix Empordà, in the province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. Palamós is located at the northern end of a large bay. The town is by-passed by th ...
, further south, is a major commercial and fishing port. At this point the coast forms a bay between Palamós and Sant Antoni de Calonge
Sant Antoni de Calonge is a town which forms part of the city of Calonge. It is located in the ''comarca'' of the Baix Empordà in Catalonia, Spain. The town was built along the rocky coastline of northern Spain. There is a seaside promenade tha ...
, part of the town of Calonge
Calonge is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of the Baix Empordà in Catalonia, Spain, on the coastline of the Costa Brava.
The town comprises two parts, a medieval hill village and modern seaside resort. The main urban centre and original v ...
. South of it lies the town of Castell-Platja d'Aro, including Platja d'Aro, a large tourist resort which has grown along a wide beach. Situated to the south are S'Agaró
s'Agaró () is an upmarket resort on the Costa Brava between Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Platja d'Aro. It is part of the municipality of Castell-Platja d'Aro, itself in the comarca of Baix Empordà and province of Girona in Catalonia, Spain. T ...
and the town of Sant Feliu de Guixols, which lies to the north-east of the Ardenya Massif.[
]
The southernmost part of the Costa Brava belongs to the ''comarca'' of Selva
Selva () is a coastal comarque (county) in Catalonia, Spain, located between the mountain range known as the Serralada Transversal or Puigsacalm and the Costa Brava (part of the Mediterranean coast). Unusually, it is divided between the provinc ...
, whose capital is Santa Coloma de Farners
Santa Coloma de Farners () is a spa town and capital of the ''comarca'' of the Selva, in
Catalonia, Spain, and of the judicial district of Santa Coloma.
It is situated on the edge of the Selva Depression and of the Guilleries. The local economy ...
, about from the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by the Mediterranean Basin and almost completely enclosed by land: on the north by Western and Southern Europe and Anatolia, on the south by North Africa, and on the ...
. Tossa de Mar is located to the north of the coastline, with several resorts and small bays along the littoral. Lloret de Mar, located to the south of Tossa, is the largest resort on the Costa Brava, with a population of over 200,000 at its peak during the summer. Blanes
Blanes () is a town and municipality in the comarca of Selva in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. During Roman rule it was named Blanda or Blandae. It is known as the "Gateway to the Costa Brava". Its coast is part of the Costa Brava, which stretches ...
is the southernmost town on the Costa Brava and is the third most populous municipality of the Province of Girona.[
In the middle of the Costa Brava, about inland from the ]Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by the Mediterranean Basin and almost completely enclosed by land: on the north by Western and Southern Europe and Anatolia, on the south by North Africa, and on the ...
, lies Girona
Girona (officially and in Catalan , Spanish: ''Gerona'' ) is a city in northern Catalonia, Spain, at the confluence of the Ter, Onyar, Galligants, and Güell rivers. The city had an official population of 103,369 in 2020. Girona is the capital ...
, the capital of the comarca of Gironès
Gironès (; es, Gironés) is a comarca (county) in eastern Catalonia, Spain, bordering Selva, Baix Empordà, Alt Empordà, Pla de l'Estany and Garrotxa. , more than half of the comarca's 175,148 inhabitants live in the capital, Girona, which ...
and the Province of Girona. The city has a population of almost 100,000 and lies at the confluence of the Onyar
The Onyar is a Spanish river in Girona, Catalonia that begins at the Guilleries massif at the apex of the Catalan Transversal Range and the Pre-Coastal Range. It joins the Ter at the city of Girona
Girona (officially and in Catalan , Span ...
, Güell
The Güell () is a river in Catalonia, Spain. It has a length of and passes through the city of Girona
Girona (officially and in Catalan , Spanish: ''Gerona'' ) is a city in northern Catalonia, Spain, at the confluence of the Ter, Onya ...
, Galligants and Ter
Ter or TER may refer to:
Places
* River Ter, in Essex, England
* Ter (river), in Catalonia
* Ter (department), a region in France
* Torre (river), (Slovene: ''Ter''), a river in Italy
* Ter, Ljubno, a settlement in the Municipality of Ljubno ob ...
rivers. Ten kilometres north of Girona is Banyoles
Banyoles () is a city of 20,168 inhabitants (2021) located in the province of Girona in northeastern Catalonia, Spain.
The town is the capital of the Catalan ''comarca'' " Pla de l'Estany". Although an established industrial centre many of th ...
, the capital of the ''comarca'' of the Pla de l'Estany
Pla de l'Estany () is a comarca (county) in Catalonia, Spain. Its name means "plain of the lake", the lake in question being the Lake of Banyoles. Banyoles is also the name of the capital of the comarca and home to over half of its people. Pla ...
, on the shore of the Lake of Banyoles
Lake of Banyoles (or Estany de Banyoles) is a natural lake located in the ''comarca'' "Pla de l'Estany", Province of Girona, in northeastern Catalonia, Spain. It is named after the nearby town of Banyoles, to which it belongs entirely. On the we ...
. Both the Gironès and the Pla de l'Estany are the inland ''comarques'' of the Costa Brava.[
]
Rivers
The main rivers that pour their waters into the Costa Brava are:
* Muga, which pours its waters at Empuriabrava
Empuriabrava ( es, Ampuriabrava) is a community in the municipality of Castelló d'Empúries, in the Alt Empordà (Costa Brava, province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain). It is located in the Gulf of Roses, surrounded by the Natural Park of the ...
, Castelló d'Empúries
Castelló d'Empúries is a town and municipality in the Alt Empordà in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. It lies 9 km east of Figueres.
In 1079, Castelló d'Empúries became the capital of the Empúries county due to the previous capital, Sant Mar ...
.
*Fluvià
The Fluvià () is a river in Catalonia. It rises in the Serralada Transversal, passes through Olot and Besalú, and flows into the Mediterranean Sea near Sant Pere Pescador. The ancient city of Empúries
Empúries ( ca, Empúries ) was a ...
, which pours its waters near Sant Pere Pescador.
*Ter
Ter or TER may refer to:
Places
* River Ter, in Essex, England
* Ter (river), in Catalonia
* Ter (department), a region in France
* Torre (river), (Slovene: ''Ter''), a river in Italy
* Ter, Ljubno, a settlement in the Municipality of Ljubno ob ...
, which pours its waters near L'Estartit
L'Estartit (; es, Estartit, link=no) is a small town and seaside resort on the Costa Brava, on the northeastern coast of Spain, located in the province of Girona, Catalonia.
The town is situated between the foothills of the Montgrí Massif an ...
, Torroella de Montgrí
Torroella de Montgrí () is a coastal municipality on the Costa Brava, and small town in Catalonia, Spain. The town lies on the north bank of the Ter river, a few kilometres before it flows into the Mediterranean. The beach resort of L'Estartit als ...
.
*Tordera Tordera is a city in the comarca of Maresme, province of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, situated 64 km from Barcelona and 36 km from Girona on the edge of the Montnegre natural park. Its population as of 2010 was 15,641.
The economy use ...
, which pours its waters near Blanes
Blanes () is a town and municipality in the comarca of Selva in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. During Roman rule it was named Blanda or Blandae. It is known as the "Gateway to the Costa Brava". Its coast is part of the Costa Brava, which stretches ...
, marking the southernmost part of the Costa Brava.
Climate
Costa Brava has a typical Mediterranean climate
A Mediterranean climate (also called a dry summer temperate climate ''Cs'') is a temperate climate sub-type, generally characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, fairly wet winters; these weather conditions are typically experienced in the ...
, mild and temperate, characterised by hot, dry summers and moderately cold winters. The annual average temperature ranges from 7 to 28 °C, while the highest temperatures are recorded in the months of July and August.
History
Until after the First World War
World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, the United States, and the Ottoman Empire, with fightin ...
, the beaches along the coast of Catalonia
Catalonia (; ca, Catalunya ; Aranese Occitan: ''Catalonha'' ; es, Cataluña ) is an autonomous community of Spain, designated as a '' nationality'' by its Statute of Autonomy.
Most of the territory (except the Val d'Aran) lies on the nort ...
served for Sunday leisure pursuits for the local people, plus one or two from neighbouring villages. While world tourism had discovered the Côte d'Azur by that time, the Costa Brava remained unknown to it.
A few years after the Spanish Civil War
The Spanish Civil War ( es, Guerra Civil Española)) or The Revolution ( es, La Revolución, link=no) among Nationalists, the Fourth Carlist War ( es, Cuarta Guerra Carlista, link=no) among Carlists, and The Rebellion ( es, La Rebelión, link ...
when some sort of order had been restored, the gradual breaking down of Spain's international isolation in the 1950s cleared the way for new options in tourism. The sea and the sun were drawing increasing numbers of people, which combined with the Côte d'Azur already being overcrowded in those days, enhanced the appeal of Costa Brava for holiday-makers who made their way there.
In the 1950s, the Costa Brava was identified by the Spanish government
gl, Goberno de España eu, Espainiako Gobernua
, image =
, caption = Logo of the Government of Spain
, headerstyle = background-color: #efefef
, label1 = Role
, data1 = Executive power
, label2 = Established
, da ...
and local entrepreneurs as being suitable for substantial development as a holiday destination, mainly for package holiday
A package tour, package vacation, or package holiday comprises transport and accommodation advertised and sold together by a vendor known as a tour operator. Other services may be provided such as a rental car, activities or outings during the ho ...
tourists from Northern Europe and especially, the United Kingdom and France. The combination of a very good summer climate, nature, excellent beaches and a favourable foreign exchange rate was exploited by the construction of large numbers of hotels and apartments in such seaside resorts as Blanes
Blanes () is a town and municipality in the comarca of Selva in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. During Roman rule it was named Blanda or Blandae. It is known as the "Gateway to the Costa Brava". Its coast is part of the Costa Brava, which stretches ...
, Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar. Tourism rapidly took over from fishing as the principal business of the area.
Culture
While part of the Costa Brava coastline lent itself to tourist developments on a very large scale, other parts have retained a more traditional look. Small towns like Cadaqués, which is close to the French border and close to the foothills of the Pyrenees
The Pyrenees (; es, Pirineos ; french: Pyrénées ; ca, Pirineu ; eu, Pirinioak ; oc, Pirenèus ; an, Pirineus) is a mountain range straddling the border of France and Spain. It extends nearly from its union with the Cantabrian Mountains to ...
, have attracted artists, such as Salvador Dalí
Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech, Marquess of Dalí of Púbol (; ; ; 11 May 190423 January 1989) was a Spanish surrealist artist renowned for his technical skill, precise draftsmanship, and the striking and bizarre images in ...
, Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso
Pablo Ruiz Picasso (25 October 1881 – 8 April 1973) was a Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist and Scenic design, theatre designer who spent most of his adult life in France. One of the most influential artists of the 20th ce ...
. The Dalí Theatre and Museum in Figueres
Figueres (, ; , es, Figueras, ) is the capital of the ''comarca'' of Alt Empordà, in the province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain.
The town is the birthplace of artist Salvador Dalí, and houses the Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dalí, a large museu ...
is one of the most important and visited museums in Catalonia. One can also visit Dalí's House-Museum in Port Lligat
Portlligat is a small village located in a small bay on Cap de Creus peninsula, on the Costa Brava of the Mediterranean Sea, in the municipality of Cadaqués in the Alt Empordà comarca, in Catalonia, Spain. The island of Portlligat is locat ...
, near Cadaqués and the Castle of Púbol in Púbol. The coast between Roses and Tossa de Mar has many delightful small coastal towns, such as Pals PALS may refer to:
* Patient Advice and Liaison Service
* Pediatric Advanced Life Support
* Periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths
* Portraits of American Life Study
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* Pouch Attachment Ladder System
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, Begur, Tamariu
Tamariu (, Catalan for ''tamarisk'') is one of three coastal towns belonging to the municipality of Palafrugell, province of Girona, Spain, the other two being Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc. It is part of the Costa Brava, the coastal regi ...
, S'Agaró
s'Agaró () is an upmarket resort on the Costa Brava between Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Platja d'Aro. It is part of the municipality of Castell-Platja d'Aro, itself in the comarca of Baix Empordà and province of Girona in Catalonia, Spain. T ...
, Empuriabrava
Empuriabrava ( es, Ampuriabrava) is a community in the municipality of Castelló d'Empúries, in the Alt Empordà (Costa Brava, province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain). It is located in the Gulf of Roses, surrounded by the Natural Park of the ...
, Llafranc
Llafranc () is one of three coastal towns belonging to the municipality of Palafrugell, province of Girona, Spain, the other two being Calella de Palafrugell and Tamariu. It is part of the Costa Brava, the coastal region of northeastern Catalo ...
, L'Estartit
L'Estartit (; es, Estartit, link=no) is a small town and seaside resort on the Costa Brava, on the northeastern coast of Spain, located in the province of Girona, Catalonia.
The town is situated between the foothills of the Montgrí Massif an ...
, Aigua Blava
The Cala d'Aiguablava is a small bay on the Costa Brava, Girona, Catalonia (Spain) near Begur and Palafrugell with a small beach (busy in the summer months) and a few mainly seafood restaurants. It is a popular mooring place for sailing and mot ...
, Fornells, Calella de Palafrugell
Calella de Palafrugell is one of three coastal towns belonging to the municipality of Palafrugell in the province of Girona, Spain. The other two towns are Llafranc, only to the north, and Tamariu, some to the north. All three towns are part of ...
, Calonge
Calonge is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of the Baix Empordà in Catalonia, Spain, on the coastline of the Costa Brava.
The town comprises two parts, a medieval hill village and modern seaside resort. The main urban centre and original v ...
, Palamós
Palamós () is a town and municipality in the Mediterranean Costa Brava, located in the ''comarca'' of Baix Empordà, in the province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. Palamós is located at the northern end of a large bay. The town is by-passed by th ...
and Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Sant Feliu de Guíxols () is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of the Baix Empordà in
Catalonia, Spain. It is situated on the Costa Brava and is an important port and tourist centre. The district abuts to the north, the upmarket s'Agaró resort ...
.
Museums and collections
The great artistic collection is a set of nearly fifty museums and collections listed among the five counties that make up the name of the Costa Brava. From north to south:
General information
Language
Catalonia has three official languages, Catalan
Catalan may refer to:
Catalonia
From, or related to Catalonia:
* Catalan language, a Romance language
* Catalans, an ethnic group formed by the people from, or with origins in, Northern or southern Catalonia
Places
* 13178 Catalan, asteroid #1 ...
, Castillian Spanish and Aranese
Aranese ( oc, aranés) is a standardized form of the Pyrenean Gascon variety of the Occitan language spoken in the Val d'Aran, in northwestern Catalonia close to the Spanish border with France, where it is one of the three official languag ...
, although the latter is only generally spoken only in the Val d'Aran
Aran (; ; ) (previously officially called in Occitan Val d'Aran, Catalan: ''Vall d'Aran'', Spanish: ''Valle de Arán'') is an administrative entity (formerly considered a comarca) in Lleida, Catalonia, Spain, consisting of the Aran Valley, in ...
. Most of the local population of the Costa Brava habitually speak Catalan, and most are also fluent in Castillian Spanish.
Public holidays
The following public holidays are celebrated throughout the Costa Brava:
* 1 January (New Year's Day)
* 1 May (Labour Day)
* 24 June (Saint John's Day)
* 15 August (The Holy Assumption)
* 11 September (Catalan National Festival)
* 1 November (All Saint's Day)
* 6 December (Day of the Spanish Constitution)
* 8 December (Day of the Blessed Virgin)
* 25 December (Christmas Day)
* 26 December (Saint Stephen's Day)
In addition to these, and through an order from the Ministry of Employment, there will be two local festivals, to be paid and not recoverable, at the proposal of the respective municipalities.
Events and festivals
Pablo Casals, Manuel de Falla
Manuel de Falla y Matheu (, 23 November 187614 November 1946) was an Andalusian Spanish composer and pianist. Along with Isaac Albéniz, Francisco Tárrega, and Enrique Granados, he was one of Spain's most important musicians of the first ...
and Isaac Albéniz
Isaac Manuel Francisco Albéniz y Pascual (; 29 May 1860 – 18 May 1909) was a Spanish virtuoso pianist, composer, and conductor. He is one of the foremost composers of the Post-Romantic era who also had a significant influence on his conte ...
are some of the great figures who have left their mark on the Costa Brava. However, one of the first music festival organisers was Josep Ensesa, who opened the doors and gardens of Senya Blanca, his house in S'Agaró, to music lovers in 1956 with a series of concerts christened the International Music Festival. The success of this festival led other Costa Brava towns to host similar events and nowadays almost all the towns on the Costa Brava hold annual musical events.
Music forms part of the character of many towns and of the several events held by them over the course of the year. However, it is in the summer when emblematic venues such as gardens, covered squares, cloisters, monasteries or waterside venues host internationally renowned musical and cultural events. These summer events showcase all kinds of music, including classical music, Pop rock, pop and rock, havaneres (colonial sea shanties) and Catalan sardana music.
But there are a number of festivals in Costa Brava that stand out above the rest in terms of their history, originality or colour. These include the procession ''Dansa de la Mort'' (Dance of Death) in Verges, Catalonia, Verges on Maundy Thursday and the Dance of Death, with characters donning skeleton outfits dancing in the streets, the living Way of the Cross in Sant Hilari Sacalm, the floral carpet festival in Arbúcies, the Hobby horse#Spain, Hobby Horse dance in Sant Feliu de Pallerols, the ''Ball del Cornut'' and ''La Plantada de l'Arbre'' (The Planting of the Tree) of May in Cornellà del Terri... not to mention the major music festivals, some of them internationally renowned, such as Peralada Castle, Cap Roig Garden Festival in Calella de Palafrugell
Calella de Palafrugell is one of three coastal towns belonging to the municipality of Palafrugell in the province of Girona, Spain. The other two towns are Llafranc, only to the north, and Tamariu, some to the north. All three towns are part of ...
and Torroella de Montgrí
Torroella de Montgrí () is a coastal municipality on the Costa Brava, and small town in Catalonia, Spain. The town lies on the north bank of the Ter river, a few kilometres before it flows into the Mediterranean. The beach resort of L'Estartit als ...
festivals, which draw world-class performers, as well as opera and contemporary music figures.
Calendar
*Cap Roig Gardens Festival: Calella de Palafrugell
Calella de Palafrugell is one of three coastal towns belonging to the municipality of Palafrugell in the province of Girona, Spain. The other two towns are Llafranc, only to the north, and Tamariu, some to the north. All three towns are part of ...
in the auditorium of the Botanical Garden, located in a particularly unique place, the sea, is the seat of this summer festival is open to different stage disciplines. Early July to mid August.
*Music Festival in Torroella de Montgrí: Torroella de Montgrí
Torroella de Montgrí () is a coastal municipality on the Costa Brava, and small town in Catalonia, Spain. The town lies on the north bank of the Ter river, a few kilometres before it flows into the Mediterranean. The beach resort of L'Estartit als ...
at the Festival began in 1980 and has always called the Western classical music as a centrepiece of its programming, but over time it has been introducing extra musical elements and other types of samples and cultures. Late July to mid August.
*International Music Festival of Peralada Castle: a Peralada, held continuously since 1987 in July and August in the monumental Peralada Castle.
*Festival ''Porta Ferrada'': Sant Feliu de Guixols, Catalonia is the oldest, was born in 1958 at the Monastery of Sant Feliu de Guixols and its name responds to the oldest part of this monumental. Mid July to mid August.
*International Music Festival of Cadaques: Cadaques in the first week of August. Festival has sought to reflect the eclectic art of the town that inspired countless artists. Its programming covers a wide range of musical genres, from jazz to classical music or even Pop music, pop and Rock music, rock, always committed to good music and keeping their uniqueness.
*Music Festival Calonge: Calonge
Calonge is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of the Baix Empordà in Catalonia, Spain, on the coastline of the Costa Brava.
The town comprises two parts, a medieval hill village and modern seaside resort. The main urban centre and original v ...
is the oldest festival in the Costa Brava (since 1968). Classical, folk, flamenco, jazz and soul music, soul. August.
*''Musicant'': Campllong a festival that is committed to spreading the musical repertoire Catalan for all time. Late August and early September.
*''Schubertíada'': a Vilabertran, where festival include Schubert recitals of lieder, but also programmed works by other composers, especially of his contemporaries. Mid-August to first week of September.
*''Acústica'' Festival: Figueres
Figueres (, ; , es, Figueras, ) is the capital of the ''comarca'' of Alt Empordà, in the province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain.
The town is the birthplace of artist Salvador Dalí, and houses the Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dalí, a large museu ...
, below the Acoustic music, acoustic or unplugged, there are both emerging and established artists. First week of September.
*Black Music Festival: Salt, Girona, Salt, Catalan black music festival. In mid March to mid April.
*Guitar Festival Girona in different locations in the province of Girona
Girona (officially and in Catalan , Spanish: ''Gerona'' ) is a city in northern Catalonia, Spain, at the confluence of the Ter, Onyar, Galligants, and Güell rivers. The city had an official population of 103,369 in 2020. Girona is the capital ...
. Last half of July until the first week of September.
*Festival of the Voice ''(a) phònica'': Banyoles
Banyoles () is a city of 20,168 inhabitants (2021) located in the province of Girona in northeastern Catalonia, Spain.
The town is the capital of the Catalan ''comarca'' " Pla de l'Estany". Although an established industrial centre many of th ...
, explores the possibilities of this element is visible but not everyone has joined. Around 24 June.
Literary
The Costa Brava has been a source of inspiration for many writers. This is clear to see in the countless books dedicated to the area and the thousands that have been written here. Josep Pla, Federico García Lorca, Truman Capote, Salvador Espriu, Joan Maragall and Caterina Albert are just some of these famous writers.
*Roger Weston
The Handler
2012. The Handler. Novel set in Costa Brava.
Cinema
Over the course of its history, especially over the last one hundred years, the Costa Brava has been the birthplace and place of residence of artists from various disciplines. Several political, intellectual and social figures have passed through or stayed on the Costa Brava, which has contributed to transforming it and boosting its profile both at home and abroad.
Artists and actors in particular have helped to give the area a glamorous image. Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner, Orson Welles, Yves Montand and Douglas Fairbanks all graced the Costa Brava with their Glamour (presentation), glamour, as did Salvador Dalí
Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech, Marquess of Dalí of Púbol (; ; ; 11 May 190423 January 1989) was a Spanish surrealist artist renowned for his technical skill, precise draftsmanship, and the striking and bizarre images in ...
, Marc Chagall, Dani Karavan (sculptor of the monument to Walter Benjamin in Portbou
Portbou () is a town in the Alt Empordà county, in the Province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. It has a population of people ().
Portbou is located near the French border in the Costa Brava region, and frequently serves as a dropping off poin ...
), Ramon Pichot and many others.
The Costa Brava was a natural film set where producers find the charm that inspires them to create Narrative, stories starring world-famous actors. Artists also find Artistic inspiration, inspiration for their works and the peace and quiet necessary to produce them.
From the early days of cinema, the Costa Brava featured in many films, which has proved on many occasions to be an added value in boosting its profile as a tourist destination even further. The attraction of the Costa Brava for local producers and filmmakers from the local area and from Catalonia in general is perfectly understandable given its geographical proximity and its highly interesting yet easily accessible locations of all kinds.
It has also proved a popular location with Spanish and foreign studios and directors, who have filmed high-profile films in the area with stellar casts and production values. The commercial success and media buzz created by these productions has made certain locations known all over the world.
Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Sant Feliu de Guíxols () is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of the Baix Empordà in
Catalonia, Spain. It is situated on the Costa Brava and is an important port and tourist centre. The district abuts to the north, the upmarket s'Agaró resort ...
was the most popular Filming location, location in the counties of Girona
Girona (officially and in Catalan , Spanish: ''Gerona'' ) is a city in northern Catalonia, Spain, at the confluence of the Ter, Onyar, Galligants, and Güell rivers. The city had an official population of 103,369 in 2020. Girona is the capital ...
for cinema producers and the second-most popular in all Catalonia
Catalonia (; ca, Catalunya ; Aranese Occitan: ''Catalonha'' ; es, Cataluña ) is an autonomous community of Spain, designated as a '' nationality'' by its Statute of Autonomy.
Most of the territory (except the Val d'Aran) lies on the nort ...
(after Barcelona
Barcelona ( , , ) is a city on the coast of northeastern Spain. It is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia, as well as the second most populous municipality of Spain. With a population of 1.6 million within ci ...
). These results are logical enough: the Costa Brava is a potent area full of beauty and diversity, located close to the historical city of Girona
Girona (officially and in Catalan , Spanish: ''Gerona'' ) is a city in northern Catalonia, Spain, at the confluence of the Ter, Onyar, Galligants, and Güell rivers. The city had an official population of 103,369 in 2020. Girona is the capital ...
with an old quarter that holds a huge amount of visual possibilities.
Gastronomy
Gastronomy plays an important role of the Costa Brava. Anchovies from L'Escala
L'Escala ( Spanish: ''La Escala'') is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of the Alt Empordà in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. It is situated on the Costa Brava, located between the southern end of the Gulf of Roses and Cala (bay) Montgó. It is an impo ...
, prawns from Palamós
Palamós () is a town and municipality in the Mediterranean Costa Brava, located in the ''comarca'' of Baix Empordà, in the province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. Palamós is located at the northern end of a large bay. The town is by-passed by th ...
, monkfish from Roses, blue fish from Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Sant Feliu de Guíxols () is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of the Baix Empordà in
Catalonia, Spain. It is situated on the Costa Brava and is an important port and tourist centre. The district abuts to the north, the upmarket s'Agaró resort ...
, Sebastidae, rock fish from Begur or Skate (fish), skate from Tossa de Mar represent the sea, while turnips from Capmany, Campmany, onions from Vilabertran and Figueres
Figueres (, ; , es, Figueras, ) is the capital of the ''comarca'' of Alt Empordà, in the province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain.
The town is the birthplace of artist Salvador Dalí, and houses the Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dalí, a large museu ...
, rice from Montgrí, beans and peas from Vall d'Aro and apples from Girona
Girona (officially and in Catalan , Spanish: ''Gerona'' ) is a city in northern Catalonia, Spain, at the confluence of the Ter, Onyar, Galligants, and Güell rivers. The city had an official population of 103,369 in 2020. Girona is the capital ...
represent the land in an elegant fusion of sea and mountain that constitutes the Costa Brava cuisine. However, the gastronomic richness of the Costa Brava is not restricted to its cuisine.
Gastronomy stars
Over 2,500 restaurants throughout the counties of Girona
Girona (officially and in Catalan , Spanish: ''Gerona'' ) is a city in northern Catalonia, Spain, at the confluence of the Ter, Onyar, Galligants, and Güell rivers. The city had an official population of 103,369 in 2020. Girona is the capital ...
welcome diners with a cuisine based on a combination of quality seafood and the best produce of the land.
By the beginning of the 21st century, Girona province had become one of the main centres of gastronomic pilgrimage in the world. It is no secret that the creation and transmission centre of avant-garde cuisine is now El Bulli restaurant on Cap de Creus, on the northern stretch of the Costa Brava. Cap de Creus was formerly a centre of surrealism in the days when Salvador Dalí
Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech, Marquess of Dalí of Púbol (; ; ; 11 May 190423 January 1989) was a Spanish surrealist artist renowned for his technical skill, precise draftsmanship, and the striking and bizarre images in ...
resided in the nearby coastal locality of Portlligat. The innovative cuisine at El Bulli first influenced Catalonia
Catalonia (; ca, Catalunya ; Aranese Occitan: ''Catalonha'' ; es, Cataluña ) is an autonomous community of Spain, designated as a '' nationality'' by its Statute of Autonomy.
Most of the territory (except the Val d'Aran) lies on the nort ...
, then the rest of Europe, and finally the whole world. At the end of the first decade of the 21st century, El Bulli decided to reinvent itself as El Bulli Foundation, elBulliFoundation with the aim of perpetuating the legacy of Ferran Adrià. Starting in 2014, introduction to Girona Cuisine the new foundation will disseminate the skills, research, innovation and all future developments coming out of the sanctuary of creativity in the heart of today's Cap de Creus Nature Park. Girona province has always been home to good cooking: such pioneering cuisine could not have arisen without a historical background, local products and raw materials coming from local agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, olive production, stockbreeding, fishing and sausage-making expertise. Nothing was missing. It just took one small step forward to reinvent our traditions. And the Roca brothers exemplify an evolutive fusion between avant-garde world cuisine and their hundred-year-old family tradition at El Celler de Can Roca, a restaurant that has made major contributions to technological innovation and to culinary and gastronomic techniques. All this goes to prove that Girona province is and has always been a powerful focus of gastronomic creation.
El Bulli makes its last appearance in 2011 Red Michelin Guide, when in the province of Girona lists 20 Michelin stars for 14 restaurants. In the same year the World's 50 Best Restaurants list El Bulli (Cala Montjoi) and El Celler de Can Roca (Girona) in the top five.
At 2012, 11 restaurants with 15 Michelin stars: five restaurants with six stars are found along the Costa Brava. And in 2012, El Celler de Can Roca is second in the World's 50 Best Restaurants.
Wines
The wines of Alt and Baix Empordà fall under the auspices of the Empordà (DO), DO Empordà regulatory body. Wines have been grown in the region for over 2,500 years, but in the middle of the 20th century, the quality declined greatly in favor of producing cheap, bulk wines aimed at visiting beach tourists. A focus on quality returned to the winemaking due to smaller wineries opening, starting in the mid-1990s. Now, the wines from the region have been subject to high scores and recognition from international critics and have even become the focus of guides created solely for enotourism.
For red varieties, Carignan (legally required to be 'Samsó' on the label) is prevalent, forming the basis of Empordà viniculture, together with Grenache (sometimes known in Empordà as ''Lledoner''). These traditional varieties are complemented by new ones that are being introduced: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Marselan.
The most popular white varieties are Grenache Blanc, Grenache and Macabeo. Muscat (grape), Muscat, Xarel·lo recently planted Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer grapes are also grown, but to a much lesser extent.
Environmental protection
In 1998, the coastal towns of the Costa Brava signed a charter, called the ''Carta de Tossa'', which undertook to pursue environmental protection, along with tourism. This recognised the value of the region's wide range of natural habitats and microclimates. The Medes Islands off the coast of L'Estartit
L'Estartit (; es, Estartit, link=no) is a small town and seaside resort on the Costa Brava, on the northeastern coast of Spain, located in the province of Girona, Catalonia.
The town is situated between the foothills of the Montgrí Massif an ...
are in Spain's first marine reserve and provide a home to a wide range of fish and aquatic flora. The nearby wildfowl reserve on marshlands at Aiguamolls de l'Empordà also saved land from the potential ravages of development.
Natural parks
Three Parks are present in the geography of the Costa Brava.
Natural Park of Cap de Creus
Protection law in this area becomes the Cap de Creus Natural Park, located north of the Costa Brava, in Port de la Selva, one of the most unusual in the Iberian Peninsula. Determined as protected areas the municipalities of El Port de la Selva
El Port de la Selva is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of the Alt Empordà in Catalonia, Spain, on the Costa Brava. It is situated on the northern coast of the Cap de Creus and is an important fishing port and tourist centre. The romanesque ...
, La Selva de Mar, Roses, Cadaqués, Palau Saverdera, Pau, Spain, Pau and Vilajuïga, with an area of 13,886 hectares spread over 10,813 hectares of land and 3,073 of maritime space.
Aiguamolls de l'Empordà
Located in north of the Costa Brava, between the towns of Castelló d'Empúries
Castelló d'Empúries is a town and municipality in the Alt Empordà in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. It lies 9 km east of Figueres.
In 1079, Castelló d'Empúries became the capital of the Empúries county due to the previous capital, Sant Mar ...
-Empuriabrava
Empuriabrava ( es, Ampuriabrava) is a community in the municipality of Castelló d'Empúries, in the Alt Empordà (Costa Brava, province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain). It is located in the Gulf of Roses, surrounded by the Natural Park of the ...
, Sant Pere Pescador and Roses, this park is the second largest of its kind in Catalonia
Catalonia (; ca, Catalunya ; Aranese Occitan: ''Catalonha'' ; es, Cataluña ) is an autonomous community of Spain, designated as a '' nationality'' by its Statute of Autonomy.
Most of the territory (except the Val d'Aran) lies on the nort ...
, as a great number of native species flora and fauna. It is divided into two areas, north and south of the Muga (river), River Muga, comprising the characteristic elements of the landscape of the Alt Empordà.
Montseny Natural Park
Located in the interior of the southern part of the Costa Brava, in Arbúcies (Selva
Selva () is a coastal comarque (county) in Catalonia, Spain, located between the mountain range known as the Serralada Transversal or Puigsacalm and the Costa Brava (part of the Mediterranean coast). Unusually, it is divided between the provinc ...
), Montseny Massif is the largest and highest part of the Catalan pre-coastal mountain range, straddling the provinces of Barcelona
Barcelona ( , , ) is a city on the coast of northeastern Spain. It is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia, as well as the second most populous municipality of Spain. With a population of 1.6 million within ci ...
and Girona
Girona (officially and in Catalan , Spanish: ''Gerona'' ) is a city in northern Catalonia, Spain, at the confluence of the Ter, Onyar, Galligants, and Güell rivers. The city had an official population of 103,369 in 2020. Girona is the capital ...
. One of the main values of the massif lies in the extreme variability of environments presents significant result of altitudinal gradients and vegetation and the diversity of its relief. Oak and pine forests, forests of cork oaks, oaks and beech trees are some of the shape almost a forest landscape while serving as a refuge for many animal species typical of environmental contexts of higher latitude.
Natural areas
More than 30% of the total surface of Girona consist of protected areas of special natural interest:
Albera Massif
Declared area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, includes the towns of La Jonquera, Rabós, Rabós d'Empordà, Espolla, Cantallops, Vilamaniscle, Garriguella, Mollet de Peralada and Sant Climent Sescebes.
The landscape presents with one of the largest concentrations of megalithic monuments in Catalonia, with small Romanesque churches that make this area one of the most rich heritage and history of the surrounding region of the Alt Empordà. And the Albera Massif presents transition vegetation between the species of the Pyrenean mountains and the Mediterranean, as well as fauna, characterised by great diversity, between the mountain areas and the wetland Catalonia.
Lake of Banyoles
This area of great landscapes and geology covers the whole of the coast called the Lake of Banyoles, which separates the plains of the Empordà and the Transversal mountain in the region of Garrotxa. Lake of Banyoles, with an area of 107 hectares and a feature-eight, is one of the largest in the Iberian Peninsula. The most important lakes of this system are its origin and source of the feed water through seepage of rain in some parts of the Garrotxa through subterranean flows caused his departure abroad. Lake of Banyoles and the collection of small ponds, present throughout the year and chemical processes of thermal stratification. In addition to these features, concentrated around the lake a wide variety of flora and fauna lake.
Medes Islands
The small archipelago of the Medes, located in the heart of the Costa Brava, in the town of Torroella de Montgrí
Torroella de Montgrí () is a coastal municipality on the Costa Brava, and small town in Catalonia, Spain. The town lies on the north bank of the Ter river, a few kilometres before it flows into the Mediterranean. The beach resort of L'Estartit als ...
( Baix Empordà) and close to the mountain of the same name, is composed of seven islands that are characterised by rich its marine ecosystem. The proximity of the coast and the River Ter these islands provide a great amount of organic matter, allowing the variety of flora and fauna typical of the Medes. Some examples of this variety are the colony of gulls, the peculiar terrestrial vegetation, algae or coralline seabed, where you can go diving so regulated.
Montgrí Massif
Located between the districts of Alt and Baix Empordà, this limestone massif separates the bays of Roses and Ter, and provides interesting elements of ecological diversity to the landscape. This wild and inhospitable nature makes an exception of the area of the Costa Brava. This area is occupied mainly by pine trees and weeds, in addition to the vegetation that appears not only in forested environments, but throughout the eastern fringe of the mountain, the sea. In this regard include Ferriol and Pedrosa coves, among others.
Ses Negres
The Marine Reserve of Ses Negres, located in Begur, in the middle of the Costa Brava stretches over 1,300 metres of coastline, including beaches of Sa Riera and Aiguafreda. It has a total area of 80 hectares, which includes the cliffs that surround the mountains of Begur. Buoys and beacons define the protected area and also indicate a navigation channel of limited speed. In the bathing area and apnea, respectful and activities compatible with conservation of the environment, there is a recovery of marine life, years after being declared the reserve.
Gavarres Massif
Massive features typically Mediterranean. Located between the counties of Girona and Baix Empordà, is the northernmost of the Catalan coastal mountains. The landscape of this area is mainly forest. The nature of Mediterranean forest gives ample importance to the overall bulk comprised mainly holm and cork oaks. The fauna is typical of Mediterranean environments and forest. With regard to heritage, from the days with abundance of megalithic funerary monuments, in addition, the area also includes the medieval defensive buildings and religious buildings pre-Romanesque and Romanesque style.
Island of Ter
The island of River Ter is a natural area of great ecological value for its biodiversity and for its potential as a setting for environmental education, both for students and for all those who love nature people who visit, where it is favoured because of its proximity to the city of Girona. The area is protected by municipal regulations and by the condition Wildlife Refuge. Presented botanical species of interest, the bell winter woods and some in excellent condition as they have been free from human interference natural setting of the island from the confluence the rivers Ter and Onyar.
This fauna, include the otter, genet and various species of butterflies typical of aquatic environments, and a variety of birds such as night heron, the kingfisher and lesser spotted woodpecker, among others. In total, about 200 species have been observed.
Cadiretes Massif
The Cadiretes Massif (or the bulk of Ardenya) is a natural area that occupies almost the whole town of Tossa de Mar and part of Sant Feliu, Santa Cristina d'Aro, Llagostera, Vidreres, Caldes de Malavella and Lloret de Mar. It is a mountainous terrain, granitic between the sea and the plains of the forest, the highest point of which is Puig Cadiretes (519 metres). The depressions are irrigated by mountain streams typically Mediterranean regime. However, the nature of the terrain makes it create upwelling of water throughout the year, along with humidity and precipitation caused by the screen effect of the mountains before the winds making the bulk elements converge of botanical and faunal clear Atlantic. The coast, with more than six kilometres protected is particularly abrupt, which has facilitated the establishment of several important species which have found an ideal retreat.
Guilleries Massif
The bulk of Guilleries is located at the northern end of the ridge just behind and beyond the Montseny, the town of Sant Hilari Sacalm is the capital. The massive mountain range old and worn, covered with thick vegetation, has a total area of 12,500 hectares and is located within the Plan of Natural Interest (PEIN). A succession of peaks, form a unique landscape, thick, quiet and wild. The highest point is St. Michael the Ants, with 1,204 metres.
Beaches and coves
Counting beaches and hidden coves surrounded by vegetation, there are 199 such locations in the coastal regions of Costa Brava.
Beaches and coves of Alt Empordà
*In Portbou
Portbou () is a town in the Alt Empordà county, in the Province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. It has a population of people ().
Portbou is located near the French border in the Costa Brava region, and frequently serves as a dropping off poin ...
: Port Bou Beach and El Pi, and the coves of Les Freses, El Clapé and Les Tres Platgetes.
*In Colera
Colera is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of Alt Empordà, Girona, Catalonia
Catalonia (; ca, Catalunya ; Aranese Occitan: ''Catalonha'' ; es, Cataluña ) is an autonomous community of Spain, designated as a '' nationality'' by its St ...
: the Beach of Garbet, of Colera and the Borró / Assutzenes, and the coves Rovellada and Cala Morts/d'en Goixa.
*In Llançà
Llançà () is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of the Alt Empordà in Catalonia, Spain. It is situated on the coastline of the Costa Brava, between the Cap de Creus and the French frontier and is an important fishing port and tourist centre ...
: the Beaches Rastell, d'en Cros, Bramant, El Cau del Llop, El Port, La Farella, Grifeu, La Gota, Canyelles, Les Carboneres and Les Tonyines. Cove Tavallera.
*In El Port de la Selva
El Port de la Selva is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of the Alt Empordà in Catalonia, Spain, on the Costa Brava. It is situated on the northern coast of the Cap de Creus and is an important fishing port and tourist centre. The romanesque ...
: the Beaches de l'Erola, Pas, Ribera, of El Port de la Selva and Port de la Vall. Coves Tavellera, Tamariua, Fornells, Cativa, Galladera and Prona.
*In Cadaqués: the Beaches Portal, Port Lligat, Ses Oliveres, Gran, Caials, Es Poal, Llané Gran and Port-Alguer. Coves S'Alqueria, Bona, Sa Conca, Ros, Fredosa, Culip, Guillola and Jugadora.
*In Roses: the Beaches Salatar, Santa Margarida, La Nova, La Punta, Almadrava, Canyelles, El Rastrell and Palangrers. Coves Jòncols, Montjoi, Murtra, Pelosa, Bonifaci, Calís, Calitjàs, Canadell and Rustella.
*In Empuriabrava
Empuriabrava ( es, Ampuriabrava) is a community in the municipality of Castelló d'Empúries, in the Alt Empordà (Costa Brava, province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain). It is located in the Gulf of Roses, surrounded by the Natural Park of the ...
-Castelló d'Empúries
Castelló d'Empúries is a town and municipality in the Alt Empordà in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. It lies 9 km east of Figueres.
In 1079, Castelló d'Empúries became the capital of the Empúries county due to the previous capital, Sant Mar ...
: the Beaches la Rubina, Empuriabrava and Can Comes.
*In Sant Pere Pescador : the Beaches Sant Pere, La Gola, La Txarraca and Les Dunes.
*In L'Escala
L'Escala ( Spanish: ''La Escala'') is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of the Alt Empordà in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. It is situated on the Costa Brava, located between the southern end of the Gulf of Roses and Cala (bay) Montgó. It is an impo ...
: the Beaches Riells, Riuet, Sant Martí d'Empúries, L'Escala, Moll Grec, Les Muscleres, Rec del Molí, Port d'en Perris, and Portitxol. Coves of Mateua Island, Montgó and La Creu.
Beaches and coves of Baix Empordà
*In L'Estartit
L'Estartit (; es, Estartit, link=no) is a small town and seaside resort on the Costa Brava, on the northeastern coast of Spain, located in the province of Girona, Catalonia.
The town is situated between the foothills of the Montgrí Massif an ...
-Torroella de Montgrí
Torroella de Montgrí () is a coastal municipality on the Costa Brava, and small town in Catalonia, Spain. The town lies on the north bank of the Ter river, a few kilometres before it flows into the Mediterranean. The beach resort of L'Estartit als ...
: the Beaches L'Estartit and La Fonollera, between La Gola and La Pletera.
*In Pals PALS may refer to:
* Patient Advice and Liaison Service
* Pediatric Advanced Life Support
* Periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths
* Portraits of American Life Study
* Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy
* Pouch Attachment Ladder System
* Prag ...
: the Large Beach of Pals and Grau Beach.
*In Begur: the Beaches of Racó, Fona, Aiguablava and Sa Riera. Coves Sa Tuna, Aiguafreda, l'Illa Roja and Fornells.
*In Tamariu
Tamariu (, Catalan for ''tamarisk'') is one of three coastal towns belonging to the municipality of Palafrugell, province of Girona, Spain, the other two being Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc. It is part of the Costa Brava, the coastal regi ...
-Palafrugell
Palafrugell () is a municipality in the Mediterranean ''Costa Brava'', located near Palamós in the ''comarca'' of Baix Empordà, in the province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. With 22,365 inhabitants it is the largest city of its comarca. Several ...
: the Beach of Lliris and Coves Tamariu, Aigua Dolça, Aigua Xelida, Marquesa and Pedrosa.
*In Mont-ras: the Coves Vedell, del Crit and Font Morisca.
*In Llafranc
Llafranc () is one of three coastal towns belonging to the municipality of Palafrugell, province of Girona, Spain, the other two being Calella de Palafrugell and Tamariu. It is part of the Costa Brava, the coastal region of northeastern Catalo ...
: the Beach of Llafranc and the Cove El Cau.
*In Calella de Palafrugell
Calella de Palafrugell is one of three coastal towns belonging to the municipality of Palafrugell in the province of Girona, Spain. The other two towns are Llafranc, only to the north, and Tamariu, some to the north. All three towns are part of ...
-Palafrugell
Palafrugell () is a municipality in the Mediterranean ''Costa Brava'', located near Palamós in the ''comarca'' of Baix Empordà, in the province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. With 22,365 inhabitants it is the largest city of its comarca. Several ...
: the beaches of Sant Roc/dels Canyers, Canadell, Calau, Platgeta, Port de la Mala Espina and Port Pelegrí. The coves the Russian Bath/Massoni, Golfet and Port Bo.
*In Palamós
Palamós () is a town and municipality in the Mediterranean Costa Brava, located in the ''comarca'' of Baix Empordà, in the province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. Palamós is located at the northern end of a large bay. The town is by-passed by th ...
: the Beaches Remendon, La Fosca, Castell, cap de Planes, the Large Beach of Palamós and the little Beach Sa Tamardia. Coves S'Alguer, Canyers, Pots, Roca Bona, Corbs, Sa Corbetera, Caleta del Morró del Vedell, Estreta, Sanià and Margarida.
*In Calonge
Calonge is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of the Baix Empordà in Catalonia, Spain, on the coastline of the Costa Brava.
The town comprises two parts, a medieval hill village and modern seaside resort. The main urban centre and original v ...
: the Beach of Torre Valentina, Es Monestri, Can Cristus/Ses Torretes, Sant Antoni and Les Torretes. Coves Roques Planes, Cap Roig, Comtat Sant Jordi and Belladona.
*In Platja d'Aro-Castell Platja d'Aro: the Large Beach and Bays Rovira, El Pi, Canyers and Sa Cova.
*In Santa Cristina d'Aro: Coves Vallpresona, Caleta de Cuncagats, La Font, de El Senyor Ramon and Joana.
*In S'Agaró
s'Agaró () is an upmarket resort on the Costa Brava between Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Platja d'Aro. It is part of the municipality of Castell-Platja d'Aro, itself in the comarca of Baix Empordà and province of Girona in Catalonia, Spain. T ...
-Castell Platja d'Aro: the Beach of S'Agaró and the Coves s Sa Conca and Pedrosa.
*In Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Sant Feliu de Guíxols () is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of the Baix Empordà in
Catalonia, Spain. It is situated on the Costa Brava and is an important port and tourist centre. The district abuts to the north, the upmarket s'Agaró resort ...
: the Beaches Port Salvi, Can Dell, Canyerets, de Saint Feliu and Saint Pol. Coves Sa Caleta, Ametller, Urgell, Vigatà, Jonca, Maset and Peix.
Beaches and coves of Selva
*In Tossa de Mar: the Beaches of Santa Maria de Llorell, El Reig, the large Beach of Tossa de Mar and Mar Menuda. Coves Porto Pi, Figuera, Carles, D'es Codolar, Bona, Salions, Futadera, Giverola, Llevadó, Morisca and Pola.
*In Lloret de Mar: the Beaches Sa Boadella, Treumal, Fenals, Cala Canyelles, Santa Cristina and the Beach of Lloret de Mar.
*In Blanes
Blanes () is a town and municipality in the comarca of Selva in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. During Roman rule it was named Blanda or Blandae. It is known as the "Gateway to the Costa Brava". Its coast is part of the Costa Brava, which stretches ...
: the Beaches S'Abanell, Blanes, Punta de Santa Anna and Treumal. Bay Saint Francis.
Gardens
In the four botanical gardens on the Costa Brava come together as many native plants typical of tropical plants, which in turn are balconies overlooking the Mediterranean:
Cap Roig Gardens
In Calella de Palafrugell
Calella de Palafrugell is one of three coastal towns belonging to the municipality of Palafrugell in the province of Girona, Spain. The other two towns are Llafranc, only to the north, and Tamariu, some to the north. All three towns are part of ...
(Palafrugell
Palafrugell () is a municipality in the Mediterranean ''Costa Brava'', located near Palamós in the ''comarca'' of Baix Empordà, in the province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. With 22,365 inhabitants it is the largest city of its comarca. Several ...
, Baix Empordà), the species most characteristic of the Mediterranean are mixed with trees and plants from five continents in this botanical garden, one of the most varied of Catalonia
Catalonia (; ca, Catalunya ; Aranese Occitan: ''Catalonha'' ; es, Cataluña ) is an autonomous community of Spain, designated as a '' nationality'' by its Statute of Autonomy.
Most of the territory (except the Val d'Aran) lies on the nort ...
. During the summer, the botanical garden hosts a variety of activities such as exhibitions and cultural performances.
Santa Clotilde Gardens
The Santa Clotilde Gardens are in a beautiful landscape on a cliff with views of the sea in Lloret de Mar (Selva
Selva () is a coastal comarque (county) in Catalonia, Spain, located between the mountain range known as the Serralada Transversal or Puigsacalm and the Costa Brava (part of the Mediterranean coast). Unusually, it is divided between the provinc ...
). This botanical garden was designed in 1919 by Nicolau Maria Rubió Tudurí, and is characterised by the Italian influence and the formal coherence between the garden and the architectural surroundings. The gardens host several marble sculptures and are characterised by the absence of flowers, contrasting sharply with the wide variety of plants.
Pinya de Rosa Tropical Botanical Garden
In Blanes
Blanes () is a town and municipality in the comarca of Selva in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. During Roman rule it was named Blanda or Blandae. It is known as the "Gateway to the Costa Brava". Its coast is part of the Costa Brava, which stretches ...
(Selva), Ferdinand Rivière Caralt created in 1954 this botanical garden that has the peculiarity of having adapted to the Mediterranean and tropical vegetation characteristics. Plants and trees, such as cactus, Opuntia species or aloes, live in a context rich in native vegetation.
Marimurtra Botanical Garden
This botanical garden, located in the south-eastern slope of Mount Sant Joan de Blanes, on the cliffs, was created in 1921 by German scientist Karl Faust. Years later, Marimurtra became one of the most important biological stations in the Mediterranean. The Marimurtra Botanical Garden meets not only native plants and trees, but plant species from around the world, such as Chile palms, bamboos and trees characteristic of Africa and Mexico, among others.
Notes
Bibliography
*
References
External links
Costa Brava Girona Tourism Board Official Website
Costa Brava Pirineu de Girona Official on Facebook
Costa Brava Pirineu de Girona Official on Twitter
{{Authority control
Coasts of Catalonia, Brava
Coasts of Spain
Tourism in Catalonia
1900s neologisms