Friday 28 February 2014

Day 167 - 25/02/2014 : Tramuntana effects

Tramuntana is a strong and cold wind from the North side. Its polar origin causes speed up to 200 km/h. It's typical in Alt Empordà shire, if you spend some night in Voramar Hotel you will hear it during all the night, it might be scary at all !!!

We realized the effects of Tramuntana walking by the seaway path in L'Escala, we found a tree fallen down, how the wind was to collapses this pine !!!

Be careful my friends.


Monday 24 February 2014

Day 166 - 24/02/2014 : Voramar Hotel pool in L'Escala

It's time to spend some days explaining more sights about L'Escala, this stunning town in Alt Empordà shire.

When we though to stay in L'Escala we tried to find something special, and I think we did : Voramar Hotel. Don't think in a comfortable 5 star hotel, it isn't at all, however there are some topics to be considered and above all the seawater pool in front of the reception desk and the unforgettable sunrises from the seaview rooms.

We will enter on sunrises scenes in following days but today let's take a look to the fantastic swimming pool. Governing the seaside walk the pool is full-filled every evening with new sea water, to preserve clean and cold !!!

If you are staying in the hotel is a good plan to spend some day in the pool to avoid the crowd at any beach.
At night the pool is converted in a quiet pub. Would you like any beer? 


Sunday 23 February 2014

Day 165 - 23/02/2014 : Natural window on Fornells path

Leaving Port d'Esclanyà straight to Fornells the Cami de Ronda begins to enter in some tunnels with special windows to the coves and the nature.

From one of these windows we can take a wonderful picture of Port d'Esclanyà surrounded by the pines and listening the typical cicadas sounds.

A few meters after the windows are located we will arrive at Fornells when the atmosphere change to be such a elitist town giving you the reason to come back to Aiguablava and enjoy the views in opposite order.

Definitely, a walk to remember !


Day 164 - 22/02/2014 : Port d'Esclanyà boats

We continue walking on the Cami de Ronda until reach the beach of Port d'Esclanyà. As we said yesterday, we are talking about a rocky beach and here is the evidence.

Despite of its rough aspect this cove will delight people looking forward quiet beaches without crowd around, undoubtedly there isn't the most comfortable choice but why not to spend some day far to the noise.

Looking at the picture most people are enjoying in their boats, either inside or taking outboard boats to go sailing, we shouldn't forgot sailing has a big practice in Costa Brava.

Will we probably go sailing in the future with our own boat? Time to time.


Day 163 - 21/02/2014 : Port d'Esclanyà

After leaving Aiguablava range we will enter in Fornells area and the first view we'll see is Port d'Esclanyà.

This tiny harbor serves people staying in Fornells to moor their boats, in fact Esclanyà is considered as Begur cove too. You shouldn't think in sandy beaches talking about Esclanyà, you can take a bath at all, but the beach is plenty of rocks and stones, however this mean the crowd avoid it ;-)

The problem is the seabed is plenty of rocks too, therefore you must come with crocs to avoid stub yours toes against the rocks.

But, what about an evening in a quiet Costa Brava cove without crowd disturbing you?


Saturday 22 February 2014

Day 162 - 20/02/2014 : Aiguablava from GR92 path walk

After walking only a few meters from the start, the GR92 path will show us the beauty of Costa Brava and AiguaBlava range.

The green of the trees, basically Mediterranean pines, will share the nature with turquoises waters and blue skies. Far on the north east the beach, with a lot of crowd in summer which you won't listen when you move away in Cami de Ronda.

It's typical to see people diving while you are walking on the path, the clean water deserves take a look to the seabed, other activity to do in this fantastic place, isn't?


Day 161 - 19/02/2014 : GR92 path walk, Cami de Ronda, a nature spectacle

From the left on the Aiguablava beach starts one the most spectacular segment of Cami de Ronda, also known as GR92 road.

Green will be the prevailing color : from the trees and from the water. The spotless seabed will be able to test how the magnificent landscape is, the peaceful of the land will be unforgettable.

The best time of the day to start this walk is after dinner, when the sun is trying to hide behind the mountains and won't disturb your walk.

Don't forget your camera !!!


Day 160 - 18/02/2014 : Aiguablava waters

What about these spotless waters? Have you ever seen something like that? We are talking about Aiguablava, probably the best cove from Begur and Costa Brava.

The turquoise and clean water is the relevant fact from this beach, also its surrounding landscape with a spectacular segment of the Cami de Ronda.

Aiguablava is oriented to the north east meaning the beach is sunny during the morning but after lunch the sun begins to hide behind the mountains therefore relaxing the warmth sensation in very hot summer days.

In the evening it becomes a quiet place to take a relax time, would you like to discover?


Day 159 - 17/02/2014 : Sardines

Let's come back to Costa Brava, we are going to spend some days in the best Begur cove : Aiguablava. Those that you haven't visited this place yet, i'm sure you will write in your agenda for the next summer.

Aiguava is reached at the end of GIV-6532 road when you will find a big parking, but be careful, don't think you will park easily in summer, after 10:00 AM is impossible to find free places.

After a wonderful beach day you might try a good dinner in Les Acacies Restaurant, its sardine are a must as started while you continue watching the gorgeous views of the cove.

Do you know a better plan?



Day 158 - 16/02/2014 : Penedés balcony from Sant Marti Surroca

Can Roca hill, the place where Sant Martí church is located, is a balcony from Penedés shire.

With Sant Martí in first view the green fields are merged with blue sky wherever you look at. The vineyards are spread across the landscape giving a special atmosphere.

Behind us we will be covered by history and culture : the Sant Martí church and castle. This balcony can be reached by car but, why not a stunning walk from the town to see a splendid sunset?


Day 157 - 15/02/2014 : Romanic Santa Maria church from Sant Marti Surroca

Santa Maria Church from Sant Martí Surroca is a Romanesque Church from XII Century located on the top of Can Roca hill.

You can reach it from BP-2121 road connecting Vilafranca del Penedés with the shire and turn on the left by Av. del Castell street.

It's considered one of the most important treasures of the Catalan Romanesque being categorized as Artistic Historic Monument by Generalitat de Catalunya since 1931.

Its apside is one of the best in Catalonia within its style. In 1906 the church was reformed by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch.

Why not spend some journeys learning Romanesques and Catalan history? 


Friday 14 February 2014

Day 156 - 14/02/2014 : Panoramic Penedés

Today we will jump for a day into one of our best wine shire's : Penedés. The landscape is so different, we will change the beaches and the mountains by green wineyards.

Coming in late summer the wineyards are ready to be harvested and the cellars are waiting to receive the grapes to begin the production process, all the people involved in the vintage are excited.

Anyway, the landscape will be stunning if you like countryside and the views on the territory unforgettable if you look up to Montserrrat.

Some cellar offers guided tour on their installations, it's a unique experience to try one time at least.

Who doesn't know cava? A genuine Catalan beverage.


Day 155 - 13/02/2014 : La Punta Bar, paella with lobster

One of the big and best paella we've eaten in our lives was in La Punta, 3 or 4 years ago we remember. After a tasty anchovies as a starter the big paella came : we didn't know how to set up it, it was really impressive.

The price wasn't too high for the quality we gave but we can say it wasn't cheap at all, 18 or 20 euros per person for a paella course some people would rise Cain.

The fact is this paella included lobster in their ingredients giving it a special tip of quality. No grain of rice left. Then, have you written down the next place for your paella?




Thursday 13 February 2014

Day 154 - 12/02/2014 : L'Escala anchovies

Those who love salt food will find a treasure in L'Escala : their anchovies. They are really delicious, nothing to do when you taste in a piece of bread smeared in oil and tomato....

L'Escala anchovies are a such delicious seafood that you can try in whatever restaurant you entered in the town, we recommend specially La Punta, you will stay as you were in your home.

After tasting you will feel the desire to repeat and repeat, therefore you won't be able to avoid bring some box at your home, you might buy them in a dedicate shop behind the Port d'En Perris beach.

Would you like to taste?


Wednesday 12 February 2014

Day 153 - 11/02/2014 : Port d'En Perris, urban beach in l'Escala

You shouldn't consider L'Escala as a place with great beaches. For us the town has other sights better than their beaches.

But if someone ask us for a beach in L'Escala definitely we'll point to Port d'En Perris, the little beach just before arriving to La Punta.

It's a rocky beach with clean waters, it might be a stunning place but the problem is the closeness to streets and people, you aren't quiet anytime.

Anyway, go swimming here with Tramuntana hitting would be so exciting !


Monday 10 February 2014

Day 152 - 10/02/2014 : La Punta

Here probably the most emblematic place from l'Escala, this is 'La Punta'.

When 'Tramontana' is hitting Empordà shire and the sea is trying to drown the beaches, 'La Punta' with its rough shape protects the town.

We can find the best seafood restaurants in L'Escala, specially in 'Bar La Punta', a little place with a great cooker as you will see in following days.

At night the promenade is plenty of couples enjoying a romantic walk after dinning, the place deserves that.




Sunday 9 February 2014

Day 151 - 09/02/2014 : L'Escala sea walk

We discovered L'Escala 5 years ago as a place to spend the last days of summer season. The great seaside path and the fact its 'Festa Major' is held at the beginning of September bring a lot of tourists looking forward a wonderful end of their holidays.

The sea walk is magnificent, from the Marina to 'La Punta' you might walk during 1 hour quietly, passing the big esplanade in Riells beach, the rough rocks following Passeig del Mar street or romantic promenade to 'La Punta'.

Particularly interesting is the path near Voramar hotel, our favorite accommodation in L'Escala. There are other interesting things to talk about, but why don't you come and look into them?


Saturday 8 February 2014

Day 150 - 08/02/2014 : Sa Riera and Medes Islands so far

Sa Riera is the largest cove belonging to Begur. In fact is the last of the Begur beaches before enter on Pals district.

Today we finish the views from Begur Castle and there isn't better view than Sa Riera with Medes Islands so far, isn't?

It seems we may reach Medes swimming but be careful if you try that, it isn't as close as it seems. To visit Medes the best view is to take a boat excursion from l'Estartit.

See you later from Begur !


Day 149 - 07/02/2014 : Begur coves

Let's continue. With a zoom onto the seaside we will distinguish easily the limits of two Empordà shires, Baix and Alt Empordà.

This limit is drawn from the line of Montgri range, therefore to have the idea in the picture you may follow from the edge of L'Estartit and continue until the Medes Islands.

Begur Cape is probably the best Costa Brava location, the contrast between sea and green little hills create a special atmosphere and all of their coves have something to say.

Definitely, you should plan to come as soon as you can !


Day 148 - 06/02/2014 : Splendid Empordà

Today we will talk about one of the promise views from the top of Begur Castle. Looking to the north you will discover a splendid landscape from Empordà seaside.

From the South to the North you will see the last cove from Begur, Sa Riera. After that, with its curvilinear shape the big Pals beach finishing with L'Estartit and Medes islands on the right.

You can admire some range too : on the left hand it's the Montgrí range, on the right hand so far on the North, Norfeu Cape.

Please continue on attention, the exhibition hasn't finished yet !


Day 147 - 05/02/2014 : Begur castle top

The top of the Begur castle is a explosion of sensations. Firstly, we will find a sort of flowers covering the walk to the top giving a colorful scenario to this special land. But the most impressive is the environment around.

It's worth to spend a morning walking around the castle and the stunning streets of Begur, when you reach the top of the castle you might feel a bit disappointed because you will see only ruins, but don't worry !!! Please, enter inside the castle and look it into and take a look around : you will discover how magnificent is the Empordà.

Pay attention the following days !!!


Friday 7 February 2014

Day 146 - 04/02/2014 : Begur castle

Undoubtedly, the most known picture from Begur is the medieval castle governing the town from a little hill.

Some documents located the castle at the beginning of XI century being its first owner Armust de Begur. In 1605 the castle was sold to Begur council. During the wars in 1810 the castle was destroyed.

We can reach easily the top by a pleasant walk beginning from the main square of the town. After reaching the ruins of the castle you will enjoy stunning views from the town, the coves and the Emporda skyline.

We will look into these panoramas in following days, would you like to follow us?


Sunday 2 February 2014

Day 145 - 03/02/2014 : Begur at night

Begur is probably the most important tourist center in Baix Emporda. There are about 4.000 inhabitants and its special location create a dispersion to spread them over the different coves belonging to the town.

We will look into all the coves and beaches in the following days but the old town deserves a visit itself. It's a disordered set of wonderful and narrow streets creating an atmosphere like you lived in a medieval town.

The view at night from the terrace to the castle will give you an idea how beautiful this town is.

Then, what about a visit soon?


Day 144 - 02/02/2014 : Fornells pier

Even though Fornells hasn't a real appeal for us, it should be considered as a summer destination due to the luxury hotels and their pier to go sailing.

The fact is this Begur cove hasn't a beach place to swim itself, you should move to Aiguablava or Platja Fonda to take a comfortable bath, but the walk into their 'Cami de Ronda' in wonderful, joining Aiguablava and Fornell through an unforgettable and panoramic path.

The best accommodation in Fornells is the very known Aiguablava Hotel, a four star quality hotel with splendid sea views.

Definitely, We think you should consider Begur as a summer holidays destination !


Day 143 - 01/02/2014 : Platja Fonda

Platja Fonda was the first cove from Begur we visited. It's the nearest from Bonaigua Hotel and it's worth to spend a time at dawn, when the summer hot sun has disappeared behind Begur cape.

It's very easy to reach Platja Fonda from Bonaigua Hotel, after a short walk leaving the hotel to the sea  you should take the first street on the left and continue until find a stoned and steeped stairs which get you to the little beach.

We should advice that it isn't a sand beach, therefore is a place to relax on summer evening instead of stay a full day, there aren't facilities nor services too.

Anyway, it's a beautiful place that it shouldn't be forgotten if you come to Begur.


Day 142 - 31/01/2014 : Foam party in Carme street

What's up in Vilassar? Are you fool??

We were looking to the sky in a cloudy summer day when we were able to hear some cries from the street in from of us, it was the annual party on July the 16th in 'Carrer del Carme' street.

These quirky neighbors are known to be a little posh and strange (it include some politician in the council) but that what we were seeing was a shock.

A mass of foam was covering the street and people was jumping and enjoying the moment, what do you think we did?



Day 141 - 30/01/2014 : 10th of July 2010, the march begun

Definitely, on July 10, 2010, the march to achieve our independence started in a impressive afternoon in Barcelona.

After a continued denial from the Spanish government of the Catalan rights approved by the Generalitat Parliament (called Estatut) people exploded and more than 1 million invaded Barcelona streets crying for the independence.

After that, the change of Spanish government to Partido Popular fed the process with a sequence of attacks to Catalan rights and culture.

I will say what I think
I will do what I say
When tolerance seems out of sight
We will fight
When liberty seems out of reach
We'll fight for our freedom of speach


Day 140 - 29/01/2014 : Aiguablava cove from the road to Begur

Aiguablava is the Southest cove in Begur and for us is the best from this town, perhaps sharing this privilege with Sa Riera.

Begur is a special town located in a hill having to use a transportation to reach one of their beautiful beaches. Taking the GIV-6532 road you will admire the impressive Begur cape with the turquoise waters of Aiguablava so far, there are some lookout point when you can stop and see quietly.

A suggestion, in the high season you should set off the journey as soon as you can to avoid traffic jam and problems to park, these roads are narrow and steeped and the number of places to park are limited.

But, it's worth to get up soon to enjoy with this wonderful land !


Day 139 - 28/01/2014 : Enjoying Catalonia !

We decided a few years ago to enjoy the summer in Catalonia. After that date we've discovered too many beaches, coves, little stunning tows, definitely we've enjoyed the summer (from July to September) in our country besides to having stay in other beautiful countries as Croatia.

In fact in 2012 we stayed one week in a flat in Costa Brava : it was our first holiday week spent inside our country Catalonia instead to go abroad.

The growth of Catalonia depends on the resources we spend in the country, don't forgot this, we should spend money in Catalonia too to help our companies to growth  and to to achieve a stable economical situation.

Enjoy Catalonia !



Saturday 1 February 2014

Day 129 - 18/01/2014 : Cadaques from the Gi-614 road

The steeped road from Roses to Cadaques is a explosion of beauty when you reach the top, just before begin a quiet slowdown to Cadaques.
From the top you can admire the road merging into the mountains and Cadaques appearing on the horizon. 
Relax and concentrate on your breathing !


Day 131 - 20/01/2014 : Cadaqués cats sleeping

We loved Cadaques for a years ago but we loved too much when we saw these lovely cats quietly sleeping in their home.
Just in front The Cathedral there is a house plently of cats, probably from a protect cat association and we gave some money in a box to help improve the quality of life of these funny animals.
Love the cats !


Day 130 - 19/01/2014 : Great paella in Cadaqués

In Es Baluard restaurant we ate a fantastic paella the second time we visited Cadaques.
It was summer season and the good weather we had invited us to taste it.
The views to the bay and the warm wing completed a perfect lunch !
Why not repeat again?