Day 198 - 28/03/2014 : Sta Maria de Lluçà

Lluçanés area and particularly Lluça town hosts one of the most wonderful Romanesque monument in Catalonia : the Cloister of Santa Maria de Lluça.

This Romanesque building last from XI Century, giving a relevance importance in the history of Catalan Romanesque because of his value.

The Cloister might be visited on weekends although it's possible to book an own timetable.

For more information please go to http://www.llusa.net

Enjoy your visit !

Day 197 - 27/03/2014 : Olost twin towers

Let's take a look on the Central part of Catalonia, please seat and carry on seeing wonderful places of our country.

Olost is a little town located in Osona shire, on the South of Lluçanés area. They are no more than 1100 inhabitants in the town, but  this isn't reason to consider the village as special, above all with his impressive baroque church composed by two twin towers :  Santa Maria church.

The most known event held is Olost occurs on the first week of April, it consist in a parade of giant figures called 'Trobada Gegantera d'Olost', you should be interested in that.

If you want more information from the town, please visit http://www.olost.cat/

Day 196 - 26/03/2014 : Maresme triathlon

On the firsts weekends of October, when the heat has decreased considerable, a big sportive event is held in our Maresme shire : the triathlon.

Beginning from Masnou and reaching Calella this event is for those are really fit and being use to run a few hours between the sea, the bike and their foots.

The bike test is held across the sea road, therefore it's easy to take pictures from the athletes while they are in full effort.

Could you take part in some kind of tests? Definitely, so don't i.

Day 195 - 25/03/2014 : Plaça Massades, slot festival

The first Sunday of each month, except on August, a special event is held in one historic place in Barcelona involving those loving slot and modeling hobbies.

The place is Plaça Massades, on Sagrera district, and the festival is basically a market when little sellers offers theirs antiques, sometimes with very high prices. Slot cars from the sixties are the most appreciated.

The best of this journey is looking round inside the square, looking for a bargain and talking with others freak colleagues.

We are all freaks in our lives, don't we?

Day 194 - 24/03/2014 : Windy morning

Let's say goodbye to Costa Brava during some days, now it's time to look round other Catalonia places.

What do you think about the picture of today? Did you think that Catalonia is not a place to go surfing? You aren't right my friend !

Obviously, we aren't in Australia or Hawai, but we've good conditions for surfers and other water sports based on wind, in fact, we've few of the best athletes in the world in theses disciplines.

Apart from September Tramontana hits constantly the North coast provoking great waves and funny days for practitioners, look this picture from Sant Martí beaches and think yourself.

Be careful !

Day 193 - 23/03/2014 : I'm a Catalan

One of the most representative icons from a country are his sportive teams. Unfortunately in Catalonia at this moment we aren't allowed to compete with our own teams because our athletes are required to compete with Spanish teams.

Most of these athletes have manifested his desire to being part of Catalans teams but they can be punished if they opposite to play with Spanish, is another kind of racket.

Anyway, we've our own shirt and obviously we don't have to wear other clothes we don't like at all : we are Catalans therefore we wear our shirt.

Day 192 - 22/03/2014 : Llobarro

Behind the church of Sant Marti you will find a sort of great restaurants, between them the best appreciated is L'Escolapi.

Definitely you should taste some seafood as the spectacular bass shown today in the picture, it was delicious. After that a walk into the town is necessary to have a better digestion, isn't it?

Enjoy your meal !

Day 191 - 21/03/2014 : Sant Marti d'Empuries church

The most relevant monument from Sant Martí d'Empuries is its church.

After being devastated in 1468, it begun to be rebuilt in 1507. During the last medieval stage became an episcopal reference in the area.

The church is from Gothic style and nowadays it serves as special place for weddings, baptisms and religious events.

Are you thinking in your wedding and haven't found the right place yet?

Day 190 - 20/03/2014 : Empuries surfing day

Now we are looking on the south side of Sant Martí beach. It was a windy day therefore surfers were trying to catch some interesting wave.

The beach was empty because the summer season was finished but we kept in mind the free hammocks waiting for someone to lie in. We've to say we tasted it the following summer and we weren't disappointed, on the contrary, after our first visit to this beach we consider as one of the best Costa Brava sights.

The view is wonderful because gazing on the South you can see L'Escala.

You don't have to surfing, take a rest and relax !

Day 189 - 19/03/2014 : Sant Martí d'Empuries beach

Just leaving Empuries ruins visit Sant Martí d'Empuries is a must. This stunning medieval town belongs to L'Escala but undoubtedly it is warmer than its owner.

You won't spend a lot of time to look round the town, it's easy to walk inside their little streets until you reach the lookout of the beaches, likely to be the best attraction.

These beaches are wonderful for those want to lie on the sand and have a quiet journey outside the typical crowded beaches in Costa Brava. We should only hear the sea and the seagulls looking around.

Think about Sant Martí and come next summer !

Day 188 - 18/03/2014 : Looking at L'Escala from Empuries

L'Escala was founded in the XVI Century from the fishermen who rested from the old Empuries city.

Before this date, the old Roman Empuries was losing his relevance with the past of centuries due to the growth of others cities as Girona (Gerunda), Barcelona (Barcino) and Tarragona (Tarraco).

The beauty of this view is difficult to explain : you can't give up to think you're stepping the beginning of the Catalan history while you're looking for the new Catalonia started in L'Escala.

You can't get out, keep our eyes in the following days, it's well worth it !

Day 187 - 17/03/2014 : Roman carpet

One of the best preserved antiques from Empuries are the Roman carpets created on the first century BC.

The first entrance of Roman Empire to Empuries was in 218 BC, when a Roman army entered in Empuries with the aim to stop the the Carthaginian advance.

The Roman city started in 195 BC, when Marc Porci Cató installed a military settlement.

Definitely you should spend a morning at least to visit these pieces of Catalan history, you won't be disappointed and it's great to learn a little history and to look round the old civilizations.

Day 186 - 16/03/2014 : Roses from Empuries

The problem you will find in Empuries is its lack of shadow areas, therefore if you are coming in summer season you will have to put up with high temperatures.

But there is a land on the North of the settlement with some trees where you can take a rest and look at good views from Roses on the other side of the bay.

Definitely, you will deserve this oasis after a hot morning visiting ruins !

Day 185 - 15/03/2014 : Empuries's ruins

Today it's worth to talk about history. Spain wasn't created before the big bang as some people think, but Catalonia existed before Spain, this is a fact but we should put up with some kind of strange people.

One of the symbol of Catalonia history is said to be the Empuries's ruins. Located in the northeast of l'Escala, south from Sant Martí d'Empuries, this old Greek and Roman settlement host the Archeological Museum of Catalonia and should be visited if you are coming to Emporda shire.

 The settlement is formed by 4 parts : Palaiapolis (the first Greek settlement), Neapolis (the new Greek city), Roman city on the west of Neopolis and an iberic settlement from 'Indigets'.

Nothing more to say,  Enjoy !

Day 184 - 14/03/2014 : Los Barkitos

What's Los Barkitos? Are you kidding to us?

Let's me explain, don't be afraid. Los Barkitos is a tourist company offering services to explore Empuriabrava through its channel system.

They offer a special funny service which people without license to drive a boat could rent a little ship and take a look inside the channels.

These boats, not passing 10CV of power, are easily driven and everybody is able to control after hearing a basic guidelines.

Would you like to try?

Day 183 - 13/03/2014 : Sant Maurici lake in Empuriabrava

Continuing on our boat trip within Empuriabrava we reached Sant Maurici lake. We found a nice view from this special town, with clouds on the horizon and enough space to test the highest speed of our little boat.

It was funny to verify how we were able to drive a boat without having license, it would be a sign for the future? It's possible, we leave in a sea town therefore we've a great possibility to think about rent or buy a boat and spend time above all in summer sailing on the Costa Brava.

In Empuriabrava we were aware you don't need to be the most wealthy person in the world to have a boat and go sailing, why not for us in the future?

Day 182 - 12/03/2014 : Empuriabrava boats and houses

In our boat tour into Empuriabrava channels we realized how much rich people could be. We weren't able to give up watching imperial houses and magnificent boats.

We were really overwhelmed thinking about this luxury and how close we live from it. Anyway, it wasn't worth guessing in one day we'll have one similar : if we had won the lottery we wouldn't spend our time working at all, isn't it?

Then, seat, drive your little boat and continue seeing luxury !

Day 181 - 11/03/2014 : The sun is shining

The nature sometimes offers to us images that will be impossible to drop from your mind. A sunrise hearing only the sea noise in a peaceful September morning is one of these stunning moment you will never forger.

Waiting the sun is something like bringing up the children, you must be patient. Although you see clouds in the skyline don't worry about that, the most you wait the best you'll see.

Finally setting off early it will be worthwhile, definitely you deserve a great breakfast ! 

Day 180 - 10/03/2014 : Another dawn from l'Escala

Staying in Voramar Hotel getting up early is a must. It doesn't matter if you are asleep, the views to the quiet sea will bring you an unforgettable sunrise.

Close your eyes and begin to relax, you might seat in the terrace waiting until the sun was coming and after a few minutes looking forward seeing the special morning.

You should continue waiting, you can't get out !

Day 179 - 09/03/2014 : Medes islands, coming back to L'Estartit

The excursion is over and the captain bring us to L'Estartit. In the coming back trip you should admire the Meda Gran.

This island is the biggest of Medes by its 18,7 hectares and have a little pier allowing people to disembark and do hiking until the top of the island, where you will find the old lighthouse from 1868 but closed since 1933.

It's time to arrive at destination and why not to taste some delicious seafood in L'Estartit? Definitely, you will deserve that.

Day 178 - 08/03/2014 : Medes islands, moving forward between Gran and Petita islets

When you take a boat excursion to Medes normally you start going around the external side of the islands. But not much time you expected, the boat will begin to move forward between the islets until get 'El Freuetó', the little channel between Meda Gran and Meda Petita.

It seems nothing is splitting up the islets because the rough rock creates a natural path but don't be confused, there are two islets here.

Afterwards this crossing the come back to l'Estartit is close.

Would you like to repeat?

Day 177 - 07/03/2014 : Medes islands, playing hide and seek

The great number of boats surfing the surroundings of Medes get some funny pictures when the boats seem to play to hide and seek.

We don't know if there is an allowed number of boats at the same time buy really we have to say it was a traffic jam ! The captains had to look after to not crash with another ship !

There are a variety of offers to take a boat excursion to the islands, you shouldn't the first you see, take your time to choose the best choice.

Enjoy !

Day 176 - 06/03/2014 : Medes islands, Illa Petita

Keep on your eyes in the islands, we haven't finished yet !

Illa Petita is the second largest islet in Medes (the big one is Illa Gran) and the cliffs on its east coast, which are dotted with caves, are probably the top attraction to the islands.

A lot of people come to diving into these coves to admire the wonderful maritime fauna below the water. You should set off early your journey to avoid the crowd and the boats surfing around you.

Don't forget your camera !

Day 175 - 05/03/2014 : Medes islands, Tascons

The best way to admire Medes Island is enroll in a boat excursion leaving from L'Estartit. You can see them laying or walking on the beach, or coming up to the top of Montgri range, but undoubtedly a boat cruise around the islands is a must.

 Here the Tascons, the little islets behind Gran and Petita Medes, from here the boats appear and disappear, you can't get out and you will look forward keeping going to the wonderful view.

Would you like to continue the tour around the Tascons?

Day 174 - 04/03/2014 : Medes islands, Tascó Gros and Carall Bernat

Medes islands is a natural paradise in front of L'Estartit beaches and pier, therefore this town become the exit point for a lot of boats doing excursions to the islands.

It's a protected maritime area close to the shore and formed by an small and craggy group of seven islets(some of them called Tascons in Catalan and others bigger than these called islands).

In the picture we can see from left to right, Carall Bernat (in Catalan 'cavall') and Tascó Gros.

Wait for the next picture, we'll stay some day talking about these stunning islands. 

Day 173 - 03/03/2014 : L'Estartit pier

L'Estartit is a privileged place in Baix Empordà shire, the last town before we enter in Alt Empordà.

The variety of different landscapes, the long beach, and the tourism, shopping and leisure opportunities make this Costa Brava area an ideal spot for enjoying pleasant, comfortable holidays at any time of the year.

Strolling through the narrow streets or along lively Carrer de Santa Anna, visitors can imagine the pace of life in former times, the seafaring traditions, the old sailors’ taverns and the picturesque processions on religious feast days that can still be seen today.

The Medes islands can be reached from L'Estartit, giving a relevance to the town for sea activities.

Enjoy !

Day 172 - 02/03/2014 : Vilassar National Day

Last years Vilassar has taken the role of a town defending its Catalan feelings and roots. Not only the 11th of September the streets show the complain of Vilassar people to become a town within the new Catalan State.

Hordes of official Catalonia flags, the 'Senyera', fill a great number of terraces, also the unofficial but widely used 'Estelada', undoubtedly the symbol of this independence complain.

Specially colorful is the 11th of Setembre, the 'Diada Nacional', when the yellow and red colors contrast with the blue sky at the end of summer season, it's the best time to be aware of our right to decide.

Visca Catalunya Lliure !

Day 171 - 01/03/2014 : Sunrise in L'Escala

Don't get out your terrace in Voramar Hotel, wait a moment because after the dawn the sunrise is coming.

We discovered how relaxing should be a quiet summer morning seeing how the sun is coming to get us another splendid day to enjoy our country, their beaches and landscapes, we were excited !!!

You can't stop to take pictures to the sun in every second he is rising. The sky was getting different colors with the sunrise progress giving an enjoyable moment.

After a few moment you will look forward for a good breakfast and get ready for another summer day.

Anything more to set off a journey?

Day 170 - 28/02/2014 : Before the Dawn

Don't forget to book your room in L'Escala Voramar hotel with sea views, you will hear Tramuntana all the night giving you a comfortable sleep outside the sultriness of the most of places in Catalonia summer.

Look at this view, what do you think? Before the Dawn is a wonderful title for this image but a strong feeling when you get up early to see it from your terrace.

What's the problem? You won't be able to asleep again when the sun was risen because the light will hit completely your room.

Then, time to breakfast and go for a walk?

Day 169 - 27/02/2014 : L'Escala Riells beach

As we said in previous days, we don't consider l'Escala as a place with relevant beaches as well, but the walk to Riells beach is amazing and you may go shopping and find out the last souvenir of your holidays.

This beach is used for families with children because it isn't very deep and it's wide, therefore you won't feel the summer crowd.

On the other hand, it's the place where you can rent a little boat to go sailing on your own.

Would you like to try?

Day 168 - 26/02/2014 : Roses from L'Escala

Tramuntana brings blue and spotless skies to Alt Emporda giving the chance to admire the stunning Bay of Roses from L'Escala.

The evening summer walks to La Punta allow us a view of Roses far away, it will be windy and the sea will be altered.

But watching the sea is one of the most relaxing things you can do in summer and feeling the wind in your face is amazing and refreshing in the hot summer days.

We'll be waiting for your in l'Escala !