Day 291 - 29/06/2014 : Canyelles beach

Few days ago we talked about Almadrava beach in Roses, today is the turn to the other stunning beach on the North of this town : Canyelles beach.


It's similar to Almadrava but personally I prefer this because is cleaner than Almadrava offering a wide variety of services as great restaurants, hammocks and umbrellas rent and parking just ahead the beach.

I suggest to come here in early September, when the sun is shinning yet and the crowd has came back home, undoubtedly you will enjoy the most. 

What about a fortnight in Empordà during September? You should really think about.

Day 290 - 28/06/2014 : Cadaqués, Portal de Dalt street

Going up inside Cadaqués downtown we reach probably the most stunning street in town : Portal de Dalt.

This steeped and paved rock street is a paradise to the eyes, big balconies plenty of bougainvillea fight with other ones with Catalan flags, whereas we stop in every show we see to look for some special souvenir.

At the end of the street we'll find the house of cats just before reach Santa Maria church.

You can't forget this walk when you come to Cadaqués, don't you?

Day 289 - 27/06/2014 : Cadaqués, clar i català

Entering Cadaqués downtown we feel a desire to embrace the streets. The most of tiny white houses with its Catalan flags create a pride sensation from people living there.

Besides, the contrast of color make a special picture, merging white from the houses, red and yellow from the flags and blue from the sky.

Anything more special? Absolutely yes, the same picture when Catalonia became a new state in Europe.

Visca Catalunya Lliure !

Day 288 - 26/06/2014 : Cadaqués, Dr Tremors square

Lets come back some days and look into Cadaques and its downtown. Starting in Dr. Tremors square you will discover the beauty of the downtown, the fresh air from the Mediterranean and the people's kindness.

Some Catalan flags can be observed and a lot of stunning shops are located showing handmade crafts or offering refreshed drinks to the tourists.

All of this surrounded by white houses, the typical fact from this lovely town.

You can't get out, keep in touch because we will continue our walk !

Day 287 - 25/06/2014 : La Pelosa cove

On the same unpaved road from Monjó to Joncols caves (we are talking about leaving on the north from Roses to Cadaqués) few meters after we leave Calitges cave, we will reach the heavenly Pelosa cave.

Definitely, the dust road taken to come here deserves the final destination : a tiny beach which was in the past place for fishermen.

Besides enjoying the place and taking a refreshing bath there is a restaurant on the beach where you can enjoy a wide variety of rice and fresh fish from the Bay of Roses wrapped in a dream landscape.

We are looking forward to seeing you this summer !!!

Day 286 - 24/06/2014 : Calitges cove

The unpaved road from Montjoi to Joncols caves bring to us how magnificent Costa Brava is.

Following the road plenty of pines and other kind of shadowing plant we will go discovering stunning and quiet caves when taking a bath could be considered as being in the paradise.

One of this caves is Calitges where crystal waters allow to take the best pictures from such a fantastic landscape. One advice : the water isn't specially warm even in August, would you like to check? 

Day 285 - 23/06/2014 : Almadrava beach

In the way to Cadaques after leaving Roses we were able to take fantastic view from its beaches, for example L'Almadrava.

This beautiful bay, otherwise named l'Almadraba - or Canyelles Grosses, gained its name from the large tunny fishing nets ("Almadraves") which were used from the beach there. It is probably the most elegant of the seven Roses beach, and is certainly one of our favourites !

The beach is 600 yards long, and like Canyelles Petites, the sand is fine and the water is clear and shallow.

There is good free parking, within minutes from the beach, although in August a slightly longer stroll may be required.

L'Almadrava itself has three beach bars plus the Santa Lucia which has an excellent restaurant with beach-side bar. Wherever you are staying in the Roses area, Almadrava beach should be on your lists of visits !

Day 284 - 22/06/2014 : Visiting Casa Dali

We should admit we found Casa Dali Museum quite bizarre when we visited, even he owned an strange garden plenty of dried flowers, velvet upholstery, antique furniture, stuffed animals, etc

The most remarkable thing was a pink seat in shape of lips from we took a funny picture. Furthermore, all the rooms have windows of different shapes and proportions framing the same landscape that is a constant point of reference in Dalí’s work: the Portlligat bay.

To sum up : a must if you're near of Cadaqués.

Day 283 - 21/06/2014 : Greeting from Casa Dali

The Portlligat Museum-House was Salvador Dalí’s only fixed abode, the place in which he usually lived and worked up till 1982 when, upon Gala’s death, he took up residence at Púbol Castle.

Salvador Dalí moved to Portlligat in 1930, into a small fisherman’s hut, attracted by the landscape, the light and the isolation of the place. Taking that initial construction as a basis, he created his house little by little over the course of forty years.

The resulting form is the present labyrinthine structure which has as a point of departure, the Bear Lobby.

Pay attention because it's needed to book in advance to take the guides tour. Enjoy !

Day 282 - 20/06/2014 : Port de la Selva beach and Santa Maria church

Porta de la Selva beach belongs to the club of blue flag beaches in Catalonia. Having a full of services during peak season it's the most tourist sight in the town.

Furthermore, the town has a number of hotels renovated apartments and campsites. It also has a good sales network proximity and varied cuisine. With a thousand inhabitants in Port de la Selva is still a quiet town, keeping the structure of traditional fishing ports even reach 10 multiplied by the population during the summer months.

It's well worth it to come here !

Day 281 - 19/06/2014 : Port de la Selva from GIP-6041

El Port de la Selva is a cozy town located in Alt Empordà shire. It is situated on the northern coast of the Cap de Creus and is an important fishing port and tourist centre. As we talked in previous days, it's near from the romanesque abbey of Sant Pere de Rodes which gives special relevance to the town.

Probably it isn't the most distinguished town in Costa Brava but it's quite peaceful if you want to avoid summer crowds. The town is reached by GIP-6041 road from Vilajuiga, GI-612 from Llançà or GI-613 from Cadaqués.

Within its environment there is a wealth of landscapes combining the blue Mediterranean, the green of the vineyards and the sea rising, sculpted mountains with peaks over time outstanding high as San Salvador (671 m). Puig Queralbs (621 m.).

That's all for now, come here and discover by yourself !

Day 280 - 18/06/2014 : Governing the Natural Park

Sant Pere de Rodes monastery was been constructed in the hillside of the Verdera mountain below the ruins of the castle of Sant de Verdera that gave protection for the monastery, therefore he is governing all the range creating breathtaking views.

When you are on GIP-6041 road towards Port de la Selva you can't give up looking behind you to admire the landscape, green on the group, gray and brown from the monastery rocks and finally blue for the sky.

Certainly, there isn't lot of views like this, don't you?
 

Day 279 - 17/06/2014 : Mountains towards the sea

Behind Sant Pere de Rodes towers there is a magnificent lookout from over the Natural Park. We won't forget such a special contrast between the green mountain and the blue sea.

The white houses of Port de la Selva are waiting for us if we need some refreshment after a hard journey in the mountain, some people start climbing to the monastery from there using a GR path.

If you are thinking about this journey, you should be care of your fitness because it's a really challenge for hikers.

Are you ready?

Day 278 - 16/06/2014 : Sant Pere de Rodes main towers

If there is one adjective that fits the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes like a glove, then it's “majestic”. It certainly fits the description, standing out for its solemnity and elegance. This 10^th century Benedictine monastery overlooks the Cap de Creus Natural Park from the highest point of El Port de la Selva. Declared a cultural site of national interest, the complex is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Girona, the most noteworthy elements being the church, the bell tower and the defence tower.

Since its construction in the 10^th century the monastery has seen it all: centuries of splendour (when it controlled territories on both sides of the Pyrenees) followed by a period of decadence from the end of the 17^th century , with constant sackings, etc., and now happier times as one of the key tourist attractions of the Costa Brava.

Day 277 - 15/06/2014 : Sant Pere de Rodes, National Monument

Finally GIP-6041 will drive us to one of the icons from Catalan heritage: Sant Pere de Rodes cloister.

When you are reaching it you get impressed by the massive stone structure from the building, but it's when you get inside you discover how magnificent is.

Located in Alt Empordà shire is a former Benedictine monastery. This is reflected in the internal architecture which are constructed in terraces, given its location. Cloisters of 12th century form the central part of the complex.

Get connected, in the following days we will continue talking about this historical site !

Day 275 - 13/06/2014 : Empordà from Ullastret settlement

Green fields from Empordà shire are shown from the Ullastret settlement's terrace. We could see different things than history in that place because we were able to caught the beauty of the county.

Looking up the North East we were pointed to Montgrí range but the nearest view belongs to the green fields from Llabià and Gualta, where the agriculture becomes the way of living for people.

It's advisable the environment change in few kilometers : from the tourist crowding the beaches to the quiet and humble like from the countryside.

Catalonia, land of contrasts !

Day 276 - 14/06/2014 : GIP 6041, road to paradise

Starting in Vilajuiga, a little town from Alt Empordà shire, 6041 road leads out to cross the low Pyrenees connecting Roses bay with 'Cap de Norfeu' National Park.

It isn't necessary to reach some sight, the road itself is unique, a sequence of meandering curves will bring us to a first lookout when we will be able to admire Port de la Selva, Sant Pere de Rodes cloister and even our french neighbors.

You can't get out, keep in touch with this special road !

Day 274 - 12/06/2014 : Peretallada

Look at this, one of the most beautiful medieval town in Catalonia.

Peratallada is a town in the municipality of Forallac, in the shire of Baix Empordà. It is located 22 km east of Girona.

Its name is derived from pedra tallada, meaning 'carved stone'. Declared a historic-artistic monument, most of the buildings are built from stone carved from the fosse or moat which still encircles parts of this small fortified medieval town.


A festival – the Festa Major, is held every year in early August with concerts and activities and there is a medieval festival in the autumn, now you've all you need to plan a visit !

Day 273 - 11/06/2014 : Tossa panorama from road to Sant Feliu

Just a few meters after reaching Cala Futadera trail there is a rest stop which allow fantastic views to Tossa. The beauty sea scenario merges with green pines and brown rocks, creating a colorful picture.

The road from Tossa to Sant Feliu de Guixols is a breathtaking sight itself, it's plenty of rest stops with panoramic views to the Mediterranean and the surrounding caves, however you have to be careful with motorbikes running free on the road, they are crazy !!!

Drive careful and enjoy your journey !

Day 272 - 10/06/2014 : Cala Futadera

Belonging to Tossa de Mar, this cove is likely to be one of the forgotten paradises in Costa Brava. Hard to access due to a steeped trail it may be a choice for those looking forward to a peaceful journey further to the crowd.

It's oriented to the North East (called "gregal") leading out to sunny mornings and shadowing afternoons, giving the pleasure to take a rest after lunch.

 Giving references, the point on the road to take into account is 29 kilometer, here there is a narrow road starting but finishing soon, having to walk into stairs to reach the cove.

Enjoy !

Day 271 - 09/06/2014 : Sant Grau road

One of the most beautiful roads in Catalonia can be reached easily from Tossa de Mar, driving north to Sant Feliu de Guixols.

When you arrive at Salionç you will find a stepped left turn, it's the road to Sant Grau or GIV-6821. The road is known to be the most spectacular track held in Catalunya Costa Brava Rally, where you can hear the cars running and climbing until reach Sant Grau church.

The road itself is funny for any driver who loves mountain roads,  furthermore being a great viewpoint to the Mediterranean.

Enjoy your driving !

Day 270 - 08/06/2014 : Catalunya Costa Brava Rally

What do you think about this Stratos? Are you a rally or motor fanatic? If you've answered yes definitely you should come to Catalunya Costa Brava Rally.

This historical event starts each year from Lloret and leads out by the surroundings having the climb to Sant Grau as its highlight.

It' really impressive waiting for the machines whereas hearing the engine's noise is approaching.

Enjoy the experience !

Day 269 - 07/06/2014 : Vichy Catalan baths

Hotel Balneari Vichy Catalan was built at the end of the XIX century. Famous for its thermal spring and hot baths, this magnificent hotel located in Caldes de Malavella has beautiful decorative elements of Arabian influence surrounded by gardens.

Hotel Balneari Vichy Catalan features a Spa Therapy Center where some of the services provided include Hydrotherapy, Therapeutic massage, mud body treatments and beauty services, just to name but a few.

The restaurant at the Vichy Catalan serves delicious Catalan cuisine, made from the highest quality products. Guests will have the chance to taste gorgeous traditional cuisine in a spacious dining room. 

Definitely, the best place if you way break the routine !

Day 268 - 06/06/2014 : Lloret beach from the hills

Let me do a compliment to LLoret, this lively city which gets lots of young tourist people looking forward to entertainment.

In my opinion LLoret has given an unfair bad reputation with the past of years forgetting its great values and sights for example this panorama taken from Josep Terradelles street, it isn't really a hill !

The castle is other sight to be considered, it would be great a visit some day, wouldn't it?

Or would you like to come to the next Rally Catalunya edition?

Day 267 - 05/06/2014 : Vilassar beach panorama

Yesterday I wrote 'I Love Catalunya' but before loving Catalonia I love so much my stunning town Vilassar where we lived since 2002.

Vilassar is an icon of quality life, there's lots to do and you will find whatever you need to a comfortable life. But I had to choose the best sight from Vilassar definitely it will be the beach which it's designed specifically for inhabitants with lots of rocks to avoid extra big city crowd.

Would you like to have a beer at Oblikue, our summer 'txiringuito'?

Day 266 - 04/06/2014 : Catalan towel

I found this lovely towel in l'Escala a few years ago. Since that time the Catalan towel has been spread out all over the world : from Croatia to Punta Cana, from Eslovenia to Seychelles.

However, undoubtedly the country where the towel has been spread the most is Catalonia, during summer season it's shown from the North to the South on our coastal line, peacefully and proudly.


I love Catalunya !

Day 265 - 03/06/2014 : Beach journey

Where do you think this picture was taken?

Yes, you're right !!! We are in Vilassar, our lovely town plenty of beautiful places and one of the most is having a comfortable beach for the inhabitants, fortunately for us people from big city (called 'pitxa pins') don't disturb us so much.

We've said sometimes we would need to go abroad to enjoy holidays, we could spend our time in the town because there are all of we need and there's lots to do : beaches, mountain, trails and a reliable gastronomic offer.

You're invited to visit our town, it's really afford it !!!

Day 264 - 02/06/2014 : MNAC

The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, abbreviated as MNAC, is the national museum of Catalan visual art. Situated on Montjuïc hill at the end of Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, the museum is especially notable for its outstanding collection of romanesque church paintings, and for Catalan art and design from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including modernisme and noucentisme.

You can visit daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM except Sunday when it closes at 02:30 PM. To get there the best way is by walking on Av. Maria Cristina taking the automatic stairs to climb the hill.

Enjoy the visit !
 

Day 263 - 01/06/2014 : Palau Sant Jordi

The other symbol from Anella Olimpica comes from Palau Sant Jordi.

This magnificent arena was designed by the Japanese architect Arata Isozaki and it was opened in 1990.

In spite of being an abandoned place after Games it has been a land of great events as Euroleague Basketball Final 4, Handball WordChampionship, Davis Cup matches and concert hall for many historical bands as Rolling Stones, Aerosmith or lastly Iron Maiden.

It's located just in front of Olympic Stadium therefore you haven't excuse to not visit it !

Day 262 - 31/05/2014 : Olympic Stadium Lluis Companys

Lets get round from other beautiful and historical Catalan places. First of all, the magnificent Stadium where the Olympic Games were started in 1992.

It gets its name from our murdered President Lluís Companys, who was shot at Montjuich by Spanish fascists.

The Stadium is the main core of what we call as 'Anella Olímpica', this is, where the most sportive events from the Games were held. You can reach it easily by bus or by taking the Sight-Seeing tour.

It could be a good idea climb to Montjuich and visit it, couldn't it?

Day 261 - 30/05/2014 : Cami de Ronda around Calella de Palafrugell

The piece of Cami de Ronda on the South from Calella becomes one of the most impressive panoramas from this walk. Hikers who enjoy a merge of funny trails with wonderful views will find on this piece all to meet their expectations.

Starting at Platja el Golfet you will have the chance to take pictures from this fantastic beach before walking to the north. First of off you will reach a rough but not too much tall cliffs, then you will enter in a residential area with lots of big houses faced to the sea. Finally you will get the fantastic Calella view you are seeing today.

Enjoy !

Day 260 - 29/05/2014 : Port Pelegri

Port Pelegrí is the central beach from Calella de Palafurgell. This stunning and golden sandy place gets crowded during summer peak season but it's the widest beach from Calellla therefore the most comfortable.


Near the beach some of the small houses where the fishermen kept their tools still remain used today as open-air bars.

At night it gets the lightning from sea walk streetlights giving the chance to some brave people to take a nightly bath.

Do you think the water will be cold? Test yourself !

Day 259 - 28/05/2014 : Winds of change

Empordà is the land of wind !! You are likely to find some diagrams in coastal towns explaining the eight different winds : from the strong 'tramuntana' to the warm 'ponent'.

Old people has great knowledge about what wind is coming, from his childhood they were grown up in a maritime environment, their families would be working on fishing and probably they continued afterwards.

Now it's time to learn a little about wind, please try to memorize them.

That's all for today, get connected because we will continue tomorrow !