Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is 160 km long, starting from the Spanish city of Blanes and reaching the borders of neighboring France. A picturesque part of the Mediterranean coast, harmoniously combining white, gentle sandy beaches and harsh cliffs covered with green pine and fir trees. Translated as “wild, rocky coast.” Gray stone cliffs protruding into the azure sea give way to coves and bays with sandy and pebble beaches, creating a unique landscape.

Description

The mild, warm climate and magnificent nature of the Costa Brava have attracted people here since ancient times. It is no coincidence that traces of the first settlements dating back to 200 BC were found on the coast. e. The Pyrenees mountain ranges, covered with bright emerald green forests surrounding the coast, hide the secrets of dilapidated medieval castles and famous dolmens.

At the top of Mount Werder there are the ruins of the Werder Castle, and on one of the slopes there is a former Benedictine monastery. Costa Brava is closely connected with the great Salvador Dali. In the city of Figueres there is a theater-museum named after him, in Cadaques there is his house-museum. In the city of Pubol there is the Gala Dali Castle, which a talented artist once presented as a gift to his beloved.

Lloret de Mar

It is the largest and busiest resort on the Costa Brava. Lloret de Mar translates as "city of laurel trees". Here stands the ruined castle of Sant Joan, which was an impregnable fortress in the 11th century.

The Church of San Roma, built in the Gothic style in 1522, is of great interest to tourists on the Costa Brava. The bell tower of the church is surrounded by a thick wall with loopholes. At that time, pirates often attacked the coast. Local residents hid from them in hidden corners. One of them was the church bell tower. In addition, the road to the temple went through a drawbridge spanned over a deep ditch. This is not just a church, but also a reliable fortress.

The best attraction of the Costa Brava is the park "Gardens of Saint Clotilde", made in the Renaissance style. In the park, located in an elite area, you can admire magnificent fountains, grottoes, look at beautiful sculptures, and relax by picturesque ponds. The luxurious park amazes visitors with its splendor, but at the same time looks elegant and sophisticated. The park appeared in 1919

The modernist cemetery invariably attracts increased interest from tourists. Appeared at the end of the 19th century. It is considered the heritage of the Indianos. This was the name given to wealthy people who returned from working in the West Indies. Demonstrating their status as rich people, they brought a new style not only to their luxurious homes, but even to the cemetery. Majestic mausoleums, tombstones with sculptures are of historical and architectural interest. Famous sculptors and architects of that time worked on them.

The coast near the always noisy Lloret de Mar is the most party place. Bars and cafes are open here 24 hours a day, and their menus include fish and seafood dishes. Discos are held until dawn, and in some establishments they are held during the day.

Tossa de Mar

A comfortable resort by the sea, more suitable for a family holiday. The city is located near a picturesque bay surrounded by a golden sandy beach. Not far from it stands an ancient castle with battlements and watchtowers. The beach is surrounded by high cliffs covered with the bright greenery of a pine forest. Tossa de Mar is called the pearl of the Costa Brava.

The medieval fortress of Vila Velha (translated as “old town”), built in the 12th century. to protect against pirates, it was located on the peninsula. The appearance that the fortress has now, it acquired in the 14th century. High almost 60-meter walls with battlements and narrow loopholes, have 4 watchtowers and 3 cylinder-shaped towers with parapets. At the highest point of the fortress, at an altitude of 70 m, there is currently a lighthouse. The fortress, of course, underwent some destruction during the period of its existence, but even today it looks monumental.

Blanes

The city of Blanes is the oldest city on the Costa Brava. The first mention of it dates back to 1002. In the 16th century, a monastery of Capuchin monks was opened in the city. Above Blanes on the mountain stands the Castle of San Juan, built in the 13th century. Nearby are the ruins of the castle of the Viscounts of Cabrera, built in the 12th century.

The Gothic fountain, built in the 15th century, is popular among tourists. And, of course, the botanical gardens "Pinia de Rosa" and "Mar and Murtra".

Every year in July the city celebrates the feast of St. Anna and St. Joaquim, lasting 4 days. More than 500 thousand tourists from all over the world try to get here at this time to see the largest fireworks festival in Europe. Usually the grand show is watched from the beach. During the fiesta, more than 500 tons of fireworks are burned.

The coast offers an excellent opportunity to engage in air surfing for both beginners and experienced athletes. Costa Brava is rightfully considered an international tourism center.