Giro

naSp

ain

Costa

Bra

va

P O R T U G A L

F R A N C E

M O R O C C O

A L G E R I A

AtlanticOcean

Madrid

Girona

Lisbon

CeutaMelilla

Cantabrian Sea

S P A I N

Mediterranean Sea

Costa Brava

UNITED KINGDOM

I R E L A N D

Dublin

London

Paris

Table of Contents

Introduction 2Itineraries along the Coast

Albera Mountains and Cap de Creus Peninsula 10Gulf of Roses 14Begur - Torroella de Montgrí 18Southern Coast of the Baix Empordà 20The Selva Lowlands 24

Inland Itineraries Girona, Banyoles, Besalú, Figueres 26Girona capital 30City Map 35

Other Places of Interest 36Diverse Activities 37Entertainment and Events 43Useful Information 48

Sant Feliu de Guíxols

2

This is the Costa Brava; thenorthernmost coast ofCatalonia extending from thetown of Portbou to Blanes.The coast is very rugged anduneven due to a series ofmountain ranges whichplunge abruptly to the sea.

Introduction

Picturesque fishing villages, rocky cliffs,unspoiled beaches, amazing underwaterscenery, transparent waters and a mildclimate.

Girona

3

Hence, the name Costa Brava,brava meaning rugged, boldand wild.

Artists such as Salvador Dalí,Picasso and Marc Chagall fellunder the spell cast by thisextraordinary geographicalsetting. They were captivatedby a sea, capable of ragingfury caused by thetramontana wind, a brilliantsky, fishing ports, thehospitality of the people, andfine food.

Tourism opportunities on theCosta Brava are as extensive asthey are interesting, fulfillingthe expectations of the mostdemanding traveller. History,art, architecture, recreationalsports, especially thoseconnected with the sea, canbe added to an outstandingtourist infrastructure. Whennone of these aspects hasbeen overlooked, it will bepossible to say that you havereally come to know the CostaBrava, its customs, its way oflife, while having a great timein the process.

During your journey throughthis stretch of the Cataloniancoast, let yourself be carriedaway by the sensations naturehas to offer, along with theMediterranean culture.Immerse yourself in thesurroundings, mingle with the

Cala Montjoi. Roses

Vall de Núria

people, and you will uncoverthe reason for their success.In this guide, we will provideyou with the first steps tofollow. Afterwards, thedecision is yours. Explore thehidden corners, the secrettreasures, and discover all thisland has to offer.As in the rest of Catalonia, theofficial language is Catalan,along with Castilian Spanish.

How to get to theCosta Brava

By Air. Costa Brava has twoairports:Girona AirportViloví de Onyar. GIRONA.Tel. 972 18 66 00.Empuriabrava AerodromeEquipped for light aircraft.Located on the Bay of Roses.Aeroclub Empuriabrava.EMPURIABRAVA.Tel. 972 18 66 46.

Walled quarter.Tossa de Mar

5

Barcelona AirportEl Prat de Llobregat.BARCELONA.Tel. 93 298 38 38.

By RailThe railroad betweenBarcelona and Portbou linksthe major towns on the CostaBrava. The "Mare Nostrum"train departs daily fromPortbou to Murcia and runsalong the entire coastline.RENFE Railway Station.Plaça de Espanya. GIRONA.Tel. 972 20 70 93.

By RoadAutopista A-7: connects theMediterranean highway with

France and facilitates access tothe tourist resorts on theCosta Brava. Autopista A-2:connects the city of Zaragozato Madrid and Bilbao.

By BusNumerous transportationcompanies provideconnections by road betweenthe Costa Brava andBarcelona. Buses depart fromEstació del Nord, Ali Bei, 80,Barcelona, Tel. 93 265 65 08connecting Barcelona withleading Spanish cities: Madrid,Bilbao, Seville, A Coruña, etc.

Empuriabrava

6

Getting Around

By BusIntercity bus lines. Informationconcerning itineraries andtimetables is available at theGirona Bus Station.Plaça de Espanya.Tel. 972 21 23 19.

By TrainRENFE (Spanish NationalRailway) connects the townsof Blanes, LLançà, Colera andPortbou. The majority oftowns on the Costa Brava arelinked by train to the towns ofCaldes de Malavella, Flaça,Girona and Figueres.

Car RentalCar rental firms have offices inalmost all of the towns on theCosta Brava.

By Boat Some of the towns along theCosta Brava organize cruisesconnecting a majority of thecoastal towns. In addition,there is a ferry service to theMedes Islands.

Parador of Aiguablava

Where to Stay

Hotel CapacityThe total capacity of the five,four and three-star hotels ismore than 80,000. ProvincialHostelry Federation. Nou, 7,1r.17001 GIRONA.Tel. 972 22 43 44,Fax 972 29 45 49.

ApartmentsAssociation of TouristApartments (ATA).Reservations and brochure ofapartments. Eixemenis,18 entresol. 17001 GIRONA.Tel. 972 22 09 27,Fax 972 21 85 00.

CampingAssociation of Campgroundsand Vacation Complexes inthe Province of Girona.Information and brochures.Apartado 100. 17230PALAMÓS. Tel. 972 31 47 36,Fax 972 31 85 11.

Rural TourismInformation and brochures.Apartado 932. 17080 GIRONA.Tel. and Fax 972 22 60 15.

Health SpasAssociació Balneària (Health Spa Association). Tel. 93 218 36 99.

Balneari Vichy Català.Recommended for relaxationtreatments and rheumaticailments.Av. del Dr. Furest, 32.CALDES DE MALAVELLA.Tel. 972 47 00 00.Balneari Prats. Recommendedfor stress, obesity and beautytreatments. Hydrotherapy,therapeutic massage,respiratory disease treatments.Plaça Sant Esteve, 7.CALDES DE MALAVELLA,Tel. 972 47 00 51.Balneari Termes Orion.Treatments for stress, cellulite,circulatory and rheumaticdiseases. Av. Termes Orion.SANTA COLOMA DE FARNERS.Tel. 972 84 00 65.

7

Arcade.Torroella de Montgrí

L‘Estartit

9

Practical Suggestions

Money ExchangeMoney may be exchanged inbanks, savings banks, and inother establishments whereindicated. Banking hours arefrom 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.Monday through Friday anduntil 12:30 p.m. on Saturdaysfrom October to April.

Credit CardsMost establishments acceptmajor credit cards.

TelephonesPublic telephones operatewith coins as well as magneticphone cards available at postoffices or tobacconists.For international calls,dial 00 first.

Camping site in Castelló d‘Empúries

N-II

260

PARQUE NATURALAIGUAMOLLS DE L'EMPORDÀ

Viladamat

Castellòd'Empùries

Empuriabrava

Cerbère

a

EmpúriesSant Pere Pescador

Portbou

el Port dela Selva

Cadaqués

ColeraPort de Llançá

Llançà

GarriguellaPeralada

Roses

l'Escala

Cabode Creus

Punta Canons

Cabo de Norfeu

Golfo de Roses

Playa de Colera

Playa de Els MortsPlaya de Garvet

Cala Montjoi

Itinerariesalongthe Coast

I. Albera Mountains andCap de Creus Peninsula:Portbou, Colera, LLançà,El Port de la Selva,Cadaqués

Our itinerary begins at thenortheastern tip of Cataloniaalong the stretch formed bythe Albera mountains, the lasttrace of the Pyrenees in theCatalonian landscape, and theNature Park of Cap de Creuswhich juts some ten kilometersinto the sea, a good exampleof the distinctive features ofthe Costa Brava.

Portbou is the first town wecome to in Spain after crossing

10

Portbou

the French border.A panorama of Portbou,including the network ofrailroad tracks, is visible fromthe highway. Of interest arethe railroad station built in1929, and the neo-GothicChurch of Santa Maria.

Ten kilometers to the south onhighway C-252 bring us toColera, an old traditionalfishing village. There are twobeaches: Colera and Els Morts,divided in the center by thePunta Canons jetty, andGarvet beach, a little morethan one kilometer southeast.

Twelve kilometers from theFrench border on the Portbouroad, we find Llançà with itscoves, including Cap Ros, LaFarella and Gifreu. El Port deLlançà, a lively seaside resort,

11

Cadaqués

12

is an excellent example of theideal conditions available forwater sports in the area ofLlança. Contrasting with themodern harbor area, we findthe town with its mainmonument, Sant Vicenç, an18th century parish church.

Leaving Llança by the roadgoing to Cadaqués and onlysix kilometers to thesoutheast, we come to theseafaring town of El Port dela Selva. It is a splendidexample of the communionbetween the sea and themountain, typical of theCosta Brava. It boasts amonastery dating from the10th century, Sant Perede Rodes, one of the mostnotable Romanesquestructures in Spain. The

lookout points commanda panoramic view of the gulfof Roses, as well as severaldolmens.

On the southern portion ofthe peninsula, continuing onEl Port de la Selva road, wefind one of the most visitedand picturesque towns on theCosta Brava, Cadaqués. Set atthe end of a deep bay andwith a natural port, Cadaquéspreserves its own personalityin the Empordà region.Numerous artists andintellectuals have been linkedto Cadaqués, includingPicasso, Klein and Chagall, butSalvador Dalí, from his homeat Portlligat, only a kilometeraway, is the one who gave itinternational fame andprestige. Interesting

Llançà

13

monuments are the Church ofSanta Maria, plundered in1543 and rebuilt with specialcare, the Municipal Museumof Art, exhibiting works byartists connected withCadaqués, the Perrot-MooreMuseum of European graphicart, and the Hermitage of SantSebastià, located by taking acutoff on the road to Roses.

Salvador Dalí House-MuseumPORTLLIGAT-CADAQUÉSTel. 972 25 80 63Open: daily from 10.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Monday.

Municipal Museum ofContemporary ArtMonturiol, 15. CADAQUÉS.Tel. 972 25 88 77.Open: daily from 10:30 a.m.to 1 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.

Perrot-Moore MuseumVigilant, 1. CADAQUÉS.Tel. 972 25 82 31.Open: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.and 4 to 8 p.m.

Monastery of Sant Perede Rodes

260

N-II

A-7

PARQUE NATURALAIGUAMOLLS DE L'EMPORDÀ

Emb. deColomes

Ter

Viladamat

Cadaqués

el Port dela Selva

l'Estartit

Peralada

Gualta

EmpúriesSant Pere Pescador

Garriguella

Empuriabrava

Castellód'Empúries Roses

l'Escala

Torroellade Montgrí

Cabo de Norfeu

Golfo de Roses

Cala Montjoi

Islas Medes

II. Gulf of Roses:Roses, Castellód'Empúries,Empuriabrava, L'Escala

With Cap de Creus to thenorth and the Montgrí massifto the south, the Gulf of Rosesembraces a 15 kilometer curveand forms a vast sandy beach.The Nature Park Aiguamollsde l'Empordà can be visited toadmire the numerous varietiesof flora and fauna.

In the northeastern part ofthe gulf, we find the town ofRoses. The C-260 coming fromFigueres will take us there.The 16th century fortress, theCiutadella, is worth a visit.Although only ruins arepreserved, it is still ofarchitectural interest. We alsofind the remains of the Greeksettlement of Rhode, and theRomanesque church of Santa

Cala Almadraba. Roses

14

Cala Calis. Roses

Maria. Roses is one of themost visited towns on theCosta Brava. Its fishing port isa leading port on thenorthern coast of Catalonia,and its marina area is one ofthe most lively, especially atnight. In contrast with otherareas where tourism has beenmore prevalent, there areexamples of unspoiled beauty,such as Montjoi bay or CapNorfeu.

The C-260 road leads us toCastelló d’Empúries, along theMuga river, with its towncenter scarcely transformed bythe onset of tourism andmodern life. The remains ofancient walls, towers and amedieval bridge can bevisited, but above all, ourattention is drawn to the 10thcentury church of Santa Maria,a former cathedral, the

Ajuntament (Town Hall) whichwas a former commodityexchange, and the ParishMuseum with various religiousworks.

On the coast, on the otherbank of the Muga, we find acompletely different setting:the affluent housingdevelopment ofEmpuriabrava. Laid outaround a large network ofnavigable canals, it hasfacilities for almost all types ofwater sports and anaerodrome equipped tohandle light aircraft whereskydiving instruction isavailable.

Very nearby is Sant PerePescador, with ample campingfacilities and a school andcenter for water sports.

Church of Santa Maria.Castelló d’Empúries

17

At the southern end of thegulf of Roses, we encounterL’Escala, which can be reachedby taking Autopista A-7 (exit 5) and then a local road.L'Escala is a fishing village anda favorite spot of water sportsenthusiasts. It has excellentmarinas, such as Cala Riells andLa Clota, and two yacht clubs.L'Escala is also the point ofentry to the ruins of the Greco-Roman colony of Empúries(Emporium), one of the placeschosen to receive the Olympictorch for the 1992 OlympicGames in Barcelona. Thesettlement is the most visitedarcheological site in Catalonia.

Empúries MuseumAfores. L'ESCALA.Tel. 972 77 02 08.Open: summer10 a.m. to 8 p.m.;winter 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fishing port. L’Escala

La Pera Peratallada

Viladamat

Aiguablava

Tossa de Mar

s'Agaró

Sant Antoni de Calonge

Gualta

CalellaLlafrancTamariu

la Fosca

Vall-LlobregaMont-Ras

Castell d'Aro

PalsUllastret

l'Estartit

Begur

Sant Feliu de Guixols

Palafrugell

l'Escala

Platja d'Aro

PalamósCalonge

Torroellade Montgrí

Cabo Begur

Islas Medes

Playa Sa Tuna

Cala Salions

P

III. Begur - Torroellade Montgrí:Pals, Ullastret, L'Estartit,Medes Islands

Begur is a select tourist resortcrowned by the ruins of a 15thcentury castle. Only sixkilometers from Begur, wefind Pals, C-255, with agrouping of monumentsdeclared of national historic-artistic interest. Particularlynoteworthy in the walledquarter are the towers of LesHores and Rom, also a lookoutpoint. The church of SantPere, a blend of Baroque,Romanesque and Gothicstyles, and the house of Pi iFigueres are also monumentsworth visiting.

Northwest of Pals, taking theturnoff on the road that goesto Torroella de Montgrí, wefind Ullastret. A visit to themedieval center with itscovered Gothic square isrecommended. Ullastret isnoted especially for itsarchaeological site of anancient Iberian city, and asmall monographic museum inthe chapel of Sant Andreu.

To the north, on the coast andon the same road leading toTorroella de Montgrí, weencounter L'Estartit, a fishingvillage with a port, marinaand three kilometers ofbeaches. From here, a visit tothe Medes Islands is a must ina glass-bottom boat toadmire the underwater

18

Ruins of an Iberian settlement.Ullastret

scenery and more than athousand varieties of marinelife. The Medes Islands are anarchipelago made up of sevenislands. Long ago a refuge forpirates and smugglers, todaythe Medes Islands are a naturereserve protected for thebiologically rich waters.

Our final stop is Torroella deMontgrí. Among the mainattractions of this town is the13th century castle which alsoserves as a lookout, aPaleolithic site in the areacalled Cau del Duc, a notableGothic church, the arcadedPlaça Mayor (main square),the Museum of Montgrí i del

Baix Ter devoted to naturalhistory, the hermitage ofSanta Catalina, and the Towerof Witches legends say onceinhabited this area.

19

L‘Estartit - Medes Islands

Medieval monuments. Pals

La Pera Peratallada

Pals

Aiguablava

Tossa de Mar

S'Agaró

Sant Antoni de CalongeSanta Cristina

d'Aro

Gualta

Ullastret

CalellaLlafrancTamariu

la Fosca

CalaCanyelles

Vall-LlobregaMont-Ras

Castell d'Aro

Begur

Sant Feliu de Guíxols

la Bisbald'Empordà

Platja d'Aro

PalamósCalonge

Palafrugell

Cabo BegurPlaya Sa Tuna

Cala Salions

IV. Southern Coast of the Baix Empordà:Begur, Palafrugell,Palamós, Platja d'Aro,Sant Feliu de Guíxols

Begur is located 50 kilometersfrom the city of Girona on theC-255 road and only fivekilometers from the coast.Although Begur is not noted

for its monuments, the entiretown has been declared apicturesque area. Its maincoves are Aiguafreda,Aiguaxellida, Fornells, Sa Tuna,Sa Riera, Cap de Begur andAiguablava, where we find aParador de Turismo hotel.

To go from Begur toPalafrugell, our nextdestination, we have two

Begur

options: take the inland roadwhich connects both townsfor 7.5 kilometers, or travel bythe coastal road for 20kilometers while admiringa succession of lovely inletsalong the shoreline. When wearrive at Palafrugell, we aresurprised by the lack of touristactivity, except on Sundays,market day. However,Palafrugell has three differentdistricts: Llafranc, Tamariu andCalella de Palafrugell; three ofthe most lively places on thecoast. The sights of interestare: the Botanical Garden atCap Roig Castle, one of themost complete in the country,the Gothic church of SantMartí, the Josep PlaFoundation with a library ofthe famous writer, numerous

Modernist buildings andconstructions from the 1800's,and a lighthouse overlookingthe coast next to thehermitage of Sant Sebastià.Palafrugell also has anarchipelago calledFormigues Islands,especially recommended forscuba diving.

Further south (C-255) isPalamós with its busy harbor.Chiefly devoted to fishing, it isalso ideal for other nauticalsports, including sailing and ishost to important yachtingevents. Noteworthy are the16th century Gothic church,the small medieval quarter,and the residential areas ofLa Fosca, Cala S´Alguer and Cala de Castell.

21

Beach. Tamariu

22

Continuing along the coast(C-255), we arrive atPlatja d'Aro, one of the mostvisited tourist resorts andcomprehensively developedfor tourism with commercialand leisure facilities. Thereare innumerable hotels,camping sites, apartments,second homes, and housingdevelopments. Between thistown and our nextdestination, Sant Feliu deGuíxols, we spot the exclusiveresidential community ofS'Agaró, a model of selecttourism.

Busy street. Platja d‘Aro

Marina. Palamós

23

The C-250 will take us to Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Among its monuments, wefind the hermitage of SantGrau, the Gothic church withthe well-known Romanesqueiron gate of Porta Ferrada,and numerous naturalobservation points which lookupon spots, such as Cap deMort. Although not as totallytourist-oriented as Platjad'Aro, Sant Feliu de Guíxolshas a modern tourist enclave:Cala Salions and perhaps themost complete sports facilitieson the entire coast.

Josep Pla Library FoundationNou, 51. PALAFRUGELL.Tel. 972 30 55 77.Open: Summer-winterMonday to Friday 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 noon.Closed Saturday afternoonand Sunday.

Typical house. Sant Feliu de Guíxols

24

N-II

VidrerasS'Agaró

Sant Antoni de Calonge

Hostalric

Sils

Santa Cristinad'Aro

CalaCanyelles

Sant Feliude Buixalleu

Castell d'Aro

Tossa de Mar

Sant Feliu de Guíxols

Blanes

Llagostera

Tordera

Platja d'Aro

Lloret de Mar

Cala Salions

V. The Selva Lowlands:Tossa de Mar, Lloretde Mar, Blanes

The Selva lowlands reveal anabrupt, marine landscape withdense vegetation justifyingthe name. (Selva also meansforest or jungle.)

Tossa de Mar, the first coastaltown in this area, is reachedby taking the coastal road. Ofinterest are the walledquarters, or Vila Vella, whichare almost intact and preservethe remains of an old church,and the 14th century Gothicgovernor's palace. Nearby, wefind remains of a 4th centuryRoman settlement. Themodern sector of Tossa deMar, known as Vila Nova,stretches along the shore witha large number of apartmentsand hotels. Deserving specialmention are the MunicipalMuseum (1935), with works by

Lloret de Mar

25

Chagall and Sunyer, thetourist and coastal centers ofLlevador, Pola, Giverola,Salions, Cala Morisca andPlatja de Llorell, and theshrine of Sant Grau, a littleinland.

Continuing along the coastalroad, we arrive at Lloret deMar, the leading tourist resorton the Costa Brava withregards to leisure andentertainment facilities.However, Lloret de Marcombines this facet withinteresting historicmonuments and heritage.Meriting our attention arethe notable lookouts, theChurch of Sant Romà built in1522, the 14th centuryhermitage of Santa Cristina,

and the monument to theSailor Woman, behind whichwe find the beach of Lloret.

The last town on the CostaBrava heading south isBlanes, with its city centeronly a few strides fromthe beach. Our attention isdrawn to the remains ofSant Joan (St. John) castle,the ruins of the Gothic Palaceof the Counts of Cabrera, thefountain on the Carrer Ampleor its Botanical Garden. LikeLloret, it is a well-knownseaside resort, and there is nolack of hotels, camping sitesand discotheques. Sixkilometers from Blanes is theN-II junction, the point wherethe highway begins to runalong the coast.

Tossa de Mar

InlandItineraries

VI. Girona, Banyoles,Besalú, Figueres

Eighteen kilometersnorthwest of the city ofGirona, we find Banyolesvia the C-150. The mainattraction of Banyoles isunquestionably the lake. Witha perimeter of 6 kilometersand 60 meters at its deepestpoint, the lake affords ampleopportunities for swimming,

26

triathlon, sport fishing,canoeing, and rowboats arealso available for rent. At the1992 Olympic Games, Banyoleswas the venue of the rowingevents. Even though the lakeis the main tourist attraction,Banyoles also has other pointsof interest: the RegionalArchaeological Museum whichpreserves the jaw of aNeanderthal man, and on theright, the Darder Museum.Banyoles can be divided intothe Vila Vella and the VilaNova. In the first, we find the

Banyoles Lake

28

14th century Gothic Church ofSanta Maria dels Turers, andthe neo-classical monastery ofSant Esteve de Banyoles. Inthe Vila Nova, the arcadedsquare with old buildings canbe admired.

Fourteen kilometers to thenorth of Banyoles and on thesame road C-150, we arrive atBesalú, an outstandingexample of the medievalCatalonian world, patent inthe majority of its streets, such

as Tallaferro. Worth visitingare the 12th centuryRomanesque bridge spanningthe Fluvià river, the churchesof Sant Pere and Santa Maria,built in the 10th century, andthe Jewish baths, the lastvestiges of the Sephardicquarter that existed in thetown in the Middle Ages.

The next stop on our journeyis Figueres. Twenty-fivekilometers northeast of Besalúand a little more than 20 from

Typical street. Besalú

29

Gala-Salvador Dalí FoundationDalí Theater-Museum Plaça Gala-Salvador Dalí.FIGUERES. Tel. 972 67 75 09.Open: October to June 10:30a.m. to 5:15 p.m. ClosedMonday except holidays; July to September daily from 9 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Castell House-MuseumGala-DalíPÚBOL. Tel. 972 48 82 11.Open: daily from 10.30 a.m.to 6 p.m. Closed Monday.

Salvador Dalí House-Museum PORTLLIGAT-CADAQUÉSTel. 972 25 80 63Open: daily from 10.30 a.m.to 6 p.m. Closed Monday.

Museum of l'EmpordàArchaeological ruins.Rambla, 2. FIGUERES.Tel. 972 50 23 05.Open: Tuesday to Saturday11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to7 p.m.; Sunday and holidays11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Closed Monday.

Toy Museum of CataloniaToys from Cataloniafrom the early 1900's.Sant Pere, 1. FIGUERES.Tel. 972 50 45 85.Open: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Museum of Naïf ArtEl Molí de la Torre. El Fardd’Empordà. Tel. 972 52 57 29Open: winter from 10 a.m. to5:30 p.m.; summer from 1 0 a.m. to 8 p.m.

the border between Franceand Spain, it was thebirthplace of the famousartist, Salvador Dalí. The DalíTheater-Museum, where theartist is entombed, is the mainattraction. The Theater has areticulated dome and hasbeen enlarged by the GalateaTower, where the surrealistpainter died. Also of interest isthe Museum of l'Empordà, theToy Museum, the parishchurch of Sant Pere, and thecastle-fortress of Sant Ferran.Figueres is also the birthplaceof the sardana, the traditionalregional dance of Catalonia.It is a city with an excellentnetwork of roads, since fromhere we can take theAutopista A-7, the N-IIhighway, and numerous otherregional and local roads.

Dalí Theater-Museum.Figueres

VII. Girona capital:Cathedral, JewishQuarter, Arab Baths,Provincial ArchaeologicalMuseum, Old City Walls,Sant Nicolauand Sant Feliu

The capital city of Gironaenjoys a privileged locationwithin Catalonia. It can bereached by various roads: theN-II or the Autopista A-7 ifcoming from other provinces,by the border crossings of LePerthus and Cerbére, 80kilometers from the city ifentering Spain from France, orafter landing at the Girona-Costa Brava airport, only 12kilometers from the capitalcity of Girona.

Onyar River

Girona is a humid city and hasbeen called the city of fourrivers because of its location inthe Ter valley at the pointwhere this river joins theGüell, Galligants and Onyarrivers. It is precisely the Onyarriver that marks theboundaries of the city: on theright bank stands the oldquarter, and on the left,modern Girona extends fromLa Devesa park for more than40 hectares. Of interest in thisarea is the Mercadal quarter,

the main financial center,where the majority of businessestablishments areconcentrated. Other chiefpoints of interests in the newpart of Girona are the 17thcentury Hospital of SantaCaterina and some Modernist-style buildings, includingFarinera Teixidor and the Casade la Punxa.

From this area and in orderto reach the old quarter, wemust cross one of the tenbridges that span the river.

In the old quarter, weencounter the Cathedral (1),a blend of different periodsand styles. The cloister,as well as the bell tower, isRomanesque in styleand consists of four galleriesof semicircular arches datingfrom the 12th century. Thefacade and the Baroquestairway are from the endof the 17th century, and theGothic nave is considered thelargest in medieval Europeanarchitecture. The numerousworks of art found in theinterior must also bementioned, such as the famouschair of Charlemagne, varioussarcophagi and thirty chapels.In addition, the ChapterMuseum can also be visitedwith works from the 10th

31

Jewish Quarter Archeological Museum

32

to the 12th centuries, includingthe famous Tapestry of theCreation, a magnificent exampleof Romanesque textile art. Nextto the Chapter Museum, we findthe Art Museum and the Gothicbuilding, the Pia Almoina.Exiting the Cathedral and takingthe street of Força, we reach theCall, as the Jewish Quarter (2)was named. Today it is acollection of streets

where practically anything can be purchased, but inMedieval times, it was a leading Jewish cultural center.Here we find the CentreBonastruc ça Porta - Institudd’Nahmanides, site of exhibits,concerts and activities involvingthe Sephardic legacy. In theheart of the quarter is the CityMuseum (3), specializing in thehistory of the city of Girona.

Sant Pere de Galligants Cathedral

33

Leaving the quarter and on theleft-hand side, we find the ArabBaths (4), dating from the 12thcentury. Afterwards, we comeupon the ProvincialArcheological Museum (5),Romanesque in style andinstalled in the 12th centuryBenedictine Monastery of SantPere de Galligans. The formermonastery has been declared anational historic-artisticmonument, and its church is asplendid example ofRomanesque architecture.

Continuing along the typicalnarrow streets of the oldquarter, we reach the old citywalls (6), a reminder of siegessuffered long ago.

Going back towards theCathedral, we come to theChurch of Sant Nicolau (7),

a small funerary temple, datingfrom the 12th century.Separated from the Cathedralby the Sobreportes gateway, weencounter the churchof Sant Feliu (8), a blendof Romanesque, Gothic andBaroque styles, which legendssay was built over 4th centurycatacombs.

Although our itinerary throughthe capital cityof Girona draws to a close,we cannot forget to mentionother interesting sights in theold quarter, such as the Plaçadel Vi, the Dominican Gothicconvent of Sant Domènec,the Casa Cartellà from the 18thcentury, or two typical streets,Carrer de les Ballesteries andCarrer dels Ciutadans, the latterflanked by stately old homes.

Arab Baths

Archeological MuseumSanta Llúcia, 1, GIRONA.Tel. 972 20 26 32.Open: Monday to Saturday10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday andholidays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Closed Monday.

Cathedral TreasurePlaça de la Catedral. GIRONA.Tel. 972 21 44 26.Open. Tuesday to Sunday10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4to 7 p.m. March to June;10 a.m. to 8 p.m. July, Augustand September; 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.October to February; Sundayand holidays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Closed Monday.

Art Museum of GironaBishop’s Palace.Pujada de la Catedral,12, GIRONA. Tel. 972 20 95 36.Open: summer from Tuesdayto Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.;Sunday and holidays 10 a.m.to 2 p.m., closed Monday;winter from Tuesdayto Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.;Sunday and holidays 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. Closed Monday.

Centre Bonastruc ça PortaSan Llorenç Tel. 972 21 67 61.Open: 10.00 a.m. to 6 p.m.Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; summer from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundayand holidays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

P

i

H

Conventional Signs Tourist Information

Post Office

Hospital

Parking

Police Station

Railway Station

Bus Station

Map of Girona

1 Cathedral 2 Jewish Quarter 3 City Museum 4 Arab Baths5 Archeological Museum6 Old city walls 7 Church of Sant Nicolau 8 Church of Sant Feliu

Art Museum

34

36

Portal of the Monastery ofSanta Maria. Ripoll

The Costa Brava has manyother attractive places to visitinland. Meriting our attentionare the following:

Olot: Olot is a city of specialinterest architecturally, as wellas for its cultural, commercialand entertainment facilities.It is located within the NaturePark of the Volcanic Area ofthe Garrotxa. Among the chiefmonuments, we encounterthe parish church of SantEsteve, the cloister of El Carmeand the Casa Solà-Morales,restored by the Modernistarchitect Domènech iMontaner.

Other Placesof Interest

Ripoll: Its singular monumentsin the Romanesque style haveconverted this city into one ofthe greatest tourist attractionson the Costa Brava. Sights ofmajor interest are themonastery of Santa Maria,the best example of an 11thcentury church, the parishchurch of Sant Pere de Ripoll,and the Modernist buildingsof Can Codina, Can Dou andCasa Bonada.

Sant Joan de les Abadesses:This town is also included onthe Romanesque route.Noteworthy are themonastery of Sant Joan de lesAbadesses, the Pont Vell, thewidest medieval bridge inSpain, and the Romanesquetemple of Santa Magdalenade Parella.

37

Bridge.Sant Joan de les Abadesses

Vall de Núria

DiverseActivities

Sports Activities

The diversity of the landscapeand the climate on the coastare conducive to all kinds ofrecreational sports.

SkiingThere are five ski resorts in theGirona Pyrenees:

La Molina Tel. 972 89 20 31Vall de Núria Tel. 972 73 20 20Vallter 2000 Tel. 972 13 60 57Masella Tel. 972 89 01 06Guils Fontanera Tel. 972 88 00 16

Water SportsThe Costa Brava offers watersports enthusiasts an excellentinfrastructure. In addition tothe 200 kilometers ofcoastline, there are also inland

38

lakes and reservoirs, such asthe Banyoles lake.

Scuba divingScuba diving and snorkelingare very popular on the CostaBrava. A privileged area canbe found in the Medes Islands,opposite L'Estartit, with a richsea bed. In this area, there arenumerous scuba diving centersthat provide housing,infrastructure, instruction, andequipment for rent.

For more information contact:Associació de Centres TurísticsSubaquátics Costa Brava.Passeig Maritim, 47,L'ESTARTIT. Tel. 972 77 13 07.

Pleasure HarborsSome of the 17 marinas on theCosta Brava are listed below:Blanes Tel. 972 33 05 52L’Escala. Tel. 972 77 00 16EmpuriabravaTel. 972 45 12 39L’Estartit Tel. 972 75 14 02Palamós Tel. 972 31 43 24Platja d’Aro. Tel 972 82 89 29Portbou Tel. 972 39 03 50Sant Feliu de GuíxolsTel. 972 32 17 00Santa MargaridaTel. 972 25 77 00

Underwater scenery. Medes Islands

Golf

Waterparks

Aqua BravaCarretera de Cadaquès.ROSES. Tel. 972 25 43 44.Open: June to mid-September.Daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

AquadiverCarretera de Circunvalación.PLATJA D'ARO.Tel. 972 81 87 32.Open: June to mid-September.Daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Water WorldCarretera de Vidreres, km. 1.2LLORET DE MAR.Tel. 972 36 86 13.Open: May 15thto September 30th. Hoursvary according to season.

GolfThe quality, diversity andorganization of the coursesare the main features of thegolf courses on the CostaBrava. Some are listed below:

Club de Golf Costa BravaTel. 972 83 70 55Club de Golf d`AroTel. 972 82 69 00Club de Golf de GironaTel. 972 17 16 41Club de Golf de PalsTel. 972 63 60 06Empordà Club de GolfTel. 972 76 04 50L´Angel de Lloret Club de GolfTel. 972 36 85 33Peralada Club de GolfTel. 972 53 82 87PGA Golf de CataluyaTel. 972 36 85 33Torremirona Golf ClubTel. 972 55 37 37

Hunting and FishingFor licenses and permits,contact: Territorial Section forthe Natural Resources ofGirona, Sant Francesc, 29, 3ª.Tel. 972 21 24 00.

Windsurfing at bay of Roses

41

Nature Parks andBotanical Gardens

Nature ParksFor information regardingrules or recommendations forvisiting the parks, contact theinformation center at eachpark:

Nature Park Aiguamollsde l'EmpordàEl Cortalet, Carretera Sant PerePescador. Castelló d’Empúries.Tel. 972 45 42 22

Nature Park of the VolcanicArea of the Garrotxa:Avenida Santa Coloma. Olot.Tel. 972 26 82 00

Beech tree forest

Nature Park of Montseny:Arbúcies. Tel. 972 82 69 00

Protected Nature ReserveSierra de la Albera: Espolla.Tel. 972 54 50 79

Nature Park Cap de Creus: Tel. 972 19 31 91

Nature Park Illes Medes:Torroella de Montgri. Tel. 972 75 11 03

Botanical GardensThere are four botanicalgardens on the Costa Bravalocated by the sea, consideredamong the best in Europe.

42

Mar i Mutra Botanical GardenBoasts 4,000 species from fivecontinents, some threatenedwith extinction.Passeig Carles Faust. BLANES.Tel. 972 33 08 26. Open all yearround. April to October 31stfrom 9 a.m.to 6 p.m.; November 1st to March 31stMonday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday,Sunday and holidays from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. Closed December 25th,January 1st and January 6th.

Pinya de Rossa BotanicalGardenTropical plants exhibited.More than 7,000 varieties.

BLANES. Tel. 972 33 04 68.Open all year round. FromMarch through October 9 a.m.to 6:30 p.m.; Novemberthrough February 9:30 a.m.to 5 p.m.

Cap Roig Botanical GardenTypical Mediterranean flora.Castell Cap Roig. CALELLA DEPALAFRUGELL. Tel. 972 61 45 82. Open all year round. Summer 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.;winter 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Santa Clotilde GardensLLORET DE MAR. Tel. 972 36 35.Open: summer 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Mar i Mutra Botanical Garden. Blanes

43

Entertainmentand Events

Municipal Theater of Girona.Plaça del Vi, 1. GIRONA. Tel. 972 41 90 19

Music Festivals:International Festival of MusicCastell de Peralada. Seasonfrom mid-June to end ofAugust. Casino Castell dePeralada. Carrer Sant Joan.PERALADA Tel. 972 53 81 25

International Festival of MusicTorroella de Montgrí.Codina, 28 1º. TORROELLA DEMONTGRÍ. Tel. 972 76 06 05

Lively Spots

The Costa Brava is characterizedby its lively nightlife, especiallyduring the summer months.Though there are discotheques,bars and pubs scattered allalong the coast, Lloret de Mar,Platja d'Aro, Roses,Empuriabrava, L’Estartit andSant Antoni de Calonge are themost popular spots.

CasinosThe Costa Brava is the onlyarea in Spain which has twocasinos located less than 100kilometers apart.

Lloret de Mar CasinoLocated in the center of thetown, this modern building

Castle-Casino in Peralada

44

boasts a restaurant, nightclub,and free parking forcustomers. AutopistaBarcelona-La Jonquera, exit 9.Carrer Dels Esports, 1. LLORETDE MAR. Tel. 972 36 65 12.Open: summer from Sunday to

44

Castellfollit de la Roca

Thursday 5 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.;Friday, Saturday and theevening before holidays 5p.m. to 5 a.m.; winter fromSunday to Thursday 5 p.m. to4 a.m.; Friday, Saturday andthe evening before holidays 5 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.

Castell de Peralada CasinoLocated within a castle built inthe mid-14th century, it is alsoa national historic-artisticmonument. Restaurant opensat 9 p.m.Autopista Barcelona-LaJonquera, exit 4. Carrer SantJoan. PERALADA.Tel. 972 53 81 25.Open: Monday to Thursday7 p.m. to 4 a.m.; Friday,Saturday and the eveningbefore holidays 7 p.m. to5 a.m.; Sunday and holidays5 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Festivals andCelebrations

Carnival: February, date varies.Although this celebration takesplace throughout the entirearea, the most famous ones areheld in Platja d'Aro, Palamósand Sant Feliu de Guíxols.Holy Week: March/April, datevaries. Commemorated withpopular processions in almostevery town. The Dança de laMort (Dance of Death) inVerges and the staging of de“Via Crucis” in Sant HilariSacalm are noteworthy. Festival Sant Jordi: April 23rd.Typical celebration in Cataloniawhere gifts of books and rosesare exchanged.Festival of the Lana yCasament a Pagès: Ripoll. First half of May. Traditionalcountry wedding celebrationand shearing of sheep.Festival of Sant Joan: eve ofJune 23rd to the 24th.

Summer solstice is celebratedall over Catalonia with bonfiresand fireworks.Enramades: Arbúcies, theSunday after Corpus Christi.Carpets of flowers withmassive popular participation.Havaneres: Calella dePalafrugell in July. Festivallinked to Indian Creole music.Fireworks Contest: Blanes.Second half of June. Enjoysinternational prestige andconsidered one of the mostimportant in the world.La Diada: September 11th.National Festival of Cataloniawith popular and official acts.Caravan of Antique Cars:Girona-Costa Brava inSeptember. For four days,numerous antique cars paradethrough the streets of Gironain a procession of color andhistory.Catalonia-Costa Brava Rally:Girona-Costa Brava in April.Counts towards the worldchampionships.

Cavallets dance. Olot

46

Shopping andHandicrafts

All along the coast, visitorscan find both large super-stores and small shops wherelocal handicrafts and all typesof souvenirs can be purchased.

Salvador Dalí's birthplace ofFigures offers art loversreproductions of his chiefworks and all types of objectsrelated to the artist.

Throughout the coast as wellas inland, and depending onthe day of the week, outdoormarkets are held where allkinds of products can bebought at good prices.

Three towns are particularlywell-known as commercialcenters devoted to the sale of

Busy street. La Bisbal

handcrafted products: LaBisbal d’Empordà, Quart andBreda.

From among the gastronomicspecialties, we suggestpurchasing the wonderful coldcuts at the market in Olot orthe tasty anchovies in L'Escala.With regards to wines froml'Empordà-Costa Brava, thered, rosé, white and sweetwines can please even themost refined palates.

47

Cuisine

The Costa Brava, due to itslocation and climate, has awide variety of fine producethat grows from the highmountains to the plains andfrom the farmlands to the sea.In all of Catalonia, the artof good eating playsan important role. Alongwith the typical dishes, wemust also add the seasonalones with ingredients onlyavailable during a specifictime of year.

Among the chief dishes of thisMediterranean cuisine,we have Catalan-style broadbeans and peas, esqueixada(salted cod salad), escalivada

(salad of cold baked eggplant,onions and green peppers),escudella (Catalan-style soup),“mar y montaña” (literally, seaand mountain; chicken orrabbit with seafood) a varietyof rice dishes, cold cuts and pàamb tomàquet (toasted breadrubbed with garlic, tomatoand olive oil), and a long listof exceptional meats, fish andseafood (sea bass, gilt-headbream, red mullet, shrimp)prepared to the chef's taste.

For dessert, we recommendthe excellent fresh fruit inseason: strawberries, peaches,melons, watermelons,oranges, etc. and in summer,the delicious ice-cream andsherbet.

Bread with fresh tomato and ham

48

USEFUL INFORMATION

Internationaltelephone code: 34

TOURIST INFORMATIONTURESPAÑA 901 300 600

Direcció General de Turisme (Tourist Office Headquarters) Paseo de Gracia, 105. 08008Barcelona. % 93 484 95 00,fax 93 484 95 99.

Patronat de Turisme.(Tourism Board).Pujada de San Martin, 5.% 972 20 84 01,fax 972 22 15 70.

Tourist Information Offices:Banyoles: Passeig Industria, 25.% 972 57 55 73.La Bisbal d’Empordà: Aigüeta, 17.% 972 64 25 93.Blanes: Plaça de Catalunya. % 972 33 03 48.Cadaqués: Cotxe 2-A.% 972 25 83 15.Castelló d’Empúries: Puigmal, 1(Empuriabrava). % 972 45 08 02.L’Escala: Plaça de les Escoles, 1. % 972 77 06 03.L’Estartit: Passeig Marítim. % 972 75 19 10.Girona: Rambla Llibertat, 1.% 972 22 65 75 .Figueres: Plaça del Sol.% 972 50 31 55.Llafranc: Roger de Llúria.% 972 30 50 08.Llançà: Avenida Europa, 37.% 972 38 08 55.Lloret de Mar: Plaça de la Vila, 1.% 972 36 47 35.Palafrugell: Plaça de L’Església.% 972 61 18 45.Palamós: Passeig del Mar.

% 972 60 05 50.Pals: Aniceta Figueres, 6.% 972 66 78 57.Platja d’Aro: Cinto Verdaguer, 4.% 972 81 71 79.El Port de la Selva: Mar, 1.% 972 38 70 25.Portbou: Passeig Lluís Compays.% 972 12 51 61.Roses: Avenida de Rhode, 101.% 972 25 73 31.Sant Feliu de Guíxols: PlaçaMonestir, 54. % 972 82 00 51.Torroella de Montgrí: Avenida LluísCompanys, 51.% 972 75 83 00.Tossa de Mar: Avenida Pelegrí, 25Edificio Terminal.% 972 34 01 08.

TRANSPORTATIONGirona Airport:% 972 18 66 00.IBERIA: Plaça Marqués de Camps, 8.% 972 20 58 00RENFE: Plaça de l’Estació.% 972 20 70 93Buses: Plaça de Espanya.% 972 21 23 19Traffic Information:Highway Information% 900 123 505Traffic Civil Guard % 972 20 13 81

POSTAL SERVICESPost Office and Telegrams:Avenida Ramón Folch, 1.% 972 22 21 11.

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERSRed Cross: % 972 22 22 22Medical Emergencies: % 061National Police: % 091Municipal Police: % 092Highway Information:% 900 123 505Citizen Information: % 010

Text:Sebastiá Barrufet Rialp

Translation:J. West

Fotographs:TURESPAÑA Archives

Layout:OPCIÓN K. Comunicación Visual, S.L.

Published by: © Turespaña

Secretaría de Estado de Comercioy Turismo

Ministerio de Economía

Printed by:GAEZ,S.A.

D. L.: M-34136-1999 NIPO: 104-99-027-0Printed in Spain

Second Edition

PARADORSCentral Reservation Office:Calle Requena, 3. Madrid 28013% 91 516 66 66fax 91 516 66 57Parador de AiguablavaPlatja d’Aiguablava. Begur% 972 62 21 62Fax 972 62 21 66

EMBASSIES IN MADRIDCanada. Nuñez de Balboa, 35% 91 431 43 00Fax 91 431 23 67Great Britain. Fernando ElSanto,16.% 91 319 02 00Fax 91 308 10 33Japan. Calle Serrano, 109% 91 590 76 00Fax 91 590 13 21Russia. Velazquez, 155 % 91 562 22 64Fax 91 562 97 12United States. Serrano, 75 % 91 587 22 00Fax 91 587 23 03

SPANISH TOURIST INFORMATIONOFFICES ABROAD

Canada. Toronto Tourist Office of Spain 2 Bloor Street West, Suite 3402. TORONTO, Ontario M4W3E2% 1416 961 31 31Fax 1416 961 19 92E-mail: toronto@tourspain.es

Great Britain. LondonSpanish Tourist Office 22-23 Manchester Square LONDON W1M5AP% 44207 486 80 77Fax 44207 486 80 34E-mail: londres@tourspain.es

Japan. TokyoTourist Office of Spain Daini Toranomon Denki Bldg. 4F 3-1-10 Toranomon Minato-Ku. TOKYO - 105% 813 343 26141-42Fax 813 343 26144E-mail: tokio@tourspain.es

Russia MoscowSpanish Tourist OfficeTverskaya-16/2 Business Center“Galeria Aktor” 6º floor

MOSCOW 103009% 7095 9358399Fax 7095 9358396E-mail: moscu@tourspain.es

Singapore SingaporeSpanish Tourist Office541 Orchard Road. Liat Tower 09-04238881 SINGAPORE% 657 373008Fax 657 373173E-mail: singapore@tourspain.es

United States of AmericaLos AngelesTourist Office of Spain 8383 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 960BEVERLY HILLS, California 90211% 1213 658 7188 & 6587192Fax 1213 658 1061E-mail: losangeles@tourspain.esChicago. Tourist Office of SpainWater Tower Place, Suite 915 East845 North Michigan AvenueCHICAGO, Illinois 60611% 1312 642 1992 Fax 1312 642 9817E-mail: chicago@tourspain.esMiami. Tourist Office of Spain1221 Brickell Avenue MIAMI, Florida 33131 % 1305 358 1992Fax 1305 358 8223E-mail: miami@tourspain.esNew York. Tourist Office of Spain666 Fifth Avenue, 35th New York, New York 10103% 1212 265 8822Fax 1212 265 8864E-mail: nyork@tourspain.es

Cos

ta B

ravaGiro

naSp

ain

TurespañaSecretaría de Estado de Comercio y Turismo Ministerio de Economía

I