European Beaches

A pristine resort area located off of Catalonia in Spain, Costa Brava (meaning “wild coast”) crosses over 50 kilometers to the French border near Barcelona. Development in the area expanded since the 1960s, as a large number of resorts emerged on coastal cities ranging from Calella de Palafrugell to Aigua Blava.

Featured a rich historical tradition, one can find architectural wonders dating back tot he Roman Empire, as well as small-town, modern fishing villages, such as Calella and Tossa del Mar, which dot the coastlines. These traditional communities are home to narrow, cobblestone roads as well as traditional community activities and home-cooked meals, which make them a must-see stop for travelers. The unique climate in the region provides a temperate setting for a variety of natural forests, which are juxtaposed against the beauty of the natural coastline. Visitors can enjoy a variety of local cuisine as well as enjoying the beach life.

Visitors generally arrive on the Island by Ryan Air, which offers low cost flights from nearby Spanish airports. The capital of the island, Girona, is an oceanfront community which is home to a variety of upscale villas, resorts and dining establishments. Known for its colorful, waterfront buildings, the City is located just an hour outside of Barcelona, and is accessible by train, bus (from Barcelona Nord) or flight. The city’s ancient streets reflect its traditional past, including Jewish neighborhoods as well as Roman architecture. As a Catalan city, the local cuisine is excellent, although dinner is served starting at around 8 p.m. Local time, per tradition. One of the more enjoyable restaurants is Le Bistrot, which offers outdoor dining and spectacular cuisine. Additionally, visitors can enjoy resort towns such as Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar, which are home to a more traditional Spanish beach life, and make the Island unique from its neighbors.