Overview: The most southerly resort on the Costa Brava, Blanes not only
attracts international tourists but is also frequented by large
numbers of Spanish holidaymakers. Like most coastal towns Blanes
has grown from a picturesque fishing village to tourist boomtown.
The resort has a two-mile (3km) long stretch of coastline offering
sandy bays and rocky coves, the main beachfront lined with
high-rise hotels and apartment blocks. Behind the seafront the town
still retains some reminders of its past, like the medieval castle
of St Joan, several churches and other ancient buildings.
Pride of the town are two renowned botanical gardens, which boast
thousands of plant species. Along with all the trappings of modern
tourism, Blanes also prides itself in giving visitors a taste of
the real Spain, offering traditional street markets, several
fiestas and folk dancing fairs.
Attractions
Vallde Nuria Rack Rail : About two hours from the coast are the southern slopes of the
western Pyrenees, where in winter skiers skim the sides of the
valleys, and in summer time nature-lovers enjoy the tranquillity of
the Alpine environment. A popular excursion for holidaymakers on
the Costa Brava is to take Spain’s only cog railway into the
scenic Vall de Nuria north of Girona, surrounded by mountain peaks
and passes that form a massive amphitheatre. The rack railway
connects with regional trains, departing from the Ribes-Enllac
station and travelling to the village of Queralbs.
Address: Vall de Núria Mountain Resort, Queralbs;
Telephone: 972 732 020;
Website: www.valldenuria.com;
Admission: Return Ribes-Nuria-Ribes: €16.30 (adults), €8.95 (children). Return Queralbs-Nuria-Queralbs: €13.95 (adults), €7.70 (children)
Banyoles: The historic lakeside town of Banyoles just north of Girona is
well known for hosting international rowing events, but it is also
a fun, attractive and interesting place to visit and perhaps work
off some energy in a pedal-boat or on a bicycle. The bright blue
lake itself is the only one in the world fed by two merging
subterranean rivers, the clean water flowing in at 600 litres a
second. There are numerous options available to those wanting to
take to the water, from a swimming dock to cruises or hire boats,
and a grassy bank for sunbathers or a network of shady footpaths
for those who prefer the shore. The town of Banyoles dates from
812, having grown up around a Benedictine monastery, and its old
section is full of fascinating ancient buildings. The natural
history and archaeological museums are worth visiting, and all is
centred on a lovely arcaded square where a traditional market has
been held every Wednesday since medieval times.
Address: Tourist Office: Passeig de la Indústria 25;
Telephone: Tourist Office: 972 575573
Girona: The city of Girona, on the route from the Pyrenees to Barcelona,
is one of the most important historical sites in Spain, founded by
the Romans and later a Moorish stronghold. Sitting astride the
confluence of the Onyar and Ter rivers, this quaint medieval city
attracts hordes of tourists from the Costa Brava resorts and
Barcelona, all lured by the experience of walking through the old
quarter, the Call, with its narrow alleyways and ancient stone
houses. Inside the ancient walls are such gems as the 12th-century
Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants and
the14th-century cathedral built in the Catalonian Baroque style.
The cathedral can be accessed by climbing up 90 steps. It includes
a museum containing art works and rare manuscripts. Also of
particular interest are the restored 12th-century Arab baths with
their central octagonal pool, and the fascinating Jewish quarter
where, between the 9th and 15th centuries the culture and religion
flourished on the narrow steep streets. The arcaded promenade, the
Rambla de la Llibertat, is lined with delightful cafes and shops
selling souvenirs, crafts, antiques and curiosities. In addition
the city is well supplied with museums and galleries.
Address: Tourist office: Rambla Llibertat 1 (at the eastern end of the old town);
Telephone: Tourist office: 972 226 575;
Opening time: Tourist office: Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm. Saturday 8am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm. In July and August the office opens on Sundays from 9am to 2pm as well
SalvadorDali Museum House : The busy fishing village of Cadaques draws plenty of visitors,
but they do not come for the local beach, which is narrow and
stony. Rather the resort town’s attractions are its
picturesque natural harbour, some excellent restaurants, numerous
galleries, fashion and art and craft shops, and the former
home-turned-museum of world renowned surrealist painter, Salvador
Dali, sited in Portlligat Bay just to the north of the town.
Dali’s somewhat bizarre home consists of a labyrinthine
cluster of fishermen’s huts, added to the original
building in various stages by the artist over a period of 40
years. Visitors are conducted through the house and garden in small
groups, having pre-booked.
Address: Portlligat, Cadeques;
Telephone: Information and bookings: 972 251 015;
E-mail: pllgrups@dali-estate.org;
Website: www.dali-estate.org;
Transport: Train to Llanca or Figueres station. It is possible to walk to Portlligat from Llanca station, or take the bus from Figueres;
Opening time: Open from 10.30am daily, except Mondays and bank holidays (13 March to 6 January). Between 15 June and 15 September no Monday closure and open till 9pm. Visitors must pre-book by telephone, fax or email and are admitted in groups every ten minutes during the day;
Admission: €10 (adults), concessions €8, children under 9 free
Claire; Oct 2006:
Two resorts in one - the old town (Barri Vell) and the new resort of S'abanell, divided by the rock on a promontery called Sa Palomera.
The new resort has several campsites and large hotels and apartment blocks, bars, discos... more
Travel Companies
Explore Spain on foot or by bike with a small intimate group of
like-minded adventure seekers.
Research hotels in Spain at Tripreport.com. Thousands of impartial tips and
reviews from fellow travellers.
Planning a holiday in Spain? Visit Alpharooms for the best deals on hotels and
apartments.
Looking for a cheap holiday in Spain? Visit thomson.co.uk. £100 online booking discount at
their website.
Intrepid Travel, one of the world's leading suppliers of small
group adventures focused on getting off the beaten track,
interacting with the locals and having real life experiences
throughout Spain.
Subscribe to Word Travels Professional: Email and print off customised travel guides for your clients.
Brand this guide with your logo and contact details.
Word Travels includes authorative and reliable information on thousands of destinations.
More info Apply for a free trial
