Costa Brava

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

Salvador Dali 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; 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

The Medes Islands

Situated scarcely a mile from the beach of the popular resort town of L'Estartit on the Costa Brava, the protected Medes Islands have been dubbed 'heaven for divers'. The little archipelago of seven islets and a few reefs form one of the most important and rich marine reserves in the Mediterranean. The millions of fish and thousands of animal and plant species that inhabit the shallows, crevices and submarine caves at the base of the island cliffs are a delight to behold for divers of all levels, whether splashing with a snorkel or descending to the depths in scuba gear. Visitors can take glass-bottomed boat trips around the islands departing hourly in season from L'Estartit, or arrange a fully equipped diving trip though one of the numerous tourist diving centres in the resort town.

Vall de 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)