Costa Brava:
The northern Costa Brava - 'the wild coast', is one of the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean. It is known for its pretty fishing villages, evergreen pine and cork oak forests, and proud Catalan culture and cuisine. Girona and Barcelona are both worth visiting for the exquisite architecture and fascinating history. Figueres is where Salvador Dali was born and is buried - a visit to his 'theatre' gallery is a must. To the east is Cadaques, one of the most unspoilt areas on the coast and a beautiful white painted town reached by a single road, or by sea. This is where Dali worked and lived. To the north is the French border and the magnificent Pyrenees mountains that today separate France & Spain. The Catalans are a proud, friendly and hard-working people, and see themselves as distinctly non-Spanish. Do not confuse this part of Spain with the high-rise hotels & package tour destinations of southern Costa Brava - it is not and long may it remain so.
Ski:
Five resorts, four alpine and one for cross-country, make up the range of winter sport options in the region. La Molina, Masella, Vall de Nuria & Vallter 2000 have become favourite destinations and the Catalonian government have invested heavily recently in improving and promoting these resorts. All are around a two hour drive from the villa in Emporiabrava.
Golf:
The Costa Brava was recently voted top emerging golf destination in the world by IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators). Within a 40 minute drive of the villa are some of the best golf courses not just in Catalonia, but the whole of Spain. There are seven courses within a 40 minute drive, two of which are used by the European tour events - PGA de Catalunya, and Pals. The courses at Peralada, Torremirona, Emporda (forest & links courses), & Girona are each magnificent and superbly maintained, and golf here is considerably cheaper per round than playing in Costa del Sol, and importantly, less busy and without the impossible high temepreratures that you find in southern Spain. Multiple round passes can be purchased that provide discounted golf on the above courses, and are worth considering. Each club is complimented by superb facilities, and all club officials speak English so booking is no problem. Within an hours drive you then have two further top-class clubs - Golf d'Aro & Club Golf Costa Brava, the latter played through mature woodland at sea-level, and the former on the hill top above Platja d'Aro with superb views across to the Mediterranean sea below. This region truly is a golfers delight. However, should you have a non-golfing memeber or two of your party, then the nearest golf club to Emporiabrava is that of Peralada, which happens also to be a world-renown Spa where clients can be treated and pampered in style whilst you are out playing golf.
Other Activities:
skydiving, kitesurfing, diving, art - Salvador Dali, history - Roman/Greek ruins
Learn more about this holiday rental at the owner's website:
