Costa Brava - An Overview
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To all of this we must add that the rocky, wild, and rugged setting of the Costa Brava is allied to a climate which is mild and gentle even in winter. Blue skies are the rule, the sea water is lukewarm almost all the year, and it is always crystal-clear so that it captures the strong colours and tones of the submarine plant-life. Pine, cork-oak, almond, citrus and carob trees, rosemary and thyme, can be seen flourishing here, emerging from the steep cliffs over the waters of the Mediterranean, or clinging to the rocky ledges, contrasting with the golden sand of the beaches and coves.
And this magnificent natural setting is protected, as we have just mentioned, by a mild climate, with temparatures which do not usually fall below 0º C, or rise above 30º C. There are few rainy days, humidity is low, and the average barometric pressure is 762 mm. The climate, then, is another of the reasons for this part of Catalonia being one of the most popular tourist areas in the whole world.
The international flow of tourism we refer to has not, however, altered the picturesque, traditional and attractive aspects of the majority of the Costa Brava’s villages in the least and the customs and daily tasks of its inhabitants remain the same. Villages of white-painted houses with their narrow but sunlit streets, clean and simple are to be found up and down the length of the coast and inland.
Not far from these villages are the modern urbanisations and groups of recently-constructed hotels. In other cases, alongside the functional architecture of the chalets and residential areas for tourists, the fishermen’s districts add a touch of local charm. Some of these fishermen are real sea wolves who nevertheless are as skilful at home tending their lands and flocks of goats as they are on the open sea.
As well as these small villages on the coast and in the interior, there are relatively large towns such as Blanes, Lloret de Mar, Llagostera, La Bisbal, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Palamós, Llançà Vila and other equally important tourist resorts which are growing steadily year by year.
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VisitBlanes.com is the no-nonsense travel and visitors guide to Blanes, Spain - the Gateway to the Costa Brava.
Here you'll find anything from basic tourist information to articles and reviews about restaurants, nightlife, the beaches and other attractions. You can also make hotel (hoteles) resevations, book apartments (apartamentos), and find travel guides.
Catalonia is one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, and locals consider Blanes to be one of Spain's top destinations. Like the place? Look for Costa Brave real estate (inmobiliaria).
July 27th, 2006 at 7:16 am
I have seen the Sardana performed several times now when groups of people dance it on the boulevards of places like Blanes, Lloret de Mar, and Tossa de Mar.
Sometimes I see people join in. Some know what they are doing, while others do not and therefore break up the rhythm of the group.
Is it OK to join in? At first the dance looks deceptively simple, but it really appears to be complex and difficult to learn.
July 27th, 2006 at 4:42 pm
Hi Jolanda,
Generally Sardana performers prefer that those who join in know the dance. In many towns local Sardana groups will hold a few instruction meetings. Look for posters and announcements at bulletin boards in Tapas bars and elsewhere.
The Sardana is an emotionally-charged dance. During Franco’s reign, the Catalan people were not allowed to dance the Sardana because the dance represents the Catalonian culture as well as the people’s traditional independence.