Costa Brava - An Overview
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But more extended than fishing and much appreciated by the public in general, are the handicrafts which flourish in the villages of the Costa Brava. Both in the little villages and in the larger towns, trade is important, and is aimed at the requirements of the floating population which assumes such larger proportions in summer. And, not suprisingly, it is the tourist industry in all its aspects - hotels, apartments, restaurants, all kind of commerce, places of entertainment, etc. which dominates all others.
The real natives of this part of the country are still deeply imbued with their old traditions; naturally courteous, they are not, however, at odds with modern life in the least. Friendly and welcoming, they are equally frank in their dealings with their fellow-countryment and with foreigners.
Normally, the most outstanding characteristic of their personality is a certain ironic eclecticism, discreet and prudent. As they are a people who respect their traditions it is easy for visitors, taking advantage of the “fiestas mayores,” to witness some of the wealth of their folklore.
Sardana sculpture on the beachfront promenade in Blanes
© Copyright: VisitBlanes.com
Want to use this photo?In this respect, their ancient dances are particularly interesting and the famous communal dance, the “Sardana,” performed to the accompaniment of the typical “cobla,” a small orchestra with the strange sound of the “tenora,” a unique wind instrument.
In terms of history, there are numerous highly important traces of cultures dating from the most ancient civilizations up to more recent times. It is sufficient to mention the Phoenician, Greek and Roman ruins at Empúries, the dolmens and menhirs in various parts of the region, the Iberian village at Ullestret, the monastery of Sant Pere de Roda, the castle of Perelada, the ruins in the villages of Roses, Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar, Palamós and many more.
The tourist can practice all kinds of acquatic sports and other entertainments under ideal conditions - water-skiing, rowing, yachting, fishing of every variety, and also archeological exploration of the sea-bed where it is not unusual to find old wrecks, ceramics and other indications of the considerable marine commerce which plied up and down the Costa Brava in ancient times. There are various golf-courses, the most important being that of Playa de Pals, famous for the international competitions which are held there. In S’Agaró there are annual internationally celebrated festivals of art and music.
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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.