Costa Brava - An Overview
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The variety and exceptional quality of the fish which is caught up and down the Costa Brave have long contributed to its fame. So too, have the particularly tasty ways of serving fish here, be they sardines, hake, mackerel or other seafood. Among the best-known of these famous dishes is the popular “suquet de peix.” Then there are “fritadas,” lobster al la Catalana, Begur snails (called “a la Garriguense”).
Besides possessing such a rich variety of fish dishes, the region has flourishing market gardens and orchards which ensure the constant supply of fresh fruit and vegetables which is so important for the excellent cuisine here. We must also mention the very high quality of the meat which comes from animals bred in the region, favoured by such an ideal climate, and aided by the shelter provided by its mountain rangers, sheltered valleys and fertile plains. This is huntsmen’s country, too. There are wild boards in the woods “del Federal” between Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu, wild duck on the rivers Muga, Fluvià and Ter, and an abundance of rabbits throughout the region. Extensive vineyards and wine-cellars ensure adequate stocks of their prestigious wines to complement the fine food.
An every-growing number of hotels caters for tourism in the different parts of the Costa Brava. There are hotels of all classes, supplemented by great apartment blocks and all manner of camping installations, all contributing to solving the problem of accomodating those who come to enjoy the unequalled beauty of this coastline. Similarly, entire residential towns have appeared along the coast, providing villages and calets of all classes for the tourists.
Access to the Costa Brava and communications within the region depend on one basic line - the Barcelona-Portbou railway. As this line does not pass through the majority of the coastal villages, a series of branch-lines is necessary to get to them, in some cases in the form of narrow-gauge railway, in others by road transport in buses. These link the railway stations of Figueras, Gerona, Caldes de Malavella, Blanes and Flassa with places on the Costa Brava.
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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.