Recommended Visits

Nearby towns, inland and coastal
Charming nearby villages include Albanyà, Vilarig, Cistella, Boadella, Les Escaules and Pont de Molins. A little further on, still in the Alt Empordà: Peralada, Vilabertran. Inland towns include Besalú, Castellfollit de la Roca & Santa Pau (in La Garrotxa), Banyoles (in Pla de l'Estany), Pals and Peratallada (in Baix Empordà). And finally, coastal and near-coastal villages: Castelló d'Empúries, Cadaqués, Llançà, Port de la Selva (Alt Empordà), Palafrugell, Palamós, Begur and La Bisbal (Baix Empordà) Blanes, Tossa de Mar (La Selva).

Girona
Immortal City. The City of the 1000 sieges. From the impressive cathedral, the promenade on the fortressed wall, the streets of the gothic quarter, the Devesa park, Temps de Flors in May, Independence Square, the Jewish Quarter, bridges, concerts in the Auditorium, Museum of Cinema, and many other attractions, make Girona a must see.

Medieval castles and monasteries
Near Figueres, in Vilabertran, the imposing Augustinian monastery of Santa Maria de Vilabertran. In the Natural Park of Cap de Creus, the Benedictine abbey of Sant Pere de Rodes. In the Natural Park of the Albera: In Rabós, the ruins of the also Benedictine Sant Quirze of Colera abbey, and in La Jonquera, the huge Requesens Castle (a bit of a walk to get there, and it's visiting hours are short. This is best seen by booking a guided tour). The San Ferran castle, in Figueres, is Europe's largest defensive fortress. In Torroella, in the Baix Empordà, the Montgrí Castle. In Peralada, the castle, with its museums and library, is worth a visit. The town of Peralada also houses one of Catalonia's largest vineyard, and casino. En route to the Mare de Deu del Mont in Vilademat, find the ruins of the monastery of Sant Llorenç de Sous.

Ancient ruins
The most important Greco-Roman ruins of the province of Girona, are found in Empúries. In Ullastret, you can visit the remains of an Iberian settlement, as well as the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia.

Parks
For a mix of land and water, there is no other park like the Cap de Creus. On a clear day expect spectacular views from the lighthouse at Cap de Creus, the easternmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula. The sea here is wild and untamed. Inland, you'll find the abbey of Sant Pere de Rodes.

The Aiguamolls de l'Empordà (the Empordà Marshes) is a natural reserve which hosts a number of protected species of plants, birds, and fish. The storks come to nest in spring, and you can see and hear them... they make a lot of noise with their clapping beaks! The park can be visited on foot, on horse-back, or Quads (out of pedestrian tracks, of course).

Not far away, the Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa (Garrotxa Volcanic Region), offers you the chance to visit extinct and dormant volcanoes, as well as the Fageda d'en Jordà, a beech forest, rarely found in these altitudes. We recommend this visit especially in autumn, when the leaves change color.

The Paraje Natural de la Albera (Albera Natural Park) is actually separated into two parts, both bordering France. On one side (to the interior) you'll find the Requesens Castle. On the other side (closer to the Med), you'll find the ruins of the abbey of Sant Quirze of Colera, as well as a project to raise and protect the Mediterranean turtle, which is in danger of extinction: the Mediterranean Turtle Breeding Center.

 

Cultural Itineraries (guided tours available)
Dalí Triangle. Visit the Teatro-Museo Dalí in Figueres, and the permanent exhibit of jewelry designed by Dalí. In Portlligat you will find the Casa-Museo Dalí, open for visits with reservation. Museu- Castell Púbol (Gala's Púbol Castle), also by reservation, is the castle that Dalí gave his wife Gala as a present in the Baix Empordà town of Púbol. The castle was hers alone, and Dalí was only allowed in when invited, which apparently was almost never! Our guest's favorite visit: Casa-Museo in Portlligat.

Jewish History in Girona, Besalú and Castelló d'Empúries. In the city of Girona: the Jewish quarter Bonastruc ça Porta, where you'll find the Patronat Call de Girona, which houses the Museum of Jewish History and the Nahmanides Institute for Jewish Studies. In Besalú: the Mikvé (the only remains of a Jewish purification bath in Spain) and in Castelló d'Empúries: a small Jewish quarter, less important than that of Girona. Through these visits, we can follow the footprints that were left in this region by the Jewish people and culture before their final expulsion in 1492.

Coastal Foot Trails. There is nothing like strolling through these trails th connect the beaches, coves and cliffs of the Costa Brava throughout the Alt and Baix Empordà and the Selva region.

Empordà beaches
Both in the Alt and Baix Empordà, you can find beaches to suit every taste, from the large sandy seen-and-be-seen beaches to the most private of coves. Our favorites?

In the Alt Empordà: Roses Almadrava, Canyelles and Grifeu Llançà *, and the beach of Sant Martí d'Portixol Empúries **.

In the Baix Emporda: Sa Tuna and Calella de Palafrugell ***

For wind sports: you will find the ideal conditions for kite surfing or wind surfing in Sant Pere Pescador (Alt Empordà). This link has complete descriptions of the beaches of the Costa Brava: www.queplaya.es

* The trail from Llançà to Port de la Selva offers views of Cap de Creus and small coves. The s'Arnella Lighthouse between the two locations is a good look-out.

** Behind the beach you will find the Hostal restaurant Empúries ... and then a visit to the ruins of Empúries and the village of Sant Marti ... a perfect outing.

*** If you reach Calella, visit the Gardens of Cap Roig. In summer, they host unforgettable. We were lucky enough to enjoy Cesarea Evora a few years ago!