Recommended Activities

Hiking. If you like walking, there are easy flat trails that lead to the Boadella reservoir, as well as more strenuous hikes to the "Torre del Moro" the medieval guard tower on the small hill next to the river bank, and the chapel of St. George (1.5 - 2 hours of sweat and tears). If you are a serious walker, you can do part of the Gran Recorregut 11 (Great Trails No. 11, which crosses the Pyrenees, from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean). The Generalitat also organizes several guided tours free of charge throughout the year. You can visit them here (unfortunately, the information is only in Catalan).

Bathing in the Muga River. Up the road, about a half mile and to the left, you will see the small hermitage of Sant Antoni (Saint Anthony) and the romanic bridge, where youngsters (and some older nutcases) jump into the river. Under the bridge, strategically placed boulders allow you to stretch out a towel. The water here is fresh, cool and clean. Take road beyond Sant Llorenç, towards Albanyà, and swim in the natural deep pools (a little trekking required). In Les Escaules in Boadella, you can also find deep natural pools, one of them thermal (also requiring a little hiking). If you, however, you are looking for a bit of river adventure, you can partake in Aqua Trekking: Dressed in wetsuits, slither down the river in some hair-raising white water with Fang Aventura. Finally, at the Darnius marina, about 10 km. from Sant Llorenç, you can practice proper water sports at the Boadella man-made lake, such as water-skiing, wake-boarding, canoeing, thanks to the guys at Excentric Club.

Golf. There are two golf clubs located half an hour away from the Hotel in the Alt Emporda: Torre Mirona Golf Club and Golf Club Peralada. Both are first class clubs with 18-hole greens. There are, however, many other clubs in the province of Girona. We can offer you special rates at Torre Mirona, Peralada, Golf Girona in Sant Julià de Ramis (Girona) and Emporda Golf in Gualta (Baix Empordà).

Cruises. From Palamós, you can take the famous 1915 sailing vessel "Rafael." If you prefer a romantic cruise for two, you can also book a private sailboat, skipper included, from Palamós with Va de Vela, or form Roses with Vela Brava. From l'Escala, take the Mare Nostrum bottom-viewing boats to the Medes Islands (underwater natural reserve), Cadaques and Cap de Creus. Cruises also depart to Cadaqués daily in the summer from Santa Margarita (Roses).

Balloon Rides. Take a balloon ride over the Alt and Baix Empordà with Globus Empordà. With magnificent views, it is an incredible experience that begins early in the morning and includes the inflating of the hot-air balloon, the flight, and a typical Catalan breakfast to put a sweet end to the flight: Cava's included!

Trails. All-Road Segways Tours with Ocitània around the Baix Emporda. Horse-back riding. Visit the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà (the Wetlands) on horse-back with Hípica Aiguamolls or with ATVs at Golden Quads.

Sports adventures including skydiving with Sky Dive Empuriabrava, river-trekking with Fang Aventura, and mountain biking along the BTT trails.

Eating Out. Restaurants and vineyards. The wine industry in the Alt Empordà is very important. From the small family-run winery in Cap de Creus Mas Estela, to industry giant the Castell de Perelada, many of these wineries can be visited. As far as restaurants go, the province of Girona can boast of having the "best" restaurant in the world: El Bulli. There are, however, many other Michelin-starred restaurants in the area, as well as other non-starred gems, that you can find away from the beaten path.

Calendar. For information on concerts, theater, fairs and exhibitions, visit the Patronat de Girona. They have a pretty good calendar of events.

* Photos are of Globus Empordà, Torre Mirona Golf Club, and Va de Vela.