This route consists of two stages, two countries, Spain and France. On Spain the route will be along the coast, visiting the beaches, coves and most beautiful towns of the Costa Brava. On France the landscape will be totally different, we will go inland, no coast at all. The plan is to stay near Carcassonne to visit part of the Cathar Region and Castles. This area is the southwest of France, which is called Languedoc – Roussillon.
Costa Brava – Cala Sa Tuna
useful data
Via Michelin Comprehensive and useful city maps, driving directions, restaurants, hotel booking, traffic news.
Spain Info Tourist information on the Costa Brava
AENA Airport information
SARFA Public transport in the region of Girona
RENFE Spanish National Railway Network
Museus de la Costa Brava A network created to show all the region’s heritage. An association of museums so that you can travel from town to town uncovering a piece of history in each place.
Palafrugell Guide Comprehensive guide of the area of Palafrugell, famous for its beautiful beaches and white houses.
Baix Emporda Culture, gastronomy, accomodation, activities and routes
first stage
The first stage of the journey begins in Tossa del Mar and ends in Pals, visiting Palafrugell, Tamariu, Begur, Pals, and surroundings. From Tossa del Mar to Pals, the distance is of 60km, by going along the coast the trip becomes a bit longer, about 74km. You may choose, but I would opt for the coast, despite being longer. The extreme northeast of Spain is a marvel of cliffs, coves, white beaches, landscapes and medieval villages.
There are must-see places to enjoy in peace and quiet, although the site has been target of cheap seaside resorts, these can be overlooked. May and June are ideal months to go, not too hot or too crowded, best avoid July and August. Allow 3 or 4 days to visit this area, not less, for there is a lot to see. A small – medium car is required, roads are well paved and marked but you must be careful for there are lots of curves
Tossa del mar This villa of Roman origin is one of the most charismatic and beautiful locations in the region. The walled medieval town, the Vila Vella, is a delight for walkers and so are the two main streets, one filled with shops of typical products for tourists, the other is the promenade along the beach of Tossa.
Calella de palafrugell Calella de Palafrugell is a fishing village with an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, set on a rocky coastline dotted with small coves. Port Bo is the nerve center of Calella, the population grew around this beach. Take the Platjeta promenade, the center of Calella. Port de Malaspina is another beach in the urban area of Calella de Palafrugell, surrounded by town houses on the beach.
Tamariu Tamariu is a small town set on a bay with a unique charm. The fact that the road that connects Palafrugell with Tamariu is full of curves has favored the place to remain intact over time, almost as if it was just a fishing village. The village is dotted with charming small bars and restaurants and has a lovely promenade that skirts the cliffs and the sea.
Begur It is like a secret town, because from the village you can see the sea, but from the sea you can not see the town. Begur and its beaches are one of the most wonderful places on the Costa Brava. It consists of a set of hills called Macizo de Begur, and eight coves and beaches. The old town of Begur, the small Romanesque town of Esclanyà and the coves form an unparalleled landscape. Tour the old town and see the medieval castle.
Pals The first documents that speak of the Medieval Town of Pals are dated from the ninth century, although it seems that their origins are much older. Thanks to the restoration of its medieval ensemble, Pals was awarded the National Fine Arts Prize (1973), the National Prize for Fine Arts and Tourism (1980) and the Medal of Honor of Tourism of Catalonia (1986). “Pals does not deserve a visit, but a hundred visits, because its situation offers the possibility of seeing one of the most beautiful and unforgettable landscapes of the country” Said Josep Pla, Catalan journalist and writer who also became a spy for Franco during the civil war .
Peratallada. A small wall with an entrance arch warns that we arrived at Peratallada. On the left, next to the church of San Esteban, is one of the three parking lots in the town. Peratallada is a very small town, with a little more than 200 inhabitants and can be seen in a very short time. The Plaza de las Voltes is the axis of life in Peratallada, along with the Plaza del Castillo. The tourist office is located inside a bar. There is no predetermined itinerary to tour the town, just get lost and discover.
Cala Sa Tuna – Begur. The road that leads to Sa Tuna is a winding one but the place is worth it, little white houses, the typical boats stranded on the pebble beach and the terraces to eat or have a good time. Make the roundabout especially to get to S’Eixugador beach, where you can only get there by road or by boat. The walk is worth it and the landscape is a spectacle. Sa Tuna has paid parking near the beach. There is another free nearby.
STAY
Es Portal. A gourmet boutique hotel, very well located to use as a base to visit the area. Rooms are stylish and clean, the service is excellent and food is superb.
EAT
The area is a gourmet’s paradise. Here I leave some addresses of good restaurants where to eat on the road and nearby towns and coves.
Restaurant Hispania Arenys Del Mar, Carretera Real 54, opening hours 1pm to 4pm
La Cuina de San Simon Tossa del Mar, Carrer del Portal 24, Opening hours 1pm to 4pm
Castell Vell Tosa del Mar, in the historical quarter of Tossa de Mar within the walled area of Vila Vella adjacent to the Local Museum in Tossa de Mar. *Pedestrian Area. You should try the Turbot and monkfish “Cim i Tomba”
El Tragamar Calella de Palafrugell, Paseo Canadell s/n
La Blava Calleja de Palafrugell, Carrer Miramar 3
Bonay Peratallada, Plaça de les Voltes, 13
El Pedro Pals, Carrer de les Placetes, 29
ENJOY!
Itineraries Now 