There are many great villas in Spain, especially on the eastern coast. One of my favourites is located just 60 kilometres outside of Barcelona and is about a six-hour drive northeast from the Costa Blanca, near the middle of the Costa Brava.
Costa Brava, meaning rugged or wild coast, is located in the north-eastern region of Catalonia, Spain and stretches from the French border almost all the way to Barcelona. Fit for all ages Costa Brava contains a variety of coastal scenery, lush beaches, family fun and historical places of interest.
The following are the top 16 things to see and do when staying at your very own villa Costa Brava:
1) De L’Emporda National Park
One of the largest national parks in all of the Northern Spain De L’Emporda National Park is famous for its many species of birds.
2) Castell de Pubol
Castell de Pubol was the residence of the wife of Dali, one of the most famous Spanish artists during the 20th century.
3) Water World
This isn’t a Kevin Costner movie, but one of Europe’s biggest family water parks, which includes a 250-metre long rubber raft rides.
4) Lloret de Mar Beach
Lloret de Mar’s main white sand beach is a staggering 1,630 metres in length and is consistently awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness.
5) Santa Clotilde Gardens
These Italian Renaissance style gardens designed by Nicolau Rubió i Tuduri are situated on top of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
6) Modernist Cemetery
Designed at the end of the nineteenth century the Modernist Cemetery provides an amazing look into funerary art of the time.
7) The Municipal Museum
The museum contains the work of artists that frequented the area in the 1930s.
Bar Europa
Bar Europa is a friendly no frills type of bar, with the cheapest beer in Tossa.
9) Sant Antoni de Calonge
Sant Antoni de Calonge is a small village of 8.200 inhabitants, which is comprised of the village of Calonge and the coastal centre of St. Antoni. Some of the attractions are the Medieval Tower, an 18th century Baroque style church and some amazing beaches.
10) The Ruins of Empúries
Empúries were founded in 575 BC by Greek colonists and was later occupied by the Romans. In the Early Middle Ages the town was abandoned and the ruins are still there just between the Costa Brava town of L’Escala and the village of Sant Martí.
11) Castell de Sant Joan
Castell de Sant Joan is a medieval castle built in 11th century. Today only the castle’s tower remains and it offers an excellent view of the surrounding area.
12) Can Comadran
Can Comadran, also known as Casa Font, is a large mansion that was built in 1877 in the Modernist style.
13) Parish Church of Sant Roma
The Parish Church of Sant Roma is a gothic church that was built 1522 and in the early 20th century it was converted into a spectacular building with Byzantine, Muslim, Renaissance and Modernist influences.
14) Puig de Castellet Iberian Settlement
This walled settlement, was occupied between 250-210 BC, is situated on the north-west side of a hill with a amazing a view of the entire coastline, yet it is completely invisible from the sea.
15) Santa Cristina Hermitage
The earliest reference to the Santa Cristina Hermitage dates back to 1376. However the current temple was built at the end of the 18th century and is in the neo-classical style.
16) Marimurtra Botanical Gardens
The Marimurtra Botanical Garden overlooks the southernmost cliffs of the Costa Brava. A unique aspect of the gardens is the two week flowering and leaf colour changing cycle, which makes each visit a new experience.
