Costa Brava Hotels

So what makes Costa Brava popular? Perhaps due to the fishing villages which retain its unspoilt appeal and the yearly Havaneres concerts which pay homage to the locals' seafaring heritage. Or it can be the medieval remnants of a long-gone era as seen in castles and cathedrals found around the four regions comprising Costa Brava. With a landscape as magical as its culture, Costa Brava promises enchantment in its shores and towns, even lending inspiration to one of art's memorable maestros, Salvador Dali!

Attractions

Costa Brava encompasses four regions, each with its own unique attributes. Should you want to jump into an artsy exploration, the Alt Empordà region is your ticket to all things Dali! The capital of Figueres is visited by art enthusiasts who troop to the Dali Theatre Museum which houses an extensive range of the painter's masterpieces. And from here, you can head to Portlligat in Cadaques for the Salvador Dali Museum House and to Púbol castle to cap the 3-museum Dali experience.

In this region, you can also enjoy seeing the small towns which seem to go unfazed from all the complexities of the modern world and the vast marshes of the Aiguamolls de I'Empordà Natural Park.

El Baix Emporda, on the other hand, is a region famous for its coves which includes the Medes Islands just off the coast. It has a well-preserved marine ecosystem along with superb diving options. Some more sights to include on your list for this region are the medieval towns of Pals, Peratallada and the famed Calella de Palafrugell, site for big local events such as Habaneras and the jazz festival. The region's capital, La Bisbal d'Emporda, stays true to its legacy of being a potter's town with ceramic shops continuing its tradition.

Costa Brava's main city is Girona where you can have a feel of the old life which once inhabited the island. This ancient city has a Benedictine monastery, the Santa Maria Cathedral, traditional Arab baths and the small streets which still has the old-world charm in them.

The more popular destinations in Costa Brava are found in La Selva region. Lloret de Mar is a haven for tourists; it has a busy coast lined with posh hotels, chic villas standing alongside bars and restaurants. Blanes, on the southernmost tip, has also been touched by tourism and property developers with high-rise hotels on its coast. Though there are still a few quaint reminders of the ancient past such as the St. Joan medieval castle and plenty of old buildings. Another popular stop on this side of Costa Brava is Tossa de Mar, a town known for its streets made of cobblestones and charming old buildings.

Events

In February, there is an outpour of merrymaking during Carnestoltes, a carnival that sees street parades and rambunctious activities preceeding the notion of doing penitence for Lent, as based on Catholic tradition. Then when Easter arrives, expect to find more celebrations in the island. Throughout June to August, Costa Brava holds music festivals, the biggest of which is the Jazz fest which is participated in by major musicians from around the world. On a similar note, in the small town of Perelada, its old castle becomes venue for a special musical gathering of various Spanish artistes.

But perhaps the biggest summer event here is the Haveneres festival. Cuban sailors brought their music in the island and locals have adopted it into their local taste. Haveneres concerts are held mostly in Palafrugell in outdoor venues.

Climate

• Winter (November to February) 10-16°C; mild, oftentimes chilly

• Spring (March to May) 13 - 18°C; weather starts to be pleasant, with occasional winds

• Summer (June to August) 29-31°C; the driest and hottest time in the island with July being the sunniest

• Fall (September to October) 18 - 22°C; starts getting cooler with chilling winds and with possible rainfall