Take me there: Baix Empordà, Spain
Why go?
This charmed corner of Catalonia encompasses some of the Costa Brava’s most delightful beaches, backed by rolling plains, medieval villages and ancient woodland. Its stone-built houses are sought after by Barcelonans as second homes, but recently some have been converted into B&Bs and hotels, enticing tourists away from the beaches. Combine these with low-cost flights into Girona or Barcelona and you have the perfect spring getaway.
This charmed corner of Catalonia encompasses some of the Costa Brava’s most delightful beaches, backed by rolling plains, medieval villages and ancient woodland. Its stone-built houses are sought after by Barcelonans as second homes, but recently some have been converted into B&Bs and hotels, enticing tourists away from the beaches. Combine these with low-cost flights into Girona or Barcelona and you have the perfect spring getaway.
What to do
The coast between Palamós and Begur is the Costa Brava at its most rugged and beautiful: a series of exquisite coves, often sheltered by steep cliffs. Calella de Palafrugell and Tamariu are postcard-pretty, Sa Tuna has lovely beaches, while the waters off the Playa Fonda are great for snorkelling. Explore the medieval towns of Peratallada, Palau-sator, Ullastret, Monells, Madremaña and Pals. Shop for ceramics in La Bisbal d’Empordà, olive oil at the Can Solivera olive plantationand wine at the Grau emporium in Palafrugell. The Dalí museum in Figueres is also close by.
The coast between Palamós and Begur is the Costa Brava at its most rugged and beautiful: a series of exquisite coves, often sheltered by steep cliffs. Calella de Palafrugell and Tamariu are postcard-pretty, Sa Tuna has lovely beaches, while the waters off the Playa Fonda are great for snorkelling. Explore the medieval towns of Peratallada, Palau-sator, Ullastret, Monells, Madremaña and Pals. Shop for ceramics in La Bisbal d’Empordà, olive oil at the Can Solivera olive plantationand wine at the Grau emporium in Palafrugell. The Dalí museum in Figueres is also close by.
Where to stay
La Rectoria de Regencós is a gorgeous guesthouse in a converted 17th-century rectory 10 minutes’ drive from the coast; it has two stylish rooms and two family-friendly apartments, a garden with hammocks and a pretty pool (from €140,rectoriaderegencos.com). Also in Regencós, Can Casi has five characterful rooms, a saltwater pool and terrace (from £125, cancasi.com).
La Rectoria de Regencós is a gorgeous guesthouse in a converted 17th-century rectory 10 minutes’ drive from the coast; it has two stylish rooms and two family-friendly apartments, a garden with hammocks and a pretty pool (from €140,rectoriaderegencos.com). Also in Regencós, Can Casi has five characterful rooms, a saltwater pool and terrace (from £125, cancasi.com).
Where to eat
The fishing port of Palamós is the place to head for fresh seafood: try Llagut Palamós (Pages Ortiz 49, +34 97231 4358). Alternatively, Rostei in Begur is an atmospheric restaurant serving Catalan cuisine (rostei.com).
The fishing port of Palamós is the place to head for fresh seafood: try Llagut Palamós (Pages Ortiz 49, +34 97231 4358). Alternatively, Rostei in Begur is an atmospheric restaurant serving Catalan cuisine (rostei.com).
Insider tip
Alicia Josa, owner of the Rectoria de Regencós, recommends cocktails at the Aeroclub Empordà, a flight school with its own quirky social club and restaurant, surrounded by rice fields (flycostabrava.com): “It’s the coolest place in the Costa Brava to drink a mojito while watching the sunset.”
Alicia Josa, owner of the Rectoria de Regencós, recommends cocktails at the Aeroclub Empordà, a flight school with its own quirky social club and restaurant, surrounded by rice fields (flycostabrava.com): “It’s the coolest place in the Costa Brava to drink a mojito while watching the sunset.”
Give me a break
Home: kayaking off the Jacobite Coast Wilderness Scotland still has some places available on its
group sea kayaking trip, exploring Scotland’s beautiful Jacobite coast.
Departing on 23 May, the six-day trip explores areas such as Loch Linnhe, the
Sound of Mull, Loch Sunart and the Sound of Arisaig. The trip costs £975pp,
including five nights’ B&B, packed lunches, all transport starting and
finishing in Inverness, equipment and an expert guide (wildernessscotland.com).
Away: exploring Slovenia by car Cox & Kings has introduced a collection of self-drive
tours and short breaks to Slovenia. ‘Taste of Slovenia’ is a new six-night
self-drive tour priced from £1,595pp. Starting in the spa region to the east of
the capital, it visits the vineyards of the Goriška Brda region and Piran on
the Adriatic coast, finishing with a stay in Ljubljana and a visit to Lake
Bled. Prices include flights, car hire and accommodation (coxandkings.co.uk).
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