View of Palamós a fishing town of the Costa Brava, Catalunya
History & Culture

History
of Palamós

Palamós is a port and fishing town on La Costa Brava famous for its prawns and host to thousands of visitors annually. But what’s its story?

Which is the way to go, bottled or tap water? The answer to that is pretty straightforward really
Practical info

Yes, you can drink
Tap Water in Spain!

Foreigners in Spain often ask “Can I drink the tap water?” The answer is yes – but water filters are definitely a good idea for many reasons

Healthy homemade sweet balls of fig and almonds in coconut and sesame.
Food & Drink

Spanish Fig and Almond Balls Recipe

There are lots of recipes using figs and this is one of the easiest. It takes almost no time at all and the ingredients are all easy to find

The medieval village of Pals overlooking the Catalan countryside
Things to See & Do

Pals: A Magnificent
Medieval Village

Pals is one of the most charming of the many amazing medieval villages dotted around the Baix Empordà countryside. If you only see one, see Pals

A spectacular fairway on the course at Empordà Golf Club with Montgrí Castle in the distance
Things to See & Do

El Baix Empordà:
Top 10 Highlights

The Baix Empordà region on Girona’s Costa Brava has a wonderful variety of fantastic things to see and do. These are our Top 10 highlights.

Multiple Spanish champion Adel Mechaal from Palamós. Photo: Instagram
The “Locals”

Famous Catalans:
Adel Mechaal

Adel Mechaal represents Spain in cross-country and middle and long-distance running. He is the current European 3000m indoor record-holder.

The beach of the old town of L’Escala
Things to See & Do

Lovely L’Escala
& Ancient Empúries

Did you know the name “Empordà” comes from the ancient Greek “Emprion”? It meant the “place of trade” at St Martí d’Empúries, near L’Escala

They’re all cervesas, but how to order the one you want?
Food & Drink

How to order beer
in Catalunya

Ordering beer in a bar in Catalunya isn’t too complicated once you know how, but don’t expect things to be the same in every bar you go into

“La Ruta dels Volcans” (or “Volcano Route”), makes for a fantastic weekend break in the Natural Park of the Volcanic Region of the Garrotxa.
Things to See & Do

Ruta dels Volcans:
The Volcano Route

“La Ruta dels Volcans” (or “Volcano Route”), makes for a fantastic weekend break in the Natural Park of the Volcanic Region of the Garrotxa.

Rice, just waiting to be turned into a paella!
Food & Drink

Our Favourite
Spanish Rice Dishes

Even people who have never visited Spain have heard of “paella”, but did you know that there exists a whole plethora of Spanish rice dishes?

Some characteristically red Palamós Prawns
Food & Drink

Gambas de Palamós:
Palamós Prawns

Gambas de Palamós is a mark of quality and authenticity guaranteeing that only the finest of prawns fished off the Palamós costa are served.

Aerial view of Girona’s historic Old Town, on the banks of the River Onyar
History & Culture

Girona City:
A Brief History

Girona has been at the crossroads of history for two millennia with many cultures having left their mark. It’s a fascinating city to explore

Xmas is a magical time of twinkly lights - and too much food and drink!
Local Events

Christmas Customs
in Catalunya

Catalans have some pretty unusual Christmas traditions not found anywhere else in Spain, or elsewhere, some of them involving poo. Yes, poo!

Paella con Mariscos, or seafood paella
Food & Drink

Seafood Paella
Recipe

This easy-to-follow seafood paella recipe with prawns, mussels, clams & squid will have you producing delicious paella in your own home in no time.

A spectacular view from the city walls of Girona
Things to See & Do

Girona City:
Top 10 Highlights

Charming, historic, compact and fascinating, Girona has been described as a smaller, safer, cleaner and more manageable version of Barcelona

Castell de Verdera offers some stunning mountain and sea vistas.
History & Culture

10 Cool Castles
of the Costa Brava

Girona Province is home to a number of spectacular castles; some medieval and some even older. Some are ruins and others perfectly preserved

Escalivada is a healthy grilled vegetables dish
Food & Drink

Escalivada: a truly
Catalan Recipe

Escalivada is a roasted vegetable dish very traditional in Catalunya. Its name comes from a verb in Catalan meaning “to roast in the embers”

The golfer hits the ball, it flies through the air and heads towards the hole. Will it go in or …
Things to See & Do

The Best Costa Brava
Golf Courses

The Costa Brava region of Catalunya boasts some of the finest golf courses you’ll find anywhere, from Par 3s right up to PGA grade courses.

Traditional Catalan St. Stephen’s Day canelones de carne
Food & Drink

Canelones de Carne
Recipe

On the feast of Sant Esteban on the 26 of December (St. Stephen’s Day) there is no more typical a dish in Catalunya than canelones de carne.

Homemade pumpkin pie, a traditional Thanksgiving dessert.
Food & Drink

Pumpkin Pie
Recipe

What could be more seasonal – and delicious – around Thanksgiving time than pumpkin pie? And the good news is that it’s pretty easy to make!

A variety of bolets freshly picked from an autumn forest in Catalunya
Things to See & Do

Mushroom Hunting
in Catalunya

When autumn rains begin to fall Catalans traditionally “hunt” mushrooms, and some of the best spots are in the Pyrenean foothills of Girona.

As we keep producing more and more waste, we need to really up our game when it comes to recycling
Practical info

Recycling explained:
Costa Brava

Recycling on the Costa Brava has been made easy for us all with a simple colour-coded system telling us where to deposit each type of trash.

Pieces of turrón cut and ready to enjoy.
Food & Drink

Turrón: A Spanish
Christmas Treat

Turrón, in its many forms, is a typical traditional Xmas treat all over Spain, but did you know it was originally brought here by the Moors?

Practical info

“Okupas”:
Squatters in Catalunya

In the 1980s, squatters in Spain started an organized social movement called Okupas (from ocupación) that is especially strong in Catalunya.

Where the hell are those Catalan Craft Beers anyway?
Food & Drink

Searching for
Catalan Craft Beers

In recent years the craft beer scene has exploded throughout Spain, Catalunya included, with a growing variety of beer styles to choose from

Tartiflette is a delicious cheesy dish for those chilly winter days.
Food & Drink

Tasty Tartiflette
Recipe

Tartiflette is an easy-to-cook French dish made with Reblochon cheese that originated in Savoie in the Alps. Perfect for chilly winter days!

A very tasting-looking bowl of pumpkin and mushrooms with bacon and rice
Food & Drink

Mushrooms, Pumpkin
with Bacon & Rice

Fall is the ideal time of year for this simple yet delicious recipe as the key ingredients are in season – mushrooms, pumpkin, and even rice

Pirate ship on the open Mediterranean Sea at sunset.
History & Culture

Pirates of the
Mediterranean

Pirates once roamed the Mediterranean from ancient times, including La Costa Brava, whose rugged coves provided ideal hiding spots for ships

Movies and popcorn at the cinema: “Lights, camera, action!”
Things to See & Do

Costa Brava Cinemas
with V.O.S.E.

Can’t stand dubbed movies? Want to watch V.O.S.E? In Spanish cinemas most movies are dubbed, but some cinemas do show original version films

Refreshing gazpacho is just the ticket on those hot summer days!
Food & Drink

Refreshing Gazpacho
Recipe

When temperatures begin to rise in summer in Spain, it’s time to break out one of the most popular dishes of the season: Andalucian gazpacho.

The wines of Catalunya are making a splash around the world!
Food & Drink

Wonderful Wines
of Catalunya

Spanish wines are amongst the most widely consumed worldwide and certain Catalan wineries produce some of the finest wines in all the land.

A decadently delicious slice of chocolate and chestnut pie
Food & Drink

Chocolate & Chestnut
Pie Recipe

Seasonal autumn chestnuts combine delightfully with chocolate in this delicious chestnut and chocolate pie, perfect around Castanyada time!

An iconic Spanish bull roadside billboard, and its counterpart the Catalan donkey
History & Culture

Spanish Bulls
and Catalan Donkeys

Why are the Spanish obsessed with bulls? How did the bull become a symbol of Spain? What’s bullfighting all about if they love them so much?

Salvador Dalí sitting in his garden at his house in Port Lligat, Cadaqués - with a giant crab, as one does!
Things to See & Do

Salvador Dalí and
the Museum Triangle

​​​​The “Dalinian Triangle” museums (Figueres-Cadaqués-Púbol) capture the aura of Dalí, the Empurdan artist who left his mark on the region.

Calonge’s Hills & Wineries
Things to See & Do

5 Wonderful Wineries
of Calonge

The area around the Costa Brava town of Calonge is full of lovely walking trails that just so happen to take you by some excellent wineries.

Xavi in action during his time with FC Barça
The “Locals”

Famous Catalans:
Xavi Hernández

Xavier Hernández, known simply as Xavi, became a global superstar with FC Barcelona and one of the most recognized footballers in the world.

Time to go folks, the bar is closed!
Practical info

Closing Time
in Catalan Bars

“Last call for alcohol!” Closing time in Spain can vary by region, day of the week, the season, or whether you’re in a city or a small town.

DosKiwis Brewery and taproom in Rupià, Baix Empordà
The “Locals”

DosKiwis Brewing:
Catalan Craft Beer

DosKiwis Brewing of Rupià in El Baix Empordà is a fine example of the growth of craft brewing in Catalunya as beer tastes continue to change

Tasty authentic Spanish Albondigas (meatballs)
Food & Drink

Albondigas
(Meatballs) Recipe

Meatballs are a favourite all over Europe, and Spain is no exception. They are called “albóndigas” in Spanish, or “mandonguilles” in Catalan

Mark those public holidays in your 2024 Calendar already!
Practical info

Public Holidays
in Catalunya: 2024

Unlike many other countries, Spanish public holidays are not standard across the country. Some holidays vary by region or even municipality.

Romesco sauce in Catalunya is typically prepared with ñora peppers, tomatoes, almonds and hazelnuts.
Food & Drink

Romesco Sauce
Recipe

Romesco sauce can be found at every calçotada and goes perfectly with both the calçots and the meat. Check out our recipe to make it at home

Some calçots ready to be dipped in Romesco sauce
Food & Drink

Those Catalans
and their Calçots!

A calçotada is a basically a BBQ with lots of calçots and lots of meat. It’s great fun, even if a bit messy. Best not wear your best outfit!

Blanes as seen from the Castle of San Juan above the town.
Things to See & Do

Tossa de Mar,
Lloret de Mar & Blanes

The southern end of La Costa Brava is home to three of its most famous towns: Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar and Blanes, each one of them unique