History & Culture

La Costa Brava & Empordà region is absolutely steeped in fascinating culture & history, easily accessible and just waiting to be explored. From medieval villages to ancient ruins and museums, and from local customs and events to discovering just why things are as they are, understanding a little of the local history and culture will help you NjOY! your time here all the more.

A spectacular view from the city walls of Girona

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

A spectacular view from the city walls of Girona

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

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!

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?

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

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 &
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.

“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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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?

Afternoon is “sleepy time” for old-school Spaniards!
History & Culture

Siesta Time
in Sleepy Spain

La siesta is a famous Spanish tradition that some foreigners living in Spain get used to quite quickly, but that others struggle to adapt to

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