Barcelona & Costa Brava: An Adventure on Foot and by Sea – A Helpful Review

Okay, so picture this: you’re wanting a trip that’s more than just your average sightseeing tour. I mean, you want something that mixes a bit of culture with a decent dose of outdoor action, right? Very well, you might want to look at heading from Barcelona up the Costa Brava, where the chance to hike rocky coastlines, paddle in and out of some unbelievable sea caves, and explore peaceful lagoons basically awaits you. I was there not that long ago, and honestly, it turned out to be one of those getaways that really sticks with you. Let me give you a rundown of what the trip could offer you.

What To Think About Before Setting Off

You know, before I packed my bags and hopped on that plane, I made completely certain that I was clear on what this trip actually involved. So, very important, this adventure isn’t just a casual walk in the park, I mean, some level of fitness really will help you get the most out of the hiking and kayaking, right? A little preparation could be pretty useful. And too it’s worth taking the weather into account: the Costa Brava is lovely, even beautiful, but conditions along the coast can shift pretty quickly, right? Very well, being geared up for every circumstance might save you a bit of misery further down the road, actually. Getting your ducks in a row with appropriate clothes, sun protection, and keeping an eye on local weather reports might prove useful in the long run.

Also, something that is just a little obvious but quite important to me, respecting the environment while exploring the coastline seems a bit obvious. Now the Costa Brava has plenty of really wonderfully conserved regions, and to keep it that way, just being conscious about reducing your trace really goes a long way. Basically stick to trails, keep away from bothering any wildlife, and definitely leave no trash. Doing this basically ensures other visitors are able to enjoy the scenery in years to come.

Hiking the Coastal Paths: What You Will See

Honestly, the hiking here really stands out. The Cami de Ronda paths which hug the coast seem pretty amazing, giving you views that photographs only can hint at, actually. What I found, at least, is that each stretch of path seems very different, and has its own thing. You could be making your way across craggy cliffs in one moment, yet you could then be going along sandy beaches just a little later.

For instance, one section, a bit south of Tamariu, took me through pretty shaded pine woodlands that basically opened up to offer great views of hidden coves. Then, another day, I tackled the route which lead from Calella de Palafrugell to Llafranc – very beautiful it was, letting me take in all those super classic Costa Brava settings complete with their pastel-shaded houses.

Just so you’re aware, the trails usually are marked properly, but a durable pair of hiking boots is just what you’ll need to deal with the rough terrain, alright? Also, packing water and some snacks would definitely be very worth considering, especially if you’re planning longer treks. So anyway, trust me; with views like this, you will definitely find yourself stopping on multiple occasions to just take it all in, right?

Taking To The Sea: Kayaking on the Costa Brava

So if walking is one side to seeing the Costa Brava, then paddling along its waters gets you seeing it from a totally new perspective. Quite a few outfits along the shoreline let you rent kayaks, which, when I went, made it reasonably easy for me to dip my paddle and go see things from a completely new angle, actually.

A great choice for me seemed to be paddling near Begur; it’s just filled with these teeny isles and some seriously hidden grottoes that you definitely could not see any other way. Also, so many of these caves aren’t too difficult to get into by kayak, but once inside, the shimmering waters and unusual rock formations will definitely give you that wow factor. Plus, some of the bays are quite sheltered, therefore even beginner kayakers should find some routes here which don’t make them feel overwhelmed or nervous.

And yet safety really comes first, right? Thus very certain you know what you’re doing or even better, going with a guided trip – at least in the beginning. So it’s not that you won’t have any amount of independence, but you could also gain an understanding of local tides and conditions, right? Wearing a safety jacket and maybe carrying a phone in a waterproof pouch are possibly no brainers, but certainly helpful.

Lazing Around the Lagoons: The Quieter Side of Things

Right so for a change of pace from the cliff tops and seaside routes, I actually found the lagoons around the Costa Brava seriously chilled, right? Near Empuriabrava in particular, these wetland locations give you an opportunity to experience an absolutely calm section of the Catalan area, actually. I spent my day simply floating along by the water’s edge and watching several types of birds flying back and forth, it was actually lovely.

Castelló d’Empúries natural park really gives you walking and bicycle trails that meander right across the wetlands, that is really so that it isn’t difficult getting around and checking out most of what is worth looking at. Very interesting to me seemed to be what I discovered at the information centre – what that gave me were tips regarding routes to take and also pointed out many various species I was extremely likely to come across. Therefore remember to have some binoculars if you are that way inclined, because you’ll discover lots of brilliant photo opportunities within this region, alright?

Eating Well: What Food You Must Sample

Look, this bit is basically so key to me – you really can’t explore any part of Spain properly if you don’t try its cuisine. Along the Costa Brava the spotlight tends to be turned towards what the sea delivers, so obviously seafood plays a big role in dishes here, actually. Now I can’t say I actually know a better combo than sitting down at some quaint seaside eatery, gazing out at the ocean views and enjoying the catch of the day, grilled perfectly – nothing can possibly beat that, you see!

Now the local market segments will prove themselves to be full of every kind of tasty snack imaginable – from freshly produced olives up to hand-cured ham – each of these will be extremely amazing if you basically want some on-the-go treats to maintain the stamina while roaming around. Furthermore, it’s really hard to overlook pa amb tomàquet, that translates in real-world terms as simply bread plus tomato! You spread fresh tomatoes and garlic over toasted bread together with a bit of olive oil – therefore it may be pretty simple but trust me it just tastes brilliant.

Where To Consider Making Your Base

Right, so picking out where to settle is really dependant upon the types of encounters you fancy the most, yet plenty of places give great connectivity to virtually all significant landmarks throughout the Costa Brava area. I can state with conviction which Cadaqués is an incredible choice in case what you’re extremely after is some bohemian vibes combined with an outstanding artistic attraction – therefore what I will just suggest is you ensure you’ve time for a look at Salvador Dalí’s former property near Portlligat.

Palafrugell will give something to please almost everyone – with some brilliant coves as well as Cap Roig Botanical Gardens in the area. Now those wanting even more relaxation, and a bit of seaside glamour might have more fun and fulfilment at spots just like Calella de Palafrugell due to their wonderful waterfront plus excellent eating spots, correct? Plus from several spots within the place mentioned, several small, less-busy coast areas tend to be just minutes outside of the village so if you want some quieter area to hang out in there will be choices to consider!