Catalunya, Catalonia, Costa Brava, Travel

Distances & Times from U.K.

	From/To	Distance	Time	Comments
	Calais to Pals	800 miles	12 hours	It is possible to drive from Calais to Pals in 1 day, however it is better to take it easy and make a stop over on the way down
	Calais to Figueras & Figueras to Pals	760 miles & 40 miles	11 hours & 1 hour	Can take a train from Calais to Narbonne then another over the border to Figueras. Need to take a bus or hire a Car from Figueras to Pals. Not recommended as the best way for getting to Pals
	Calais to Figueras & Figueras to Pals	760 miles & 40 miles	11 hours & 1 hour	Coaches run from U.K. to Barcelona and are very cheap however are not the best form of transport for this type of holiday.
	Calais to Narbonne & Narbonne to Pals	650 miles & 100 miles	8 hours & 2 hours	Can put your car on a train in Calais sleep in a couchette or compartment overnight and wake up in Narbonne. Then just drive over the border (approx 2 hours and you are in Pals) Very easy - very restful, but not cheap.
	Manchester to Girona	1100 miles	2 hours approx	Charter flights only. Flights can vary in price from £100 to £260 per person depending on when you book. Try flightclub
	Leeds/Bfd to Girona (Charter)	1100 miles	2 hours approx	Flights can vary in price from £100 to £260 per person depending on when you book. Try flightclub
	Leeds/Bfd to Barcelona	1100 miles	2 hours approx	With Jet2, a new budget airline started in 2003. Initial prices look good. Telephone +44 (0)870 737 8282
	Liverpool to Barcelona	1150 miles	2 hours approx	Flights with easyJet Tel: 0870 600 0000 to Barcelona from about £50 return to £190 depending on time
	Stanstead to Girona	1000 miles	2 hours approx	With Ryanair Tel: From Ireland: 0818 30 30 30 From UK: 0871 246 0000 to Girona (They call it Barcelona-Girona) from about £50 return to £120 depending on time
	Prestwick (Glasgow) to Girona	1000 miles	2 hours approx	With Ryanair Tel: From Ireland: 0818 30 30 30 From UK: 0871 246 0000 to Girona (They call it Barcelona-Girona) from about £50 return to £190 depending on time
	Birmingham to Girona	1000 miles	2 hours approx	With Ryanair Tel: From Ireland: 0818 30 30 30 From UK: 0871 246 0000 to Girona (They call it Barcelona-Girona) from about £50 return to £190 depending on time
	Gatwick to Girona	1000 miles	2 hours approx	Flights can vary in price from £100 to £260 per person depending on when you book. Try flightclub
	Luton to Barcelona	1100 miles	2 hours approx	With easyJet Tel: 0870 600 0000 to Barcelona from about £50 return to £190 depending on time
	Bournemouth to Girona	950 miles	2 hours approx	Flights with ISLANDERS to Girona from about £179 return to £229 depending on time
	East Midlands to Barcelona	1100 miles	2 hours approx	With bmibaby Tel: 0870 264 2229 to Barcelona from about £50 return to £190 depending on time

What they say about Catalunya

Catalonia has the best food in Spain, with more michelin - starred restaurants than anywhere on the Iberian peninsula.

Catalonia has everything it takes to make a memorable summer.
When you tire of strolling through pine woods atop rocky promontories, you can exercise your brain amid the antiquities of Barcelona, Figueres and Girona.

The guide books do not enthuse sufficiently about Girona.
After a long search we think we've found the perfect spot for a holiday with young children - or anybody else for that matter.

A complete surprise - a string of breathtaking wooded coves like an up market Cornwall.
Pals is a beautiful medieval town, built in the 9th century, which has been superbly restored. The town has is perched on a small hill with fabulous views of the Mediterranean coastline.

It is a fantastically pretty area.
This is a place of secret fishing villages where churches are still the tallest buildings, of fragrant green headlands and beaches that challenge the most scenic of European coastlines.
Referring to the beaches around Palafrugell: 'These are the places the Spanish must keep to themselves; you don't see them in the holiday brochures'.

Referring to Aigua Blava: 'I could have stayed on that beach for ever'
East of Gerona is altogether less crowded and more picturesque:a ragged coastlineof small fishing villages cum seaside resorts with clean sandy beaches, safe bathing and no high-rise developments.
One of the best is Tamariu at the end of a steep road winding through a forest of pines.

For more information on Catalonia go to www.holiday-apartments-villas-spain.com

Catalonia - Things to do

Activities in Catlaoina Spain


Water Parks

Aquadiver (Platja d'Aro) Cta. de Circumvulacio s/n (Platja d'Aro) Tel: 972/81 87 32 Between June and September they are open every day from 10am
Prices: (prices according to height)
Marineland (Palafolls) marine park, theme park, animal shows C/Malgrat de Mar, Palafolls (Barcelona) Tel: 93/765 48 02 Between April to October they are open every day 10 am.

Aquabrava (Roses) Cta. de Cadaques Km. 0.78 (Roses) Tel: 972/25 43 44 Between June and September they are open every day from 10 am - 7 pm

Boats

Nautilus (L'Estartit) Passeig Maritim, 23 Tel: 972/75 14 89 - 972/75 13 93 A unique excursion, a cruise along the sea bed, see the beauty and marine life of the Medes Islands Natural Reserve. Suitable for both adults and children. An unforgettable view of the underwater world. Open from April to October everyday from 9.30h to 19.00h. The boat departs every 30 min.

Triton (L'Estartit) Passeig Maritim, 23 Tel: 972/75 14 89 - 972.75 13 93 A sea voyage from l'Estartit to "Punta de les tres Coves", admiring the rich maritime attractions of the Medes Islands Natural Reserve and the beauty of the wild, rocky "Costa Brava". Enjoy the trip through rocky escarpments, hidden coves and beaches which dot the shoreline. Open April to October every day 9.30h to 19.00h
Marina Princess (L'Estartit) Passeig Maritim, 34 Tel: 972 75 06 43 Click here to see more A luxury cruiser offering various excursions including Cap de Creus, cadaqués, the ruines of empúries and to Palamos. The trips last between 2 and 3 hours.
Safari Blau (L'Estartit) Passeig Maritim, 23 Tel: 972/75 14 89 - 972.75 13 93 A sea voyage from l'Estartit in a glass bottom boat to the coves to the North of Estartit and the Medas Islands Open April to October every day 9.30h to 19.00h
Catalonia Subcat (L'Estartit) 1 Cruilla Passeig Maritim Tel: 972 75 25 05 Explore the seabed in this submergible catamaran. It can take 28 people to a depth between 15 & 30 metres
Bergant Maritime Excursions (Llafranch) Avda. de Mar, 1 Tel: 972/30 17.48
This boat does two routes:North Route: South Route:
Cap de Sant Sebastia Calella
Ca la Pedrosa Cap Roig
Tamariu Iles Formigues
Aigua Exelida Ca la Estreta
Coves d'en Gispert
Aiguablava
It is open all year 10.00h to 22.00h, every day.
Mare Nostrum (L'Escala) C/Maranges, 3 Tel: 972/77 03 32
Cruises around the coast.
- Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday: Depart 10.00h (return approx. 13.30)
Observe the famous "Cap de Creus" from the sea followed by a stop at a small beach for a swim.
- Wednesday: Dept. 9.15 (return approx 18.30)
Cruise past Tamariu, Llafranch and Calella, and then take advantage of the stops at Palamos and L'Estartit to visit their ports and shopping centres.
- Monday: Depart at 9.15h (return approx. 14.00)
A visit to Cadaques, walk around the village and see the market.
- Saturday: Depart 10.00h (return approx 18.00)
You can observe "Cap de Creus", "Badia de Culpi" and Cadaques. The boat stops at Cadaques for approx. 30 min.
- Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday: At 15.30h (return aprox.18.00)
You can visit several small beaches and a tunnel. The boat stops at a small beach where you are able to swim/snorkel and generally relax.
- Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: At 8.00h. (return approx. 12.00)
Coarse Fishing
- Every day:
Underwater exploration course:
Open from April to October.

Festivals

Wine and Champagne Fair (Pals)
10-11-12 August. - They offer the best local wine, champagne and cheese, join in the dancing afterwards.
Place: Ca La Pruna
Hour: 19h
Pals - Local Rice Cuisine (Pals)From March to April, some restaurants offer a specialist menu including the local rice dishes using rice grown in Pals.
Festival of Classical Jazz (Palafrugell)
July and August: People from USA, France and Switzerland take part in the show. Place: Jardins de Cap Roig (Calella)
folk singing & dancing
PalsSardanes (typical Catalan dance)
July and August
Day: Every Thursday
Hour: 22h
Place: Ca La Pruna
Begur
Dance
July and August July and August
Days: Every Wednesday Days: Every fortnight on Fridays
Hour: 22h Hour: 22h
Place: Placa de la Vila Place: Placa Forgas
Sardanes (typical Catalan dance)
July and August
Every Saturday
Hour: 22h
Place: Placa de la Vila
Palafrugell
Havaneres (Sea Shanties) Havaneres (Sea Shanties)
Day: 1st Saturday of July Day: 1st Saturday of August
Hour: 22h Hour: 22h
Place: Calella Place: Llafranch
Havaneres (Sea Shanties) Dance
Day: 1st Saturday of September July and August
Hour: 22h Days: Tuesday and Wednesday
Place: Tamariu Hour 22h
Place: Camp d'en Prats
Dance
July and August
Days: Every Thursday
Hour: 22h
Place: Placa Nova

Village fair / Fiesta mayor

Pals
Village Fair Pals: 4 - 5 August Village Fair Masos de Pals: 8 - 9 September Party on the beach: 8 August
Pals
Village Fair Pals: 4 - 5 August Village Fair Masos de Pals: 8 - 9 September Party on the beach: 8 August
Palafrugell
Village Fair Palafrugell: 19 - 20 - 21 July Village Fair Calella: 29 June Village Fair Tamariu: 15 August
Begur
Village Fair Begur: 29 June Village Fair Calella: 3rd Saturday of September
Llofriu
Village Fair Llofriu: 19 - 20 August
Calonge
Village Fair Calonge: 2nd Saturday of July Winter Fair - St.Marti: 11 November
Sant Antonio De Calonge
Village Fair Sant Antonio De Calonge: 13 June - 01 Sept

Excursions

PalsThere are several very good walking routes available, in English, from the tourist office. These will help you to explore the area on foot and take in some of the varied wildlife and attractive countryside in a more relaxed fashion.
Palafrugell- details from the Palafrugell tourist office.
A guided excursion on foot - visit the most important sights of Palafrugell. Excursion to "Torres de Guaita" - Visit the different defence towers of Palafrugell. Excursion to "Font de la Teula" - A walk in the woods and find the famous fountain.
Begur- details from the Begur Tourist office July and August, excursion on foot with a guide - visit the most important places of Begur.

General

Panorama excursionsA company that are highly recommended for English language guided tours, they have a wide range of destinations and ideas which allows the whole family to relax and have a great day out without anyone having to drive home. Medieval Night - medieval banquet while watching jousting. Barcelona Free Time - by coach to Barcelona and do as you please. Barcelona Fountains - see the famous light and musical fountains. Barcelona Cultural - visit the picasso and Miro museums, Park Gyuell, the Ramblas and other cultural sights. Barcelona Visita - a general overview of the city including Camp Nou, the Olympic Stadium, the Ramblas, plus 2 hours free time. Montserrat - visit the famous "black Madonna" Port Aventura - let the coach take the strain to spain's most popular theme park


Pitch & putt Gualta

Golf and Archery at Gualta - turn left as you arrive at the bridge at Toroella, it's shortly on your right. The Pitch & Putt Gualta is an 18 hole (1711 metres) course. It also has a 250 metre driving range.
There are several companies in several bays in this area who offer a range of classes/courses and hire of equipment for snorkelling and diving.
L'Estartit - Xaloc Tel (972) 75 20 71 L'Estartit - Medaqua Tel (972) 75 20 43 Tamariu - Stolli Tel (972) 62 00 35 Llafranc - Triton Diving Tel: (34-72) 30 24 26 Aiguafreda - sa Rascassa Tel: (972) 62 42 47

Sailing

Sailing boats can be hired from many of th resorts such as Estartit or Palamos. At Tamariu Paco Boats hire sailing boats. Tel: 607 2925 78 Fax: 972 30 1310. The PCI office in Pals will be able to point you in the right direction.
motor boats
As with sailing boats motor boats can be hired from many of th resorts such as Estartit or Palamos. The PCI office in Pals will be able to point you in the right direction. At Tamariu Paco Boats hire motor boats. Tel: 607 2925 78 Fax: 972 30 1310. The PCI office in Pals will be able to point you in the right direction.

Kayaking

There is a company in L'Escala who organise Kayaking trips along the coast to Tamariu. Kayaking Costa Brava, Tel (972) 77 38 06

Wind surfing

There are companies renting wind surfers on Pals, L'Estartit and Llafranc beaches.
jetski
There are companies renting Jetskis on Pals, L'Estartit and Llafranc beaches.
cycling
There is a cycle hire shop (Ciclo - Rent) at the top of the road under the Golf Beach apartments. There is also another cycle hire shop in the buildings on the right between Golf Beach and the Cypsela camp site. No doubt there are many others in the local resorts and towns. The area is ideal for cycling with smooth road surfaces and plenty of flat land along the coast and inland as well as some challenging hilly areas.

Walking

Catalunya, with it's beautiful countryside as well as coastline is a paradise for walkers. If a guided walk is what you're after try: http://followthebaldie.com/ Guided walking trips in the countryside around Barcelona.

Go karts

If you can't do the real thing (motor racing) at the Circuit de Catalunya the next best thing is to have a play at go karting. There are tracks at L'Estartit Tel: (972) 75 72 15, L'Escala Tel: (972) 77 19 57, Regencos, Palafrugell.

Flying

There is a flying club off to the right of the main road form Pals to Toroella. It is a grass strip used for light aircraft and microlights. There is also a strip at L' Estartit from where you can take an accompanied flight in a Microlight for 7000ptas. Want to know more? Click here Tel 972 75 20 58

Horse riding

Club Hipic Estartit has qualified instructors who offer:
Outings for one hour or more
Classes for beginners
Classes for dressage and jumping
Organised excursions
Stabling and outings in cartsOpen 9.00 - 1.00 & 3.00 - 9.00 C/. del Riu, 43 - Tel (972) 75 14 72
Horse Club (Castello d'Empuries) Cta, De Castello d'Empuries at Sant Pere Pescador Entrace Parc Natural del Aiguamolls.
Tel: 972/45 08 08
610/41 47 12They offer a horse-show and flamenco show with lunch or dinner. They also offer horse rides and riding lessons.
Hours:
Winter: Every day 9.00h to 19.00h
Summer: Every day 9.00h to 1.00h

Holiday apartment to let in Catalonia Spain www.catalunya.org.uk

Catalonia - Places to visit. Featuring Pals

Places to visit

Andorra Aiguamolls Art Galleries Banyoles Barcelona Begur Cadaques Culture Centre La Bisbal Markets Museums Pals Peratallada Sant Sebastia Ullastret More Information
Markets
Sunday-Palafrugell (also fruit and veg., fish and meat every day), L'Escala, St. Feliu de Guixols. Monday-Torroella de Montgri, Cadaques. Tuesday-Palamos, Pals, Girona. Wednesday-Begur. St. Antonio de Calonge, Banyoles. Thursday-L'Estartit, Figueres, Calonge. Friday-La Bisbal, Platja d'Aro. Saturday-Girona, Mont-ras. 1st Saturday of September, in Palafrugell, there is an antique fair. In Begur, every Thursday during July and August, there is an antique fair.
Aiguamolls (Emporda Marshes Natural Park)
Is the home of many interesting species of plants and animals and a haven for migrating birds (mainly March-May and August-October, although there is always something to see all year round). Situated between L'Escala and Roses. For more information click here
Sant Sebastia (Palafrugell)
To the east of Palafrugell, between Llafranch and Tamariu. The hotel (4Star) offers a home to an 18th Century chapel. The restaurant "El Far" is excellent and the views are outstanding.
Culture Centre 'Ca La Pruna' (Pals)
Here we can find the underwater Archaeological Museum, a Catalan wine and champagne exhibition, painting and sculpture exhibitions and also a display of some of the utensils belonging to the first chemist in Pals.
Back to the Top
The Church (Pals)
The church has existed since 997 and some of the stones used in its construction came from the old castle. Here we can find a mixture of styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and a bell from the XVIII century.
The Castle (Pals)
The Castle which dates from the ix century was the scene of many hard battles and was completely destroyed in 1478. King John II gave his permission to use the stones to finish the church leaving only the tower "Torre de l'homenatge" and one arch of the castle itself. A private villa owned by the Pi i Figueres family now occupies the castle land. Despite being a relatively modern building (1948) it was built in accordance with the gothic style of the old town.
The Castle (Begur)
It is an old castle at the top of the village. It is in ruins but worth a visit as it is a view point for the whole of the village and some of the local beaches.
Art Galleries
Polemica (Palafrugell)
All year, Tuesday to Saturday: 9.00h - 13.00h, 16.30h - 20.30h Sunday: 9.00h - 13.00h
Back to the Top
Museums
Dali (Figueres)
September to July - Tuesday to Sunday: 10.30h - 17.45h Monday: Closed July to September - Monday to Sunday: 9.00h - 19.45h Price: 1,000 ptas per person
Toy (Figueres)
October to May - Tuesday to Saturday: 10.00h - 13.00h, 16.00h - 19.00h Sunday: 11.00h - 13.30h, Monday: Closed June to September - Every day: 10.00h - 13.00h, 16.00h - 19.00h
Emporda (Figueres)
Tuesday to Saturday: 11.00h - 19.00h, Sunday: 10.00h - 13.00h Monday: Closed Price: 300 ptas per person, Over 65 years and under 18 years: Free
Archaeology (Empuries)
October to May, every day: 10.00h - 18.00h June to September, every day: 10.00h - 20.00h Price: 400 ptas per person
Archaeology (Girona)
October to May, Tuesday to Sunday: 10.00h - 14.00h, 16.00h - 18.00h Monday: Closed June to September: Tuesday to Sunday: 10.30h - 13.30h, 16.00h - 19.00h Monday: Closed Price: 300 ptas per person
Art (Girona)
October to May, Tuesday to Sunday: 10.00h - 18.00h Monday: Closed June to September, Tuesday to Sunday: 10.00h - 19.00h Monday: Closed Price: 300 ptas per person
History (Girona)
Tuesday to Saturday: 10.00h - 14.00h, 17.00h - 19.00h Sunday: 10.00h - 14.00h Monday: Closed Price: 200 ptas per person
Cathedral (Girona)
October to February, Tuesday to Saturday: 8.30 - 14.00h, 16.00h - 18.00h Monday: 8.30h - 13.00h, Sunday: 8.30h - 14.00h March to June, Tuesday to Saturday: 10.00h - 14.00h, 16.00h - 19.00h Monday: 8.30h - 13.00h, Sunday: 8.30h - 14.00h July and September, Tuesday to Saturday: 10.00h - 20.00h Monday: 8.30h - 13.00h, Sunday: 8.30h - 14.00h Price: Free
Cathedral (Museum)
October to February, Tuesday to Saturday: 10.00h - 14.00h, 16.00h - 18.00h Sunday: 10.00h - 14.00h, Monday: Closed March to June, Tuesday to Saturday: 10.00h - 14.00h, 16.00h - 19.00h Sunday: 10.00 - 14.00h, Monday: Closed July and September, Tuesday to Saturday: 10.00h - 20.00h, Sunday: 10.00h - 14.00h, Monday: Closed Price: 500 ptas per person
Cork (Palafrugell)
June to September, Every day: 10.00h - 14.00h, 16.00h - 22.00h September to June, Tuesday to Saturday: 17.00h - 20.00h Sunday: 10.30h - 13.30h, Monday: Closed
Back to the Top
Peratallada
The old town of Peratallada is famous for its medieval architecture. It is extraordinarily attractive and beautiful. The old moat surrounding this old town, which no longer has water in it, is what the town was named after - pedra Tallada (Carved Rock). It's real attraction is that it has managed to preserve it's rural character and at the same time offer the visitor shops and restaurants of great quality, in keeping with its cultural history. It's a must to dine out here for at least one evening!
Ullastret
If you like museums this is a must. Only a few miles from the apartment towards Toroella and west. It was once a port and you can see how the water has receded a couple of kilometers to where the coast line now is. Even if you do not like museums it is still worth a visit just for the views and countryside.
Banyoles
Banyoles is less than an hour away form the apartment, It is an idyllic lake side setting surrounded by the foothills of the Pyrenees. This was the setting for the 1995 Olympic Games rowing events when stephen redgrave won his 4th Olympic title.
Cadaqués
This is where Salvador Dali had his second home. It is an attractive little fishing port accessed by a twisting mountainous road. The Dali museum is more interesting than most
La Bisbal
Not pretty but if you want to do any shopping for pottery this is the place.
They make it all here
Barcelona
Too much to mention here. Need plenty of time to do it justice.
Many people go just to visit the 2 football grounds and the Olympic stadium. For more information click www.seebarcelona1.com
Andorra
A two day trip there and back from the apartment.
A bit like mini Switzerland with duty free prices.


For a holiday apartment to rent in Cost Brava www.catalunya.org.uk
For holiday villas in Cost Brava www.holiday-apartments-villas-spain.com

Sport in Catalonia

Sport

cycling, flying, go karts,horse riding,jetski,kayaking,motor boats,motor racing, sailing scuba diving & snorkeling, squash, tennis, walking, water sport ,wind surfing

Motor racing

The Circuit de Catalunya at Montmelo (junction 13 of the autopista from Gerona to Barcelona) is about one & a half hours from the apartment. It is great for going to the Spanish Grand Prix for both cars and motor cycles. It is a new circuit built in 1990 and has very good views for spectators. There are many other events on through out the year and the following link will take you to the web site of the circuit at The Circuit De Catalunya Their telephone number is: (34) 93 571 97 00 from the UK: Their Fax no is: (34) 93 572 27 72 Ticket office is.
For a holiday apartment to rent an hour from the race circuit www.catalunya.org.uk


Water sport

There are numerous water sports activities available within the area, so many that all can not be listed here. It is easy having arrived to select the ones you want. Below are a sample of the generic ones available. For water skiing try Paco Boats at Tamariu (972) 30 13 10
scuba diving & snorkeling
There are several companies in several bays in this area who offer a range of classes/courses and hire of equipment for snorkelling and diving.
L'Estartit - Xaloc Tel (972) 75 20 71 L'Estartit - Medaqua Tel (972) 75 20 43 Tamariu - Stolli Tel (972) 62 00 35 Llafranc - Triton Diving Tel: (34-72) 30 24 26 Aiguafreda - Sa Rascassa Tel: (972) 62 42 47

Sailing

Sailing boats can be hired from many of the resorts such as Estartit or Palamos. At Tamariu Paco Boats hire sailing boats. Tel: 607 2925 78 Fax: 972 30 1310. The PCI office in Pals will be able to point you in the right direction.
motor boats
As with sailing boats motor boats can be hired from many of th resorts such as Estartit or Palamos. The PCI office in Pals will be able to point you in the right direction. At Tamariu Paco Boats hire motor boats. Tel: 607 2925 78 Fax: 972 30 1310. The PCI office in Pals will be able to point you in the right direction.
kayaking
There is a company in L'Escala who organise Kayaking trips along the coast to Tamariu. Kayaking Costa Brava, Tel (972) 77 38 06

Wind surfing

There are companies renting wind surfers on Pals, L'Estartit and Llafranc beaches.
jetski
There are companies renting Jetskis on Pals, L'Estartit and Llafranc beaches.

Cycling

There is a cycle hire shop (Ciclo - Rent) at the top of the road under the Golf Beach apartments. There is also another cycle hire shop in the buildings on the right between Golf Beach and the Cypsela camp site. No doubt there are many others in the local resorts and towns. The area is ideal for cycling with smooth road surfaces and plenty of flat land along the coast and inland as well as some challenging hilly areas.
walking
Catalunya, with it's beautiful countryside as well as coastline is a paradise for walkers. If a guided walk is what you're after try: http://followthebaldie.com/ Guided walking trips in the countryside around Barcelona.

Tennis
There is a tennis club open to the public situated just 400 yds up the road from the apartment. It has 4 clay courts kept in first class condition and 4 hard courts. It is possible to hire rackets, but best to take your own.
squash
Situated alongside the tennis courts just 400 yds up the road there is a squash court. Best to take your own rackets and balls

Go karts

If you can't do the real thing (motor racing) at the Circuit de Catalunya the next best thing is to have a play at go karting. There are tracks at L'Estartit, L'Escala,, Regencos, Palafrugell.
flying
There is a flying club off to the right of the main road from Pals to Toroella. It is a grass strip used for light aircraft and microlights

Horse riding

Club Hipic Estartit has qualified instructors who offer:
Outings for one hour or more
Classes for beginners
Classes for dressage and jumping
Organised excursions
Stabling and outings in cartsOpen 9.00 - 1.00 & 3.00 - 9.00 C/. del Riu, 43 - Tel (972) 75 14 72
Horse Club (Castello d'Empuries) Cta, De Castello d'Empuries a Sant Pere Pescador Entrace Parc Natural del Aiguamolls.
Tel: 972/45 08 08
610/41 47 12They offer a horse-show and flamenco show with lunch or dinner. They also offer horse rides and riding lessons.
Hours:
Winter: Every day 9.00h to 19.00h
Summer: Every day 9.00h to 1.00h


For a holiday apartment to rent an hour from the race circuit www.catalunya.org.uk
For holiday villas in Catalunya www.holiday-apartments-villas-spain.com

Weather in Catalonia

Weather

With an average annual temperature of 16 degrees centigrade, 25000 hours of sunlight a year and moderate rainfalls, the climate contributes considerably to creating an atmosphere of bright sunny days and warm nights.
For a Weather Map of Europe Europe - Satellite picture provided by: weather.co.uk
Yahoo! The Weather Channel Enterprises, Inc.

For a holiday apartment to rent in Catalonia www.catalunya.org.uk
Holiday villa rental www.holiday-apartments-villas-spain.com

Below are the weather tables for Girona that you might like to refer to:

Weather Information

Month	Sunshine hours	Maximum Temps	Minimum overnight temps	Rain Days	Sea Temp	Sunset
January	5	13	6	5	13	17.32
February	6	14	6	6	12	18.07
March	6	16	8	7	13	18.42
April	7	17	9	8	14.5	20.16
May	8	20	13	7	16.5	20.48
June	9	24	17	6	19	21.18
July	10	27	19	4	21.5	21.29
August	9	27	19	5	23.5	21.09
September	7	25	17	6	22	20.25
October	5.5	21	13	9	19.5	18.34
November	4.5	17	10	7	16.5	17.47
December	4	15	7	7	14	17.23

Beaches in Catalonia near Begur

Beaches

Featuring:

Aigua Blava Aiguafreda Lafranc La Fosca L'Escala Pals sa Tuna sa Riera Tamariu

There are a variety of beaches nearby ranging from tiny rocky coves to long flat stretches of golden sand.

Depending on whether you want to spend the day underwater swimming, wind surfing or exerting all your energy sun bathing there is a beach to suit your needs. Listed below are some of the favorites though this does not necessarily mean that they will be crowded. A lot depends on the time of the year.

Aigua Blava

An idyllic cove at the end of a winding road through a hillside of pine trees & villas. There are a couple of small restaurants (Such as Les Acacies) at the bottom serving inexpensive but good quality food.


Tamariu

A pretty fishing village and resort close to Palafrugell. Small cafes and shops on a broad promenade surround a delightful beach. Has its own scuba diving school.

Sa Riera

Sa Riera is very close to Pals beach In fact you can walk from Pals beach to Sa Riera. It does however mean crossing 'Playa Nudista'! Pleasant cafe (Restaurant Miramar) for lunch over looking Sa Riera beach.

Pals Beach

A long flat and sandy beach close to the Plas Golf Course. Ideal for sun bathing, swimming and wind surfing Safe for children with rocks only at the Southern end.

Lafranc

A pretty little resort with an attractive promenade of cafes and restaurants surrounding a sandy safe beach.

La Fosca & L'Escala

La Fosca is 20 minutes south of Pals and L'Escala is about the same distance North at the Ruines of Empurias.

Aiguafreda & sa Tuna

Aiguafreda and sa Tuna are more coves than beaches, though sa Tuna does have a pebbly beach in front of the charming tiny promenade with its picturesque restaurants. At Aiguafreda there is the Sa Rascassa diving school and a restaurant. Both found down a windy road from Begur.

For a holiday apartment in Costa Brava www.catalunya.org.uk
Holiday villas for rental in Catalonia www.holiday-apartments-villas-spain.com

Golf In Catalonia - featuring Pals

Golf Courses

In 2000 Catalunya was named as 'emerging golf destination of the year' by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators The prize awarded in Florida, recognised the merits of Golf in this area above South Africa, Dubai, Malaysia and Thailand. The operators based their decision on a number of factors including: customer satisfaction, quality of golf courses and accessibility to tee times.

Many high quality tournaments are now played here on a wide variety of courses, in a temperate climate. The European PGA have selected the area for the pre-qualifying evens of the Volvo PGA Tour.

Golf World Magazine selected 3 Catalan Golf courses to be in their top 100 out of 2,600 courses in Europe. Two of them are featured below. One, Club Golf de Pals, is 400 yds from the apartment and Emporda is just 3 miles away. The other is PGA de Catalunya, about 20 miles away.

The magazine says 'Catalunya is set to be one of Europe's great tournament venues' In total there are no less than 9 courses in the region, offering a challenge for the experienced player whilst providing extremely pleasurable golf for the high handicap player. The settings of the Catalonian courses are stunning, with views of the Mediterranean to the East and the pyrenees to the North. - Take your pick!

Club Golf De Pals

This beautiful tree lined course is at Playa de Pals. There is also a driving range if you just want a bit of practice.

For details contact Club Golf de Pals

As well as being picturesquely tree lined there is plenty of water to add to the challenge on this beautifully maintained course. The course is adjacent to the 5 star La Costa Hotel which is worth a visit.

Golf Emporda

The reason this is so highly rated is best understood by playing the course. The club has 27 beautifully manicured holes designed by Robert Van Hage. With another 9 about to be built

Nine of the holes are wide open link style golf, while the other 18 are narrow fairways winding their way through impressive pine trees. Players can mix and match their rounds subject to availability.
For details contact Golf Emporda

Golf Serres de Pals

This is a new course built within the last few years. It is located between Club Golf De Pals and Golf Emporda about 1 miles from Pals.
For details contact Golf Serres de Pals

Some other courses

Club de Golf Costa Brava
Torremirona Golf Club
Peralada Golf Club

Plus

PGA Golf de Catalunya. Tel:(972) 47 25 77
Club de Golf d'Aro-Masnou. Tel: (972) 81 67 27

For a holiday apartment to rent near to Pals golf course www.catalunya.org.uk
For holiday villas in Catalonia www.holiday-apartments-villas-spain.com

Richard Walker