The split image of Costa Brava has been created because of a few select villages on one edge of the island that cater to the ‘sun, sand, sangria’ mindset of a small group of tourists. The REAL Costa Brava is a relaxing, multi faceted area that has everything from the ultimate in relaxation and spa treatments to architecture and other sights; it really does have it all for the discerning holiday maker. With between 160- 200 km’s of coastline in the Catalania province in North East Spain, the climate is more temperate and cooler than further south towards the islands of Ibiza and Majorca.
Costa Brava hotels of Clubvillamar reflect the diverse difference between the two groups of tourists. There are hotels in Costa Brava that cater more towards the younger (and young a heart) tourists who are there simply for a good time, then there are Costa Brava hotels that are more upmarket and have a different demographic in mind. The Costa Brava hotels catering for the younger set offer a more budget friendly and basic accommodation than the more exclusive spa hotels. If staying in any Costa Brava hotels doesn’t appeal you could think about staying in an apartment. Although a hotel environment can give you a good “base” for all your essential accommodation needs, an apartment will give you more privacy and less restrictions. It can also save you money if you’re going in a group. For more details you can also check this site for best ideas.
Nearest to France, the resort of Roses is a beautiful continental hub with a vibrant mix of Spanish and French culture, which gives a fresh, continental vibe to the area, while the almost unspoiled Calella, to the North-east of Barcelona gives a less ‘touristy’ feel to any holiday and goes beyond the basic staples of a Spanish holiday. Nearby Roses, in Figueres, you can visit the birthplace of the surrealist artist Dali. The Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dalí, designed by Dali and his wife, is also situated in Figueres.
For those interested in more contemporary tourist attractions, Javea is a good choice with lots to do, both in terms of exploring and relaxing. The beach, Playa de Arenal is gorgeous, with pristine sand and lots of space, however it can become crowded in high summer, as the port in Javea, is still a functioning one rather than a ‘playboy’ type. The area is very expensive, so for a more chilled, laid back and less expensive trip you may want to consider Denia, with its ferry links to Ibiza and Mallorca. Although comparatively expensive next to other areas it does feel more like you’re getting value for money, whilst retaining a wide variety of activities, both on and off beach.
Amazing places for enjoyment
Further south you can visit places like Alicante. Alicante is an amazing place, with an huge blend of sea side based activities and as well as city sights to explore – lots of gorgeous architecture. There’s so much variety that you’ll want to visit again. Several castles dominate the area, alongside these are some of the prettiest cathedrals in the area. There are also several parks in the area, designed to allow you to soak up the natural beauty of the area, without being too far off the beaten track.
All in all the Costa Brava caters for many different kinds of people. For families, Cap de Begur is an ideal destination with many child friendly areas. All in all, the Costa Brava is more sedate than other areas of Spain and offers a holiday that isn’t all hustle and bustle – unless you want it to be.
Beautiful part of Spain
If you’ve never considered Costa Brava as a holiday destination then you should give it a look. There are two faces to this beautiful part of Spain. There’s the side that caters to the party loving nightclub and beach crowd, and then there’s the gentler more idyllic side. There are only a few villages that are part of the tourist party reputation, but what they lack in number they make up for in atmosphere! The real face of the Costa Brava is known for relaxation with an emphasis on spa treatments and historical architecture rather than nightclubs. If you like your weather warm but not hot and stifling, then the Costa Brava is the place for you!
The hotels mirror the two different sides of the area. One side is very much focused on cheap basic Costa Brava hotels for younger tourists who are more interested in beach life and clubbing than how the hotel looks. The other side of the hotels in Costa Brava look after the tourists who want to be made to feel special on their vacation. These Costa Brava hotels offer some form of luxury even for those on a lower budget – although naturally some hotels in Costa Brava offer expensive exclusivity! An alternative to making a hotel booking is to consider renting one of the Costa Brava apartments. Although this might appeal to tourists who hope to have room service and maids turning down their freshly laundered sheets each night, apartments in Costa Brava could work out a lot more economical for tourists travelling in small groups, especially if they are staying for a couple of weeks.
There are many places you can visit on your holiday to Costa Brava. Roses, a resort near to the French border blends Spanish culture with French to offer a unique mix of the two. Figueres, situated close to Roses, is the artist Salvador Dali‘s birthplace. He and his wife designed the Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dali which you can see there. You can escape the main tourist traps by visiting Calella, located close to Barcelona – here you can have a more authentic look at Spanish life.