Where is the Costa Brava?

The Costa Brava on the Catalan coast of Spain is made up of several neighbouring villages and resort towns as well as the celebrated city of Barcelona. Beautiful beaches, a stunning natural landscape and a temperate climate have all contributed to the Costa Brava becoming a holiday hotspot for those seeking fun in the sun. What makes the Costa Brava interesting is that while several parts of the coast have become clichéd tourist destinations, there are still also several hidden gems dotted along the coastline that are ripe for exploring.

Take for instance Tossa de Mar. This romantic marine town holds its own as one of the Costa Brava’s most beautiful cities. A visit here wouldn’t be complete without a stroll around the Old Town and its city wall – the only one that has been maintained on the Catalan Coast. Pause for a few moments and enjoy the sun, sand and sangria whilst watching the world pass by.

Many holidaymakers will choose to stay in Blanes for its excellent shopping or Lloret de Mar for its eclectic nightlife, but go off the beaten path and in between the two you’ll find little known Cala Sant Francesc, a small hidden beach that’s popular with locals. Head here for a truly authentic Spanish experience. Be sure to stop for a bite to eat at Restaurant Cala Bona where you’ll find delicious Mediterranean cuisine and very affordable prices. What’s great about this Spanish region is that you can choose to base yourself at any one of the many cheap Costa Brava hotels then set out to explore all the hidden gems the area has to offer.

This post is part of a monthly Spanish Series sponsored by www.hotels4u.com, where you’ll find plenty of Costa Brava hotels suitable for all tastes and budgets.

Lonely Planet Catalunya & the Costa Brava

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TravelTipsPlus Google Map of the Costa Brava

One Great Reason to Visit

One great reason to visit this travel destination is for the Mediterranean delights the Catalan Coast has to offer.

Costa Brava, Spain

For More Information

• Wikipedia
• Official Tourism Site

You Might Also Enjoy The Following Travel Destinations

• Granada, Spain
• Marvao, Portugal
• Pau, France
• Limoges, France
• Positano, Italy

Where is Granada?

Alhambra, Granada

Found in the province of Andalusia, for a travel destination that is stereotypically ‘Spain’, this is it! The province is bordered by the Mediterranean, Straits of Gibraltar and the Gulf of Cadiz. The area is most famous for the Spanish flamencos, bullfights, hilltop villages and Moorish palaces, making it an extremely popular travel destination.

Granada is home to the Alhambra, one of the world’s best preserved Moorish palaces. The Palace and Watch Tower date back to the 9th century. Other historic sites of Granada include, the Albaicin, the hilltop Arab quarter with many crowded, winding streets and the gypsy quarter known as Sacromonte, is found on an adjacent hilltop.

Frommer’s Seville, Granada and the Best of Andalusia

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TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Granada

One Great Reason to Visit Granada

One great reason to visit this travel destination is for the huge Arabic fortress towering over the city.

ALHAMBRA, Granada, Spain

For More Information

• Wikipedia
• Granada – Official Site

A Touch of Turkey in my Bathroom!

I love Moorish and Ottoman architecture. I have travelled extensively across North Africa, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and into the Middle East to marvel at such sights. I could never take enough photos of Moorish buildings with their elegant archways, domes, large wooden doors (I love doors!) and most of all, the beautiful tiles that graced nearly all wall space available – and then onto the ceilings.

Not long ago one of our bathrooms needed a complete renovation from its 1967 ‘purple’ decor. We knocked out a wall and completely opened it up, allowing more light in. I had already decided it was going to be a brighter, cheerier bathroom and decorated with two panels of tiles from Turkey. One has been placed above the tapware of the bath (see photo) and the other set into the wall cavity of the shower to be a useful shelf. I love this new space and now, I think of Turkey and my time travelling whenever I enter that bathroom!

What do you have in your home, that reminds you of some wonderful travel destinations you’ve visited? Please leave your comments below…