Property Costa Brava - Buy, Rent & Stay on the Costa Brava, Spain

Costa Brava

About the Costa Brava

The coastline of the Girona province, part of Catalonia, in North Eastern Spain, is known as the Costa Brava, which translates into english as the "Brave Coast". Named from its rough and rugged character, it extends from Portbou in the North to Blanes in the South. In addition to access routes by sea, the Costa Brava has four important ports of entry: Portbou, La Jonquera, Barcelona airport and the Cost Brava airport itself, 14 kilometres from Gerona. There are also a number of access points to various locations on the Costa Brava from the motorway that connects Barcelona with the French frontier.

The region has witnessed the comings and goings of numerous peoples from different civilisations during the course of its history. It was colonized by Ancient Greeks and Carthaginians and participated in the pre-Roman Iberian culture. With the rest of Iberia, it was part of the Roman Empire, then came under Visigoth rule after Rome's collapse.

Costa Brava Economy

In the 1950s the Costa Brava was identified by Spain's Franco government as being suitable for substantial development as a holiday destination, mainly for tourists from Northern Europe and especially the United Kingdom. The combination of a very good summer climate and excellent beaches was exploited by the construction of large numbers of hotels and apartments in such seaside resorts as Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar and l'Estartit. Tourism rapidly took over from fishing and agriculture as the principal businesses of the area.

Costa Brava Climate

The Costa Brava has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, dry winters and warm, humid summers. January and February are the coldest months, averaging temperatures of 10 °C. July and August are the hottest months, averaging temperatures of 25 °C.

Arts Crafts & Folklore of The Costa Brava

There are many examples of hand crafted articles of real interest that are typical of the Costa Brava. Ceramicas provide a wide range of products, baskets and other wicker objects made by hand abound and artistic works with cork and wrought iron are prevalent. Traditional lacework and hemp sandals should not be missed.

The towns of the coast celebrate their respective festivities with considerable animation, the people dance the “sardana” which appears to be of Greek origin, revitalized in the Emporda countryside and has become the mainstay of Catalan folk dances. It’s a group dance practiced not only on holidays but many times during the week – the rhythm is set by the “cobla” (orchestra) which includes the “tenora”, the clarinet, the flute and the timbrel. The dancers form a circle with their hands clasped, moving forward and backward from left to right.

Costa Brava Cuisine

Cuisine on the Costa Brava is characteristic of the Mediterranean in that the use of olive oil is extensive. Some “local” delicacies include lobster and chicken, lobster with snails, duck with pears, goose with figs or turnips and pigs knuckles with snails. A “suquet” meaning stew or casserole, made from marinated fish and using aromatic herbs should not be missed. “A la cazuela” a mixed rice dish that which includes fish and either chicken or rabbit is delectable. Other dishes include “el nui” made from young pigeons, tripe and potatoes, broad beans “a la catalana”, rice with giblets and sardines fried with garlic and parsley.

Entrees take many forms - anchovies in brine, steamed mussels, salted baby octopus, assorted lunch meats and sausages, snails “a la cazuela” and various salads.

Site copyright © WebOneUK 2006 - Web Design & Marketing

Part of the Home Spain Group of Web Sites