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

The Northern Costa Brava - Portbou to Cadaques

Portbou

Bordering on France in the heart of a valley and with a cove of the same name. Portbou has an important railway station that connects Barcelona directly with the French station of Cerbere, which has a direct route to Paris. The border to France is close and visitors can still exploit the price differential between France and Spain. In the village are numerous shops that provide products that are particularly sought-after by the border crossers: Alcohol and tobacco and, in addition, leather goods and clothing which are less expensive than in France. Friday is market day.

The main beach is in front of the harbour and protected by the mountains surrounding Portbou. It is rarely overcrowded, even in main season. At the beach one can still see the classical Catalan fishing boats, along with the pleasure craft enjoyed by tourists. By boat it is a short hop to a number of small beaches along the coast.

Colera

A small town bordering on Portbou. The origin of the town appears to be associated with the foundation of the 12th century Benedictine monastery of Sant Quirze, the ruins of which are still preserved. To the south of Colera, the hoizon in encircled by the important mass of Cape Creus. The beach fingers its way up to the town, surrounded by a vigorous mountain setting. A windy path following the coastline make it possible to contemplate exquisite seascapes lorded over by the islet of Cap Lladro.

Llanca

A town set in a small valley somewhat distant from the coast but joined to it by the old fishermen's quarter called Port de Llanca, it has been converted into an attractive tourist centre. Port de Llanca has an excellent beach, less than half a kilometre long and which has shallow waters. There's an interesting 18th century Baroque church in Llanca, dedicated to St Vincent and first class fish dishes can be eaten in the picturesque village with its irregular streets.

Port de la Selva

One of most pleastant and attractive spots on the Costa Brava and quite a few tourist yachts and fishing boats take refuge in its artificial dock. There is an inviting beach located next to the old fishermen's quarter. The village itself is picturesque, formed by houses with white facades which are dominated by the parish church of Santa Maria de las Nieves.

Cadaques

Situated in a valley sheltered on the East by Cape Creus, lies Cadaques, an ancient fortress city. It has a picturesque natural harbour, some excellent restaurants, numerous galleries, fashion and art and craft shops, and the former home-turned-museum of world renowned surrealist painter, Salvador Dali, sited in Portlligat Bay just to the north of the town. Dali's rather bizarre home consists of a labyrinthine cluster of fishermen's huts, added to the original building in various stages by the artist over a period of 40 years.

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