| Places to Go, Things to See | click
here for a list of Street Markets  |
A day or two to spend, need somewhere to go? Consult our listing of interesting features within a reasonable distance of where you are.
We have ancient castles, monasteries, vineyards (and cellars), beauty spots: check out our listing, and check the maps to see how to get there.
If you have visited us before, don't despair - look for
new entries at the bottom of the page!
(Last
updated April 18, 2004
)
Take me to the new
entries
The Monastery of Monserrat
(Monistrol de Monserrat) 
(click
on this 'thumbnail' to see a full-sized picture)
Situated north west of Barcelona, this spectacular building in a superb
setting is well worth a visit, You may even, if you are lucky, have seen it as
you approached Barcelona Airport. Sitting on one of several terraces, not only
is it a magnificent building, it commands views over the surrounding
countryside.
Begur
Century castle. It is built on a hill which protects the town from the Tramuntana
(a strong, occasional, northerly wind). The castle is about 250 meters(800 feet) above sea-level and is
approached from the town up a path which circles the hill. It has been sacked
three times, most recently, in the late 19th Century.
Pals
(click the 'thumbnail to see a full-sized
picture)
The ancient town of Pals is also close to Palafrugell. The old town is
built on the summit of a low hill and until fairly recently had been left
derelict. Now, money is being lavished on the restoration of the old town. Some
of the houses have been restored with loving care; others are still awaiting
attention.
Castell de Montgri
The Castell de Montgri, situated high above Torroella de Montgri, affords views
over a wide area. After a stiff climb, the visitor is greeted by a defensive
wall which surrounds - nothing. A viewing platform will be found inside the walls.
The climb to the castle is not recommended for the unfit; it represents a 300
meter (975 feet) climb above the surrounding plain. Leaving Pals, take the road to Toroella
de Montgri, proceed up the Rambla in the center of town and a parking area and
approach to the castle is signposted. It can also be approached from the north
side via Ulla on the road from Torroella to Verges.
Empuries
& St Marti
Empuries, from the Greek emporion
('trading station'), was founded around 550 BC by Greek merchants who developed
a strong trade base throughout the Mediterranean. Between 300 and 200 BC,
the site was taken over by the Romans who founded a more advanced town on the
slope behind the Greek one. Both sites are now well researched ruins on the
coast just to the north of l'Escala. The town of St
Marti, just inland from
Empuries, is a tiny walled village. Somewhat overrun by tourists in summer, it
is a delightful spot for an evening drink among the light-strung trees. A view
of the Bay of Roses may be obtained from the walls. Both Empuries and St Marti
can be approached from the road from Torroella to Figueres, close by l'Escala.
For more information on this area see 'Veronica's Page'
on our Homepage or 'Links', or try this link http://veronica-lambert.com
Figueres
Figueres, in the most northerly area of Spanish Catalunya, has about 30,000 inhabitants
and is the site of the Museu Dali (pronounced Dal-'i, that is, with the accent
on the second syllable). After the Prado in Madrid, it is Spain's
most-visited museum.
Close to the town is the Castell de Sant Fernand. It is reported as still being
in use by the military, but its classical fortifications which can be seen from
the Autopista A7 deserve a look. Close by Figueres and approached on the
NII (that's N Roman 2) and the Figueres to l'Escala road you can find the
Museu d'Art Naif SA (Museum of Naive Art ) housed in the pumpkin-coloured
'Far d'Emporda', 6 kilometers from the Dali Museum.
Llafranc
On the coast, 3
kilometers from Palafrugell, you will find the former fishing village of
Llafranc (and its close neighbour, Calella). Llafranc has maintained much of its
former village character but slowly the hills above it are becoming populated by
houses and apartments. High above Llafranc stands the (now unmanned) lighthouse
on the Cap St Sebastian. From here, you will see
the most glorious views of the coast down towards Playa d'Aro and beyond. The
views from Cap San Sebastaian are of what the National Geographic magazine has
termed 'one of the 10 most beautiful stretches of coast in the world'.
Nature Reserve
Aiguamolls d'Emporda
On the coast, signposted off the road from St. Pere Pescador to Castello
d'Empuries, you will find the Nature Reserve of Aiguamolls. There are resident
storks, masses of water birds, well-built and -designed observation hides and a
delightful round trip on foot. Give yourself enough time, for the trip all the
way round is a long one.
Peratallada
Off to one side of the road from
Torroella de Montgri to Pals, look for the signpost to Peratallada. An ancient
walled town with some well-preserved old buildings, and some newly restored ones
too. Visit the church, and wander through the old streets where the grooves made
by iron-shod cart wheels will easily turn your ankle. The town has some good
restaurants. Palau Sator, close to
Peratallada, is another small circular town with not much to attract you except
some very good restaurants. Ullestret is an
ancient Iberian town. Follow the signs "Ruines de Ullestret".
Click here to see a list of Museums in our area
Tours By Car New Page
The Garrotxa - (Catalunya's Secret Weapon??)
Catalan Wines (incomplete) I'd like to know more
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I am told that football fans who visit Catalunya should under no circumstances miss a visit to the Football Club of Barcelona's "Camp Nou" ground.
These are just a few of the places and sights worth taking in if you have the time and inclination. There are many guide books available covering Catalunya, including
'The Rough Guide to Barcelona and Catalunya'
from which some of this information has been taken.
