Spain’s Costa Brava is equal parts wild and wonderful. In Girona in particular, wide swaths of beach meet a coastline unspoiled by not a single hi-rise hotel or condominium building. In their stead, you’ll find a rambling town and an impressive legacy of Greek and Roman ruins to explore. Next door, you’ll also find Sant Marti d’Empúries, a village gifted with fairy-tale level charm that has been reinvented as the hub of social life in this beachfront enclave. Whether your favored outdoor adventure involves casual walks along the beach, wind-surfing or simple sun-bathing, Costa Brava promises to sing a siren song tailored just for you.
Stay
Hostal Empúries
Platja de Portitxol s/n Ap. Correos 174
17130 l’Escala, Girona, Spain
T: +34 972.77.02.07
E: info@hostalempuries.com
http://www.hostalempuries.com
The Hostal Empúries is the only hotel in the otherwise sparsely residential beachfront community of Girona. From the approach to the boutique seaside resorts, guests can sense the magic that awaits. Unpaved roads lead to the doors of the hotel through which guests can peer straight through the lobby to glimpse the pristine beaches that await on the other side of the property. Embodying the very epitome of laidback luxury, rooms are spacious and laden with an array of amenities that not only encourage but endorse full and complete resignation from the cares of the world.
Don’t take my word for it, see for yourself:
Play
Sant Martí d’Empúries
Plaza Major
17130 Sant Martí d’Empúrie, L’escala, Girona
www.visitlescala.com/Sant-marti-dempuries
Stumbling upon Sant Martí d’Empúries is akin to stepping into wonderland. Perched above the beaches, the medieval town is home to a gaggle of restaurants and small boutiques along with the church of Sant Martí which dates back to the 16th century.
Eat
Villa Teresita Restaurant
Hostal Empúries
Platja de Portitxol s/n Ap. Correos 174
17130 l’Escala, Girona, Spain
T: + 34 972 77 59 32
E: info@hostalempuries.com
www.hostalempuries.com
Chef Rafa Peña succeeds in delivering an inspired, modern menu at Villa Teresita Restaurant, Hostal Empúries’ upscale dining option. Though his presentation is at times almost whimsical, the flavors conjured up by Chef Peña’s menu up are unequivocally rustic. A whole fish simply fried and perfectly seasoned is not only visually stunning when it arrives but also a wonderful celebration of the bounty of the Costa Brava region. This offering is but one example of the eco-friendly Mediterranean cuisine that has become Villa Teresita’s hallmark. Tip: Do book in advance if you hope to get a reservations.
Explore
The Ruins of Empúries
www.spain.info/las_ruinas_de_empuries_en_la_costa_brava
Founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC and later occupied by the Romans in the 1st century BC, the ruins of the colony of Empúries now rest a short walk from the Hostal Empúries. Take a break from the beach and the spa and stroll the network of walls, columns, streets, houses and constructions such as the Forum, an old factory, the Amphitheatre and the Basilica all of which provide a fascinating glimpse of what life was like on the Costa Brava 2,500 years ago. Then pop over to Sant Martí d’Empúries for a glass of wine and a nosh.
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See
Empuriabrava Beach
Noted for its wide sand beaches and the stellar conditions it offers for watersports ranging from windsurfing to parasailing, Empuriabrava Brava is also a certified Blue Flag beach, which adds just a bit more gravitas to its already superlative reputation.
Indulge
Skydive Empuriabrava
Sector Aeroclub, s/n
17487 Empuriabrava, Girona, Spain
T: +34 972 45 01 11
E: infoweb@skydiveempuriabrava.com
www.skydiveempuriabrava.com
For the best view of Empuriabrava, nothing beats seeing it from 13,000 feet! Skydive Empuriabrava is located just a short drive from the beach and active thrillseekers (or reluctant thrillseekers like myself) can book a tandem jump irrespective of any previous training they may or may not have had. A little nervous? Don’t be. Not only does Empuriabrava have a standout reputation in the world of skydiving, the Empuriabrava Skydive team regularly participates in worldwide skydiving competitions and the facilities (which are considered top notch for the record) have provided the stage for a number of European and world skydiving titles.
Watch my complete jump with the team from Skydive Empuriabrava here:
Hostal Spa Empúries
Platja de Portitxol s/n Ap. Correos 174
17130 l’Escala, Girona, Spain
T: +34 972.77.02.07
E: info@hostalempuries.com
www.hostalempuries.com/spa
Book in for any of an array of treatments offered at the s Hostal Empúries Spa or simply enjoy the the spa’s water area which boasts a recreational pool with foot massage jets,a 14-meter long swimming pool, a starry sky steam room, a cold bucket shower, a bi-thermal sensation shower and a dry sauna with views over the garden, among other amenities.
More information: