Many people will be visiting the Costa Brava for the first time this year after it was given the privileged title as one of National Geographic’s top destinations for 2012. Visitors will discover 200km of stunning coastline with its craggy coves & hidden bays, archaeological sites, stunning natural parks as well as some of Catalunya’s best restaurants. To truly experience the Costa Brava’s unique beauty and ambience, however, there is no better way than sipping a caña or cold glass of Rosado at the end of a long hard day on the beach.
Here are Lucas Fox’s top five destinations for enjoying a sundowner within the exclusive ‘golden triangle’ between Calella de Palafrugell and Sa Riera.
Vintage lounge at the Vintage hotel
Located in full view of the Castle of Begur in Cap Sa Sal, Aiguafreda, one the most untouched coves along the Mediterranean coast, the Vintage hotel and lounge was built on the same spot as the Hotel Cap Sa Sal, one of the few 5-star hotels on the Mediterranean in the 60s. Much of its furniture and furnishings were retrieved from the original hotel, giving it its ‘vintage’ feel. Perched on a terraced hill overlooking the Mediterranean, the enclosed terrace boasts some of the most breathtaking views along this coastline.
Sip a Gin & Tonic on the terrace whilst listening to ‘Beyond the Sea’. Unbeatable.
Tragamar Canadell
Located in Canadell one of the Costa Brava’ s prettiest coves, you can enjoy lunch or dinner with your feet nearly touching the sea. It offers seasonal cuisine, fresh produce, and some of the region’s the best fish. This is a place to savour in all possible ways.
Sample a glass of local Empordà red watching the waves on a winter’s day through one of their huge arched window. Breathtaking.
San Sebastian el Far
Perched 175 metres above the Romaboira cliff, the vistas the San Sebastian El Far hotel provides of the Mediterranean are absolutely stunning. The main building with its adjacent 17th century hermitage and 15th century Medieval watchtower were restored under the auspices of the Figueras family (who run another of the region’s great hotels, Mas de Torrent)
The nine bedrooms all come with their own terrace or balcony, which make the most of the views, and are all luxuriously decorated.
Install yourself on the hotel terrace, order a ‘carajillo’ and take in some of the most panoramic sea views of the Mediterranean. Perfect.
Aigua Clara. Begur
Located in a 19th century colonial mansion, the Hotel Aigua Clara in Begur is widely recognized as one of Catalunya’s top boutique hotels. Built by one of the colonial entrepreneurs who went to Havana in the 1850s, the hotel is neo-classical in style with terracotta tiling, decorative ceramic tiles and ornate wrought iron balconies. Furnished with a blend of antiques and modern furnishings, it has a unique feel and should not be missed.
Try one of their exquisite Mojitos on one of their super cosy sofas on the candle-lit terrace listening to some Cuban rythms…and relax
Sa Rascassa
Located at just 40m from the shore at AiguaFreda is the wonderful Hostal Sa Rascassa. With just 5 rooms , an open-air restaurant and a celebrated Wednesday-night music club, this is a true hidden gem of the Costa Brava. Low-key and intimate, surrounded by pine trees, this is the ideal couple’s retreat.
Grab a candlelit outdoor table and sip a cold beer whilst listening to the soporific sounds of the live Spanish guitar. Zzzzzz.
“The Costa Brava boasts some of the most spectacular scenery of the entire Spanish coastline” explains Tom Maidment, Director of Lucas Fox Costa Brava “The dramatic views are a key driver for sales in the area. Some of our houses and villas around Begur offer truly dramatic vistas and add considerable value to properties.”
Here are our TOP FOUR properties with breathtaking views in and around Begur….