5 perfect ideas to enjoy the Costa Brava in winter

The Costa Brava is charming, and each season offers many possibilities to the traveller. With the drop of temperature (even though this year it refuses to go down) the vacationers disappear. However, the closest and most authentic Costa Brava remains, the one that allows us to get to know it first-hand. Days are shortened, but at the same time they are intensified, giving visitors and locals images of great beauty and intimacy.

Here we leave you 5 proposals to visit the Costa Brava in winter in a relaxed manner:

One of the best examples of this intimate beauty is found in the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, the second largest swampy area in Catalonia after the Delta de l’Ebre and considered a point of great natural interest as a refuge for many migratory species. From late summer to spring you can see the migratory movements of the different species on their annual journey to warmer places. One of the most amazing spectacles, however, is the acrobatic and hypnotic flights of the starlings that come down from the most northern latitudes towards the Mediterranean to spend the winter. Those who attend these aerial dances can confirm how impressive they are: from the moment they suddenly appear behind the reeds until they disappear as a uniform and moving mass, the lucky spectator can only admire the beauty of the spectacle. You just have to place yourself in one of the watchtowers and have a little patience.

With more than 4,000 plant species from the five continents, the Blanes botanical garden is a privileged place to admire its natural and scenic wealth. Its 4 hectares located on the slopes of the mountain Sant Francesc and the cliffs of Sa Forcanera have views of Mediterranean Sea and the spectacular surroundings. This botanical garden was created by Carl Faust, a German industrialist with a passion for animals and plants who put a lot of effort into making his dream come true in Blanes. A century later, the Marimurta Botanical Garden is home to a large number of insects, animals, scholars and nature lovers who wander through the corners of this beautiful area.

Only a five-minute walk from Cadaqués we find one of the most beautiful corners of the Costa Brava, Portlligat. It’s a small bay, sheltered from the Mediterranean Sea by the island of Portlligat (immortalized by Salvador Dalí in some of his works such as La Madonna de Portlligat and Sa Farnera), enjoys natural protection and gives the place great calm. Everything seems to slow down, especially during the winter months, when walking around the place becomes a delight. One of the main attractions along with the beauty of the place is the house where Salvador Dalí lived, now a House-Museum. His home, which has been preserved intact since the painter's death, is very interesting, especially the studio where Dalí painted, where you can even admire two unfinished works. After Gala, wife of the Catalan painter, died in June 1982 in that house, Salvador Dalí moved his residence to the Púbol castle that he had given to his wife, leaving the paintings in the studio.

For those who want to do a little sport, Montgrí Castle is a very attractive option. Although there are different itineraries, depending on where you start the ascent, there are some short routes ideal to do with children. The reward makes all the effort worthwhile: at the top you will find the castle of Montgrí, excellently preserved, and surrounded by spectacular views of l’Empordà, with the Medes islands, Pals beach and the Bay of Roses. Even though it is not completely finished, the castle of Montgrí is preserved in very good condition. Its great walls and towers and its monumental presence (seen from the surrounding towns) make the castle a great attraction for all audiences.

We end with the most Christmassy option of the 5. As December starts, Platja d'Aro is filled with decorations and Christmas lights. If you add to this a wide variety of shops of all kinds, you will have the perfect shopping plan: walk along the promenade, visit the different fairs, take a break to have a drink, and do your Christmas shopping.

Visiting Costa Brava in winter is much more than beaches and sea. Winter is the best time to visit the area without the hustle of tourists or the summer heat and it is much easier to talk with the locals, discover the towns and the orography and, ultimately, get to know the area first hand.