The ruggedly beautiful Costa Brava holiday coast stretches for
100 miles (160km) along the shores of Catalonia in Spain's
north-eastern corner, from Port Bou on the Franco-Spanish border to
Tossa del Mar, just north of Barcelona. The coast is filled with
high-rise resort developments and modern marinas catering to
package tourists, but retains enough green hillsides and lonely,
wild cliffs, coves and caves to belie its reputation as one of
Europe's busiest holiday destinations.
Holidaymakers revel in the hidden delights of the craggy
coastline, many exploring in boats to seek out deserted coves
redolent with pine and citrus trees, fragrant herbs and bright
flowers. International resorts and marinas lie in close proximity
to relatively unspoilt fishing villages and towns bearing evidence
of the area's rich history with ancient castles and fortifications.
Offshore divers revel in the abundance of wrecks to explore in the
crystalline waters, while seemingly endless sunshine pours down on
stretches of sandy or shingle beach. The untouched natural areas
and fishing industry have also resulted in making a holiday here a
gastronomic treat. Seafood reigns supreme, from sardines to
delicious lobster, but specialities also include local wild game,
like boar, duck and rabbit, which can all be washed down with a
variety of wines produced from the vineyards that clothe the
hillsides.
