The best known holiday resort at the area is Lloret De Mar; which is none other than one huge beach. Like the other beaches of the Catalan Coast, it’s a round arch covered by golden sand with high cliffs at the two ends. A car park runs along the full length of the beach and it’s quite necessary. In summer sometimes 120 thousand people squeeze into this area of a few kilometers.
Apart from Madrid, most of the hotels can be found here in Spain and there’s still new ones being built. The city has a two thousand year history but mass tourism has removed every trace of this. First the Iberians then the Roman settled down here and they were followed by Italian sailors in the middle ages.
Today, every nationality is represented. The Palace of—stands on the northern rock. Ancient walls, jagged tower, loopholes. It looks quite authentic though it was built by a wealthy businessman for his own pleasure in 1929. He made his childhood dream come true this way but created the symbol of—at the same time.
The cliff was drilled through behind the romantic castle to lead to a little walking path. Sharp rocks protrude from the water below. This is the favorite diving board of children. The shady road leads to a pine forest. In the intimate little base, boats and sailing boats anchor. If you feel up to it, you can walk on this romantic promenade even to Talsa from where the sea is always visible.
In the opposite direction, the statue of a couple dancing the Sadhana can be seen on the path; as well as the replica of the Canaletes Well that stands on the Rambla in Barcelona. In Museu De Lloret De Mar, we can visit an exhibition of local history; as well as the ruins of a Roman cottage and an ancient Roman graveyard. There’s also an exhibition room of fine arts although more visitors go to shopping malls instead.
Shops are open only in the morning and in the evening because from midday to four o’clock, everyone takes refuge from the heat in their air conditioned rooms. Only the most daring are on the beach. The town hall with its waving flag rises in the middle of the coast of Promenade. On the Placa de Aleglacia hides a little 15th Century Gothic Parish Church. Its colorful tiles and golden mosaics have been redecorated recently. Its name is Sant Roman and a part from Ermita Santa Cristina; it’s the only ecclesiastical building at the area.
Placa lies in the intersection of the pedestrian zones, so a lot of people work here especially in the evenings. The streets of Euret behind the coastal Promenade are alive from tourist from spring to autumn. Life is always busy here. It’s one of the disco centers of Europe, where masses of people are lured by the magic of Mediterranean nights.
The smell of Suntan lotion lingers in the vapor of the sea. Noises of acceleration pierce the air children scream as the waves crash in. It’s a cavalcade of colorful beach umbrellas and bikinis, life giving sun rays and refreshing icy drinks; scenes which are always good to remember. Snack bars compete with each other which gives the largest cocktail or the most delicious parfaits. We can choose among fast food restaurants, Spanish, Mexican, Italian and Chinese restaurants according to our taste.
A statue of a woman looking in the distance stands on the southern rock. She’s rarely alone; standing beside her, we can also enjoy the life of the beach and the endless sea.
The 580 kilometer long Mediterranean coastline of Catalonia is divided into 3 parts. Costa Bravo stretches from the French border to Blanes. The area between the estuary of Tordera and Barcelona is called Costa De Levante. It’s gradually losing its autonomy in a slowly merging with the expanding Costa Brava.
Costa De Pallente stretches from Barcelona to the Delta of Ebro. The much more well known Costa Dorada belongs to this. Ermita Santa Cristina can be found south of Euret on an intimate mountain side. The small church was first mentioned in 1376 and was rebuilt in Baroque style in 1764. The altar cabin is a bit younger and the marble altar comes from Italy. The statue of Saint Cristina is a modern piece of art based on a contemporary painting.
Saint Cristina, after whom the church was named, was shot to death with an arrow in her home. And her body was thrown into the sea. Fisherman from Euret found the body in an absolutely sound condition. The body was taken home to Italy; where only one tooth was preserved and this is always presented, surrounded by a wreath of flowers on the day commemorating the saint. The festival is held on June 24, every year, when fishing boats and ships decorated with flowers appear in a spectacular procession.
For fans of plant life, there’s a little botanical garden showing cactuses and succulents nearby. We can have a look at little, romantic beaches and hidden bays framed by pine forest from the terrace in front of the church. These perfect bathing places can be approached on foot from the parking place of Ermita Santa Cristina to steep but shady promenades.
Scheduled tourist boats leaving from larger beaches don’t stop here; so as not to disturb the tranquility of the bay. In some villages, we can also bargain with fishermen, boatmen or simply hire some kind of water craft to roam around the romantic coast.
Peralada is a little town of 1300 residents not of Figueras, among vineyards in the open country. The good local white wine is frequently offered in small restaurants in the area, especially with fish dishes. Its 16th Century bulky water castle with its two cylindrical bastions is a real tourist site. The Gothic building facing the lake was redone in the 19th Century by a French Architect. A casino has been operating in it since then; so it can be visited only in the evenings from 6 PM to 3 AM. Those who would like to play Baccarat or Roulette here should pay attention to proper clothing; as a tie is compulsory for men and don’t leave your passport in the hotel either. In the bar with its elegant, noble atmosphere, we can drink a cocktail, celebrating with joy or washing down our sorrow.
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