Friday, July 20, 2007

Sport & Leisure in Roses, Costa Brava

Sailing

Because of good breezes and warm water, sailing is a favourite way of doing sport in the Roses Bay. It is a really perfect location to join in light sailing, windsurfing, cruising and general sailing… And in Roses, there is an excellent sailing school - GEN Roses (Grup d'Esports Nautics de Roses, near Tarragona), which has 2 trainers qualified as State coaches on these sports, who can help you to exercise theses activities.

Funtastic offers the exciting possibility of catamaran sailing …from two-hour guided excursions along the bay to an intensive course of eight sessions of ninety minutes!

And there are further facilities for dinghy sailing around the Bay of Roses, and larger crafts can be hired at the port in Empuriabrava.

Windsurfing

In Roses, you can find 2 windsurfing sites where boards can be rented.

During the summer months the afternoon on-shore thermal breezes create great conditions for surfing. The sea there is usually flat and together with the gently sloping sands it is an ideal place for experts, beginners and also children.

Further around the bay, good wave sailing can be experienced almost everywhere of the northern side.

Parachuting & Skydiving

The Centre de Paracaigudisme Costa Brava in Empuriabrava is a great opportunity for making a jump from an aircraft. It has an airstrip virtually dedicated to parachuting and skydiving. For having a memory for the rest of your life, beginners courses and tandem flights are available with video or photos at a low extra cost. And the jumps take place at 12,500 feet!!

If you want to jump, you must be physically fit and there is a lengthy list of ailments, which would prohibit jumping. Except for tandem jumps, it is necessary to possess third party skydiving insurance, a log book and a reserve packing card.

The airstrip has an enjoyable bar with hot snacks available, and is an excellent vantage point for watching the parachutists landing. The Bar is open to non-participants. Any reservations about the sport will be dispelled when watching people hesitantly await their turn to board an aircraft then seeing their reaction upon landing - pure elation & gratitude for one of the most memorable moments of their life!

The Aquapark (Aquabrava)

And now something, which is not only for children!! Just almost 1 km from Roses, Aquabrava claims to be the most entertaining and complete water park on the Costa Brava. Free buses run regularly to and from Placa Catalunya in Roses.

There you can enjoy over 20 attractions, including the largest wave pool in Europe, gentle and intimidating flumes, a calm river, water slides, a rock-climbing wall and children's areas. All this is set in acres of gently sloping grounds - so ideal for sunbathing!!!

Whether holidaying with children or just adults you should definitely visit Aquabrava early in your holiday. You may not think that water parks are for you, but you will probably be very surprised!

The park is open from 10:00 am to 07:00 pm.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Salvador Dalí

Biography
 
In 1904, Salvador Dalí was born in Figueres. At the age of 12, he spent some time with an intellectual and artistic family. The family owned some impressionistic paintings and that when Dalí decided that he wanted to be a painter himself.
 
After spending four years at the municipal drawing school in Figueres, Dalí went to Madrid to study at the Fine Arts School in Madrid. Shortly after that he won his first prize when taking part in a competition and he decided to continue his studies at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando in Madrid.

However he got expelled from the school. He returned to Figueres, where he learned the technique of etching and returned to Madrid the next schoolyear to do over the academic year he had started earlier.

From 1925 on, Dalí started taking part in many exhibitions. In the beginning he mainly stayed in Madrid and Barcelona to present his work, but after that he started travelling. During his trips he met artists such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, René Magritte and André Breton and got influenced by Impressionism, Cubism, Purism, Futurism and of course Surrealism.
 
The late 20’s became a very varied period for Dalí, he made movies, he wrote a book and of course he continued painting. By the beginning of the 30’s, he had found his own typical and distinctive style, which was appreciated by many all over the world. Especially big cities such as Paris, London, New York and even Tokyo welcomed his expositions.
 
Although his typical style never really changed they are some periods in his work that have special characteristics. In the 50’s for example, he painted a lot of religious and mytical themes. In the late 60’s, Dalí’s works clearly demonstrate his interest for holography and science.
 
Dalí is especially known as a painter, but he was never scared of trying new things. He also made sculptures, he designed costumes and decors for ballets, he created jewellery, he designed buildings, made the illustrations for books, designed the logo for Chupa Chups and he also was a talented writer. He wrote a lot of books, he wrote prologues and epilogues for books of famous writers and he also wrote many articles for magazines and newspapers.
 
Dalí & Girona
 
As Dalí lived in the province of Girona for a great part of his life, there are many places to visit there for Dalí lovers. 3 places were of main interest in Dalí’s life and are very interesting cultural attractions nowadays.
 
  • Dalí Theatre-Museum
The Museum-Theatre is situated in Figueres, the town were Dalí was born in 1904 and where he died 85 years later. It is a rather big city at the north-eastern end of Catalonia near to France.
 
The museum used to be the town’s municipal theatre, but it was partially destroyed by a fire and abandoned after this. In 1974 Dalí converted it into his theatre-museum. Later the red and gold castle was extended by adding the Torre Galatea what makes it the biggest surrealist object Dalí ever created.
 
At the museum you can find a great amount of work from Dalí, varying from his earliest artistic creations to his last works. Next to this, you can also find Dalí’s private art collection, with works by Meissonier, Fortuny, Gerard Dou, El Greco, …
 
Contact:
Plaza  de Gala y Salvador Dalí, s/n 
17600  Figueres (Girona)
Tel. +34 972 67 75 81 & Fax +34 972 50 16 66 
 
  • Púbol Castle
In 1969, Dalí bought the medieval castle Púbol as a gift for his wife and muse Gala. When Gala died in 1982, Dalí moved to the castle and was appointed Marquis of Púbol. Dalí lived in the castle until there was a fire in 1984.
 
Nowadays, you can see some of the work of Dalí at the castle. Also the crypt in which Gala is buried and her private rooms are open to visitors. You can admire her collection of haut couture dresses and the Cadillac that belonged to the couple.
 
Contact:
Calle  Gala Dalí, s/n 
17120 Púbol (Girona)
Tel. +34 972 67 75 05 & Fax +34 972 48 86 53 
 
  • Dalí House-Museum
The House-Museum consists of fishing huts that Salvador Dalí and his wife Gala reformed to install a home and a workshop. The result is a kind of labyrinth full of different levels. Visitors can see Dalí’s workshop, his library, his home and gardens.
 
Contact:
Calle  Port Lligat, s/n 
17488 Cadaqués (Girona)
Tel. +34 972 25 10 15 & Fax +34 972 25 10 83 

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Sports in Barcelona

With nice weather all year round there are many opportunities for keeping fit and enjoy various team and individual sports.

Bowling: One of the best can be found in Barcelona’s biggest shopping centre La Maquinista (Metro Sant Andreu, line 1. Tel: 93 5042100 This has a great bowling alley, complete with a bar, disco music and UV bowling balls that glow when you chuck them towards the pins. La Maquinista. Another important indoor Bowling center is the center Pedralbes, Av. Dr. Gregorio Marañón, 11 Bajos, Tel: 933 330 352. Open from 10am – 2am.

Cycling: A healthy and practical way to see the city. You can rent a bike from a bike hiring agency. There are many biking agencies that offer various tours that last about 3 hours. You can visit Barcelona center, see the Gaudi architecture, the Gotic Quarter and many parks.

Football: Anyone who has ever tried to get tickets for a game of Barcelona FC knows how fast they are sold out and for some of the bigger international matches tickets can only be purchased by members of the club. For those who are interested in stadium tours, there are guided tours. This is your opportunity to see the changing rooms and enjoy the view from the director’s area. The Barça museum is the most visited museum in Catalunya. You will know everything from the history of the team to images of the most important moments.

Sailing: At Barcelona port sailing courses are offered for everyone from beginners to experts. Some of the best offers in Barcelona can be found at the Sailing Club of Barcelona (Real Club Naútico de Barcelona: RCNB). Sailing classes for a month cost 160€. Every class involves two hours of theory and two hours of practical sailing experience.

Swimming: There is a wide selection of swimming pools just a metro ride away. The Picornell complex consists of a gym and two big outdoor and indoor swimming pools, jacuzzi and a gym. Entrance for 8 €/ day. Piscinas Picornell: Av. de l'Estadi 30-40, bus Nº 50 from Plaza Espanya, Tel. 93 423 40 41). 

Swimming lake in the Parc de la Creueta del Coll in Gracia is also worth a visit. (Parc de la Creuta del Coll: Pg. Mare de Déu del Coll, bus Nº 28 from Pl. Catalunya, Tel. 93 207 66 73).

On the Catalonian countryside there are various waterparks:

Aquabrava

Portaventura
Aspro-ocio

Windsurfing: If you are interested in learning to windsurf or already have some experience, Barcelona is the perfect place for you. Many companies rent windsurfing equipment at Barceloneta y Port Olympic and also offer lessons for 60 €/ day. 

Extreme sports: If you love taking risks and experiencing something new this may be your choice. Situated 120 km north of Barcelona near the Pyrenees in the coastal town of Empuriabrava, there are various centers offering a variety of skydiving courses ranging from beginners instruction to advanced skydiving qualifications. All courses are run by officially qualified and experienced teachers. You can also try tandem falls or freefalls.

Tennis: Tennis clubs

More information

Entertainment and nightlife Barcelona

Barcelona is one of Europe’s coolest cities and has one of the best night lives, simply because there is a special mix of foreigners, students and tourists. In its constant motion it offers visitors many opportunities for enjoying themselves and having fun. The best source for being up-to-date on exhibits, clubs and events is to have a look in the Guia del Ocio.
 
The Bario Gotic is very lively at night or stroll along the Ramblas to the port. At Plaça Real bars and clubs are open all night. La Ribera has become very popular lately due to its bohemian atmosphere.
 
Eixample is also a good area to party with a thriving gay scene, though it is more popular with locals.
 
Port Olympic is also a nice place to go to with many bars, restaurants and night clubs. The yacht marina is a great place to party in summer because many bars and restaurants set up tables outside.
 
Gracia used to be the working class quarter and has turned into one of the liveliest areas of the city. There you will find one of the most exciting ambiances with little bars and nightclubs in Barcelona.
 
Fun attractions in Barcelona
 
Maremagnum
 
Down at the harbour you find a large entertainment complex with restaurants, bars, cinemas, shopping center and Barcelona’s famous aquarium. During the day Maremagnum is a busy shopping center, at night it turns into a lively party spot.
 
Barcelona Aquarium
 
One of the biggest aquariums in Europe showing almost all marine habitats. The Oceanarium is impressive, you walk in a glass tunnel and can watch all types of fish including even sharks! 
 
Tibidado Funfair Park
 
Large leisure park located at the top of Tibidado, from which you have a beautiful view over Barcelona.
 
Poble Espanyol
 
This village contains reproductions of all the traditional building from different Spanish areas. Currently it seems to be more of a tourist attraction with its shops of Spanish artisans, music and entertainment.

Barcelona sightseeing

1) Gothic quarter (Barrio Gotic)
Contains medieval gothic buildings dating back to the 14th and 15 th century. The Cathedral is the main sight along with the the Ajuntament and the Palau de la Generalitat.
 
2) Boqueria (Mercat de la Boqueria)
This popular food market sells the freshest fruits and vegetables and seafood in Barcelona. Also worth visiting during breakfast time for excellent tortilla in one of the cafes.
 
3) Las Ramblas (Promenade)
This busy street is just for pedestrians filled with cafes, restaurants, shops and outdoor markets.
 
4) La Pedrera- Mila House (Casa Mila)
Landmark piece for modern art. When it was constructed people called it “pedrera” (the quarry) because it was too futurist for them. The interior is fascinating as you feel like travelling back in time when looking at the home of the Mila family.
 
5) Guell Park
Is a must see attraction for Gaudi fans. It features peaceful greens, mosaics and sculptures.
 
6) Church of the Sacred Family (Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia)
Is a must for tourists to visit.This masterpiece of Gaudi represents the gothic style in its perfection, drawing hundreds of tourists every day.
 
7) Casa Battlo
Antony Gaudi designed this building to look like St.George’s dragon.
 
8) Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso)
This museum is dedicated to the legendary painter and artist Picasso exhibiting more than 3000 paintings, drawings and sculptures.
  
9) National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d`Art de Catalunya – MNAC)
Exhibits artworks from medieval times to the 19th century.
 
10) Joan Miro Foundation (Fundacio Joan Miro)
Displaying the abstract paintings of the famous painter Miró.
 
11) Palace of Catalan Music (Palau de la Musica Catalana)
An impressive concert house in modernist style, which features classical guitar, orchestra and occasional flamenco performances.
 
12) Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona)
The museum was designed by architect Richard Meier and displays Spanish, Catalonian and European modern and contemporary art.
 
13) Parc de la Ciutadella
Inside the park you find the Parliament of Catalunya, the statue of “the Lady with Umbrella” and the zoo of Barcelona.
 
14) Cathedral de la Seu
Impressive gothic masterpiece located in the heart of the Barrio Gotic.
 
15) El Puerto
Located at the end of the Ramblas is dominated by the tower of Colon. On the top of the tower you have a fantastic overview over Barcelona and the boulevard Paseo de Colon.
 
16) Palacio Real Mayor
Originally the palace of the counts. Particularly interesting are the “Salon de Tinell” of 14th century, the windows of 11th century and “the Mirador del Rei Martí” containing a gothic chapel of the 14th century.
 

Nightlife Lloret

Lloret de Mar is the well known capital of nightlife of the Costa Brava. Some cultured people call it even “vulgar” or “tacky”. However you may call it the nightlife is exactly what thousands of foreign tourists are looking for every year. There are German Bierkeller, British pubs, burger joints and all types of music you are looking for. It doesn’t matter if you are after karaoke, hip hop, pop, flamenco or blackjack, you will find it all. 
 
One of the best known clubs is Tropics which has two dance floors, five bars and impressive laser shows. Many popular DJs play here every summer and you can find all types of music: Hip hop, house, mellow, swing and blasts from the past.
 
Bumpers Disco is another nightclub with Caribbean style and palm trees. It has a glass dancefloor with fish underneath your feet and is the only open air discotheque in Lloret de Mar. The Hollywood Dance Club in Carrer Esports is also very popular and offers all types of music.
 
On the road to Blanes you will find the Casino where you can risk your money at roulette, blackjack and chemin de fer. The casino is open till 4 am on weekdays and till 5 am at the weekend.
 
During the high season, beach parties are organized. The price includes a cruiseship to the beautiful coastline and as many cold drinks and food as you want. For teens a unique combination of lots of fun, music, entertainment and watersports.
 
Concerning restaurants, Lloret offers almost all kinds of foods for every taste from German, British, Italian to Indian food. Several hotels and bars organize dinner shows with cabaret and flamenco shows. If you want typical Catalan food head to the back streets of Lloret. Here you will find arroz negro (black rice flavoured with squids ink, crema catalan (type of crème caramel) or suqet (fish and potatoes).

Friday, October 20, 2006

General information

Here you will find interesting posts about Costa Brava Spain.
Be on alert for new entries.

Thursday, August 31, 2006

Internet Advantage

Internet Advantage Website 

Costa Brava Travel Guide

Costa Brava Travel Guide Website