No sooner than you are likely to see an old Spanish widow ambling along the seafront, dressed all in black in the height of summer, as you are to catch a glimpse of footballing legend Eric Cantona, sipping cappuccinos in one of the trendy seafront bars that line this cosy yet cosmopolitan bay.

The coastal path that winds and spirals alongside the lucent waters of Mediterranean from the lively town of Palamos to the seaside resort of L’Estartit, has to be one of the biggest pleasures this exceptionally beautiful coastal stretch in Catalonia has to offer.

The path, made from natural resources of the area, stumbles upon many a pretty town and village, with the tiny town of Tamariu being no exception.

Set within a landscape of rugged pine-encased cliffs cascading to the water’s edge, between the affluent town of LLanfranc and Fornells de Mar, Tamariu on Spain’s Costa Brava possesses an enchanting magic, unchanged for decades, that entices visitors back year after year.

The sheltered horseshoe-shaped bay, dispersed with a generous scattering of sand, makes the beach a great place for families to swim, relax or participate in the activities that are put on here during the summer months. Adjacent to the seafront is an excellent seafood restaurant and several other bars, providing some shade, refreshments and deliciously fresh cuisine close to the water’s edge.

Behind the coastal restaurants you can meander – fairly steeply – through a maze of simple whitewashed houses, set against a backdrop of verdurous pine-cladded forests rising to meet the serene, cloudless sky.

This small fishing village remains largely undeveloped and retains an individually and uniqueness many of the towns and villages on this stretch of the Costa Brava possess.

Within easy reach is the lively market town of Palafrugell, which is home to a sprightly market every Sunday morning. Or for a real taste of affluence and sophistication a trip to the nearby towns of Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell, with their glamorous marinas and delightful beaches.

Tamariu on Spain’s Costa Brava….what’s not to like?!

Today the thermal baths of the area pride themselves on offering clients the most modern and avant-garde of facilities and excellent professional services, in a therapeutic practise which dates back centuries.

We explore three of the best thermal baths on the Costa Brava.

Balneari Termes Orion

Situated at Veinat de Vall within the serene and neoclassical style walls of the Hotel Balneari Termes Orion, this height of luxury spa has been recently refurbished to ensure only optimum relaxation is achieved.

Set in the heart of nature and surrounded by woodland, mountains and grassy meadows, the water that emerges at this spring does so entirely naturally at 45 degrees Celsius. An extensive range of thermal treatments are offered at this this truly luxurious natural spring.

Balneari Vichy Catalan

Having been cited as being ‘A majestic Neomozarb building that is a jewel of 19^th century Catalan Modernism”, the Balneari Vichy Catalan Spa is the place to go to unwind, relax and be pampered!

Built alongside a mythical spring, the spa contains only the purest Vichy Catalan water. This lavish spa provides a host of facilities and treatments, including a swimming pool, massage shower, inhalations, chiromassage, reflexology, paraffin baths, steam sauna and parafango.

Peralada Spa

The philosophy of the Peralada Wine Spa is based on accomplishing various therapeutic treatments using wine extracts to help improve one’s health and wellbeing by ‘combating free radicals and stimulating the production of collagen fibres and elastin, while promoting blood circulation.’

This luxury spa, which is located on the bank of a crystal clear lake in Peralada, Girona, comes equipped with a steam room, Jacuzzi, heated marble, a barrel shower, a sauna, a thermal circuit around its swimming pools, and an exclusive “Gran Claustro”, reserved for the spa’s most elite of clients.

Although just a mile off the Costa Brava, a tiny archipelago can be found, that boasts no sandy beaches, no neon, and, as the Spanish might say, “absolutely nada!”.

The islets are known as Illes Medes and are used mainly as a diving destination, which, being scattered around the mouth of the River Ter, rich with organic life, is home of a natural habitat of some 1,350 species of marine life, and ranks as one of the top diving spots on the Mediterranean.

But there is more to Illes Medes than scuba diving alone. A boat trip to this spot of immense natural beauty, where dolphins will occasionally dive out of the water and the only noise to be heard are the seagulls’ noisy caws, provides visitors to the Costa Brava with a touch of sheltered and isolated bliss.

Boat trips to Illes Medes take place from the lively coastal town of L’Estarit, as the seven islets are just a five-minute boat ride from this charismatic and thriving town.

It is also the location for the Pirates and Corsairs Fiesta 2011 featuring Pirate based plays with music, eating and drinking.

Despite its unassuming and peaceful appearance, Illes Medes hides a turbulent and fascinating history. Wreckages of ships belonging to the ancient Greeks and dating back as early as 500 BC were found in the waters surrounding these islets, alongside human bones also dating from this era, meaning there was once a small settlement here.

In the Middle Ages the islets were used as a hideout for pirates, who used Illes Medes as a base for raiding ships from the busy marine trade in the area.

In the 1400s, the king ordered a fort to be built on the biggest of the islets, known as Meda Gran and housed a handful of knights there to defend the shipping trade from pirates.

Later, in the eighteenth century, Meda Gran was used as a military prison, which remained until 1892 when it was abandoned.

To celebrate this fascinating history, seeped in bloodthirsty stories about pirates and knights, from September, 23 – September 29, the Pirates and Corsairs festival 2011 will be held at Illes Medes.

The event will be a spectacle of costumes, pirate-associated plays and activities, drinking, eating, dancing and merriment, and, for about the only occasion in the year, noise and fracas made by humans will disturb the islets massif of marine life.

And as a base, why not take a look at the luxury 3 bedroom villa in Costa Brava, Holganza. Secluded gardens, large pool and only 1.4 km from the beach, this is another great villa from Vintage Travel.

Being the winners of last year’s World Cup, the champions of this year’s Champions League, having a world class Formula One racing driver and having a tennis player who currently ranks number one in the world, Spain has a lot to smile about when it comes to sport.

Given its recent success in the world’s biggest sporting tournaments it is hardly surprising that Spain is dedicated to encouraging emerging sporting talent by erecting some fantastic new sports facilities around the country.

The latest sensational  new Catalonia sports development is in the town of Lloret de Mar, the main tourist attraction town of the Costa Brava.

The first Olympic swimming pool of the area is to be built in Lloret de Mar which will provide a whole host of fantastic sporting facilities to both local residents and visitors to the area.

The construction of the Olympic pool will be completed in three phrases, with the first phase already being underway. It is reported that Phase 1 is costing approximately 12.7 million euros and will include an Olympic sized pool with tiered seating to house 580 people, a café, changing rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness centre spanning 290 m2.

It is believed that Phases 2 and 3 will comprise of a rowing room, beauty treatment centre and children’s water zone.

The Olympic Pool finally answers the desires of the locals themselves who have been pushing for the erection of such a facility for more than a quarter of a century.

The first phase of the pool is planned to be opened as soon as March 2012 and will no doubt attract many tourists seeking sporty adventure through its doors.

If you are wanting an excuse to jump on a last minute flight to the Costa Brava this spring, then you may be interested in hearing about the Black Music Festival 2011.

From March 11 to April 15 2011, the tenth edition of The Black Music Festival will take place, celebrating black culture and music through an exciting extravaganza of exhibitions, dance, film and, of course, music. To celebrate its tenth anniversary, this year’s Black Music Festival is proud to announce an extra special line-up, including Morcheeba, James Hunter, The Wailers and Esperanza Spalding.

This flamboyant and euphoric event takes place at different venues throughout Gerona and the town of Salt, which are so close in proximity, that they just seem to blend together, both as picturesque and as quaint as each other.

Anyone who visits Gerona cannot help but fall in love with the place. Although Gerona is a relatively large city, it is free from crowds, augmenting its attraction to the more ‘peace-seeking’ city traveller. Its quirky streets, interesting architecture and situation at the confluence of the rivers Onyar, Galligants, Ter and Guell, leave visitors walking around the city, staring in wonderment and awe.  Salt is located on the right bank of the River Ter and possesses the same captivating charm of Gerona.

Whilst Gerona and its municipality possess a unique tranquillity, rarely found in modern cities, it is at the same time a cosmopolitan place, enjoyed by a diverse mix of ethnicities, cultures and ages. Because of its international appeal, it is only natural that it is the municipality of Gerona that hosts The Black Music Festival.

The festival attracts an international audience, from many different nationalities, and seems to grow in popularity and prestige each year. And being its tenth edition, this year’s Black Music Festival, promises to be a blinder.

Gerona has an international airport, with several of the budget airlines flying there regularly from airports in the UK.

Check out The Black Music Festival website for more information about this vibrant festival.

The Costa Brava is home to music festivals of every genre, catering for every musical taste, no matter how mainstream or alternative. It is during the summer months when the majority of the Costa Brava’s festivals are held, often put on in the most elaborate and delightful of settings.

If you are currently deliberating where to go for your summer break, then one of the following highly entertaining and enlightening music festivals may persuade you to embark on a musically and culturally stimulating summer vacation to the Costa Brava.

Peralada International Music Festival

Each July and August the mighty gates of the Peralada Castle open and welcome music revellers from near and afar to enjoy the music of the Peralada International Music Festival.

Since it began in 1987, the festival has grown in size and prestige and attracts well-known Spanish artists and composers, including premiering the works of Tomas Marco, Jep Nuix and Josep Maria Mestres Quadreny.

Throughout the festival the small village of Peralada, situated snugly between the Costa Brava and Figueres, comes alive to the sound of music, with symphony-choir concerts, jazz, pop, dance, opera and musical theatre put on in the castle’s historical gardens.

Costa Brava Jazz Festival

High on the pinnacle of the stylishly affluent fishing town of Calella de Palafrugell, nestled on a particularly rocky and interesting stretch of the Costa Brava’s coastline, the beautiful Cap Roig Botanical Gardens can be found.

In the summer months these famous gardens open up to diverse activities, including the Costa Brava Jazz Festival. Since its debut in 1990, the months of July and August see jazz lovers of all ages and nationalities flock to this particularly picturesque and stylish seaside resort to indulge themselves to some world-class jazz performances, put on by some of the finest jazz musicians in the world.

Festival Internacional de la Porta Ferrada

From June to September the town of Sant Feliu de Guixols is committed to blasting out a series of concerts of flamenco, rock, pop, jazz and ancient and classical music.

For a town that is bordered by forests and verdure hillsides and remains intent on retaining its independence, the locals wholly embrace the more than 20,000 spectators the festival attracts each year, all thrilled and energized by witnessing some simply sensational musical performances.

For further details about the Festival Internacional de la Porta Ferrada visit the official website.

For the best villa in Costa Brava, Vintage Travel can help you find the perfect Europe music festivals 2011 crash pad.

Taking a break to the Costa Brava in early spring to participate or watch an exciting Catalonia event can be easily and economically achieved, with many of the budget airlines’ Spanish routes remerging from their winter time break. Vintage Travel has uncovered two particularly ‘pulsating’ events on the Costa Brava this March.

40-kilometre walk, Playa de l’Estany – First fortnight of March

What could be a more idyllic location for a walk than the verdurous and varied Costa Brava? Since 1963 the Centre Excursionista de Banyoles has organised a 40 kilometre walk. For the first two years, the walk was 80 kilometres, but in 1965 was quickly changed to a more realistic 40 kilometres after it proved to be a little on the excessive side for most of the participants. With more than 2,000 people of all ages, abilities and both genders participating each year, the walk is a popular, relaxed and enjoyable event.

Unlike most sporting fixtures in Spain, there is no competitiveness involved with this leisurely but rather lengthy walk. In fact, so ‘unhurried’ is the atmosphere that participants often take breaks to take in the stunning scenery that surrounds them.

Rally Catalonia, March – Girona, Selva, Alt Emporda, Baix Emporada

Rally racing in Spain can be traced back to the spring of 1904 with a race from Paris to Madrid. For more than a century the sport has grown in popularity and prestige. The Rally Catalonia is held in March each year in the towns of Girona, selva, Alt Emporada and Baix Emporada. The race has grown in significance and status and is now one of the most important rallies in Spain, which now includes a World Championship circuit. The event attracts large crowds, many of whom, jostling to secure the best spot, walk for hundreds of yards and even camp out the night before in improvised campsites.

Looking for a luxury villa holiday in Costa Brava?

Where does Spanish Tapas originate from?

The Spanish word “tapa” actually means “lid” or “cover” so how does this relate to food? There are several interesting accounts…

One belief is that the etymology of the word tapa comes from placing an item over the top of a drink to protect it from flies. Somewhere in time it became custom to place small pieces of food on top of the lid and henceforth tapas was born.

Another story is that “tapas” originated around the sixteenth century, when several inn keepers in Castilla discovered that they disguise the taste of bad wine by accompanying the drinks with strong smelling cheese.

The most common theory is that tapas was born when King Alfonso the Tenth (known as The Wise) became ill and had to take small bites of food with some wine. Once the King had recovered from the afflicting disease, he decreed that no wine was to be served in any of the inns unless accompanied with something to eat. This was a wise precaution to counteract the adverse effects of alcohol. Once the “botillerias” (bottle shops) and taverns became established throughout Spain, the King’s decree remained in place.

Whichever theory you believe, the tradition of tapas spread throughout Spain and continues in many countries worldwide today. But if it is authentic tapas you desire, served in the traditional way “para gratis”, then the province of Granada in perhaps the best place to experience a taste of bona fide Spanish dishes from ambiguous beginnings.

Sierra de Cazorla

Shortly after Quesada you enter the village of Cazorla the so-called “gateway” to the Natural Park and the terrain becomes significantly more diverse and exciting. The ambiences surrounding the towns within this park are also surprisingly different to the somewhat impoverished and scruffy towns the drive to Cazorla takes you through, which are more typical of rural Andalucia. The town of La Iruela, which despite its precarious position poised on top of a rocky pinnacle, holds an air of prosperity and wealth, which clings to the walls of the many stylish and elegant restaurants and hotels all accompanied by fancy, new sports cars you rarely see hugging the roads of Andalucia.

This natural park comprises of two of the Iberian Peninsula’s most important rivers, the Guadalquivir, which starts its 700 kilometre journey here to finish at the Atlantic Ocean, and the Segura, which leads to the Mediterranean.

Amidst the Sierra de Cazorla’s wild scenery of tumbling waterfalls, tumultuously overgrown vegetation, copses of pine trees, cavernous canyons and serrated peaks of karsts, lies the source of the great Guadalquivir River, an infant in comparison to its size by the time it reaches the city of Sevilla.  Several lakes grace the many hectares of this stunning territory aiding its diverse and varied landscapes, although Lake Tranco is by far the most impressive.

Sierra de Cazorla

The Embalse del Tranco is Jaen’s biggest lake, which was built in the 1940s and has a capacity of 500 million cubic metres. The dancing diamonds of the crystal blue water come momentarily in and out of sight as the road steeply climbs and falls around towering limestone cliffs, high mountain meadows of rich, emerald grass and wild, vibrant flowers, and thickets upon thickets of dense pine trees some reaching 20 meters into the air.

It would be incorrect to describe this area as undiscovered as, on the contrary, it is tremendously geared up for tourists but in a subtle and tasteful way, and in the months of September and October there is a hive of tourist activity. The River Guadalquivir and the Embalse del Tranco are lined with numerous campsites all snugly positioned amongst the pine trees and beside the water.

For more information on this rather special Spanish natural park, visit: www.turismoencazorla.com.

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Sevilla Cathedral

For a city that is the capital of its region, the lack of traffic is a noticeable but pleasant peculiarity of Sevilla. Instead, horse-drawn trams glide through the city’s glut of cobbled streets where attention to detail is so imperative that every individual pebble has been immaculately varnished. This flawless perfection percolates throughout the city with intricate arches and old-fashioned lamps, straddled by white gardenias. The Jardines de Murillo, situated amidst the old Jewish quarter is essential to visit, bearing 100 foot high trees whose twisting trunks have a 15 foot diameter. The cathedral in Sevilla, which began being built in the 12^th century but was not completed until the 18^th century, is an embodiment of Spanish baroque with highly ornate and decorative architecture.

Jardines de Murillo Sevilla

Visit the Sevilla tourist guide for more information on the city.

The city of Cordoba is pleasantly situated beside a loop of the mighty Guadalquivir River and houses hundreds of charismatic and cosy riverside restaurants and bars. But Cordoba’s greatest asset is La Mezquita, with its intricately elaborate attention to detail, is arguably the most beautiful and grandest mosque ever built by the Moors in Spain.

Click here to find out information about Cordoba and when its fiestas take place visit.

It is little wonder the Alhambra Palace surrounded by the epic and snow-tipped Sierra Nevada and above the neon lights of a nocturnal city, attracts more than three million visitors a year, making it Spain’s top tourist attraction. The name “Alhambra” actually means “red or crimson castle” in Arabic, which is perhaps because of the scarlet hue this magnificent building acquires during certain times of the day. The dimly-lit backstreets full of no-frill accommodation for less than 30 euros a night, escorted by shady looking characters uttering “hashish” under their breath, gives Granada a unique excitement not found in Sevilla or Cordoba.

Alhambra Palace

Visit the official site for tourism in Granada.