6 Inspirational Spots in Costa Brava, Spain
Costa Brava is a portion of Catalonia, Spain, spanning the northeastern coast from Barcelona to the French border. Also known as the wild or rough coast, named after it's large rugged coastline, this area is filled with countless charming villages, beautiful flora and fauna, and some incredible cuisine. It's also where the late artist Salvador Dali called home and is said to be responsible for inspiring his masterpieces.
The region of Catalonia is like nothing I've ever experienced, and I'm going to share with you the five places in the Costa Brava that have greatly inspired me.
1. Exploring the medieval village of Pals
Inspired by the history. Pals, Spain dates as far back as 300AD, which in my mind is incomprehensible. I don't know how a city can be maintained for that many centuries, as the oldest structures near me in the United States maybe date as far back as the 1800's.
Arriving Pals around 7:00pm, just as the siesta was coming to an end and the sun was on the verge of setting, we explored the town before the stores reopened for the evening.
Finishing the evening with a romantic dinner at Restaurant El Pedró.
Unfortunately, we had a rough experience at our Air BnB, which resulted with us sleeping in the car for a night. It was surprisingly comfortable and it makes for a really good story. Even though this wasn't the best experience, I found it oddly inspirational and a quite adventurous.
2. Taking a dip in the Mediterranean in Calella de Palafrugell.
Inspired by the color of the pristine sea water. After waking up in our Renault Captur, we decided to take an early morning dip in the Mediterranean. At this point I lost my wedding band!!
3. Our stay at Maz Lazuli Hotel
Inspired by the luxury. We arrived completely worn down and this was my saving grace of the trip. The hotel was a spectacular place to rest, recover, and most importantly rally for more adventures. I was greatly inspired by the luxury at Maz Lazuli Hotel as every detail was perfect.
It was SO nice having our own little private garden to sit and relax in.
The shower was in the middle of the room, so we were sure to close the drapes before jumping in.
The hotel property was surrounded by mountains, full of vineyards and fields filled of lavender, olive trees, and cacti. Pretty much all of my favorites plants in one place!
4. Visiting Cadaqués and have lunch at Restaurant El Barroco
Inspired by the cuisine. This Lebanese resturant set in the walkways of Cadaqués, was also Salvador Dali's favorite restaurant. The famous artist even made the logo still used today for Restaurant El Barroco in 1978.
I fully understand why this was Dali's favorite restaurant as the food was out of this world, the service was like none other, and the decor of the resturant appeared to be done by an artist themselves. Not to mention the second I walked in I felt like I was part of the family.
The journey through the town walkways was part of the experience.
5. Visiting the National Park Cap del Creus
Inspired by the nature of the region. Read all about our adventure in this National Park HERE!
6. The greenhouse at Les Hamaques
Inspired by the architecture. The second hotel we stayed in Costa Brava was an architectures dream. The greenhouse was probably the coolest structure I've ever seen in my life, and I spent quite a bit of time in this lovely little indoor garden.
With nice reminders to slow down and take it all in.
The help yourself bar looked straight our of a magazine.
Les Hamaques, or the hammocks, was a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Spain.
Sometimes inspriation can come from imperfect situations, and the Costa Brava challenged me in ways like no other travel location has ever accomplished. Looking back, I realize I gained so much inspiration from the history, to the luxury, to nature, to the moments that weren't ideal. I'll never forget watching an old man herd his goats through country roads, running though a castle with no one else around, or jumping in the Med to take a shower. I'm glad I was lucky enough to experience the "Rough Coast" of Spain.
