Great Things to Do Near Casa Susana
Drive to nearby Begur
and climb up to the castle from where there are far reaching views. The most noteworthy are those towards the Medes Islands, long ago a refuge for pirates and smugglers, although today they are famous as a marine nature reserve.
Catch the train and visit Barcelona for the day.
There is so much to see and do in this vibrant city. Take the open topped tour bus and hop on and off at the different sights. After a lunch of delicious tapas save some energy for shopping in the elegant shops.
Take a short drive and
visit the wine cellar of Mas Oller (on the outskirts of Torrent) for a wine tasting. Then pop into the village and visit the Jam Museum on the Plaça Major. Tel: 972 30 47 44.
Explore some ruins
Visit the spectacular Greek and Roman settlement of Empuries. Enjoy a lunch of fresh anchovies from L’Escala – a local speciality. On the way back, visit the pre-roman Iberian settlement of Ullastret and see how life was 2,500 years ago compared to today’s world!
Spend some time exploring the Gala Dalí Castle in the nearby village of Púbol,
latterly the home of the painter’s wife. On display inside are the paintings and drawings that Salvador Dalí gave to Gala, along with a collection of her haute couture dresses. The garden is decorated with a series of sculptures and elephants! Open daily, from June to September, from 10.00 to 18.00, but closed on Mondays outside of these dates. Tel: (00 34) 972 488 655.
Enjoy a guided walking tour around some of the sights of the Baix Empordà
Among those on offer are tours of the La Bisbal d’Emporda, to include a visit to the Ceramics Museum, tour of the Romanesque monasteries, Besalú or Figueres to include the Dalí Museum. www.nikduserm.com or Nik@nikduserm.com.
Explore the nearby hidden coves of Aigua Xelida
famous for their crystal clear waters and wonderful opportunities for snorkelling. Take a picnic and make a day of it, perhaps trying your hand at fishing for your supper!
The Medes Islands
These Islands and their marine life, just a mile off the coast, are protected Marine Natural park and are one of the most important in the whole of the Mediterranean.Divers come here from all over the world as they are considered to be such an important site.
Montgri Castle
Montrgi Castle is the symbol of Torroella de Montgri! The panoramic views from the top of the towers take in almost the whole of the Empordà, from the Bay of Roses, Empúries, Canigó Massif, the Pyrenees, Montseny Massif, the Gavarres Mountaints, the Baix Ter and back to L’Estartit with the Medes Islands.
Visit the fabulous city of Girona for the day,
taking in the beautifully restored Jewish Quarter, the Arab Baths, the cathedral, its museums and the many shops. Why not pay a visit to Cacao Sampaka, C/Santa Clara, 45 to indulge in the finest products using chocolate – cakes, drinks, spreads, ice creams to name a few!
Try the wine!
Make the short drive to the well known wine warehouse of Jordi Grau, where you can browse amongst a mind blowing selection of wines, from the very simplest local wine through to the rarest vintages. There is something here to suit all tastes and pockets. Refresh yourself with a drink and a ‘tapa’ in the bar at the back of the store.
Take a short drive and
explore the nearby medieval village of Pals, which can be seen perched on the hillside from miles around. Wander around the old town, El Pedró. One of the main features to see is the magnificent circular Romanesque Tower, the Torre de les Hores, which is all that is left of the castle that used to guard the estuary of the river Daro. From the viewpoint you can see the Medes Islands, the Montgrí and Canigó massifs and the Albera mountain ranges.
Drive a few miles inland
and visit the many ancient stone villages that make up what is known as the “Golden Triangle”. Stop for lunch at the Restaurant L’Arc Vell in Peratallada and enjoy a meal in the confines of its peaceful walled courtyard. After lunch visit the fascinating farm museum in the tiny village of Palau Sator
Walk 7 kms of the GR92
From the inland medieval village of Pals to Begur, which has delightful views up and down the coast. There are some great restaurants in which to enjoy some sustenance before the walk back!
Go karting!
There is an excellent track at nearby Regenços, (Tel: 670 27 41 05).Adults might enjoy a Quad bike experience at The Quad Track, Calonge. (Tel: 626 20 27 28)
Parc d’Aventura
Fun for all of the family in this forestry adventure park. There are 50 different activities ranging from jungle jumps, nets, bridges, zip wires, tree-hiking and more than 300 m of aerial runways. Situated in Camí del Bernegar, Masos de Pals. Tel: (00 34) 972 113 443. www.costabravaparcaventura.com. Open all year round and in July and August it is open on Wednesday nights from 10pm until 1am.
Learn to windsurf or rent a catamaran at Pals beach
If you are up for a challenge, have a go at kitesurfing – a new sport where a small kite is attached to a surfboard allowing spectacular pirouettes and high speeds.
A great day out.
Pack a pic-nic and visit nearby Banyoles, which has the largest natural lake in Catalunya. Here you can swim, fish or go on a boat trip around the lake itself. You can hire rowing boats or book tickets for a boat trip from Bar Aquàrium, Pg Darder s/n, Banyoles. Tel: 972 58 09 23.
For the motor sport enthusiasts visit the Circuit de Catalunya,
just off Exit 13 of the AP7. Guided tours are available to include entry to the paddock, the control tower, the podium, for example. www.circuitcat.com. Maybe the ladies could indulge in some retail therapy at the same time at the nearby outlet shopping centre La Roca Village. www.LaRocaVillage.com
Go ride a horse!
Horse riding is available at Canapost Cavalls de Forallac – (tel: 649 43 14 80). Hipica Begur (tel 619 23 60 73) also offer night excursions, carriage rides and for those who do not wish to take to horseback, Kart Cross excursions can be taken from here.
