Great Things to Do Near Irina
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.
As you wander around Begur
take special note of the houses of the 'Indianos', the design of which has been influenced by the young people of Begur who emigrated to the Americas, mainly in search of riches. Those who returned left their stamp on the architecture of the town - one such example overlooks the small car park area near the church.
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.
Stroll the few hundred metres to the church and square
in the delightful hamlet of Regencós which retains the old world charm of a traditional Catalan village where local farmers still work the land and make their living tending their vines, olives etc.
The golden sandy beach of Aigua Blava
is a very short drive away. Justifiably awarded a coveted Blue Flag, this beach boasts the finest and softest sand in the immediate area. Relax in the restaurant overlooking the bay and enjoy the freshest of grilled fish, accompanied by a glass of chilled white wine.
The protected Marine Reserve of Ses Negres
is very close by, between the bays of Aigua Freda and Sa Riera. From the coastal path there are some ideal spots for fantastic snorkelling.
The experience of the so called 'Dalinian Triangle'
for lovers of art and culture is a 'must'. The three parts to visit are his home in Cadaqués (pre-booking necessary), the Teatre-Museu in Figueres and the Gala-Dalí Castle in Pubol. This will be a long day excursion but very informative and entertaining!www.salvador-dali.org
Play a round of golf!
There are 2 well known courses very close by in Pals, one being Golf Playa de Pals, Tel: 972 66 77 39 and the other Golf Serres de Pals, Tel: 972 63 73 75.
Drive across to the majestic bay of Llafranc
and then spend the day relaxing on this gorgeous beach. Perhaps rent a kayak or try snorkelling off the rocks at the side of the bay. Before returning home enjoy a cooling drink on the promenade and do some 'people watching.'
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.
Dalí by night - an evening with a difference
Only possible during the month of August, the Teatre-Museu Dalí opens between 10pm and 1am. The entrance fee includes a glass of cava and, weather permitting, an audiovisual show in one of the inner terraces. After your visit enjoy a nightcap at one of the many outdoor bars and soak up the atmosphere of Figueres, which comes alive at night as the locals congregate to exchange news with each other in the warm summer air.
Drive a few miles inland and visit some of the many ancient stone villages
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.
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 Tower of Hours, 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.
For keen walkers,
from Begur take the GR92, the Cami Vell de Sa Tuna, which will take you the 2.3 kms to this small cove. Take your swimming things and enjoy a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean, a good lunch and head back to Begur.
Go ride a horse!
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.
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
Take a day out and visit Besalú,
which is the provincial capital of the Garrotxa and has some beautifully restored buildings as well as the famous Romanesque bridge, which was built in the 12th Century but restored in 1965.
Take a boat trip with 'Paco Boats' in Tamariu
and visit the famous cave Cova d'en Gispert.(Tel: 607 29 25 78)
Visit the thermal baths and the new golf course at Caldes de Malavella.
The Balneario Vichy Catalan is just outside the town situated in pine grove. www.balneariovichycatalan.com. Or play a round of golf at the nearby prestigious PGA 18 hole course, which is easily accessible. Tel: 972 472 577.
Shop at the Sunday morning market in Palafrugell
and buy the ingredients for lunch from the mouth watering choice of fruit and vegetables on display. Spend a lazy afternoon relaxing in the garden, enjoying a good book and cooling off now and again with a dip in the pool.
