Great Things to Do Near Tramontana
A rather unusual museum to visit….. the factory of Trias Biscuits.
Since 1908 the family of Joaquim Trias has been making high quality biscuits inspired by his enthusiasm, determination and expertise. You can visit the museum, which is housed in the same building as the factory, watch a video explaining how production of this famous brand developed over the years, and you get a good view of the current production line. It is situated in Santa Coloma de Farners, just south west of Girona. www.triasbiscuits.com.
Take a trip to the Montserrat monastery
where the famous statue of the Black Madonna is housed. It is just north-west of Barcelona. You can reach it by road or by taking the cable car. If you are lucky you might hear the boys' choir singing.
Go to the market!
Thursday is market day in nearby Tossa de Mar and is well worth a visit, followed by a wander around the Vila Vella with its warren of winding alleyways. The climb inside the old fortifications will be rewarded with spectacular views of the coast for as far as the eye can see.
What a view!
Take in the magnificent view as you enjoy a leisurely lunch at the restaurant above the marina and decide which yacht you are going to buy when you win the lottery!
Go for a day trip to Figueres and visit the Teatre-Museu Dalí in Figueres
and enjoy the wacky experience, which will appeal to all members of the family. It is a lot of fun and well worth braving the queues! Afterwards, pay a visit to the lesser known Museu del Joguet de Catalunya (toy museum), also in Figueres. Tel: 972 504 585
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!
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!
Visit the thermal baths and 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.
See this spectacular part of the coast from the best vantage point
by taking a boat trip from the beach at Cala Canyelles and heading towards Tossa de Mar. You will pass hidden coves and dramatic pine covered rocks seemingly tumbling into the crystal clear waters.
Water sports
There are several water sports available from Cala Canyelles beach, including parasailing, waterskiing and kayaks to hire. It is also an ideal spot for snorkelling in the crystal clear waters around the cove.
There are many coastal walks to be enjoyed, all well signposted
For something challenging, try the 9.4 kms from Canyelles to Sta Cristina, which combines both the coastal path and ventures slightly inland. There is no need to retrace your steps, though, as there is a boat from Sta Cristina, via Lloret and then to Canyelles.
Not for the faint hearted…
The drive along the corniche from Tossa de Mar to Sant Feliu along the GI682. This stretch of road is 22 kms long and has 365 bends. The scenery is breathtaking, with the road passing through pine and cork woods. Hidden coves lie below and it is worth stopping in some of the designated parking places to get out and admire the view. Alternatively, you can walk the rough tracks down to the water’s edge and enjoy some fantastic snorkelling in the crystal clear waters.
Diving!
The bay of Canyelles is a favourite amongst divers. The Oceanos Diving Centre is situated in Rda de Europa, 16-18. Tel: (00 34) 972 090 798. www.oceanosdivingcenter.es. Email: info@oceanosdivingcenter.es. Also in the village is Canyelles Diving Centre. Tel: (0034) 972 36 88 18. Email: club@cncanyelles.com
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
Visit the Marimurtra Botanical Garden in Blanes
Created by Carlos Faust around 1920, this stunning botanical garden has the coast and sea as its backdrop. Mostly dedicated to Mediterranean and sub-tropical flora there are also collections of cacti and other unusual plants from arid regions of Central America and southern Africa, in addition to species from closer to home.
Anyone for tennis?
There are courts at the Club de Tennis de Canyelles, Avda Canyelles, 25. Tel: (00 34) 972 36 56 78
Catch the train and visit Barcelona for the day.
Take advantage of the frequent train service from Blanes into the centre of this vibrant city. An ideal way to see as much as possible in one day is to take the open top buses and hop on and off as you wish.
Pack a pic-nic and visit 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.
Go ride a horse!
The nearest stables are the Club Hipic Lloret, Antoni Tapies s/n. Tel: ( 00 34) 972 368 615. www.clubhipiclloret.com
The village of Sils houses the biggest collection of antique cars in Spain.
www.museuautomobilsclaret.com. Tel: 972 85 30 36. The museum houses a collection of more than 300 vehicles, ranging from the Bonet model built in Barcelona in 1889 to the Ford Cosworth driven by Carlos Sainz during the 1987 rally season.
