Great Things to Do Near Villa Dami
Visit the Museum of Volcanoes in Olot,
which will be a rewarding experience as you are right on the edge of La Garrotxa National Park, famed for its volcancoes. It is open from 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 7pm July to September and 10am to 2pm and 4pm to 6pm the rest of the year.www.olot.org
Visit Castellfollit de la Roca
– considered to be the gateway to the National Park of the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa and one of the smallest municipalities in the region. The buildings seem to be clinging to the rock face – a spectacular sight and a wander around the medieval old quarter is fascinating.
Go to the beach!
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.
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!
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.
Take a boat trip
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.
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.
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.
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
Anyone for tennis?
There are courts at the Club de Tennis de Canyelles, Avda Canyelles, 25. Tel: (00 34) 972 36 56 78
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.
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
Coastal walks
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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!
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.
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.
