Great Things to Do Near Villa Santa Anna
Take in the views!
Gaze out beyond the pool to the open sea beyond and absorb the subtle change of light throughout the day and enjoy the sight of the cruise ships gliding silently across the horizon at night.
Go ride a horse!
In Begur there are night excursions, carriage rides and for those who do not wish to take to horseback, Kart Cross excursions.
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.
Drive up through the pine trees to the 15th century hermitage and lighthouse of Sant Sebastià
which sits above the delightful, majestic bay of Llafranc and enjoy the breathtaking views out across the Mediterranean.
Drive to 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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, and the podium. Maybe the ladies could indulge in some retail therapy at the same time at the nearby outlet shopping centre La Roca Village.
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. Open all year round and in July and August it is open on Wednesday nights from 10pm until 1am.
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.
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 in Peratallada and then visit the fascinating farm museum in the tiny village of Palau Sator.
Walk amongst all the different exotic Mediterranean flora and fauna
at the Botanical Gardens of Cap Roig where you get magnificent panoramic views of the coastline that stretches from Calella to the cliffs of Cap Roig.
Peratallada
the name of this delightful village is derived from ‘pedra tallada’, meaning carved stone. The moat which encircles parts of this fortified medieval settlement provides the stone from which most of the ancient buildings are constructed. As you stroll around, take note of the many properties which have been lovingly restored to their former glory.
The Empordá Marshes National Park
is nearby and is the home of many interesting species of plants and animals and a haven for migrating birds. These marshes are all that remain of the old lakes which were drained in the 18th and 19th centuries to make way for crops and cattle. They are situated in the bay of Roses between Castelló and Sant Pere Pescador. Hide in one of the camouflaged cabins and count the numerous species of birds.
Visit the Sunday morning Market at Palafrugell
and soak up the atmosphere with a drink in the main square. Back at the villa, prepare a delicious 'al fresco' lunch of the fresh produce you have purchased and then enjoy a welcome siesta by the pool!
For keen walkers,
drive to Begur and park and then 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.
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 also hire rowing boats or book tickets for a boat trip.