C hanson

We would like to take 3 days and travel outside of Barcelona. North along the coast looks beautiful. Any suggestions? Should we rent a car or take the train? Is traveling south better? Thanks

michele

We used Karen Brown's INNS and ITINERARIES guide book for our trip that included Barcelona and the north. I think it's called COSTA BRAVA AND BEYOND. As usual, her suggestions are excellent. I did quibble with a few (Vic and the parador there were nothing to be desired), but it is a great source. I remember enjoying Besalu and the little mountain town of Rupit as well as the town where the Parador de Duques is located ( Cardona?). The Costa Brava is very built-up. We stayed in S'agaro at the fabulous Hostel de la Gavina, but we were there off season. I would do a search on this forum for some relatively unspoiled areas on the coast. We did not go to Taragona, Girona, or Sitges and I regret that. We drove and had no problems.( Although a snow storm in April did force us to change our driving directions), I don't think you could really explore the mountainous areas in the north any other way. <BR>

Alberto

Drive north. If possible try to stay at the Parador in Aiguablava. It is modern building and the location is unique. From there go to Figueres....short drive, and visit the Dali Museum. Don't be afraid of the line, it moves very fast. Avoid Lloret and Tossa de Mar, they are overcrowded, in general all the bigger beach resorts in Costa Brava should be avoided. Also note, there is no reason to drive from Figueres to Cadaques to see Dali's Castle. Too much traffic, the town is very very small and can not handle all the visitors. <BR>If possible go to the Catalonian Pirinees and just for fun cross over to France. Good luck.

Sherry

My husband and I spent a week late May in Lloret. Yes, it can be crowded. But we stayed on Santa Christina beach at the Santa Marta Hotel and it was wonderful. The beach is very private and uncrowded in a little cove. We rented a car and explored.

Lesley

Definitely go North. We have owned a flat on the Costa Brava for 14 years. I agree with the suggestion of the Parador at Aiguablava; it's location is very good, surrounded as it is by wonderful small coves. From October to April, you will have them to yourselves. Some other suggestions for hotels are Mas de Torrent (relais et chateau hotel) in a little village inland from the coast called Torrent and a hotel called Sa Punta in Playa de Pals. The train is cheap but takes about two hours to go 60 miles. You would still need a car when you got to the station to get to the coast.