Trip Report: Barcelona, Costa Brava, & Northern Catalonia
Oct 21st, 2010, 02:26 AM
#21
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Thanks, everyone, for your kind words.
yestravel, what villages did you visit in Catalonia? I wanted to see Olot (it looked interesting when we drove through) & Beget but we didn't have the time.
What was the weather like in the spring?
ekscrunchy, I hope you can make it to Costa Brava & Catalonia. We loved it! I hope to visit Andalucia & Madrid & San Sebastian some day. This was my first visit to Spain & I am definitely "hooked"!
yestravel, what villages did you visit in Catalonia? I wanted to see Olot (it looked interesting when we drove through) & Beget but we didn't have the time.
What was the weather like in the spring?
ekscrunchy, I hope you can make it to Costa Brava & Catalonia. We loved it! I hope to visit Andalucia & Madrid & San Sebastian some day. This was my first visit to Spain & I am definitely "hooked"!
Oct 21st, 2010, 08:13 AM
#22
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Kwoo-
Just wait until you visit the other areas of Spain.....Catalonia is a very unique and distinct part of Spain very very different for Andalucia, Madrid and especially San Sebastian. If you didn't know you would think these were different countries all together. I've never visited a country that had so many different layers - it's fascinating.
Just wait until you visit the other areas of Spain.....Catalonia is a very unique and distinct part of Spain very very different for Andalucia, Madrid and especially San Sebastian. If you didn't know you would think these were different countries all together. I've never visited a country that had so many different layers - it's fascinating.
Oct 21st, 2010, 01:01 PM
#23
Some villages we visited included Breda, Figueres (not really a village) Pals, Perelada. Wanted to check out Vic, but didn't. Adored Rupit -- it was totally deserted when we got there. Cadaques was beautiful and I too, was fascinated by Dali's house.
We were in that part of Spain in Mid May and had beautiful weather the entire time.
I agree with CathyM in that each area of Spain we have visited over the years is so different from the others. Really adored the Southern part of Spain. Wasn't as enthralled with the North.
We were in that part of Spain in Mid May and had beautiful weather the entire time.
I agree with CathyM in that each area of Spain we have visited over the years is so different from the others. Really adored the Southern part of Spain. Wasn't as enthralled with the North.
Oct 22nd, 2010, 06:09 AM
#24
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Kwoo...sounds like you could have photcopied our itinerary from our visit several years ago...yes, we stayed at Gran Via (no incidents) and found it very coveniently located and priced...Playa del Sol in Cadaques, too. Balcony overlooking the bay. Dali's house (are they still limiting visitors to eight at a time?) Fascinating and most colorful place...One other thing we did in Girona was to tour the old Jewish quarter and its small, new museum. And yes, the <i>mikvah</i> in Besalu! The ancient purification purpose is for women only(men never allowed), and many are still found throughout the world, in use today. In L.A. there are several. When we were teenagers in Massachusetts we joked about applying for what would be the ideal summer job...life guard at a local <i>mikvah!</i>
Happy you had such an enjoyable visit...your report held some very dear travel memories for us.
stu
Happy you had such an enjoyable visit...your report held some very dear travel memories for us.
stu
Oct 22nd, 2010, 08:28 AM
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Stu,
Thank you for your compliments! What a coincidence, you are so very right, we traveled to identical places. I think that Besalu is a little off the beaten path; it was quiet & peaceful when we were there & is one of our favorite stops.
Yes, they are still limiting vistors to eight at a time at Dali's house. That is why we had to make our reservations in advance. We made them the night before.
I can't believe we chose the same hotels, especially considering there are so many to choose from in Barcelona. Where did you stay in Girona?
Thank you for your compliments! What a coincidence, you are so very right, we traveled to identical places. I think that Besalu is a little off the beaten path; it was quiet & peaceful when we were there & is one of our favorite stops.
Yes, they are still limiting vistors to eight at a time at Dali's house. That is why we had to make our reservations in advance. We made them the night before.
I can't believe we chose the same hotels, especially considering there are so many to choose from in Barcelona. Where did you stay in Girona?
Oct 22nd, 2010, 09:38 AM
#26
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kwoo:
We only visited Girona for a half day after Besalu, back to Barcelona for a few more nights and then continued driving through the Pyrenees to Andorra, then Pau and followed by Biarritz (from which we made trips to San Sebastian and Bilbao). I remember we visited Montserrat, and stayed at an eerie, isolated parador in Cardona en route to Andorra.
Where are you from in Mass.? Quincy is my hometown.
stu
We only visited Girona for a half day after Besalu, back to Barcelona for a few more nights and then continued driving through the Pyrenees to Andorra, then Pau and followed by Biarritz (from which we made trips to San Sebastian and Bilbao). I remember we visited Montserrat, and stayed at an eerie, isolated parador in Cardona en route to Andorra.
Where are you from in Mass.? Quincy is my hometown.
stu
Oct 22nd, 2010, 10:10 AM
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We live in Upton, next to Hopkinton, where the Boston Marathon starts. It's a small world....
Sounds like you had a great & interesting trip. My daughter recently went to San Sebastian with friends & loved it. She told me SS is very beautiful & very different from other parts of Spain.
Sounds like you had a great & interesting trip. My daughter recently went to San Sebastian with friends & loved it. She told me SS is very beautiful & very different from other parts of Spain.
Oct 22nd, 2010, 10:32 AM
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granddaughter ran three Boston Marathons while attending Emerson College. She knows Hopkinton in early, cold morning, waiting to start. I lived in Natick before transferring to L.A. in 1957. S.S. is worthwhile to visit and to stay awhile.
stu
stu
Oct 22nd, 2010, 03:03 PM
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The "dirt floor" of the Plaza Mayor in Vic is the original, dating back at least one thousand years.
I do think the plaza is best appreciated when empty of concerts or the market, since then it is possible to see the unique mix of historic architecture of buildings spanning centuries, from authentic Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, on up to Modernismo, side by side.
Unlike many other European showpiece plazas and town squares, the Plaza Mayor in Vic was not at any point torn down and rebuilt according to a master plan by a single architect. Instead, it has continuously been a town square in constant use for several centuries, and has taken on its own organic look. And it still the town square, not a tourist attraction, today.
http://www.pueblos-espana.org/catalu...na/vic/220454/
I do think the plaza is best appreciated when empty of concerts or the market, since then it is possible to see the unique mix of historic architecture of buildings spanning centuries, from authentic Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, on up to Modernismo, side by side.
Unlike many other European showpiece plazas and town squares, the Plaza Mayor in Vic was not at any point torn down and rebuilt according to a master plan by a single architect. Instead, it has continuously been a town square in constant use for several centuries, and has taken on its own organic look. And it still the town square, not a tourist attraction, today.
http://www.pueblos-espana.org/catalu...na/vic/220454/
Oct 22nd, 2010, 05:43 PM
#32
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Zeppole,
Thanks for the description & history about the Plaza Mayor in Vic. You do make a good point that it would be best appreciated when empty of concerts, etc. I felt that the staging & other "stuff" i.e. tables, chairs etc. detracted from the prettiness of the square. The "unique mix of historic architecture" wasn't obvious because of all the clutter.
Thanks for the description & history about the Plaza Mayor in Vic. You do make a good point that it would be best appreciated when empty of concerts, etc. I felt that the staging & other "stuff" i.e. tables, chairs etc. detracted from the prettiness of the square. The "unique mix of historic architecture" wasn't obvious because of all the clutter.
Oct 27th, 2010, 09:29 PM
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Kwoo, thanks for the very helpful report.
We are to visit the Barcelona area late Nov. and stay till early Dec. for 10 days. In fact, we are to stay at the same Hotel Grand Via for the first 4 nights. Your report on unfortunate backpack incident is very use information to us.
It is tempting to follow your itinerary. However, Playa del Sol in Cadaques, for example, may not be as beautiful in early Dec. as you described. It may be too chilly and is likely wet? What do you think? Thanks
We are to visit the Barcelona area late Nov. and stay till early Dec. for 10 days. In fact, we are to stay at the same Hotel Grand Via for the first 4 nights. Your report on unfortunate backpack incident is very use information to us.
It is tempting to follow your itinerary. However, Playa del Sol in Cadaques, for example, may not be as beautiful in early Dec. as you described. It may be too chilly and is likely wet? What do you think? Thanks
Oct 28th, 2010, 05:24 AM
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nice2no,
In October the weather in Cadaques was perfect, low to mid 70's (Fahrenheit) & sunny. People were swimming at the various stops we made along Costa Brava. Unfortunately, I don't know what to expect for weather in December. Hopefully, someone on this forum who is from Spain could answer more accurately. Weather.com doesn't predict yet for that time of year.
I do know that weather.com predicted rain for all 5 days we were in Barcelona but it actually rained only 1 morning & 2 evenings.
In October the weather in Cadaques was perfect, low to mid 70's (Fahrenheit) & sunny. People were swimming at the various stops we made along Costa Brava. Unfortunately, I don't know what to expect for weather in December. Hopefully, someone on this forum who is from Spain could answer more accurately. Weather.com doesn't predict yet for that time of year.
I do know that weather.com predicted rain for all 5 days we were in Barcelona but it actually rained only 1 morning & 2 evenings.
Oct 28th, 2010, 08:16 AM
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As far as weather goes, I am not sure if we have any better choice. The area you visited may still be about the best for us. The southern part of Spain may be a little warmer. But we will be traveling the Andalucia area before cruising in to Barcelona. In 2002, we were in the Provence and Cote d'Azure area in late Nov and early Dec. The weather was comfortably warm, probably in hi 60's to low 70's. We will just have to cross our finger, I guess.
Oct 28th, 2010, 02:17 PM
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nice2no,
We did a lot of walking because that way we get to see the neighborhoods, stores, cafes, etc. We walked from Hotel Gran Via to the Gothic Quarter, Born & Barceloneta. We also used the metro to go to areas that were a little further away, such as Citadel Park, or if our feet hurt
We took taxis several times & thought the prices were reasonable. For example, we took a taxi from Parc Guell back to our hotel. We took the bus once from Hotel Gran Via to Montjuic. We always felt safe, although I realize that Barcelona has a bad reputation for pickpockets. You just have to be careful & sensible. We all wore/used bags/pocketbooks that went across our chest.
We did a lot of walking because that way we get to see the neighborhoods, stores, cafes, etc. We walked from Hotel Gran Via to the Gothic Quarter, Born & Barceloneta. We also used the metro to go to areas that were a little further away, such as Citadel Park, or if our feet hurt
We took taxis several times & thought the prices were reasonable. For example, we took a taxi from Parc Guell back to our hotel. We took the bus once from Hotel Gran Via to Montjuic. We always felt safe, although I realize that Barcelona has a bad reputation for pickpockets. You just have to be careful & sensible. We all wore/used bags/pocketbooks that went across our chest.
Oct 29th, 2010, 02:21 PM
#39
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Hi stevelyon,
Cadaques & Costa Brava definitely live up to its billing & I wouldn't hesitate to go there again & recommend this area to other travelers. Hopefully you'll have a chance to visit!
Cadaques & Costa Brava definitely live up to its billing & I wouldn't hesitate to go there again & recommend this area to other travelers. Hopefully you'll have a chance to visit!
Nov 10th, 2010, 01:55 PM
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I'm getting here a little late, but thanks for a wonderful report. We're returning to BCN for our 4th or 5th time and trying to decide whether to stay put in BCN with a couple of day trips, or go again to Costa Brava for 3 or 4 nights. Your info on some areas we've not been to should help me decide. Thanks.
