| A Costa Brava holiday definitely needs to | | | | away and definitely 'abroad', the Costa Brava |
| consist of sand, sea and sangria at some time | | | | and Aigua Blava in particular became the |
| during your vacation. Choosing the months of | | | | focus of attention. What draws people back |
| May/June and then September/October mean that | | | | time and again is the wonderful vibrancy of |
| the mad mayhem that occurs on the coast has | | | | the place. Coupled with friendly and |
| either not arrived or just departed, yet the | | | | attentive service at the hotels and |
| weather is still beautifully warm and sunny, | | | | restaurants, you will be sure to enjoy a |
| allowing you to enjoy the beach to its | | | | wonderful Costa Brava holiday in this |
| fullest. | | | | particular spot. |
| | | | |
| The amazing coastline that stretches for some | | | | Tamariu is slightly bigger than Aigua Blava |
| 190kms starting at the French border has a | | | | and a short hike across the cliff tops if you |
| spectacular number of beaches and coves. | | | | would like a change of scenery from Aigua |
| Choosing the right one is made instantly | | | | Blava. This little cove opens out onto the |
| easier with the Blue Flag which guarantees a | | | | Mediterranean Sea like a flower, allowing the |
| high level of standards. | | | | sandy beach protection from the rugged rock |
| | | | faces that line the inlet. |
| Many of the beaches in the Costa Brava have | | | | |
| been awarded Blue Flag status, which means | | | | The small spit of sand is lined with |
| that they have all passed the rigorous | | | | restaurants, boutique shops and whitewashed |
| testing that allows the beach to be given the | | | | houses where elderly locals sit and watch the |
| Blue Flag. | | | | world go by in their wicker chairs whilst the |
| | | | restaurants ply their trade with their |
| Things like water quality, cleanliness of the | | | | pavement tables and sun brollies. Sitting in |
| beach, information and education of the | | | | the sun, gaze at the traditional, |
| ecosystems around the coastline, adequate | | | | multi-coloured fishing boats pulled up onto |
| number of lifeguards and lifesaving equipment | | | | the sand with their distinctive lanterns |
| must be on hand, first aid equipment must be | | | | waiting for nightfall to cast their nets, |
| available on the beach and drinking water | | | | bringing in the freshest sardines to serve at |
| obtainable. | | | | the restaurants next day. |
| | | | |
| To be awarded the Blue Flag, 29 conditions | | | | Fancy a bit of exercise? Take a walk along |
| have to be met and at any time these | | | | the rugged Cami de Ronda which has been |
| conditions are not being met, the flag will | | | | restored for you to discover the delights of |
| be removed. This guarantees that you will be | | | | the smugglers and sheep farmers who ranged |
| able to enjoy your time at the beach to its | | | | across the hillsides in times gone by. The |
| fullest, safe in the knowledge that the | | | | route takes you along the tree line towards |
| little things that make the difference have | | | | Cala Pedrosa and onwards to Llafranc. |
| been taken care of before you even step foot | | | | |
| on the sands. | | | | If walking is not your thing, hiring a kayak |
| | | | or small motorboat might be just the thing to |
| The Costa Brava coastline has the largest | | | | find that pretty inlet where you are the only |
| concentration of Blue Flag beaches in Spain, | | | | person on the beach! |
| a tremendous accolade which tells you that | | | | |
| the Costa Brava takes very seriously its | | | | Llafranc is the largest of our featured Blue |
| duties towards you the visitor. | | | | Flag beaches, but is still small enough to |
| | | | retain an intimacy with its stylish little |
| Here then are three of the prettiest coves | | | | port and crescent shaped sandy beach |
| which have been awarded the coveted Blue | | | | stretching for some meters across the bay. |
| Flag. There are many more that warrant | | | | |
| further note, so watch out for more | | | | Here your children can play in safety with |
| information on other beaches on the | | | | their buckets and spades, whilst you enjoy |
| spectacular coastline of the Costa Brava. | | | | the tranquillity and fine cuisine on offer in |
| | | | the restaurants and hotels along the |
| Aigua Blava's turquoise blue water washes | | | | promenade - the perfect place to enjoy a |
| gently across the amarillo-yellow of the sand | | | | sundowner, to sit back, relax and watch the |
| in this tiny inlet. Turned to face away from | | | | evening passeig. |
| the cliff faces, nature has protected this | | | | |
| special place from the ravages of the sea, | | | | Which ever Blue Flag beach you choose on a |
| allowing safe bathing in a picturesque and | | | | Costa Brava holiday you will be sure of a |
| tranquil setting. | | | | warm welcome and outstanding natural beauty |
| | | | to please the eye. I invite you to use these |
| Back in the 1950's, for the first time more | | | | tips to make the most of your holiday on the |
| people had disposable income to spend on | | | | Costa Brava. |
| travel and with Spain being a short distance | | | | |