The best beaches in Spain - Costa Brava. Holidays in Spain on the Costa Brava

29.10.2019

- how promising this word sounds! Vivid impressions and a unique vacation await people tired of everyday life or romantic couples in love.

The Maldives is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, attracting travelers from all over the world. Snow-white beaches are enveloped in the greenery of mangroves and coconut palms, and nearby the azure ocean sparkles in the sun. Luxurious world coral reefs and picturesque lagoons will give you a measured, full of tranquility.

Best atolls in the Maldives

Before your trip, it is important to decide what type of vacation you prefer. All atolls, despite their apparent similarity, differ from each other. The most popular of them:

The best holiday for lovers

Transparent blue water, snow-white beaches and beautiful cozy rooms overlooking the Indian Ocean - this is where it’s best to relax in the Maldives for lovers. Newlyweds or romantic couples can have a wedding ceremony here that will be remembered for a lifetime. Hotel organizers will turn these days into unforgettable fairy tale. The newlyweds and their guests can enjoy spa treatments, a ceremony in a hotel or on a desert island, and then a romantic candlelit dinner on the ocean under a dome of starry sky.

Each hotel has its own rules and traditions for the ceremony and organization, but in all hotels the newlyweds are given pleasant gifts. Of course, this ceremony is not official and you will not receive any confirmation documents other than a formal certificate. But photographers, organizers, decoration, music and other wedding paraphernalia are at your service.

Where you can have a wedding ceremony in the Maldives:

South Male, Holiday Hotel inn resort kandooma Maldives";
, capital hotel Sheraton Maldives full moon resorts & spa";
North Male, Bandos island, hotel “Bandos island resort & spa”;
Rangali Island, Conrad Maldives Rangali Hotel;
Duni Kolu Island, Coco Palm Hotel;
, Iru Fushi Island, Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Hotel.

The best holiday in the Maldives with children

If you decide to show your child the wonderful world of the Maldives, then you need to carefully choose a hotel. The baby should be happy and comfortable so that your rest is complete. Such establishments have a children's menu, strollers, nannies, playgrounds, waterslides, swimming pools and much more that will make holidays with children more interesting. Most establishments provide all these services free of charge. Older kids can go snorkeling or feed stingrays.

Hotels where it is best to relax in the Maldives with children:

South Male, Dhigu Island, Naladhu and Anantara Veli hotels;
, Velavaru Island, Angsana Resort & spa hotel;
Lhaviani atoll, Kanifushi island, hotel “Atmosphere Kanifushi”;
, Maguduwa Island, Ayada Maldives Hotel;
North Male, capital hotels "Bandos Maldives" and "Sheraton Maldives full moon resorts & spa".

Best beaches in the Maldives

It is better to relax in the Maldives where there is good beaches. It is quite difficult to find bad ones in this area, and this is the main advantage of the Maldives. Tourists note the following beaches as the best:

These beaches are uncrowded and fantastically clean, with soft sand and the sun reflected in the azure water.

Best diving in the Maldives

The Maldives has been repeatedly recognized as the best place in the world for diving - completely clear water makes it possible to see the entire underwater world Indian Ocean. Coral reefs– most interesting places for diving. Almost all the islands have schools specializing in diving training, and all necessary equipment You don’t have to purchase it, you can just rent it.

Places in the Maldives where divers have the best holiday:

you can see reef sharks, moray eels, stingrays, sea turtles;

There are many in the Indian Ocean island states, capable of delighting tourists with their exotic shores, sunbathing, azure sea and exciting diving. But still, millions of vacationers from all over the world dream of spending an unforgettable vacation on one of the atolls at least once in their lives. Republic of Maldives. Why is a trip to this state so desirable? How do the beaches of these islands differ from neighboring ones? tourist regions? Who might be interested in a summer holiday in the Maldives?

This fabulous region has gained a reputation for elite tourism thanks to luxury hotel complexes in which everything works smoothly and guest service is at the highest level. Every vacationer feels here not just as a tourist, but as a very dear guest. The main attractions of the Maldives are located both near the ocean, on fabulous sandy beaches, and under water, where marine life, which is the main wealth of the Republic, is carefully protected.

Specialists who select trips to this elite private sector, primarily able to satisfy the high demands of exotic diving enthusiasts. Except them, summer rest in the Maldives with a sandy beach, it is especially interesting for married couples who want to retire from the outside world in order to enjoy their happiness in silence and harmony with nature and spend plenty of time with their adored children.

Tours to the Maldives

The selection of a tour to this region greatly depends on the choice of the hotel where vacationers want to rent a room. Accommodation in them is organized in two ways - either on an “All inclusive” basis, or this may be an option that allows you to relax on a budget.

All inclusive

Booking tours several months before the start of mass demand makes it possible to calmly and without panic choose the optimal hotel complex, allowing you to relax without any worries. The all-inclusive system means access to a buffet at any time, and also offers a huge list additional services, increasing the level of comfort and service for guests.

When choosing a hotel, please note that in the Maldives the following hotels operate using this service system:

Equator Village;
Kihaad Maldives;
Reethi Beach Resort;
Royal Island Resort & Spa;
Angsana Resort & Spa Velavaru;
Filitheyo Island Resort;
Lux* South Ari Atoll (ex. Lux* Maldives).

This list cannot be called complete, but it includes exactly those hotels that operate only on an all-inclusive basis.

Minimum package

It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to have an inexpensive all-inclusive vacation in the Maldives, since this region is considered the most elite among island destinations for a reason. In this regard, many vacationers prefer to purchase a tour with a minimum package.

In such tours, accommodation is booked in hotels that operate on a differentiated system, allowing guests to choose how to eat:

without food;
breakfast only;
half board;
full board.

Savings are also possible due to a less comfortable room or due to distance from the beach. Such tours are available at city hotels in the capital Male.

Best places to stay

The territory of the Maldives consists of thousands of islands grouped into twenty atolls. Not all of them are open to foreigners, but only those that are part of the tourist area. Typically, vacationers rarely have the question of where to go on vacation in the Maldives in the summer, since almost all atolls open to tourists offer approximately the same recreation opportunities. The best and most visited of them are concentrated near large atolls.

Male

This name is given to both the island itself and the capital on which it is located. This is the only place in the Republic where there is civilization in the usual sense - with noisy highways, crowded avenues, impressive skyscrapers, government offices, large shopping centers. And all this is located on a tiny area, the size of which is limited to two square meters. km. Given this fact, remember that the capital is very crowded, cramped and stuffy. Therefore, you should come here only for an excursion, for souvenirs, shopping and active entertainment.

Baa

An atoll that includes both inhabited and uninhabited islands. Known among vacationers for its luxury hotels, three of which are considered the best in the Republic and occupy first places in many respects:

Sonevafushi Resort & Spa - the hotel area occupies the entire island and is the largest hotel complex in the country;
Reethi Beach Resort is a favorite destination for divers who are willing to pay any money to get to its beaches, whose coastal waters are routed by schools of dolphins;
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is the latest complex, built to satisfy even the most unpredictable whims of modern pampered tourists.

Ari

The largest atoll, which includes 28 resort islands. It is located two hours from the capital (if you get there by dhoni). A special feature of the resorts that make up the atoll is their sole ownership of the entire island. That is why resorts in the Maldives are often identified with hotels of the same name, which occupy almost the entire territory of the island. Ari Atoll will be referred to as Alif in some travel brochures. Its southern part is also called Alif Dhaal. Most famous islands of this multi-named atoll are:

Kuramati is a tiny place where lovers go for a romantic dinner against the backdrop of unforgettable landscapes decorated with tropical flowers. Here, on an area measuring one and a half by half kilometers, three of the most popular hotels among newlyweds have managed to harmoniously locate: Kuramathi Cottage & SPA, Kuramathi Blue Lagoon and Kuramathi Village.
Dhiffushi is an island that looks more like a long narrow sand spit extending into the ocean. It attracts divers with its school, which teaches right on the island. It also provides a unique opportunity to admire the giant ocean waves, which, before the eyes of vacationers, crash on the reef just a few meters from the beach. You can enjoy this island by staying at Hotel Holiday Island.
Thundufushi is a resort ideal for families, as divers rarely stop here. There are only 47 individual bungalows on the island, specially designed for families. Thudufushi Island Hotel offers an all-inclusive system, which includes not only food and drinks, but also the spa, excursions, sports entertainment, as well as rental of yachts, canoes and all necessary equipment.

Laviani

This atoll is very popular among divers, since its chain of islands passes in close proximity to the barrier reef, which contributes to the development of a very diverse underwater world. Also in the western waters of this atoll in 1980, shipowners sank two of their ships, which still lie at a depth of thirty meters. Over several decades of being under water, they were overgrown with algae, alcyonaria and corals, which are now home to tropical fish and other inhabitants ocean depths. All this excites the imagination and arouses increased interest among divers all over the world.

Addu

The most distant atoll from the capital, the tourist part of which consists of seven inhabited islands, the largest among them is Gan. This is one of three places in the Maldives where there are good roads, along which you can travel through the laid bridges around the islands of the atoll. Among the popular entertainments here, tourists often choose snorkeling in the area of the old military base, where a lot of sunken equipment has been preserved at the bottom. Vacationers are also offered excursions to living corals and the only freshwater lake, where a variety of tropical birds nest. All guests staying at the Equator Village Hotel in Ghana are given a souvenir certificate to commemorate your crossing of the equator.

Maldives for children

The silence that reigns on most of the atolls, as well as sandy beaches and amazing service, attract quite a lot of families to the islands. Resorts in the Maldives for families with children have developed a special service system, including unique services that cannot be found in other hotels. Among them, baby monitors, high chairs in restaurants, special menus for babies, and bottle warmers are especially popular.

Specialized services for babies and older children can be found in the following hotels:

Bandos Island Resort - Northern part Male Atoll;
JA Manafaru is a large family holiday complex on an island part of Haa Alifu Atoll;
Kanuhura is a five-star hotel located on Lhaviani Atoll;
Sun Island Resort & SPA - located on large island Nalaguraidhoo, part of the Ari Atoll;
One & Only Reethi Rah - north of Male Atoll.

How can I get there?

Prices for holidays with children in the Maldives one way or another include the cost of air tickets, since you can only get to these paradise islands by plane. The most convenient way to get to them is the Moscow-Male flight, which is operated twice a week by national carriers Aeroflot and Transaero. The airliners of both companies depart at night, thanks to which the long nine-hour flight is not so difficult, because time flies faster in sleep.

It is cheaper to fly to the Maldives via Doha or Dubai. It is also possible to go on vacation with a transfer to Colombo. In any case, the arrival airport is the same - it is Ibrahim Nasir, serving the capital Male. You can book cheaper tickets in June or forty days before departure. It is more convenient to plan a flight from St. Petersburg to Male with transfers in Moscow and Doha. You can buy airline tickets profitably.

Transport on the islands

The most popular cities of the Maldives for family holidays, which are more correctly called atolls, are scattered across numerous islands, which can be reached either by air or by water transport. Air transportation served by two local airlines: Hummingbird Island Airways and Maldivian Air Taxi. From the name of the second it clearly follows that they work in taxi mode, the journey on which will not be exactly cheap, or rather, not at all cheap. Only very wealthy vacationers can afford this type of transport. The bulk of the island’s guests move between atolls using water transport:

Dhoni (as the local wooden boats with diesel engines are called) is the most accessible form of transportation between the islands. They ply without any schedule or timetable, departing as soon as they are filled with passengers. If you wish, you can rent them for the day or rent a private trip just for your group.
In addition to the dhoni, vedis run between the atolls - more comfortable and spacious boats that can be booked for excursions to remote atolls included in the tourist area. Such offers are worth taking note of those who are planning to relax in the Maldives in the summer with the aim of unforgettable diving.

On many atolls you will have to move around the island itself on foot, since they are very small; you can walk around them lengthwise and crosswise in a couple of hours. There is car traffic only in Male, as well as in the largest atolls of Gan and Addu. Elsewhere, bicycles and, in some places, motorcycles are popular among residents.

Climate

The Maldives lies in the subequatorial climatic zone, so the weather here remains virtually unchanged all year round. There are only two seasons, which are associated with the passage of a wet or dry monsoon through the islands. Tropical summer comes to the Maldives with the southwest Hulhangu winds, bringing rain and high humidity from the ocean. Tropical winter occurs when the winds change their direction and blow from the island to the ocean. At this time, a dry and very pleasant atmosphere is established. Average annual temperature is in the range from +24 to +31 degrees. Spring is a transition between the dry and wet seasons, which lasts a very short time. Inexpensive holidays in the Maldives in autumn are possible due to the short period when the Iruvai monsoon gradually takes over the islands.

Visa

To relax in the Maldives, tourists from almost all over the world do not need a visa (it is issued free of charge upon arrival in the country). All you have to do is pick good hotel, book a tour, buy tickets and apply for a passport, it will also come in handy. With only a minimum package of documents, you can enjoy the beauty of the Indian Ocean for a month. If the return ticket date falls within the thirty-day period of stay, then upon departure you will only pay an airport tax of $10-15. If you want to avoid unnecessary expenses and complications with visas, try to organize your vacation in the Maldives in the summer so that it does not exceed one month.

On the territory of the Maldives, there is the concept of a “tourist zone”, in which visitors can stay if they have a visa stamped in their passport. To visit atolls outside this zone, you must have an invitation from residents living in these places (relatives, friends) or obtain special permission from local authorities.
Do not plan to bring alcohol or pork (even pork sausage) into the Maldives. These products are prohibited in the country (alcohol can only be purchased at the hotel bar or restaurant), so they will be permanently confiscated from you. Moreover, do not drink alcoholic beverages, if you are outside the tourist area, you will definitely be fined a very substantial amount.
Outside the tourist area, there is a dress code: in public places you need to cover your shoulders (do not wear T-shirts, neckline is unacceptable, shirts with short sleeves are required) and legs to the knees (go out into the city only in long trousers or skirts).
Strictly follow all hotel rules that are related to the environmental cleanliness of the island.
Don't try to save money on souvenirs by trying to reduce the price. Bargaining is not accepted in the Maldives. Purchase souvenirs made from black coral and sea turtle shell only from a government-certified place, otherwise you will not be able to take them out of the country, it will be considered smuggling.

The Maldives is famous for its natural beauty, which includes blue ocean and white beaches, as well as clean air and pleasant temperature conditions. Thanks to its extraordinary underwater scenery and clear waters, the Maldives is considered one of the... best places in the world for amateur scuba diving. The Maldives consists of 1,192 coral islands, 50 of which have been developed into beautiful resorts.

1. Lily Beach Resort & Spa in Huvahendhoo

White Beach Resort and Spa is located on Huvahendhoo Island, surrounded by beautiful offshore reefs. White Beach is renowned for offering five-star luxury and an all-inclusive package that is rare in the Maldives.

Huvahendhoo Island is located in the southeast of Ari Atoll, Maldives archipelago. A memorable trip to this resort by sea plane from international airport Male takes only 25 minutes. You can fly over amazing world amazing islands and unique reef formations, providing yourself with endless pleasant memories for the rest of your days.

Resort White beach has a very good reputation around the world, valued for its pristine beaches, rich green vegetation, excellent snorkeling and scuba diving spots. A clear lagoon, white sandy beaches, stylish accommodation and much more make vacationers come back here again and again.

2. Island resort "Mirihi"

The name "Mirihi" refers to the small, delicate yellow flowers that can be found in all corners of this beautiful island. According to local folklore, flowers can be used to “get rid of poison.”

Mirihi Island Resort is located on a secluded tropical island in the south of Ari Atoll, approximately 85 kilometers south of the capital Male. This emerald islet is only 350 meters long and 50 meters wide, and has a sparkling, palm-lined beach with beautiful white sand.

With its white talcum powder beaches, emerald blue waters and some of the most stunning offshore reefs, it is truly heaven on earth.

3. Hideaway Island on Dhonakulhi

Island Hideaway on Dhonakulhi, Maldives, a spa resort and excursion boat harbor is a luxury boutique resort located on the uninhabited, pristine island of Dhonakulhi, in the northern Maldives archipelago. It is privately owned. The excursion boat harbor at Island Hideaway is the first of its kind in the Maldives. The island is a paradise of peace, tranquility and serenity.

Dhonakulhi is big Island crescent-shaped, covering an area of 234,000 square meters. On both sides there are beaches, each of which is 1.4 kilometers long, and the width of the island itself reaches 500 meters. The crystal clear emerald waters of the shallow lagoon reach a maximum of an adult’s chest and go far to the horizon, as far as the eye can see.

The island is unique due to its reef formation. The reef system on which it is located has a natural channel that divides it into two different parts, thus forming a natural harbor for excursion boats. In addition to coconut palms, banana trees and a range of other tropical trees, the island is covered in uniquely rich, lush vegetation.

4. Vakarufalhi Island Resort

Vakarufalhi, located in the southeastern part of the Ari Atoll, is one of the most favorite among tourists Maldives, and also the most popular place for scuba diving. Vakarufalhi is considered the center of scuba diving in the Maldives.

Vakarufalhi recently re-opened after extensive renovations to its rooms and buildings. Walking tour along the white, soft sand, during which your eyes will be delighted by the magnificent lagoon and coastal reefs, takes only 10 minutes. As if made to be walked barefoot, the island offers a unique, friendly and intimate atmosphere in which to explore some of the most... popular places for scuba diving in the Maldives.

5. Maayafushi Island Resort

Maayafushi is a simple Italian-style resort, with modest prices, high standards, and excellent snorkeling, operating in the style of the old Maldivian philosophy.

The small, oblong island is positioned almost perfectly from north to south. At the southern end of the island is the distinctive sandy tongue beach of Maayafushi, shorter and wider than before but still beautiful nonetheless. At the northern end of the island are overwater bungalows.

On the western side of the island you can enjoy the afternoon sun and also watch the sunset, while on the eastern side you can find excellent snorkeling spots located close to the beach. And it really is an excellent island for snorkeling. The corals stretch seven meters to where you can dive. The reefs are teeming with turtles, Malagasy night sharks, moray eels and schools of fish, and stingrays can also be seen occasionally.

6. Gangehi Island Resort

Opened in 2008 and nestled in one of the most seductive lagoons in the Maldives, Gangehi Island Resort offers a truly exclusive experience. The island can rightly be called a small paradise of rich vegetation and unusual architecture, which includes buildings made using ancient and expensive types of wood.

Gangehi is surrounded by two beaches, one of which, shaped like a tongue of sand, is famous throughout the Maldives due to the fact that at low tide it stretches for more than 800 meters, allowing you to enjoy long romantic walks. Whale sharks often appear in Gangehi Lagoon, as well as stingrays and other tropical fish species.

The 20 bungalows located on the beach, as well as 16 over-water rooms, are quite spacious and decorated in an unusual mixture of antique and modern furnishings. The resort has two restaurants, two bars and room service where you can order food on request. One of the restaurants offers Italian cuisine, but in the restaurant by the lagoon you can try Asian cuisine.

7. Dholhiyadhoo Resort

Dholhiyadhoo Resort is located in Shaviyani Atoll, in the northern part of the Maldives, approximately 250 kilometers from Male International Airport.

There are 100 villas throughout the resort, of which 65 villas sleep two people, and some even have private pools. It’s clear that you’ll have to shell out a lot of money for such luxury, but if you’re looking for a place to pamper yourself, you won’t find a better resort than this. This five-star resort opened at the end of 2011. It offers vacationers such amenities as a pillow menu, spa services and a huge variety of restaurants.

8. Veligandu Island Resort

The island resort of Veligandu is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon, stunning offshore reefs and long white sand beaches. This is the only resort on Veligandu Island, located in the north of Ari Atoll. Its area is about 9 hectares, its length is 600 meters, and its width is 150 meters.

The resort can be reached by sea plane from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. The 20-minute flight will delight you with picturesque landscapes. The resort has a total of 81 villas: 54 water villas with jacuzzi, 10 regular water villas, 12 beach villas with jacuzzi and 5 regular beach villas.

9. Filitheyo Island Resort

Filitheo is a resort island located in the northern part of Nilandhoo Atoll. This is a stylish resort that offers a very high standard of accommodation in lovely, spacious rooms. By Maldives standards, Filitheo is a fairly large island, measuring 900 by 500 meters. The interior of the island is covered with dense vegetation consisting of palm trees, hevea brasiliensis, mangroves and scaevola.

The island is not polluted or spoiled, and its beaches are wide and beautiful. On one of the beaches on the ocean side, where there is White sand, turtles lay eggs, and if guests of the resort are lucky, they will be able to see little turtles hatching from them.

10. Island resort Thulhagiri

Tulhagiri is located in North Male Atoll, approximately 13 kilometers from Male International Airport, which can be reached in just 25 minutes by speedboat. Tulhagiri offers the perfect combination of an unspoilt tropical island with all the amenities

Tulhagiri has beautiful beaches. The island is also known as Bird Island because there are hundreds of songbirds flying around it, and you can even spot the famous White-breasted Moorhen (a native bird).

11. Island resort Kurumba

Kurumba is the first resort in the Maldives, opened back in 1972. After a complete renovation in 2003, it became a huge resort, stylishly decorated in a distinctive style. Kurumba is just a 15-minute speed boat ride from the plane's landing site.

The name of the resort "Kurumba" comes from the coconut trees that grow here in abundance. Tropical gardens The resort's lovingly maintained facilities include an orchid greenhouse. Tree-shaded paths lead from one end of this 15-hectare circular island to the other. Intimate white beaches are protected by eco-piers made of weathered coral.

12. Komandoo Island Resort

Team is an idyllic private island resort, a paradise of charm and elegance, with beautiful sugar-sand beaches located at either end. This small island: Its length is 500 meters and its width is only 100 meters. The island is surrounded by a stunning turquoise lagoon and wonderful offshore reefs, ideal for snorkeling.

Among the lush tropical vegetation, a 40-year-old coconut tree plantation can be distinguished. The team is very well located, right at the mouth of the strait, which makes it very interesting for lovers of snorkeling and scuba diving.

It is impossible to predict what you will meet when you enter the waters of the lagoon: turtles, stingrays or sharks. Sitting on the terrace at the Kandu bar, you can often see pods of dolphins frolicking past.

13. Centara Grand Island Resort

Located between blue ocean And beautiful islands South Ari Atoll, the Maldives archipelago, the Maldivian island resort and spa Centara Grand (Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives) provides the opportunity unique holiday at a five star resort. Unparalleled luxury and a range of exciting activities suit both couples and families.

The resort has 112 rooms and villas to choose from to suit your needs. Holidaymakers at this resort have outstanding scuba diving opportunities. In the coastal reefs there is a specially submerged shipwreck, which is teeming with various species of fish. These reefs are considered some of the best scuba diving spots in all of the Maldives. The resort provides all guests with the opportunity to enjoy a holiday with all the amenities, stroll along the perfect white sandy beaches and swim in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

14. Paradise Island Resort

At the five-star resort known as Paradise Island(Paradise Island) has a local name - Lankanfinolhu. Paradise Island, which opened in 1994, is located in North Male Atoll, and is 9.6 kilometers from the airport. The length of this island is 1 kilometer and the width is 230 meters. It is surrounded by beaches and its coastal waters are inhabited by amazing marine life.

Paradise Island Resort is one of the most outstanding resorts in the Maldives. The island attracts tourists with first-class service, a huge variety of well-located restaurants and wide choice sports that you can do both on the beach and in the sea.

Lloret de Mar has long been recognized as the resort and tourist center of the Costa Brava. And this is no coincidence, because this resort town not only has beautiful beaches, but also famous for its variety of entertainment. An abundance of discos, bars, nightclubs, all kinds of entertainment programs and colorful shows attract young people and those who appreciate a fun and noisy holiday. Besides, LLoret de Mar- a city with respectable age and rich history. There's certainly a lot to see here between the beach and the dancing.

The city beach of Lloret de Mar is quite large and wide. It stretches one and a half kilometers in length. Experienced beachgoers note the amazing properties of the local sand - it does not stick to the skin at all, which is very pleasant, although it is not clear why this happens. It is important to know that the seabed ends abruptly in most areas of the beach. There are several places where children and weak swimmers are recommended to swim. There is a good rescue service on the beach, but even if you are an excellent swimmer, it is not advisable to swim more than 50 meters from the shore. After 18:00 the working day of rescuers ends.

In addition to the central beach, there are several small beaches in the vicinity of the city. They are all clean, well-maintained and picturesque, but safety precautions must be observed. For supporters active rest There are all possibilities for diving, diving with fins, and windsurfing. You can book a boat ride, go-kart or horseback ride. The only restriction is that kitesurfing is prohibited here, as well as on the entire coast.

Not so long ago, Tossa de Mar was a provincial fishing village. After the film “Pandora and the Flying Dutchman” was filmed here, in the 50s of the last century, first rich Europeans flocked here to relax, and then, thanks to the expansion of the tourism infrastructure, Tossa de Mar, fragrant with greenery, became a completely accessible resort for a wide range of people. vacationers. However, even today, despite the significant flow of tourists, this resort town has retained a quiet, calm atmosphere, favorable for secluded relaxation and contemplation of local beauties. Except picturesque nature and beautiful beaches located in cozy bays, the city attracts with its historical center and an ancient fortress located right on the shore.

There are several beaches in Tossa de Mar, among them there are very small ones, in secluded places where you can distance yourself from the crowd. And the largest and most populous beaches are Mar Grand, Mar Menuda and El Kolodar. Mar Grande is located under a rock on which there is a old castle Villa Vella, on the other side of the bay begins the beach of Mar Menuda. You can relax against the backdrop of the ancient fortress on El Colodar beach. All beaches are covered with good fine sand. All conditions are provided for diving enthusiasts here. And for those who would like to explore the depths of the sea, but do not dare to dive, they offer boat trips with a transparent bottom.

Blanes

Most southern resort and one of the most ancient cities on the coast, founded by the Romans back in the 2nd century BC, a small seaport Blanes has been attracting tourists since the middle of the last century. The city has preserved ancient castles and basilicas, and in its surroundings there are beautiful botanical gardens With beautiful names"Pinia de Rosa" and "Maar and Murtra".

The beaches of Blanes occupy a four-kilometer stretch of coastline. Some beaches are sandy, some are pebble. In addition to the largest and most crowded beach areas, there are also small secluded places. All beaches are highly clean.

The largest beach with the most extensive infrastructure is S’Abannel, which stretches 3 kilometers along the bay and is 60 meters wide. Showers and changing cabins, numerous bars, restaurants, fun water attractions for children - everything you can think of for a carefree and have a nice holiday, there is one here. If you love windsurfing and sailing, this is welcome and encouraged in every possible way.

The central city beach is much smaller in area, but this does not reduce its popularity. There are also all amenities here, as well as beach soccer and volleyball courts, several playgrounds, and pedal boat rentals.

The small beach of San Francesc is ideal for have a relaxing holiday with family, as well as for vacationers with small children. There is a gentle, smooth entry into the water and plenty of shallow water for kids.

Sights of the Costa Brava

A wonderful entertainment complex for vacationers of all ages. Fun water attractions are presented in a wide range: from dizzying slides for the bravest and most resilient to more gentle and completely safe entertainment for children. In addition, there is a dolphinarium with a beautiful show of dolphins and sea lions, as well as a mini zoo.
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 18:30.
Free buses are provided from Blanes, Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar.

Visit this mysterious place, without a doubt, is worth it both to true admirers of the work of Salvador Dali, and to those who are, in general, indifferent to him. After all, in this peculiar labyrinth there are so many interesting things, the purpose of which is even difficult to explain, that visitors literally plunge into a surreal world. Still, it is interesting to look at the original manifestations of the artist’s creative nature, combined with everyday life.
Opening hours: from 9:30 to 21:00.
Address: Cadaques, Port Lligat.

The ancient cathedral is rightfully recognized as the calling card of the coast. Built at the beginning of the 14th century, it was added and rebuilt many times and, as a result, is a striking representative of the mixture of diverse architectural styles. To get to the temple, you need to overcome a high staircase, which is associated with various beliefs. According to one of them, with each step the traveler gets rid of one of his sins. According to another version, a person who counts an even number of steps is sinless, and one who counts an odd number is sinless. Internal atmosphere Cathedral breathes greatness. Of particular interest are the cathedral museum and the treasury, where priceless exhibits are kept.
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 20:00.
Address: Girona.

Among the many medieval monuments of the Costa Brava, the ancient fortress of Sant Joan, located on a cliff directly above the sea in the town of Lloret de Mar, deserves special attention. The fortification structure was quite often subjected to enemy attacks, but, nevertheless, it was well preserved and has survived to this day in in excellent shape. You will have to climb steep stairs to get to the fortress. Inside the castle is historical Museum, and outside, picturesque city and seascapes will open before you.
Address: Lloret de Mar.

By visiting this unusual museum, you will have the opportunity to touch the artist’s amazing work, see 4,000 of his works: paintings, sculptures, holograms, photographs and jewelry. Even the museum building itself is surprising: it is built in the style medieval castle with fancy decorations in the shape of chicken eggs, it is difficult to confuse it with anything else in the world. It’s a pity that filming is prohibited in the museum, however, if you really want to, you can submit a written application in advance.
Opening hours: from 9:30 to 18:00.

Accommodation options in resort areas the popular coastline is more than enough. Hotels of all star categories are presented, closer to the sea or to attractions and entertainment facilities. It’s worth mentioning right away that hotels with own beaches here, as in the rest of Spain, no. But almost every hotel has spacious swimming pools.

All five-star hotels, in addition to standard services and comfortable rooms, offer all kinds of Spa treatments, and the pools are equipped not only with heating, but even with underwater music. Less star hotels are not far from their elite counterparts in terms of service and comfort. Air conditioning, satellite TV and now necessary Wi-Fi are present in every hotel, even not the most expensive one. Many hotels provide additional amenities for those who come on vacation with children.

By the way, prices for accommodation in three-star hotels on the Costa Brava are approximately half as much as in five-star hotels. This makes them very popular, therefore, despite the fact that there are more than two hundred of them on the coast, it is advisable to book a room in advance.

The Catalan coasts of Costa Brava and Costa Dorada are two of the most famous, popular and tourist developed Mediterranean areas of Spain. These destinations traditionally lead in the requests of Russians - this is where they come, first of all, for real estate and for recreation, for new gastronomic sensations and glamorous club pleasures, for the opportunity to arrange shopping or a ski party, for medical treatment or unlearning - and everything you need , can be found in Catalonia!

However, in the summer the word “sea” is most often heard. And this is understandable - the local rocky shores, combined with turquoise waves, provide excellent resort relaxation, and the sandy beaches simply attract tourists. It’s tempting to walk all of Catalonia along the surf line, exploring every cove, sinking your feet in the golden sand or climbing inconspicuous stairs carved into the rocks “only for your own” - for those who have fallen in love with this harsh wild beauty and can no longer imagine any other holiday. Well, those who are not yet familiar with the Catalan beaches, but are just getting ready, can also be envied - extremely pleasant emotions await them.

Aiguablava

Incredible beautiful corner holidays on the Costa Brava, near the city of Begur (province of Girona). Nature, with great imagination, created these bizarre contours of the coast: mountain ranges, covered with dense forest, seem to embrace and hide the charming beach bay from prying eyes. For lovers of trips on a motor boat or sailing, Aiguablava - perfect place for mooring, it is easier to get here by water than by motorway. An isolated beach, pure aquamarine sea, picturesque surroundings, a strip of land made of golden sand (length - 75 m, width - 25 m), the Blue Flag are the main advantages of Aiguablava, they are the ones who created great fame for this corner.

Service: beach equipment rental, telephone, shower, toilets, equipped access for people with disabilities, car parking, Puerto Deportivo de Llafranc sports port - 10 km, the nearest hospital Hospital Comarcal de Palamós - 14 km. The beach is reached by the GI-653 road, as well as the Barcelona-Port Bou commuter train line (Flaça station). For tourists visiting Begur for a few days, there is a magnificent historic luxury hotel of national importance - the Parador Nacional de Aiguablava.

Giverola Bay

Another beautiful sandy beach with a Blue Flag is located near the town of Tossa de Mar (province of Girona). A small natural harbor, surrounded by mountains approaching close to the sea, included in almost all “photo reports” about holidays on the Costa Brava - this corner is so colorful and at the same time cozy. The bay is perfectly suited for swimming not only adults, but also children: despite the mountainous microrelief of the area, there is no sharp drop off of the seabed.

Service: shower, rental of catamarans, kayaks and other watercraft, car parking, sports port Canyelles Club Náutico - 14 km, the nearest hospital Hospital Comarcal de la Selva - 25 km. The road leading to the beach is GI-682 (Tossa-Sant Feliu de Guíxols).

Sa Tuna

A wonderful recreation area in the Begur area, marked with the Blue Flag. Small (80x15 meters) mixed beach: pebbles and sand. The typical landscape of the Costa Brava is rocky massifs densely covered with green forest, a narrow strip of beach and the thick blue of the sea. The charm of this bay is given by the fishing boats rocking on the waves along with the yachts of tourists - local fishermen continue to practice their craft, just like their grandfathers did centuries ago.

Service: shower, telephone, car parking, sports port Puerto Deportivo de Llafranc - 12 km, the nearest hospital Hospital Comarcal de Palamós - 16 km. You can get there by intercity bus(Palafrugell-Begur line), or by commuter train Barcelona-Port Bou, (Flaça station).

Portbo (Port Bo de Calella or Portbò)

The most famous Catalan beach, famous even among those who have never been to these parts. Geographically, it belongs to Calella de Palafrugell, a suburb of the municipal center of Palafrugell, located in the province of Girona. A small urbanization that occupies a piece of the Costa Brava, in 2009 there were only 782 registered residents. Despite the fact that the tourist boom, which entailed a construction boom, did not bypass this corner of the Catalan land, it managed to preserve the natural beauty of the landscape. The town of summer residents, attached with its streets to a fishing village, is located on coastline, cut by sharp rocks.

Portbo Beach is made up of several small bays that are ideal for fans of diving and snorkeling, as well as for those who like to relax on a sun lounger. The bays are protected from the wind, and coarse sand does not stick to the body and clothes - which is especially appreciated by many vacationers. Crystal pure water allows you to admire the underwater world - starfish, urchins and schools of bright fish.

Roc de Sant Gaieta

An original, colorful town, known for its elegant architectural designs: neat buildings are like pieces of a mosaic made up of different mixed eras and styles. There is a very clean city beach with golden sand and calm water. The bay, with its surrounding houses and natural landscapes, is one of the most beautiful areas on the Costa Dorada. The beach is small: length – 170 m, width – 25 m. The most convenient way to get to it is by water. Not far from Roc de Sant Gaiet there is the national highway N-340.

Service: shower, rental of sun loungers and watercraft. Puerto de Comarruga Marine Sports Port is 10 km away.

Rovira Bay (Cala Rovira)

A small beach (length 218 m, width 35-40 m), which allows you to simultaneously admire the cliffs of the Costa Brava, its luxurious forest flora and clear waters in a small harbor. It gives vacationers a feeling of absolute harmony with the surrounding nature; it is no coincidence that this wonderful corner is marked with the Blue Flag and rave reviews from tourists. Located at the northern tip of Platja d'Aro. Access for vehicles is difficult, so tourists can leave their cars in the parking lots in Castillo de Haro ( Castillo de Aro).

Service: rescue services, Red Cross point, rental of beach equipment, shower, beach bar (drinks, fast food).

Santa Cristina d'Aro

If you are holidaying on the Costa Brava, then do not miss the opportunity to choose a day, board one of the small boats that cruise along the coast, and come to this lovely beach, usually not crowded. The sea here is shallow, warm, transparent, the sand is delicate, and the pine “hair” of the mountains descends almost right to the very edge of the water. A place created for the most relaxing holiday.

Canyelles

Located in the municipality of Lloret de Mar, this is the most distant beach from the city center. Golden sand, clear sea, and a full range of services allow tourists to feel comfortable here. Length beach strip– 400 m, width – 40, marked with the Blue Flag, there is the possibility of anchorage.

Service: showers, car parking, observation posts, rental points for beach equipment and watercraft, submarine area, sports port Canyelles Club Náutico. You can get to the beach along the GI-682 road (Blanes-Lloret). The nearest hospital is Hospital Comarcal de la Selva - 8 km.

Beach in Castelldefels (la playa de Castelldefels)

A wide strip of sand, almost 5 km long, with a total area of 500,000 m2, located 18 km south of Barcelona, between two unique natural ecosystems: the Llobregat River Delta and the Garraf Natural Park. Consists of three zones: La Pineda, Les Luminetes, Baixador.

The beach is suitable for activities aquatic species sports, there is a beautiful bottom and a clean shore for lovers of sea baths and sunbathing. Since 2006, the beaches of Castelldefels have been marked with Blue Flags, since 2007 - with the “Q” Tourism Quality Certificate and other prestigious awards and diplomas indicating excellent condition natural resources and the availability of a full package of tourist services.

Long Beach (Playa Larga)

This is how the name of this holiday destination in Tarragona is translated. The name does not deceive - the length of the golden sandy strip is almost 3 km. This is a flat coast with a smooth slope of the seabed, convenient for those who dream of playing football/volleyball on the beach, building sand castles with children, or simply measuring kilometers barefoot in the surf. The whisper of rolling waves, a refreshing salty breeze, a soft, calm panorama of the surrounding area - here you will find a real sea idyll.

Service: rescue services, ramps for people with disabilities, toilets, showers, telephone, rental of beach equipment and watercraft, car parking. Nearby are the maritime club and the sports port Port Esportiu de Tarragona - 6 km.

Beaches in Torredembarra

Province of Tarragona, Costa Dorada is real paradise for tourists who like to bask on the soft warm sand in between sea baths. The municipality is rightly proud of three coastal recreation areas: the Maritime Area, La Paella and El Muntañanz. The first two are quite small, from 780 to 820 m, equipped with all the necessary services, and have ramps for people with disabilities. El Muntañans is a place where nudists relax, a beach stretch more than 4 km long, located in an area of movable sand dunes and salt lagoons.