Things to do in Llafranc

This 12-hour tour from Barcelona explores the Girona coast, christened as the Costa Brava 100 years ago, due to its rugged coastline of small coves. Its superb natural beauty is apparent in several territories and protected areas. The area has also historically been a point of entry, transit, and settlement for different cultures and civilizations. Each has left a footprint, evidenced by the Greek and Roman sites in Èmpuries. Depart from Barcelona at 8:30 AM, and take the motorway to Calella de Palafrugell, a small fisherman’s village of great architectural and natural beauty, where you will visit its incomparable bays for spectacular views. Take an easy hike along the Camino de Ronda to the town of Llafranc. The Camino de Ronda borders all of the Costa Brava, and was historically used to control smuggling. Today, you will discover beautiful spots that wouldn’t otherwise be accessible. Explore the small seaside town of Llafranc, before heading to Pals at around noon. Located inland, on the top of a hill, the village is built entirely in an integrated medieval site. At the top, there is a 12th-Century cylindrical tower, which is visible from far away. Get stunning views of the Costa Brava and surroundings from the terrace, and walk through the cobbled streets of the old town, to appreciate the round arches, façades with pointed windows arches, and perfectly restored stone balconies. Continue to l’Estartit, an important diving center due to its close proximity to the Medes Islands’ archipelago, of significant interest for the wide variety of flora and fauna that inhabit the area. You'll have free time to eat lunch and then board a boat at 3:00 PM to explore the area from the water. Cruise for 1 hour and 20 minutes to the outer islands for spectacular views, then continue to the stunning cliffs of Sierra de Montgrí, only accessible by boat. Your final stop is the extensive Greek and Roman ruins of Èmpuries. An expert guide will take you on a guided tour of the site, the only one in Spain where both a Greek and later a Roman city existed together. Admire the remains of the city walls, the Acropolis, Market Square, and numerous other buildings. See the Roman city highlights, such as a mosaic floor in excellent condition, the Forum, remains of an amphitheater, and several statues and vestiges of street frameworks. Return to Barcelona at approximately 6:00 PM. You will arrive back at around 8:00 PM.

Begin this day trip with a visit to Calella de Palafrugell, where it seems that time stands still. Move on to the beach of Port Bo where you'll see the boats on their daily fishing trip. Along the coast, admire the low and whitewashed cottages that have been renovated but retain all the charm of yesteryear. The coastline in this area has been saved from the building frenzy has affected our coast lately. Uncover the Indiano Colonial-style houses, built for people who emigrated to America and Cuba and returned with a fortune. Some returned home with the memory of those foreign lands and its sweet and sad music, the Havaneres. On the beach of Port Bo, admire the packed boats filled with people singing their melancholic songs. Take a 15-minute walk along a sea path to Llafranc, a small Cove of golden sand with a small promenade, terraces, and restaurants. From here, the surrounding hills where the lighthouse of Sant Sebastià stands provides magnificent views over the coast. From Llafranc you'll go to Begur, another fishing village, with a castle at the top overlooking the coast and the plain of the Baix Empordà. Wander through the intricate narrow streets and small squares, discovering little gems that stand out over the other buildings. Stop for lunch in Pals, where you can taste the delicious rice that is grown in this area. After lunch, visit the Gothic quarter known as Pedro, the Church of Sant Pere, the Tower of the hours, and Peratallada, a marvel of medieval civil architecture. See how this small town retains its feudal inheritance intact, with narrow, winding streets and stone buildings. Visit the moat, the Castle-Palace, the square with porches, and other little streets that take your fancy.