Begur

Begur sits on a hilltop promontory looking out to the Mediterranean on the Costa Brava in the region of Catalonia. It has a modest population of around 4,000, including a large expat community, which swells noticeably in peak tourist season from July-August. The town is popular for its proximity to beaches, hidden coves, camping and food, as well as the Cuban festival Fira d'Indians in early September. The festival marks the historical links between Begur and Cuba; in the 19th century, locals from Begur emigrated to the island and returned bringing their fortunes and elements of the culture back with them. Traces of this wealth and history can be observed in the distinctive Cuban architecture scattered throughout the town.

By plane

Girona airport is a 45-minute drive away from the town. There are regular budget flights available from the UK with Ryanair and Jet2 and with Ryanair to other European destinations several airlines although these are highly seasonal, and there are hardly any flights between November and March. There are more regular flights into Barcelona airport, a 2-hour drive away.

By public transport

There is a €9 train from Barcelona to Girona, and from there buses run to Begur town centre. The bus company SARFA have a regular service to the village from Estació del Nord bus station in Barcelona though it takes a good two and a half hours.

The town is largely walkable, albeit hilly closer to the castle. There is a bus service from the centre of the town down to some of the most popular beaches, Sa Riera, Sa Tuna and Aiguafreda which runs from mid-June to mid-September. A one-way trip costs €1 and takes about 10 minutes (October 2018).

House of Carmen Amaya

A beautiful farmhouse in a traditional Spanish style which once belonged to the great flamenco dancer Carmen Amaya. Much of the building, which now belongs to the local council, has now been converted to offices for the environmental department, with one room remaining a small but informative exhibition to Carmen Amaya. The people who work there apparently don't see all that many tourists and are more than happy to give interested visitors a short tour of the place.

• Visit some of the many beaches around Begur by foot or by bus
• Take a walk along the coast from Sa Tuna to Sa Riera beach. A popular walk for locals, expats and tourists alike. Suitable for dogs. Beautiful views of the coast and not too difficult, a few small parts with some clambering over rocks, but not requiring footwear any more heavy-duty than flip-flops.
• Visit the town centre with its historical architecture, old main square and myriad small shops and market-stalls.
• Fira d'Indians festival. A celebration of Begur's Cuban influence, the whole town is transformed into a street party for several days in early September every year with crowds, music, dancing and pop-up stalls.
• Take a walk up to the castle at night. It's free, it's a short walk (10 minutes from the base) and the whole town can be seen from the top.

There are a number of restaurants around Begur, many of which have English language menus to cater to expats and tourists.

• El Tapas de Begur. A small, friendly tapas bar in the main square, charging by the plate.

• Bar Musical la Bodeguita del Medio

  phone: +34 972 62 46 80
  address: La Bodeguita Del Medio C, Pi i Rallò 1 Bjs, Sot, 17255 Begur
  Fantastic underground bar just off the main square with walls covered in signatures and doodles from patrons. A nice mix of locals and tourists. Strong Cuban theme and great music, locals are known to break into spontaneous dancing. Can be a little stuffy in the summer months but they do have air-con which goes some way to offset this. Their Mojito Cubano is highly recommended.

• Bar Coscorrones

  phone: +34 972 62 34 54
  address: Plaça Forgas, 2 Begur
  Some of the cheapest drinks in town, mostly frequented by friendly locals.

• El Jardí de Can Marc

  phone: +34 972 62 31 19
  address: C/ de la Creu 10 - 17255 - Begur - Girona
  An open, social bar and garden with a range of drinks and traditional local food

There are several campsites around Begur, high-end hotels and myriad holiday homes to choose from.

Girona