Located on the beautiful Costa Brava with rugged cliffs and long sandy beaches, Sant Feliu de Guixols is a traditional fishing village. This idyllic seaside resort is still relatively unknown, but offers everything for a wonderful holiday under the Spanish sun. Besides the beautiful coast, the village has a charming old centre with centuries-old buildings and places of interest right behind the harbour. Because of the central location of Sant Feliu de Guixols, the village is the perfect base to discover both the seaside resort itself as well as its surroundings. The old city of Girona is located further inland, picturesque villages mark the coastline and the Gavarres and Ardenya massifs invite you to take breathtaking day trips into nature.

Overview of Sant Feliu de Guixols

Sant Feliu de Guixols is centrally located on the Costa Brava, making this friendly resort easy to reach by car or by plane. The airports of Girona and Barcelona are respectively 30 and 115 kilometres away. Despite this, it is a quiet and relatively unknown place where you will not find a crowd of tourists. That is why Sant Feliu de Guixols has managed to keep its charm.

The history of the fishing village goes back to the 10th century, when the construction of the Benedictine monastery started. In the years that followed, the town expanded around this monastery. In the 19th century, the development of a second area, east of the bay, started, which forms a large but interesting contrast to the medieval village centre. Although the Costa Brava is known for its rugged coastline, it appears to come to a head here. It is therefore not for nothing that the name Costa Brava, literally “wild coast”, originated here.

Long sandy beaches and intimate coves

The coastline of Sant Feliu de Guixols is around 10 kilometres long with a number of large sandy beaches and small, secluded coves. The large main beach, Platja de Sant Feliu, lies diagonally behind the harbour and is therefore sheltered from the wind. The fine sandy beach is 460 metres long, is adjacent to the old town and is ideal for families with children. The second largest sandy beach is Platja Sant Pol, located in the bay east of the harbour. Behind both beaches is a promenade for lovely walks and numerous activities.

The small coves near Sant Feliu de Guixols are usually more secluded and all are a paradise for snorkelers and divers. The enchanting Cala de l’Ametller, for example, is part of a protected nature reserve and can be reached via a stone path. The hidden Cala Jonca lies near the harbour and can only be reached by land. Cala Maset is a small but very deep cove 15 metres wide with lush pines, oaks and cork trees. Those who like quiet and picturesque coves will not be disappointed here.

The highlights of charming Sant Feliu de Guixols

The old town of Sant Feliu de Guixols may not be very big, but it is definitely worth a visit. The core is formed by the old Benedictine monastery, whose construction started in the 10th century. Part of the monastery is the old Romanesque gate Porta Ferrada and the church, Parroquia Mare de Déu dels Angels. The convent also houses the Carmen Thyssen museum, which has temporary exhibitions in the summer months. The city’s covered market, Mercat Municipal, was built in 1929 and is still in use. It is the place to be for fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. Behind the harbour is the museum Caseta del Salvamento de Naufragos, where castaways used to be taken care of.

On Sant Pol beach, admire the modern buildings, including Casa Estrada (1890-1912) and the 1889 Casino la Constància, striking with its Arabic features. Ermita de Sant Elm on the seafront is a 15th-century hermitage that was rebuilt in 1923 after being destroyed by French troops. A visit to Sant Elm rewards you with one of the most beautiful views of the coast. The story goes that this is where the Spanish journalist Ferran Aguilla coined the name Costa Brava (Wild Coast) and introduced it in a newspaper article.

Would you like to know more about the sights of Sant Feliu de Guixols? Then also read: Sant Feliu de Guixols – What to do and see on the Spanish Costa?

Adventurous and sporting activities

Fancy some action? With its rocky coast and beautiful coves, snorkelling is one of the activities you should enjoy here. Among others, Cala Jonca, Cala de l’Amettler and Punta de Garbí are excellent for discovering the underwater world. You can book organised trips to the most beautiful spots in the area, including the unique Mediterranean islands, at one of the diving schools in the town. Other water sports that you can try here are sea kayaking, surfing and sailing. Or book a boat trip and admire the coastline from the azure waters of the Mediterranean.

Unique in Europe is Vía Ferrata, a rock face at Sant Feliu de Guixols, which you can climb under supervision. Over a distance of 500 metres, you climb about 10 metres above the waves. There’s an easy part and a part for the more daring. If you prefer hiking or cycling, there are many options, including tours of the Gavarres or Ardenya massifs inland. From Sant Feliu de Guixols, there is a well-maintained route that connects the town with Gerona, among others. The route is 40 kilometres long and can either be cycled or hiked.

Day trip to beautiful Gerona

Sant Feliu de Guixols is only 35 km away from Gerona, the capital of the province. The city is smaller than Barcelona and therefore sometimes overlooked, but that is really unjustified. Gerona is one of the most beautiful cities inland of the Costa Brava. The city has had many occupiers, all of whom left their traces. The Visigoths, the Romans and even the Arabs have ruled here. The lively centre is compact, so you can easily reach all the sights on foot, but there is also a tourist train that takes you past all the highlights. Visit the old Jewish quarter, the Arab bath house and the old cathedral. Wander through the old streets and squares and let all the impressions sink in while enjoying a drink at one of the lovely terraces.

Charming villages and seaside resorts in the vicinity

Because of its very central location, within no time you are in the nicest and most beautiful villages in the vicinity of Sant Feliu de Guixols. Platja de Aro is only 6 kilometres away. This pleasant coastal town has nice nightlife and a lively promenade. In Tossa de Mar, 23 kilometres south of Sant Feliu de Guixols, the ancient fortifications run all the way down to the beach.

Looking for a bit of excitement? Then go to the famous Lloret de Mar or Blanes, where you will find the most vibrant nightlife on the Costa Brava with numerous discos. You can also visit some castles there, take a walk through the botanical gardens or go shopping in the many shops. Inland, there are also many places worth seeing. For art lovers, we recommend the village of Figueres, the birthplace of the world-famous painter Dalí and home to the Dalí Museum. For medieval history, visit the villages of Pals, Palau Sator and Peratallada where you will go back in time a few hundred years.

Natural beauty inland

The Costa Brava not only has magnificent nature on the coast and under water, but the inlan region is also blessed with beautiful landscapes that can easily be visited from Sant Feliu de Guixols. One such place is the rugged mountain massif of Gavarres with its highest point the Puig d’Arques (532 metres). There are several ways to explore the natural park, which also contains ancient monuments. There are walks and bike rides that you can enjoy alone or with a guide. If you are feeling adventurous, this area offers various options for an unforgettable horseback ride. But of course, you can also explore the area by car.

The Ardenya massif is an unspoilt area located to the south of Sant Feliu de Guixols. It is home to an extensive flora and fauna and streams of water meander through the mountains. With the highest peak Puig Cadiretes (519 metres), a hike or bike ride is a real challenge. If you are not up for such a climb, there are easier tours on foot, by bike or by car. Either way, you will be treated to breathtaking views.

Beautiful accommodations for a well-deserved holiday

Your holiday will only be successful if you stay in accommodation that suits your needs perfectly. Secure yourself an unforgettable place by booking a holiday home. Rest, relaxation and comfort are guaranteed. Club Villamar offers villas in Sant Feliu de Guixols in all shapes and sizes, so you will find one that suits your needs!

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