Whenever I thought of Costa Brava previous to this trip, I instantly got a mental picture of overcrowded beaches filled with a million tourists and their towels, my idea of hell (although with that said we have had some wonderful family holidays in Tossa de Mar when Matt was young). I am thankfully now seeing this beautiful coastline through very different eyes. For a start it’s out of season of course. The Brits abroad are still back in old Blighty awaiting the start of the package deals. The Spanish are out in force however as Easter is their big holiday, Semana Santa. We are exploring the less touristy towns and have now moved up the coast to Palamos. The Aire here is just great. It has brilliant services and laundry facilities. It’s set on a series of gravelled terraces with a fairly steep approach but don’t let that put you off, our bus made it to the top with ease. If it’s dry, there’s also a sandy field area, much better for us as you can set up camp properly. We are settling here until after Easter now as things are getting busier and it’s turned hot and sunny, amen to that. If you prefer a site, there is a really good all singing all dancing campsite two minutes down the road.

There are a few beaches and a stunning coastal path if walking/mountain biking is your thing. Our first walk takes us via Fosca to Cala S’Alguer. The nineteenth century fishermans huts are still in situ, a quaint, tiny hamlet on the beach with its brightly coloured boats tethered amongst the pine trees. The water is emerald coloured and crystal clear. It’s so so beautiful.

Next along is Platja de Castella with its Iberian ancient ruin perched on the headland. Another stretch of white sand and turquoise water. Equally pretty and unspoilt.

Palamos is still a busy working port. It has a harbour and a marina housing a few leisure boats. It relies heavily on fishing for its main livelihood. At 5pm every evening there is a fresh fish sale down on the Marina. It’s wonderful! The fish is literally straight off the boats and onto the trestle tables. The delicacy here is spiny sea urchins. I have no idea how to cook these so I’ll save them for an eating out experience! Langoustines are in season so we cycle down to buy some for supper. They are huge!

We just love cooking up outside. What a feast. Next to the fish market is the Museu de la Pesca dedicated to the fishing industry. It’s really interesting and well worth the 5€ entrance fee. There are cookery displays etc. All good stuff. My kind of Museum.

In addition to the fish market there is a daily municipal market in the middle of town. As you may have gathered, I do love a market. Amazing fresh regional produce sold here and even more fish. It all enthuses me to enjoy trying new recipes even more than I already do. The market cafes are always a good place to while away an hour and watch the world go by. They usually serve the best coffee too.

The town beach is busier than the coves. There are a few high rise hotels along the seafront. It tends to be more breezy on this side so it’s also popular with kite surfers. Lots of little boats moored up along the sand. The old town leading up from the beach is a myriad of streets and squares with a couple of interesting churches to see.

Town is buzzing with local life. There are some really great shops ladies and today, for one day only, my shopping privileges have been restored. Yippee, wind me up and watch me go!!

Heading back to base now for Good Friday tapas and a couple of hours sunbathing.

Before I go just a quick word of advice for my Motorhoming buddies. Here at Palamos, as we have experienced at many other places on this trip, when we plugged into the hook up (using a 2 pin adaptor), we had reverse polarity. I would strongly recommend you to invest in one of these.

It’s a simple plug in checker and all you need to do to rectify in most cases is turn the two pin upside down. You will hopefully then get a correct reading. You can pick up proper adaptors but I am no expert, this is a simple fix which has worked for us but obviously only works on two pin fittings. Worth a try.

Ok you lovely people I’m off to catch some rays now, this tan won’t top up itself. Hasta luego Amigos. Enjoy your Easter break.

Xxx