“The richest human isn’t the one who has the most, but the one who needs less. Wealth is a mindset. Want less and appreciate more today.”
I am always fascinated by the association between the way we enjoy happiness on a daily basis and how we choose to live our lives. There are choices that you make every day, some of which seem completely unrelated to your happiness, that dramatically impact the way you feel mentally and physically. In our daily lives it’s easy to miss the forest for the trees and completely overlook some of the small, simple things that can disproportionally affect our levels of happiness and general fulfillment in life.
A week ago I spent five days with my best friend in S’Agaró, Spain. Last time we’ve met was three years ago, so now it was about time for a reunion. Happiness lives in small things, and I am grateful to have people in my life, who light me up and make me feel so blessed everyday. A strong friendship doesn’t need daily conversation; doesn’t always need togetherness. As long as the relationship lives in the heart, true friends will never part, so is my friendship with Molya.
She took her time and showed me the best places of S’Agaró, which is an upmarket resort on the classy side of Costa Brava between Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Castell-Platja d’Aro in Catalonia, Spain. This trip was a fully pleasure trip, no work and I tried to switched off completely. I even thought that I won’t take any photos, but like I do – I took my camera with me and I thought I might see something interesting and want to photograph. So this post is a complete unplanned post, but as I had a wonderful time and I’ve visited Costa Brava for the very first time, though I might share some highlights here with you. I spent lot of quality time with my friend and her baby girl, where all we did was spending the whole day on the beach, swimming in crystal blue water of S’Agaro, sunbathing, have great local food and good conversation.
The holiday house where I stayed is a part of the exclusive camí de ronda following s’Agaró’s coastline area. In the 1950s the name la Gavina and S’Agaró stood for luxury in the Mediterranean. This quiet resort on the beautiful Costa Brava was uninhabited as recently as the 1920s and it retains its wild natural beauty despite the addition of a few hotels, bars and restaurants. The international jet set and members of the Spanish royal house felt at home here. At the time, the big Hollywood stars appeared on the Costa Brava and shot their films. Fascinated by the beauty and unspoiled landscape, the Costa Brava attracted the attention of directors and film producers. For example, films such as “Suddenly, Last Summer” (1959), “Whispering Shadows” (1921), “Pandora and the Flying Dutchman” (1951), “The Light at the End of the World” (1971), and many more. The world famous five star Hostal de la Gavina dominates the view from Sant Pol beach and was popular with movie stars such as Charles Chaplin, Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, Elizabeth Taylor, Sean Connery along with famous royalty families etc.
If you are searching for the picture-perfect beaches with clean golden sands and views across the Mediterranean, you can plan Costa Brava for your next summer trip. By night, peaceful S’Agaro has some great seafront bars and restaurants, and won’t be disturbed by all-night clubbing. Here I want to share some tips:
Best resorts near-by S’agaro
Platja d’Aro
A ten-minute drive brings you to S’Agaro’s lively neighbour, Platja d’Aro. A town of two halves, Platja d’Aro is made up of a picturesque medieval area complete with castle, as well as a cosmopolitan beach resort with bright lights and large hotels.
Sant Feliu
A short ten minutes in the opposite direction and you’ll come across the pretty coastal town of Sant Feliu. As is so common in this area of the Costa Brava, ancient history walks happily hand-in-hand with modern beach culture. You can sunbathe on a gorgeous sandy beach, visit a 10th century monastery, stroll around a scenic natural park and enjoy an evening in a lively Spanish bar – all in the same day.
Lloret de Mar
Half an hour south of S’Agaro lies the party town of Lloret de Mar. Possibly the package tour capital of the Costa Brava, Lloret de Mar has beautiful golden beaches and plenty of spots to enjoy the warm sand between your toes. It’s a big town, that is packed with amenities, so if this is what you like, it should be your type of place. If you’re looking for a more quiet holiday destination, then it won’t be your style.
Things to Do in S’Agaro
Exploring S’Agaro…
Cap Roig Botanical Gardens
Wander through the astonishing collection of over 1,000 exotic plants and flowers in this spectacular cliff-top garden, less than half an hour’s drive from S’Agaro. Dotted with surprises from cacti to sculptures, it’s a dreamy place to while away a sunny afternoon.
Sant Feliu History Museum
The History Museum of Sant Feliu de Guíxols provides a different way of finding out about history, discovering original historical sites and immersing yourself in the past through the different trades and skills and old ways of life. Housed on the site of the Benedictine Sant Feliu de Guixols monastery, this charming museum tells you all about the rich history of the area. As well as fascinating archaeological artifacts, they also host innovative modern exhibitions.
S’Agaro beaches
S’Agaro is blessed with incredible beaches. Long stretches of golden sands and the warm waters of the Mediterranean are lined by leafy trees and rugged rocks. The main beach, Platja Sa Conca, is divided into two different sections by a rocky outcrop. The sea floor in one section is soft and sandy, making it great for families, while the clear waters around the rocky sea floor in the other section are a hit with divers and snorkelers. A pretty coastal path leads you the short distance to the Port d’Aro marina with its bustling bars and cafes.
The nearby Platja de Sant Pol beach is also a beautiful place for a day of sunbathing and swimming. This large stretch has more going on than Sa Conca with a great choice of watersports, a Kids Club and a fun playpark.
Food and drink in S’Agaro
Catalan cuisine
They say that the food of Catalonia is among the best in Spain and as you might expect from its lucky coastal setting there’s plenty of fresh fish and seafood on the menu. You’ll find lots of typically Mediterranean cooking using olive oil, sunshine vegetables, cured meats and crusty fresh bread.
Try a few Catalan classics, if you are a meat eater than you should try escudella, Catalan cod cooked with raisins and pine nuts, and savoury coca (a thin dough served with vegetables and sardines). For desert you can’t beat a wobbling crema Catalan, a sweet set custard with a crunchy sugary top similar to crème brulee. For drinks, you should try the local sparkling cava or a jug of fruity Spanish sangria.
S’Agaro restaurants
There’s not a huge choice for eating out in S’Agaro, but you will also find some great restaurants and cafes along the coast in neighbouring Sant Feliu and Platja d’Aro. The best restaurants in S’Agaro can be found along the waterfront, serving everything from fresh seafood to pizza and sushi. There also some lively tapas bars where you can sample a selection of small but tasty dishes with your beer or cocktails.
Restaurant Marisqueria Xaco
Avenida Del Cavall Bernat 112, 17250 Platja d’Aro
Committed to quality and to maintaining a tradition of excellence, Xaco serves the finest food from land and sea. I had the best traditional fisherman’s paella, fish stew casserole (black tinted rice with fresh fish), and vermicelli prepared with garlic prawns. These delicious dishes are traditional Catalan cuisine and will satisfy the most demanding of palates. Oh, and you should also try the homemade pastries and desserts, they are really amazing.
Els TINARS
Ctra. de St. Feliu, km 7,2, 17240 Llagostera
Els Tinars restaurant is currently run by the third generation of the Gascons-Lloveres – Palagós Vergés family. Its story goes back to 1918, Els Tinars has become a restaurant frequented by regular, local clients, many of them foreigners as well. With a Michelin star awarded in 2008, their cuisine is excellent. The black truffle and butter sauce with tender potato gnocchi, the tuna tartar and the beef tartar was mind blowing. Els Tinars is always fully booked, so make sure you book your table in advance.
La Taverna Del Mar
Platja de Sant Pol, 17220 S’Agaro
The Taverna del Mar reopens its doors this 2017, with the chef Lluís Planas, newly arrived from Palamós with a wide experience in restaurants of the Costa Brava and a great connoisseur of Mediterranean seafood. Bar Terrace has a snack menu that can provide anything from a breakfast in the morning, an aperitif at noon, tapas in the middle of the afternoon after sunbathing and also a menu of cocktails and drinks to enjoy the evening by the sea. Located in the heart of the Bay of Sant Pol de S’Agaró, therefore is always booked, but I hope you won’t experience the bad service like I have – that made me leave the restaurant in a minute. I am sorry, but I cannot deal with arrogant and disdainful restaurant staff.
Terraza la Gavina
Pza. Rosaleda, s/n, 17248 S’Agaró, Province of Girona
The gastronomic director, Michelin-starred chef Romain Fornell, brings brightness to the legendary gastronomy of Hostal de La Gavina with a Mediterranean style and a delicate French touch. Exceptional terrace in the gardens of the Hotel next to the main entrance, it’s an ideal place for an aperitif, to eat or dine at any time of the day. Same menu as in the El Barco Restaurant. In summer the Hotel organizes weekly live music to accompany the sunset. Open every day from 12 to 00 h. Reservations are not allowed.
El Celler De Can Roca
Carrer de Can Sunyer, 48, 17007 Girona
Unfortunately, we haven’t been here, because you have to book your table approximately. one year earlier. Yes, o-n-e y-e-a-r earlier! Many say it’s the world’s best restaurant and according to press and many reviews, it must be true. Maybe next time I will go to El Celler De Can Roca and I can give my personal restaurant review here.
San Marinada
Passeig del Fortin s/n, 17220 Sant Feliu de Guixols
Delightful location overseeing the marina, great service and excellent seafood. Pricier than the other Sant Feliu restaurants but it is worth it, as quality of food is high. Great menu for lunch and dinner, everything is fresh and sophisticated but simple plates with lots of taste. I highly recommend it!
The Cosmopolita
Nuestra Sra. del Carmen 12, 17250 Platja d’Aro, Girona
Located in Platja d’Aro and set on the beachfront, Cosmopolita Hotel Boutique boasts an outdoor pool and several furnished terraces with sea views. The hotel offers a variety of restaurants and a beach bar, also a sushi restaurant open at night, as well as a poolside bar with sea views.
This cheesecake at Els TINARS was amazing.
I had the best traditional fisherman’s paella at Marisqueria Xaco.
All photos © DisiCouture
*this post is not sponsored
