It drives me during my time at the Costa Brava The first time in the town Begur. The well-known arts and crafts market will take place for the last time this year. The numerous small shops open again to browse before the winter break moves in.
Begur at a glance
- location: Costa Brava, Girona Province, Catalonia
- castle: The Castell de Begur dates back to the 11th century, stands on a hill and is the landmark of the town. It is protected as a cultural asset of national interest
- story: The beginnings extend to an Iberian settlement in the 6th century BC. back
- Indians: In the 19th century, many residents emigrated to Cuba and, upon their return, built magnificent colonial-style houses
- Fixed: Fira d’Indians First weekend in September
- Beaches nearby: Sa Riera, Aiguablava, Sa Tuna and Platja Fonda. For the hike: Camí de Ronda from Sa Tuna to Sa Riera
Towards the sun
Already the way from Torroella de Fluvia In the historic village is fantastic. The sun is insatiable today. The sky is bright blue. I open the car’s sunroof. Warmth comes over me and I literally suck in the fresh wind. The winding roads are lined with pine trees. Mountains sink in the sea on the horizon. October could not give me more perfect weather.
I park the car at the foot of the Medieval Castle. There is a lot going on here for the season, but at the end of October I almost have the parking space to myself and the streets are almost deserted. I enjoy the sun’s rays that make their way between the houses all the more. I head to the Plaça de la Vila, the historic center of the village.
Historic center and perfect location
Typical for the town center are the up to twelve meter high defensive towers, which were once built in the Middle Ages. Over the years, the place has been clearly dressed up for tourism. That didn’t do the village character. Exclusive tourism is more dominant here today, the locals used to live mostly from trade in corals, and later with cork. However, after the cork industry collapsed, many locals were forced to relocate their center of life to South America. The “Indianos” came back to Spain. “Casas de Indianos” are therefore called the stately houses built by the returnees in the Caribbean colonial style.
They still adorn the streetscape today. Anyone who has ever been in Begur should make the effort and go up the castle hill. Above the roofs of the city, the view extends up here with good visibility all the way to the coast. probably the biggest plus Begur is his perfect location. The municipal area is characterized by numerous hills – Massís de Begur and a long stretch of coast. a little above the Cap de Begur and Cap Sa Sal Begur, surrounded by holiday settlements, is a pretty retreat.
The scent of cotton candy
The Plaça de la Vila shines in the sunshine. A stand with caramelized nuts and cotton candy sweetens the air. Families stroll around. Halloween is just around the corner this weekend. The perfect occasion for the little ones to hide behind creepy make-up masks and eat sweets without ending up.
There are few market stalls on this day. But those who are there offer pretty little things from clothing to natural cosmetics to food. The small shops in the alleys of the old town offer a lot in the final sale.
But the attention on this day is only one of the sun. Almost everywhere where you look, people bask in the warming rays of the sun. There is a chat, laughs and drinks. The small cafes are packed. I take advantage of the moment and stock up on souvenirs for family and friends. The pretty little streets are literally screaming to be explored. Ornate lanterns. Caribbean colonial style on the facades. Olive trees in the sunshine.
If you don’t get enough of the extraordinary town à la Begur, you should take a little detour to the nearby Pals do Similar to here there is pretty houses and alleys, cafes and shops. I still enjoy the hustle and bustle of the market. An ice cream café in the sun is the topping on an already perfect day…
Frequently asked questions about Begur
What can you see in Begur?
Sights include the historic center, the Castell de Begur on the hill, the Indiano houses and the handicraft market.
What are Indiano houses?
These are colonial style villas. In the 19th century, many residents emigrated to Cuba, returned rich and built magnificent houses.
When is the Fira d’Indians in Begur?
First weekend in September. The dress code is white linen and straw hat.
Which beaches are near Begur?
Among the most beautiful bays nearby are Sa Riera, Aiguablava, Sa Tuna and Platja Fonda.
