Being an inland city, during the summer months Girona´s climate always seems to be about five degrees hotter than here on the Costa Brava coast in l’Escala.. Our Girona neighbourhood, La Devesa is eerily quiet during July and August. Desolate and empty, a stark contrast to the coastal towns which are the opposite. On the plus side, parking is easier.
You may have noticed from previous blog posts that we’ve been bigging up this Costa Brava resort a lot recently. That’s because we’re lucky enough to have a small bolthole, a quiet retreat from Girona city that’s just a ten minute stroll to Playa Montgo.
This part of L’Escala is a popular spot, a sheltered shallow cove with soft sand and a pebbled shoreline. It’s well served with a handful of bars, restaurants and a beach bar (chiringuito) during the summer season. With three large camping sites nearby and day trippers, it’s somewhere we try to avoid in August as it gets too crowded.
There are less busier but equally charming beaches strung out along the stretch of coast between L’Escala and the tiny hamlet of St Marti d’Empuries. You share the wide footpath (Passeig Dr Pi i Llussa) with cyclists and the occasional tourist train. It hugs the dunes with periodic views of the coast and access to beaches like Platja del Rec and El Portixol.
At about the midway point you’ll notice the hostel, a two storey white washed edifice facing the sea. That simplistic minimalist white theme permeates inside.The hostel description belies its chic laid back charm, and the room prices. Boasting four stars, it’s open year round and includes an adjoining spa complex.
It’s always wise to book ahead, it’s late June on a Sunday so we ask for a table on their terrace. The indoor dining area is fine but on a sunny day you want to be parked outside, and enjoy those far reaching views across the Bay of Roses. And of course a nice glass of something.
Fine dining with fine prices, lunch for 4 with pre-lunch cocktails was just shy of 300€
I should also add that we’ve also tried the continental breakfast buffet here, (8 to 11 am) and you don’t need to be a hotel guest. At the time of writing the cost was 23€ per person. With plenty of tempting morsels like cold meats, cereals, homemade yoghurts, pastries and smoothies. My favourite was a pond green concoction with coconut.
Oh and if you’re in the mood for a chilled glass of Cava, just help yourself, it’s all included.There’s also a small menu of hot dishes so some of us went for the eggs benedict, available with bacon or salmon. Extra rasher of bacon or extra hollandaise sauce, no problem.
