Some of the most alluring factors to Honeymooning in the Costa Brava are its many undiscovered coves and beaches, perfect for exploring with your new partner in life and the romantic, quaint little towns that dot the coastline heading north of Barcelona towards France. The ease of accessibility from Barcelona makes it the perfect weeklong “getaway from it all” destination or the ideal way to relax and decompress after a more active beginning of your honeymoon; sightseeing, enjoying nightlife, shopping and culture in BCN.
The most fabulous way to experience the Costa Brava is via a yacht, departing from the Port Vell of Barcelona or just north of town in Marina Mas Nou, via Charter & Dreams luxury yacht rentals. They have fantastic array of sailing and motorized boats to meet any style or size demand, but for a once in a lifetime occasion as special as your Honeymoon, I would suggest the sleek, motorized Abacus Marine 61, ideal for a more intimate voyage, with plenty of space for you and your hubby along with the crew, or the slightly more ample, Sunreef 62, a motorized catamaran, so you have the option to go “Au Naturel” aka sailing or use the motor when needed, not to mention the huge trampoline space for the two lovebirds to sunbathe the day away as your sailing up the coast.
Instant luxury begins the moment you step onto the chartered vessel, as the captain and crew cater to your every need with welcome drinks, snacks and the perfect menu for romance all week long. Every detail, from the top quality bedding and linens to the design finishes in the kitchen and bathrooms will leave you thinking that you’re in your own private five-diamond hotel, surrounded by the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
As you head north along the coast, you and your husband will be dazzled by the views of the many small beaches and coves, some less discovered than others, that fall in between the rock and pine filled cliffs. The best way to enjoy these is by leisurely anchoring to take a swim or snorkel together in each place. A few not to miss coves are; the stark contrasting smooth, tan rock facades of Peix, in the vicinity of Sant Feliu de Guixols, as well as the small, crescent shaped beach of Cap Roig and the crystal clear and calm waters of Cala Estreta both near Calella de Palafrugell. Do keep an open mind while visiting these beaches, as you’ll find Nudism is practiced in most places throughout the region. If you and your husband’s travel mottos are “When In Rome,” why not give it a try as you’ll find many private Calas along the journey perfect for private skinny dipping sessions as a couple and who knows, you may find it as liberating as I have.
The towns of Costa Brava are equally charming and a quintessential part of this yachting voyage. If you’re looking for some beach time but would like to avoid the nudists, the beaches in town are a bit more conservative, and there is much more to see beyond the beach. Anchor at both Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc nearby and take a dinghy ashore to explore on foot the culture of these picturesque villages. Afterwards, a must for a romantic sunset dinner, Restaurante Hostal La Llagosta, where you’ll have the most phenomenal fresh seafood, seafood paella or their house specialty, traditional Catalan fish suquet. Be sure to stay and linger well past sunset as the beachside location and views are fantastic!
Continuing up the coast another day, is Cadaques, the gem of the Costa Brava, where you’re certain to fall in love all over again…oh right you’re newlyweds, so you’re already in love. Cadaques is famed for being the residence and inspiration of Salvador Dali but its impeccable white village architecture with narrow cobblestone streets and gorgeous sea views can easily prove to be the inspiration of lovebirds the world over. Try to allow most of your day to explore around Cadaques on foot, as you’ll find fantastic little boutiques and art galleries around every corner, and be sure not to miss out on every opportunity you can to steal a kiss from your man.
Cuisine is not taken lightly here in Cadaques, with a fantastic array of restaurants of any international variety, yet all casual chic, it is the haven for any foodie couple. Try a special wine pairing lunch at the enology concept restaurant Dalicia Cadaques, and dinner at the rustic garden setting of Compartir, where you’ll be marveled by the tastes of El Bulli trained chef, Eduard Xatruch and his infusing of traditional Spanish dishes with molecular gastronomy surprises.
Before heading back to the yacht, stop off at Cafe Tropical, a tiny hole in the wall bar serving up great mojitos, with the lively music and dancing ambience of the Caribbean. When the two of you are properly tired from your day of exploring, jump back onto the dinghy and arrive at your floating hotel anchored in the bay. Grab a drink, a blanket and head out on the deck to take in the most spectacular view of this yachting journey, the stars and moonlight reflecting off the white buildings of this hilly town and then glistening down onto the Bay of Cadaques. It truly is a dream!
Set out early for another full day of sailing at a leisurely pace, including the necessary stops along the way for a swim together, and a simple, romantic lunch for two prepared by the crew on board. You’ll want to arrive at the lighthouse of Cap de Creus Natural Park at the northeastern most tip of Spain in the late afternoon, so you can enjoy a few hours of hiking and taking in the gorgeous views before sunset. This is an absolute quintessential spot for those memorable honeymoon photos you’ll share with future generations. Before heading back to the yacht, enjoy the rustic tavern style restaurant inside of the lighthouse and strike up a conversation with some local fishermen or eccentric artists who frequent the establishment.
Leisurely start your descent down the coast the next morning, and dock in the town of Roses, just before sunset. Restaurant Sodemar is right there in the Marina of Roses, only a few steps away from the yacht and they boast the freshest seafood in town along with a great selection of local wines in the perfect simple open-air setting. After dinner, take a hand held stroll along the lovely beachside promenade, Paseo de Maritima, as a welcome opportunity to return to your “land legs.”
Make it early to bed / early to rise, as the next morning, you and your hubby are off to Thallasa Sport Spa and Health Center, only a few blocks away from the port, to enjoy a morning of pampering. This wellness center focuses on natural medicine and holistic healing therapies that compliment their huge array of spa treatments, however they also offer the more standard anti stress massages and body treatments which are great to experience as a couple, de-stressing after the big wedding. (Insert photo Spa4) More active couples may want to partake in a class of Aqua Cycling before the spa treatments or you may just choose to linger a while in the sauna, steam room and hydro therapy pools throughout the facility. Before heading back to the boat, refuel with some healthy smoothies and salads and prepare to sail off by early afternoon…perhaps enjoying a post spa nap together in the sun or below deck.
As early evening approaches, it will be time to get all dolled up for a date night to remember at the #1 Restaurant In The World, El Celler de Can Roca. Your yacht can dock at El Mas Pinell, a fishing village on the coast, and a car service will take you to meet your chariot, a helicopter parked just 5 minutes away. The helicopter ride inland to El Celler de Can Roca in Girona is short, but the breathtaking views of sunset over the countryside, dotted with medieval castles, vineyards and historical homes is one you’ll never forget. The cuisine and service at Can Roca are impeccable, rightfully deserving all 3 Michelin stars, and being that the menu changes frequently, just follow the suggestions of your server for a guaranteed mouthwatering experience. Depending on the hour, you may want to just snuggle up together and doze off in the back seat of the town car for your 50 minute ride back to El Mas Pinell, or if you feel up to it, have the driver pass through the medieval walled city of Girona, which can be quite the captivating sight under the moon light.
As you work your way back down the Costa Brava the next morning, sailing and anchoring for swims in unique coves you encountered along the journey up coast, or repeating visits to any of the quaint towns you might have fallen in love with, take the time to reflect on your first journey as a man and wife and set some goals as a couple for future travel together…you may even want to repeat this magical journey on a special anniversary!
CREDITS
Article written by: Travel Expert, Amy Jarczynski, based on her original Costa Brava Yachting Travels documented on JetsetterGypsy.com