Villa Biel at Catalunya

The Neighborhood

Perfectly placed in Platja de Pals on the Costa Brava, this villa is just a short stroll to the glittering sea. There are shops and restaurants 500m away, and captivating little towns like Begur and Palafrugell are five and ten minutes' drive away respectively. The villa staff can organise bicycle and motorbike hire, which is popular in the local area. There's plenty of gorgeous nature here and carefully maintained walkways where you can walk along the coast. The Platja de Pals golf resort is a spectacular club and the oldest on the Costa Brava. It is an 18-hole course and hosts many tournaments. The course takes place through a forest of pine trees. The Costa Brava area has an impressive coastline with countless gorgeous beaches - there are so many you could visit a different one each day if you like. The area also has lots of little coves that are perfect for a relaxing swim such as Aiguafreda and Aiguablavel. Platja de Pals beach itself is very wide, with dark golden sand and azure water. It's backed with a lush pine forest and sand dunes. You can indulge in watersports here, such as kitesurfing and windsurfing as well as sports like beach volleyball. One of the most popular beaches for families in the area is Platja del Roco, which is tranquil yet with a buzzing atmosphere. It is very accessible for wheelchair users, as there are walkways and ramps. The beach is also linked to Sa Riera, another captivating beach. Begur - at the heart of Emporda hills - has an ancient castle with a superb view of the hills and medieval buildings from the top. There is a beautiful Old Town to explore here where you can while away an afternoon in the little shops. In Palufragell, a working fishing village with lots of charm, there is a rocky coastline and a lovely atmosphere. The Medes Islands, which is a small archipelago of islets, has some of the best diving in the area. The thriving coral reef is full of exotic marine life - there is a school where you can organise a dive. The islands are part of Baix Ter National Park, a biodiverse area that covers eight towns alongside the Montgrí Massif mountain range. The villa is part of Catalonia, so guests could take a day trip to Girona, which is 55km away. Visit Rambla de la Llibertat, a famous shopping street with boutiques and cute craft and jewellery shops, as well as high street brands. There is a beautiful park called Devesa, surrounded by several rivers - so peaceful for a stroll surrounded by nature. For a spot of culture, visit the Arab Baths from the 12th-century Roman era. The architecture is stunning and well-preserved. Placa de La Independencia is a great spot for a coffee and some people-watching.