Pineda de Mar holidays

Home to the famous Catalan cuisine, which dates back to Roman times, food is an integral part of the culture here. The local chefs manage to create masterpieces out of the most simple ingredients with the likes of mussels, cockles, beef, cheese and bread being largely consumed. They even have their own coffee, which is made up of coffee, sugar, rum and spices – a drink originally favoured by fishermen working late on a night. There’s a good choice of restaurants guaranteed to whet your appetite in Pineda de Mar, and Ca l’Aureli is one of them. The tapas are a must-try from chorizo soaked in cider to sizzling prawns and pork fillet with ham – tuck into a range of authentic options accompanied by a fruit filled jug of Sangria. British fare can also be found here, and Buccaneer Pub comes highly recommended with its English breakfasts and fish and chips. For cold Strawberry Daiquiris in the sun, make sure you squeeze in a trip to Moloko Beach, a shoreside bar where comfy sofas and hammocks invite you to relax on the sand.

With three kilometres of coastline you’ll never be short of sunbathing spots in Pineda de Mar. This wide expanse comes equipped with loungers, umbrellas and even showers. Known as Fisherman’s Beach, don’t be surprised if you see boats resting on its shoreline, and did we mention it comes with a prestigious Blue Flag award thanks to its safe gently shelving waters? Along the promenade you’ll find a number of snacks spots when you fancy some tasty Spanish food in the sun, while the watersports centre and sailing club promise plenty of activity whether you want to try your hand at windsurfing or prefer something a little tamer such as snorkelling.

The possibilities are endless when you come to Pineda de Mar, the beach has excellent water conditions ensuring safe Mediterranean dips, the local gastronomy scene is second to none and its century-old buildings offer a glimpse into the past. For more adventurous types, you’ve got Montenegro National Park making up your surroundings, while Barcelona isn’t much further.

Enjoy active days in Montenegro National Park: Covered by pine trees and mountain peaks, this stunning nature reserve proudly flaunts the region’s rural side. If you love nothing more than getting back to nature, you can take on this sloping terrain by foot, bike or even horseback. Admire the stunning views from its many inclines and don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the region’s wildlife with salamanders and racoons often spotted among its flora and fauna.

Go sightseeing in Barcelona: You can’t come to Costa Brava without stepping foot in the Catalonia hero Barcelona. Just a short drive away you could be in this seaside city in no time, where you’ll be greeted by some of Spain’s biggest attractions. Football fans will love tours of Camp Nou – the home of Barcelona FC. And the skyline is just as impressive with many of its masterpieces designed by Gaudi including Sagrada Familia cathedral, the unfinished structure which is the most celebrated landmark in the city. Or, you can always walk the beautiful tree-lined La Rambla, where pavement cafes are ideal for people watching.