History of the Costabrava

Geographical Location
Costa Brava is the name given to the northernmost stretch of the Catalan coast which runs from the Spanish-French border to the mouth of the Tordera, between the towns of Portbou and Blanes. It is the coastline of the Emporda and Selva regions. The city of Girona is an important feature of the Catalan province.
Along the Costa Brava a series of mountain ranges run headlong into the sea, forming the rocky crags which give in the wild and rugged appearance to which is owes its name (Costa Brava means brave or fierce coast). Between the headlands are small secluded coves and beaches with pine groves running down to the water's edge. Here and there long sandy beaches, like those round the Gulf of Roses or at Pals, provide a contrast in scenery.

Information about Costa brava
The Costa Brava has a unique coastline: only here can we find such beautiful small coves formed by the effect of sea erosion on different types of granite. Inland, the rivers Fluvia and Muga water a fertile agricultural plain.
The marshes formed at the mouths of these rivers, are included in the famous Aiguamolls de l'Emporda Natural Park, whose 4783.5 hectares form the second largest marsh area in Catalonia. The Aiguamolls are a regular stopping place for many species of migrating birds.
Special mention must be made of the Cap de Creus, a peninsula of outstanding natural beauty.
The Alt Emporda has a Mediterranean climate, with rain in Spring and Autumn.
A climatic feature of the area is a frequently strong and gusty north wind called the Tramuntana. This wind causes the sky to be almost permanently cloudless, giving the daylight a special clarity throughout the Alt Emporda .
There are many dolmens scattered throughout the Alt Emporda . Historic buildings include the monastery at Sant Pere de Rodes (9th. and 10th. century), which is a National Listed Building and one of the most important medieval ruins in the Iberian Peninsula.
In Roses there is a cathedral which was built by Charles V, and in which can be seen ruins of the ancient Greek settlement of Rhode.
Castella d'Empuries is noted for its Gothic cathedral.
The fine castle at Peralada has been converted into a casino, and also houses the Wine Museum.
Among many other attractions, mention must also be made of the Benedictine Abbey at Sant Quirze de Colera, Requesens castle and the castle of Sant Ferran (Figueres), which is the second largest fortress in Europe.
Many citizens of the Alt Emporda have gained international fame, including Salvador Dali, born in Figueres in 1904, who many years later (1974) was to found his famous museum. Narcas Monturiol, born in Figueres in 1819, experimented successfully with the submersible craft which later came to be called submarines. The first was the Ictineo, built in 1864.
Other names to remember are Ramon Muntaner, a medieval chronicler born in Peralada, Victor Catala , pseudonym of Caterina Albert, a writer from l'Escala, Angel Planells, a painter born in Cadaques in 1901, and Albert Boadella, the director of the Joglars theater group.