Platja d’Aro (or Playa d’Aro) is approximately 40 kilometers from Girona in Catalonia, Spain, and 110 kilometers north of Barcelona on the coast of the Costa Brava. It’s a well-known resort of the Catalan people, cosmopolitan with a historical town centre, great beaches and lots of entertainment all year round. If your vacation rental in Spain is close by, a visit to Platja d’Aro is a must. The resort is comprised of two areas: Castell d’Aro is the historic area, located 3 kilometers inland and constructed around the medieval castle and church; and then you have the modern, vibrant resort town next to the beach of Platja d’Aro.

 

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This resort is easy to reach by bus or car from other resorts and inland towns on the Costa Brava. It has excellent shopping that incorporates a mix of markets, high-end chains like Mango and Bershka, and local artisan shops. The beachfront is sprinkled with cafes and restaurants overlooking the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. On the beach a variety of water sports can be enjoyed, and if you are looking to achieve your PADI certification there are many dive schools in which you can enroll.

Although there is much to do on a daily basis in Platja d’Aro, it is also worth mentioning the annual festivals and events including the Beer Festival – a smaller Catalan version of Oktoberfest – the carnival, and the medieval market which tours each Spanish town, and is held in Castell d’Aro.

When you rent a villa in the Costa Brava it’s easy to get comfortable by the pool and not explore your surroundings; however, there is so much to see in this area, and you would be missing out. The cities of Girona and Barcelona are a short drive away as are the Pyrenees if you feel like hiking in the great outdoors. There are also many interesting and picturesque coastal resorts on the Costa Brava which are truly captivating.

 

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In the town centre and beachfront restaurants, you will find typical dishes of the Catalan region including the favourite breakfast dish of Pa Amb Tomàquet – toasted rustic bread, rubbed with garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper, and tomato passata. This can also be served with sausage, Spanish potato omelette, or ham. This dish is easy to make and can easily be recreated on the terrace of your Costa Brava vacation rental. Sardines are very popular and freshly caught here, are are ideal for tossing into your next stew.

If relaxation is in order and Platja d’Aro is a little too lively for you, head to the upmarket resort of S’Agaro just a few miles away and enjoy the tranquil splendor of this attractive seaside town.