Sant Feliu de Guixols is a popular coastal town in Costa Brava, in the municipality of Baix Emporda, situated on a bay dominated by the Sant Elm headland, an excellent look-out point, on the north eastern coast of Spain, about 113 km. from Barcelona Airport and 30 km. from Girona Airport. It is one of the most exclusive areas of the Costa Brava.
What to Expect?
Sant Feliu de Guixols is a beautiful coastal townthat ffers visitors a perfect combination of natural beauty, history, and culture. The town has a rich history dating back to the Roman period and is home to several important landmarks and monuments.
Sant Feliu de Guixols is characterized by its beautiful coastline, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. The town has several beaches, including the main beach, Sant Pol beach, which is one of the most beautiful in the area. The beach is wide and sandy and offers excellent facilities for tourists, including restaurants, bars, and water sports equipment rental.
In addition to its beaches, Sant Feliu de Guixols has a charming old town that is well worth exploring. The town’s historic center is filled with narrow streets, historic buildings, and ancient churches. The highlight of the town’s old quarter is the Placa del Mercat, a beautiful square that is home to a traditional Catalan market.
One of the most impressive landmarks in Sant Feliu de Guixols is the Monastery of Sant Feliu. The monastery dates back to the 10th century and is a beautiful example of Catalan Romanesque architecture. The monastery is home to a museum that displays various religious artifacts and works of art.
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Another interesting attraction in the town is the Museu d’Historia de Sant Feliu de Guixols. The museum is housed in an ancient Gothic building and tells the story of the town’s rich history through various exhibits and artifacts.
Sant Feliu de Guixols is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. The town is located close to several natural parks and protected areas, including the stunning Parc Natural del Montgrí. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities in the park while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Things to Do & See in Sant Feliu de Guixols…
Things to do and see in Sant Feliu de Guixols are endless. Popular attractions and sights include;
- The sandy beach of the town,
- the seafront promenade,
- water sports, cycling, hiking,
- Gothic church belonging to the old Benedictine monastery with the well-known Romanesque iron gate of Porta Ferrada (main site to Catalonia’s oldest arts festival,
- the “Porta Ferrada International Festival” of music, dance and theatre),
- History Museum,
- look-out point of Cap de Mort and enjoying the scenery.
Top Attractions & Sights
Sant Feliu de Guixols beach
The town’s main attraction is undoubtedly its beautiful beach, which stretches over several kilometers and offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
The beach of the town is a wide crescent of golden sand, lapped by crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and water sports. The beach is backed by a pleasant promenade, which is lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the atmosphere.
For those who prefer a more active holiday, there are plenty of opportunities for water sports at the town. Visitors can try their hand at sailing, windsurfing, or kayaking, or take a boat trip to explore the beautiful coastline.
The Benedictine monastery with its Porta Ferrada
The Benedictine monastery is one of the most significant landmarks in the town, with its Porta Ferrada (Iron Gate) dating back to the 10th century. The monastery complex is a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture and consists of various buildings, including the church, cloisters, and a museum.
The Porta Ferrada, which translates to “Iron Gate,” is a striking feature of the monastery. This fortified entrance gate was built in the 10th century and was a defensive structure used to protect the town from invaders. Today, it serves as an important symbol of Sant Feliu de Guixols’ rich history.
Visitors can explore the monastery’s stunning architecture, including the impressive church, which features a beautiful barrel vaulted ceiling and ornate altarpiece. The cloisters are also worth a visit, with their elegant columns and peaceful gardens.
The museum of the monastery offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s history, with exhibitions on local art, archeology, and architecture. The museum also houses a collection of Gothic and Romanesque art, including stunning sculptures and paintings.
Cycling
Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the Costa Brava, and Sant Feliu de Guixols is no exception. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside and coastal roads that offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
One of the most popular cycling routes in the area is the Carrilet Route, which follows the path of an old railway line that runs from the town to Girona. The route is relatively flat and easy, making it suitable for all levels of cyclists. Along the way, you will pass through small towns and villages, as well as some of the most beautiful countryside in Catalonia.
Hiking
If hiking is more your style, Sant Feliu de Guixols has a variety of trails to choose from. The Cami de Ronda is a popular coastal trail that stretches along the Costa Brava, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The trail passes through the town and connects to other coastal towns in the area.
For those who prefer a more challenging hike, the Massif de les Cadiretes is a mountain range located just outside of the town. The range offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, from easy walks to more strenuous hikes that offer panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding countryside.
Daily Tours & Excursions
Food and Drink
Sant Feliu de Guixols has a fantastic culinary scene, and visitors will be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining options. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars scattered throughout the town, offering a range of cuisines to suit every taste and budget.
One of the best places to sample local cuisine is at the Mercat Municipal, a bustling market that sells fresh produce, seafood, and meats. Here, visitors can purchase ingredients to prepare their meals or enjoy a delicious meal at one of the market’s eateries.
For those looking for a more upscale dining experience, Restaurant Sant Pere del Bosc is a popular option. Located in a beautiful historic building, this restaurant serves modern Catalan cuisine with a creative twist.
Shopping
Sant Feliu de Guixols is a shopper’s paradise, with plenty of options for retail therapy. The town has a mix of local boutiques and international brands, catering to all tastes and budgets.
The pedestrianized Carrer dels Angelats is the town’s main shopping street, lined with shops selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. Additionally, the town has a large weekly market that sells a wide range of items, from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
Nightlife
Sant Feliu de Guixols has a laid-back nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and cafes where visitors can unwind and relax after a day of sightseeing. Most bars and cafes offer a selection of drinks and light bites, and many have outdoor seating areas that are perfect for people-watching.
One of the town’s most popular bars is Bar Olimpia, which has been serving drinks to locals and tourists for over 50 years. It has a lively atmosphere, and visitors can enjoy a range of cocktails and tapas.
Lodging
Sant Feliu de Guixols has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. There are several hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals available throughout the town, offering everything from basic amenities to luxury services.
One of the most popular options is Hotel Eden Roc, a four-star hotel located on the seafront. It has a range of facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest airport to Sant Feliu de Guixols is Girona-Costa Brava Airport, which is located approximately 30 minutes away by car. The airport is served by several airlines, including Ryanair and Jet2, which operate regular flights from various cities in Europe. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to reach the town.
By Car
If you’re coming from Barcelona, take the AP-7 highway towards Girona and then take the C-65 road towards Sant Feliu de Guixols. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you’re driving from Girona, take the C-65 road towards the town, which will take approximately 30 minutes.
By Bus
There are several bus companies that operate regular services from Barcelona and Girona to Sant Feliu de Guixols. The journey time from Barcelona is approximately 2 hours, and from Girona, it takes around 1 hour. The most popular bus companies are Sarfa and Moventis.
By Train
The nearest train station to Sant Feliu de Guixols is in Girona, which is well-connected to other cities in Spain. From Girona, you can take a bus or taxi to reach the town.
