National Geographic Traveler Magazine names Costa Brava region among its ‘Best of the World 2012’ destinations

Text and photos: Landmark Media International

National Geographic Traveler Magazine has revealed its ‘Best of the World 2012’ destinations, naming Spain’s Costa Brava region among its 20 recommendations of must-visit places for next year.

In its November/December issue, Traveler – the world’s most popular travel magazine, with an 8.6 million readership per issue – recognises ‘The Creative Coast of Spain’ as the birthplace of ‘one of art’s greatest eccentrics’, Salvador Dalí, and a charming coastal region that ‘overflows with creativity during its annual spring flower festival, the Temps de Flors’, and ‘charms with seaside restaurants and homes’.

Dalí was among many who drew inspiration from this sunshine-laced wilderness. Spanish golf legend Angel Gallardo and Ryder Cup star Neil Coles also succumbed to the creative flair of the Costa Brava, designing a golf masterpiece at PGA Catalunya Resort, whose Stadium Course was recently recognised in Golf World’s World Top 100 ranking – for the second year running.

The Costa Brava boasts many enjoyable golf courses, each offering different playing experiences and sharply-contrasting landscapes, including Empordà Golf – another World Top 100 Course that offers 36 holes set in beautiful parkland – Club de Golf Peralada, whose course presents a good test for players of all standards and one of the region’s oldest golf courses, Club de Golf Costa Brava.

“Catalans are, traditionally, very proud,” commented Ramón Ramos, Director at Costa Brava Pirineu de Girona. “So to be able to celebrate our province’s unique beauty and to be recognised as a destination worthy of such an accolade by as prestigious a publication as National Geographic, is indeed an honour.

“An hour’s drive takes you from the blue of the Mare Nostrum on the Mediterranean coast to the lush green grass at the foot of the great Pyrenean monoliths, or to the bustling Catalan metropolis of Barcelona,” he continued. “This diversity, as well as our year-round sunshine, good weather and world-class gastronomy are some of the defining characteristics of Costa Brava and its Girona region that is steeped in history, heritage and culture.”

Costa Brava also provides visitors with a wide variety of accommodation, from luxurious hotels to farmhouses. Food connoisseurs can enjoy authentic Catalan cuisine from Spain’s highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, including the highly esteemed three Michelin-star El Celler de Can Roca in Girona – ranked 2nd in Restaurant Magazine’s World Top 50 – and Casamar Restaurant in Llafranc, Palafrugell, which joined the prestigious list, just last month, with its first star.

National Geographic Traveler’s ‘Best of the World 2012’ destinations list celebrates journeys that are about place, experience, culture, authenticity, living like the locals, and great photography.

Additional information on Costa Brava can be found at www.costabrava.org