Parador of Aiguablava, Spain

The modern four-star Parador here occupies its own small, pine covered peninsula that juts out into the Mediterranean Sea. This coast line - the Costa Brava - is spectacularly beautiful. Driving along here, you will come upon many enticing inlets and nearly hidden bays. Cute and timeless villages abound. It has been fairly well built up, but unlike some of the other "Costas" - it remains aesthetically pleasing.

The Parador Aiguablava provides accommodations that are very special. All bedrooms have incredible panoramic views of the turquoise waters below. There is a gymnasium, swimming pool, and a sauna. The grounds are a delight to stroll. You'll dine in a sea-side dining room with incredible views. It specializes in seafood - and the cuisine is the finest and freshest available anywhere. A short walk brings you to your own beach. As well, you can arrange boat trips to completely private, nearby coves.

The Parador boasts a very nice game room, as well as a room that provides comfortable seating and accommodation for wireless connections to Internet for guests with laptop computers. There are an abundance of activities of which to partake in the area. Including; canoeing, golfing, mountain biking, parachuting and para-sailing, swimming, horseback riding, and trekking.

Interesting day trips include:

- Don't miss the medieval villages of Pals and Peratallada - you'll have them to yourselves on weekdays. Ullastret is the best preserved of the ancient Iberian settlements and is an archaeological work still in progress.

- Walk up to the lighthouse and hermitage at Sant Sebastia near Llafranc - you'll be rewarded with spectacular views.

- The "Dali Triangle" is a must see for all art buffs. The southern point of the triangle is the Castell de Pubol - a Gothic-Renaissance mansion re-done by Dali in his outlandish and wonderful style. The other 'points' of the triangle are alluring Cadaques - where Dali lived for a time (several of his works are in the Cadaques museum) and Figueres, where is located perhaps Europe's most unusual museum - the Teatre Museu Dali.

- If you are here in February, you can dress up in outlandish costume of your choosing and lose yourself in the carnival in the nearby town of Palamos.

- Visit the birds reserve of Aiguamols National Park.

The Parador of Aiguablava is a haven for lovers of the sea - and those seeking a tranquil holiday in absolutely stunning natural surroundings. Stay for several days and really soak yourself in the luscious ambience of the place - it will be an experience you'll want to come back to - again and again.

SpainParador.com makes it easy for you to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty - the wonderful Paradors of Spain. www.SpainParador.com