Here's a selection of bars that, even though they're not found right in front of the sea, are still fabulous
Do you hate the feel of sand between your toes? Does it exhaust you just thinking about having a beer or some tapas with the typical summer pop soundtrack blasting out from the beach behind you? Well, in the bars we're recommending here, you won't find kids playing with spades, or teenagers listening to (loud) music on their mobiles; but rather you can enjoy a cool, colourful cocktail and even relax in a deckchair. Discover our favourite urban 'xiringuitos' (beach bars) in Girona and the Costa Brava!
We always say that there are lots of reasons to head to Els Jardins de la Mercè: to sample the food (good and well-presented), have a few drinks in the spectacular garden it's known for, enjoy a cultural activity... And for the past few months, there's been an additional excuse: El Cercle Cerveser (The Beer Circle). A small, inviting bar located in the restaurant's garden, where, each week, they have concerts, DJs and much more.
The Bar-Restaurant Aeroclub Empordà is one hot ticket among Empordà's summer bars. Why is it so popular? First because it's located in an amazing setting, surrounded by nature, at the flight school of Torroella de Montgrí. Secondly, it looks like something straight from 'Out of Africa'. The third reason is that there are DJ sessions, live music, good food and excellent cocktails. The best time to go is, without question, when the sun is just starting to set - and make sure your mobile is well charged because the landscape is spectacular.
Lloret de Mar knows how to make the most of its assets, especially when it comes to appealing to tourists. This place is the perfect spot for going for a daytime walk through the forest and admiring one of the more eccentric projects of modernista architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, before getting to Sant Pere del Bosc, where there's been a building for a thousand years: alternatively a monastery, asylum and home of a self-made man from the 19th century. But now it's become the symbol of Lloret's more chic side, hosting a luxury hotel and renowned restaurant serving avant-garde cooking. During the summer, there is also a night-time 'xiringuito' in the garden, and despite the lights and luxury, there's an aura of mystery surrounding the venue. A magic place.
A crossroads. A decision. One way lies Torroella de Montgrí. The other, La Bisbal. And in the middle, Mas Pi in Verges. Even if you only ever stop there once, you'll want to stay forever: for breakfast, having a coffee, eating lunch or a night-time drink. And it's especially true as night falls, when this place with its stone walls and soft lights turns into a luxury space, with music provided by its house DJs or live performances, and a menu of quality cocktails and mixed drinks. The warmth of the surrounds and the chance to enjoy an evening under the stars makes Mas Pi well worth the journey.
A 200-year-old plane tree, lush palm trees and olive trees marking the passing of time. This garden of delights also plays host to the lounge bar of Mas Gusó, a country house ('masia') built in 1564 in Sant Martí d'Empúries and which, from the '90s, has been a small paradise for letting your hair down. On the menu you'll discover an assortment of tapas, sandwiches, crepes, imported beers, cocktails and wines taken from their cellar. Tourists from Spain and abroad regularly head there, whether they're couples, groups of friends or families; the latter can make the most of a play area where the kids can be entertained with games and the fish that live in a small artifical lake. It's an essential summer destination!
Don't wait for people to tell you about this place: you need to experience the charms of La Devesa de Tor for yourself. Visit the small Empordà village of Tor and immerse yourself in this restored 16th-century 'masia' (Catalan country house). The atmosphere will take you to a limitless place and time, exotic and sensual, from where you won't want to return. Go into any of the rooms, each with their own suggestive name (the Cove, the Intimate, the Clandestine, the Sky...), and if you're in good company, prepare for a romantic evening with chill-out music and candlelight. Enjoy the variety of drinks on offer and to accompany them they have a selection of Iberian cured meats ('embotits'), local cheeses and foies. It's a place you'll never forget.
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