Calonge, on the Costa Brava in Girona, Catalonia, offers a beautiful blend of a historic medieval village and a modern coastal resort (Sant Antoni de Calonge).
History & Description
Ancient Origins: Calonge has roots dating back to Iberian and Roman times.
Medieval Center: The inland village of Calonge developed into a fortified settlement in the Middle Ages.
The centerpiece is Calonge Castle (Castell de Calonge), one of the largest medieval fortresses in Catalonia, with construction starting in the 8th century. It now hosts cultural events.
The old town features narrow streets, historic buildings, and the medieval walls.
Coastal Development: Sant Antoni de Calonge, the coastal district, grew later, especially with the rise of tourism. It is known for its sandy beaches and seafront promenade.
Cork Industry: The town prospered significantly in the 19th century due to the cork industry before the Spanish Civil War.
Key Landmarks: Calonge Castle, the medieval town center, the church of Sant Martí, and the coastal watchtower Torre Valentina (built in the 16th century to defend against pirate raids).
Typical Foods (Gastronomy)
Calonge's cuisine is a blend of "Mar i Muntanya" (Sea and Mountain), typical of the Catalan region, complemented by the local Empordà wines.
Seafood Specialties:
Suquet de Peix: A hearty fisherman's stew made with the catch of the day (monkfish, mussels, prawns, etc.), potatoes, and a rich broth.
Gambes de Palamós (Prawns): Local, bright red prawns, often simply grilled with olive oil and salt. Calonge participates in seasonal gastronomic campaigns for prawns, scampi, and fish pot dishes.
Fideuà: A seafood dish similar to paella but made with short pasta noodles ("fideus") instead of rice.
Catalan Classics:
Pa Amb Tomàquet: Simple, rustic bread rubbed with tomato pulp, olive oil, and salt—a staple.
Mar i Muntanya: Dishes that combine ingredients from the sea (e.g., prawns or lobster) and the mountains (e.g., chicken or rabbit).
Arròs a la Cassola: A moist, rich Catalan rice dish (more stew-like than paella), often combining seafood and meat.
Escudella i Carn D'olla: A traditional vegetable broth with pork, veal, and chicken.
Sweets & Wine: Local DO Empordà wines and Catalan desserts like Crema Catalana (similar to crème brûlée).
Activities (Summer & Winter)
Summer Activities
Beaches & Coves: Enjoy the long, sandy Sant Antoni Beach or explore stunning rocky coves like Cala Cap Roig and Cala Cristus for swimming and sunbathing.
Water Sports: Kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling are popular.
Coastal Path (Camí de Ronda): Walking sections of the coastal path with breathtaking sea views, connecting to nearby towns like Palamós and Platja d'Aro.
Cultural Evenings: Attend concerts and cultural events hosted in the courtyard of Calonge Castle.
Winter Activities
Hiking & Cycling: The cooler weather is ideal for exploring the marked trails in the surrounding Gavarres mountains. Popular routes include the Tinar Basin and Mill Valley.
Historic Visits: Explore the historic center of Calonge, including the Castle and Torre Valentina, without the summer crowds.
Winery Tours: Visit local vineyards and wineries to sample Empordà wines.
Gastronomy: Participate in seasonal food festivals or enjoy the region's hearty cuisine.
Festivals
Calonge is known for its celebration of history and wine.
Medieval Market: Held around Easter/Holy Week, the historic center and castle are filled with artisan stalls, shows, and reenactments, transporting visitors back to the Middle Ages.
New Wine Festival (Festa del Vi Nou): Celebrated around St. Martin's Day (November 11th), this festival recovers the tradition of opening the new wine barrels, with tastings, exhibitions, and activities centered around the winemaking tradition.
Festa Major: The main town festivals, including a Summer Festival (usually July) and a Sant Antoni Festival (late August), featuring concerts, dancing, and fireworks.
Calonge Music Festival: A long-running summer festival (July/August) held in the magnificent parade ground of the medieval castle.
Nature
Calonge's location stretches from the coast into the interior hills, providing diverse natural environments:
Beaches and Coves: A beautiful coastline featuring long sandy beaches and spectacular hidden rocky coves with crystalline waters.
The Gavarres Massif: The town borders the Gavarres hills, a protected area perfect for hiking, cycling, and enjoying Mediterranean forest landscapes.
Coastal Path (Camí de Ronda): This historic path follows the coastline, allowing access to pristine coves and offering stunning views of the Costa Brava's rugged beauty.
Local Agriculture: The area is dotted with farmland, including vineyards that are part of the local wine route.
Archaeological Sites: The surrounding area contains prehistoric megalithic remains like the dolmen Puigsesforques.