Cork: an important local industry

February 17, 2010 by Admin
Filed under Cultural tours, History and culture

Yes, we are talking about the corks that are normally found in a bottle of wine or sparkling wine. This is an industry which has been important for Girona province for 150 years. It is centred on the towns of Palafrugell and Cassa de la Selva, either side of the Gavarres hills where most of the cork oaks are found.

Cork is an amazing natural product which was discovered by the Greeks over 2,500 years ago to seal the amphoras of wine and olive oil they transported around the Mediterranean basin.

As well as being lightweight, it is waterproof and fireproof which means the cork oaks are some of the very few trees that survive the regular fires which sweep through most forests. The trees take about 30 years to mature sufficiently to produce a layer of cork (its bark) but another 15 is needed before it is thick enough to be used for commercial purposes.

So, this is no short term industry, the trees take about 14 years to re-grow its bark for the next harvest which is all done by hand up in the hills. This area is the second largest exporter of corks in the world after Portugal and some 1,500 people are still employed in some way by the industry locally.

Unfortunately, like all mature industries, there is severe competition from other methods of closing bottles which are more economic and the market for corks is sliding steadily. Their niche is still relatively secure in the more upmarket sectors of the wine and champagne sectors but the cheaper end is moving to plastic corks or screw-caps.

Make sure you come and take a tour of a cork making factory (ask at the local tourist information offices) or visit the cork museum in Palafrugell before this fascinating industry disappears forever!

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Tags: Cassa de la Selva, cork, Girona province, Llagostera, Palafrugell, Sant Feliu de Guixols

Can Candela S’Agaro

May 20, 2009 by Admin
Filed under Houses, Rentals, Services

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The perfect holiday house for a large family seeking privacy and tranquility set in its own walled gardens on one of the most exclusive parts of the Costa Brava.

Can Candela is set in a 2,000 square metre garden with swimming pool only a short distance from the spectacular Sant Pol beach in S’Agaro. It sleeps 8 in comfort and has everything to make your holiday visit a relaxing delight.

Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, three terraces both a large dining room and living room with fireplace make this a truly spacious house. The kitchen is also large and has enough space to eat in and is fully equipped with gas stove, oven, microwave, fridge/freezer and a dishwasher. A washing machine and drying/ironing area is available.

The gardens are a combination of lawns, vegetable garden and fruit trees with palm trees shading the 12 metre pool. There is also a barbecue area and a garage.

Available from June to end September at very reasonable rates.

Please consult for prices and availability: info@discovergirona.net

Tags: beach, Costa Brava, holiday let, Platja d'Aro, rental, s'Agaro, Sant Feliu de Guixols, Sant Pol

Coastal path from S’Agaró to Sant Feliu

January 1, 2009 by Admin
Filed under Activities

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Known as the Cami de Ronda, the coastal path that goes all along the Costa Brava up to the French border, has some truly spectacular parts, and this is one of them. It’s only short (an hours hike) but the dramatic scenery and views make it a great introduction to the “Wild Coast”.
After last weeks storm damage, the wooden walkway was either completely destroyed/submerged/brocken as you leave Sant Pol beach in S’Agaró heading south. Once you climb away from sea level, which you do rather quickly, the normal well kept and sign posted path resumes. There are modern houses and blocks of apartments dotted up the hill, but somehow they do not intrude overly, and anyway, ones focus is towards the sea. The path follows the inlets and rugged outcrops as it winds it’s way up to a point from which there are views over the whole Sant Pol beach and bay in the distance.
The really nice part about this stretch is how thoughtful the local council have been in putting picnic tables and benches in strategic places for maximum enjoyment. A legacy from a previous upgrading long ago is a pedestrian tunnel complete with alcoves and windows so you don’t miss any of the wonderful sights as you pass under some splendid mansions garden.
The flora and fauna are protected and the wind blown shapes of the pines and cork oaks add to the surreal but peaceful environs, except for the circling gulls nesting along the cliffs. All too soon we come around the headland on the other side we catch sight of the marina and town of Sant Feliu de Guixols. As we leave the wild coast behind my mouth starts to salivate at the thought of a small glass of wine with a seafood tapa in the bars around the port…