Sant Feliu de Guíxols is a beautiful town located on the Costa Brava. The name of the town is another Catalan linguistic break, so we ended up there by accident, looking for accommodation on the Costa Brava.
It turned out that the seaside town is really interesting. Here you will find not only the beach but also the Cami de Ronda path, interesting buildings, and several museums. In addition, of course, it is a great place for excursions in this part of Spain.
To warm up, I’ll answer the question: where did the city’s name come from? Sant Feliu means a saint, a martyr, who became the patron saint of the city. As a result of his intercession, a Benedictine monastery was founded, which later became one of the most important religious centers in the region. Guíxols, on the other hand, is a hill in the locality. Thanks to the aforementioned event, the names Sant Feliu and Guíxols have been united forever. ?
In this post, I’ll talk about what to see in Sant Feliu, show the local landscapes, and hopefully encourage you to visit this little-known town.
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Attractions of Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Although this small town has a population of about 22,000, it offers many tourist attractions, including several interesting museums. However, I’ll start with what I liked most about Sant Feliu, which is the Cami de Ronda path. It’s a route that runs along the Costa Brava coast and is more than 200 kilometers long. This route is really beautiful! You can walk, run or just enjoy the beauty of nature. There are nice picnic spots in Sant Feliu, so it’s an idea for a day trip.
While we’re on the subject of trails, here is the Ferrata Cala del Moli. This is the only Via Ferrata route in Europe that runs along the coast, offering incredible views of the Mediterranean. It is the work of Albert Gironès – an altitude park builder and experienced mountain guide, who has also created other spectacular routes in Europe. This is a truly unique experience for those who enjoy extreme sports and climbing in the beautiful scenery.
Another beautiful place is Sant Elm. It is a hermitage with a chapel that was built in 1723. It is located on a picturesque promontory with a beautiful view of the bay of Sant Feliu. It’s the perfect place for a sunset or to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city in peace. The hermitage is sure to delight those seeking spiritual tranquility.
Another postcard-worthy attraction in Sant Feliu de Guíxols is the Casino dels Nois. The building is certainly one of the most important sights in Sant Feliu de Guíxols and is truly unique. In the photos, you will see why, and I will briefly tell its history. The casino is officially called Nou Casino “La Constancia,” but among locals, it is better known by the nickname Casino dels Nois, or the Boys’ Casino. In the past it was not an elegant place, it attracted people from different social strata and amazing things happened there: dancing, singing, and swaggering.
In Sant Feliu you will find several museums, noting that they are closed on Mondays. You can visit:
– Museum of Cava and Champagnes
– Museum of Toy History
– Museum of the History of Sant Feliu de Guíxols (located in the monastery)
Other places of interest in Sant Feliu are:
– The port – in Sant Feliu you can rent a boat, canoe, etc. there.
– Sant Feliu de Guíxols Monastery (now a museum).
– Pedralta – the largest tilted stone in Europe
Beaches in Sant Feliu
The beaches in Sant Feliu de Guíxols are, of course, the town’s attraction and meeting place. The main beach is located in the center of the village, and next to it is a promenade, a mini amusement park, and cool pubs. It is worth noting that the beach is not sandy, but consists of small pebbles. During the season, you can rent deck chairs and umbrellas there, as well as enjoy water activities such as kayaks and pedal boats.
The second beach, actually a cove, is Cala Jonca. It is reached by a long metal staircase, so this place is unlikely to be accessible to everyone (e.g. families with children).
An interesting fact about Sant Feliu de Guíxols
The upcoming cycling race will also be held here: the Tour of Catalonia, Volta a Catalunya. This is one of the most important cycling races in Spain, and the route runs both in the mountains and along the Costa Brava. The stage in Sant Feliu is more than 164 kilometers long. It ends and begins right in this town. I’ve seen athletes practicing on the local roads and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow holds!
Accommodation in Sant Feliu de Guíxols
There are also numerous hotels and apartments in Sant Feliu de Guíxols that offer comfortable and convenient accommodations. You can find accommodations at a variety of prices and standards, allowing you to tailor the offer to your individual needs.
We spent 1.5 weeks in this town in a comfortable apartment, which you can find at this link. You can find a larger selection of accommodations on the map below:
Booking.comSant Feliu – is it worth it?
Sant Feliu de Guíxols is a picturesque town, and although it is not very popular with tourists, it offers many attractions and places of interest. It’s an ideal place for hikers and cyclists, and even in the off-season it’s not empty: it’s a town that’s alive all year round. Therefore, if you are going to Sant Feliu check if there is a big event there.
See also:
13 Best Things to Do in Barcelona
Discover Costa Daurada – Attractions and Beautiful Places
Top Things to Do in Lloret de Mar
Vacations in Tossa de Mar – Discover the Extraordinary Beauty of the Costa Brava
Reus – What To See In Gaudi’s City?
Hospitalet del Infante – Here You Spend a Beautiful Vacation
Remote Work From Spain – How To Plan It?
