IDYLLIC GASTRONOMIC VILLAGE HOUSE NESTLING IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE PYRENEES
GARDEN HOUSE:
An Introduction
Garden House was fully restored in 2024 and has been re-wired and re-plumbed, windows are double glazed and each of the 4 double bedrooms has air conditioning. Beds are new, good cotton sheets and proper pillows. There is fibre optic wifi and a 55 inch tv. The house is well designed with 2 kitchens and 5 bathrooms. The South facing garden is on various levels and between the balconies and the garden there is always somewhere to find sun or shade as desired. The master bedroom enjoys spectacular views from its generous terrace.
There is a small pool and an outside dining area with a BBQ.
The original house dates from 1321, the first to be registered in the village. Colomers is a beautifully sited, peaceful, Medieval village on a gentle slope above the sweeping river Ter and enjoys long views over the plain to the hills of the Gavarre in the distance.
The sea is 15 km as the crow flies, under 20 km by car to the beaches of St Marti D’Empuries, L’Escala, L’Estartit, La Gola.
The village is lucky in having 4 good restaurants, a small shop and a bakery. The restaurants range from the equivalent of a Michelin 1 star to a thoroughly enjoyable local grill which does a 3 course menu del dia for 15 euros. The other two are also bars and offer breakfast, making 3 breakfast options in all. Bakery operates weekday mornings and bread is ready to collect at around midday.
THE HOUSE
Sitting Room
The main sitting room has two sofas and additional seating. Double doors open onto ample balcony with views overlooking the pool and garden.
Olive Bedroom
Air conditioning. Kingsize bed 180 x 200 cm. Cool street-facing room with en suite bathroom with bath/shower.
Mamma Mia Bedroom
Twin single 90 x 200cm beds, air conditioning. Own bathroom with shower next door.
Main Kitchen
Well equipped modern kitchen with gas hob, two electric Miele ovens with grills, double sink. Marble work surfaces. Two dishwashers. Double width fridge / freezer.
Master Bedroom
Air conditioning. Kingsize 180 x 200cm bed. Large sliding doors onto large balcony with sunrise and sunset views. En suite large bathroom with bath, walk-in shower, loo.
Bunk Bedroom
Bunk beds, no air conditioning.
TV room
55 inch smart TV with Netflix, English channels
Garden Bedroom
Double bed 167 x 200 cm, air conditioning, views over garden and down to the river. Own bathroom with shower next door.
Summer Kitchen
Convenient for when eating outside on the lowest terrace by the BBQ, this fully equipped kitchen has a ceramic electric hob, oven and dishwasher. Fridge and freezer.
THE GARDEN
The garden is on 3 different levels, so there is always somewhere to sit in sun or shade, with differing views and characters.
The highest level is an eating terrace looking across the garden with a table that sits 6.
Below this is the generous main terrace with a coffee table and 4 armchairs. Down steps to the very private pool terrace with the Lamu swing beds and sun beds, shower and small pool.
Down again to the large eating terrace and BBQ area. This table sits 8. This is serviced by the summer kitchen . This avoids carrying plates and glasses, knives and forks up and down from the main kitchen.
There is a large balcony off the Salon accessible from the main terrace as well as the Salon.
For the last evening sun there is the generous Master bedroom terrace with outstanding views.
WHAT TO DO
KAYAKING
Colomers itself offers wonderful kayaking (they pick you up at the end and bring you back to the start immediately below the house).
BALLOONING
Also for those happy to have an early start there is fantastic hot air ballooning, they launch just a few minutes’ walk from the house.
CYCLING
Biking: huge in Catalonia as the extensive network of roads and tracks offer beautiful views, bars and restaurants along the way. The famous Pirinexus route 360 km of quiet roads and cycle tracks, passes nearby. The iconic climb of Rocacorba is half an hour away, for the hardy. Bike hire can be arranged in advance in the nearby village of Verges Bicicletes David: +34 972 759 625.
Click for good route ideas:
https://www.rutadelter.cat
https://www.viesverdes.cat/en/pirinexus/
SEA AND BEACHES
The sea is 15 km away, under 20 km by car to St Marti D’Empuries, L’Escala, Mongo, L’Estartit, La Gola, all with their restaurants and beaches.
Picturesque Cadaques, with its stunning bay and association with Dali, is one hour by car and a pretty drive (Compartir restaurant amongst others).
Going South you have Llfranc and Calaella, Begur and the rocky coves of Aiguablava, Aiguafreda and Sa Tuna.
CULTURE
Catalonia has a rich cultural history. Barcelona with it’s world class museums, cathedral and the Sagrada Familia is 35 mins by train from Girona.
Salvador Dali lived locally for much of his life and his Museum is in Firgueras. He had a charming sea side cottage in Port Ligat, next to Cadaques, and his wife Gala, lived in Pubol.
Girona Old Town, where key scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed, has its Cathedral, church, Jewish baths, museums and restaurants galore.
The area has plentiful other attractive historic villages, Peretallada, Madremanya, Palau Sator, Pals, and closer to home Llofriu, Los Olives and Gauses.
GOLF
Colomers is extremely well located for golfers:
Golf Emporda (15 mins - click here) | Golf de Pals (25 mins - click here)
Girona PGA (35 mins - click here) | Golf Peralada (35 mins - click here) | Golf Torremirona (30 mins - click here)
RESTAURANTS
Catalonia is known for its exceptionally good food at every price range.
TO WALK TO:
La Lludriga
+34 629 756 246
Delicious Asian / Catalan fusion at very reasonable prices, open for breakfast.
El Cargolet
+34 615 355 490
Really excellent with Catalan classics with a contemporary twist and Asian fusion. Good wine list sensibly priced. More expensive but excellent value.
El Xalet
+34 972 768 474
You have to book as its very popular. Incredibly cheap, 3 courses of hearty Catalan fare for 15 euros. Open breakfast and lunch but not dinner.
Toc de Vi
+34 657 868 686
This attractively sited wine bar opened a few months ago and offers tapas and bar snacks, breakfast, and a changing selection of local wines. Fun atmosphere. Reasonably priced.
A LITTLE FURTHER:
Hostal d’Empuries
+34 972 770 207
Hotel and spa with nice restaurant overlooking the beach. Nice location, food a bit hit and miss, pricey and service variable
L’Esculapi
+34 972 770 053
Child friendly, prompt service, busy and popular
Meson del Conde
+34 972 770 306
Family run, classic Catalan dishes well done.
FOR OFF ROADERS:
El Metges
+34 972 196 102
40 mins by car, wonderfully romantic local grill on the top of the Gavarre, 4x4 car better for getting up there. Stunning views, old world charm. Slow service.
Can Roquet
+34 682 880 915
45 mins by car but well worth it for devoted foodies. Delicious Michelin-star food and the top end of the price scale but beautiful location, wine and service. A family favourite.
CLOSE BY:
Can Llado
+34 972 759 645
12 mins by car, bustling, busy as menu is extensive and cheap. Catalan classics.
Mas Pi
+34 972 780 612
6 minutes by car, live music in the evenings some days, fun vibe
Dos Kiwis Brewery
+34 623 192 815
14 mins by car, a funky micro-brewery and restaurant, ideal for small children as they can climb on things in the garden
La Barretina
+34 972 560 280
24 mins by car, charming old fashioned vibe, welcoming host. Good food, pricier than some.
Mas Conchas
+34 972 77 51 58
18 mins by car, large restaurant in attractive hamlet of Cinc Claus, child friendly. Good food, sensible pricing.
NEAR LA BISBAL:
Botic
+34 972 630 869
2 star Michelin restaurant in Corca with all that entails. 25 mins drive
Raku
+34 972 630 240
25 mins away by car, great for weekend tapas and lunches outside, climbing frame opposite, Saturday organic veg market opposite.
Ultima Parada
+34 972 630 559
Funky design shop with restaurant in run into La Bisbal on the right, current chef is the wonderful Toni, so hope runs high.
Sao
+34 872 001 511
In Fonteta, the other side of la Bisbal, pretty stone village. Beautifully deigned small restaurant offering Michelin star level food.