Empordà:
The Emporio of Beauty
Empordà spans the northeastern coast of Catalonia, reaching the French border, and is divided into two small regions: Alt Empordà (Upper Empordà) and Baix Empordà (Lower Empordà). Its name is derived from the Greek "Emporion" and the Roman "Emporiae," both of which mean "markets."
The Greeks and Romans settled in this part of the Iberian Peninsula, shaping the character and culture of its people. The inhabitants of Empordà are known for their open, hospitable, and conversational nature, shaped by the Tramuntana—the famous wind that sweeps across the land. The Tramuntana cleanses and enriches, but it also fosters a unique worldview. It is no wonder that artists like painter Salvador Dalí and writer Josep Pla were born and lived in Empordà, finding inspiration in this remarkable region.
This influence has similarly captivated renowned American artists like Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, Ava Gardner, and Frank Sinatra, who discovered in this place a realm of freedom and personal growth, where they could immerse themselves in the whispers of history amid a truly enchanting natural landscape.
For Pepa and Miquel, Empordà is synonymous with summer. For both, childhood memories of the season are intertwined with the beaches of the Costa Brava, the fields of sunflowers, and the Mediterranean forests. The deep blue of the Mediterranean symbolizes the joy and tranquility of the meeting between humankind and nature.
For the past 20 years, Miquel and Pepa have spent their summer months by the Mediterranean, embraced by its waves, sheltered beneath the shade of its pines, and wandering along its picturesque cultural and natural trails. With each visit, they uncover new places and find fresh meaning in familiar ones, in a region that feels eternal—a true haven of happiness. Whether watching the sunrise at Cap de Creus, savoring Palamós prawns with a glass of wine, trekking along the coastal paths, or visiting the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, they deepen a connection that allows every traveler to immerse in the experience and grow throughout the journey.
ZigZag Spain presents a June trekking retreat,
Enriching the diverse array of leisure, cultural, and sporting experiences that Empordà provides to those who appreciate its distinctive fascination.
For further details regarding this trip, kindly complete the provided form.
Spring of 2026
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© 2024. Pictures by the Bota-Novell Family.
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