Travel books for your trip to Catalonia, all taking place in the picturesque Costa Brava region
The Costa Brava, a stretch of the Mediterranean coast in Catalonia, has captivated writers for decades, serving as the backdrop for a rich tapestry of novels that delve into the region's history, culture, and atmosphere.
One such novel is "Cadaqués, a white gem against the cliffs" by Milena Busquets, which beautifully portrays the picturesque fishing village of Cadaqués, famous for its charming streets, artistic heritage, and Mediterranean ambiance. The novel encapsulates the unique cultural and historical vibe of the Costa Brava.
Another captivating work is "Outlaws" by Javier Cercas, set in the 1970s in Girona and the Costa Brava. The novel tells a gripping story of a teenager fascinated by local gangs in the region, juxtaposing the beauty of the Mediterranean landscapes, beaches, and working-class neighbourhoods against a backdrop still marked by dictatorship.
The posthumous novel "The Third Reich" by Roberto Bolaño is inspired by a fictional resort on the Costa Brava, dealing with the blurring of lines between play, reality, and nightmare. Meanwhile, "The Costa Brava" by Éric Neuhoff evokes the sixties, summer migrations, and the 403 and the DS on the road to Le Perthus.
Josep Pla, a native of Palafrugell and a leading figure in Catalan literature, has also contributed significantly to the literary landscape of the Costa Brava. His works, such as "La vida amarga" and his chronicles of the Costa Brava, are characterized by realism and tenderness, capturing the light, smells, and ruggedness of the coast with precision.
Tossa de Mar, with its medieval fortress and stunning coastal views, is another location frequently referenced in novels that explore the blend of history and modern-day life on the Costa Brava. Other coastal towns and natural landscapes along the Costa Brava's rugged coastline are also featured, evoking the region's dramatic history, natural beauty, and Mediterranean lifestyle.
These novels offer a literary tour of the Costa Brava's distinctive locales and ambiance, varying in focus from historical narratives to stories capturing the romantic and atmospheric essence of the coast. For readers interested in a more detailed exploration of the Costa Brava's literary landscape, these novels are highly recommended.
- Readers who seek to immerse themselves in the lifestyle and ambiance of the Costa Brava may find several fictional works captivating, such as 'The Third Reich' by Roberto Bolaño, which delves into the entreatment of reality and fantasy in a resort on the coast.
- In 'Outlaws' by Javier Cercas, the scenic beauty of the Mediterranean landscapes and beaches of Girona and the Costa Brava serve as a contrasting backdrop to a gripping story set in the 1970s.
- For those interested in the region's rich history and culture, Josep Pla's works like 'La vida amarga' and his chronicles of the Costa Brava offer a closer look at the coast's ruggedness and charms through the lens of realism and tenderness.