It stretches for about fifty kilometers, but offers a rare variety of landscapes. The coast of Catalonia has a special place in the landscape of the Mediterranean Sea. It is sometimes made up of huge sandy beaches, sometimes with steep, chaotic, dotted streams that the Pyrenees have plunged into great blue. From north to south, from Roussillon to the Spanish border, this is a refreshing and enchanting journey.
Le Barcarès, in the shadow of Lydia
In the category of fine sand you can choose the endless Argeles-sur-Mer beach, which borders the Mas Larrieu Nature Reserve to the north and the first slopes of the Alberta to the south. But the prize for her beautiful side will eventually go to Lydia. Located in the city of Barcares, it bears the name of a famous ship that has been stuck in the sand since 1967. The cruise ship was taken out of service after sailing in the southern waters. It, in turn, housed a casino, a disco, and before serving, today as an exhibition space, an amazing decor for vacationers.
Go.
Take the A9 exit from Rivesaltes to the D83 towards Barcarès. Lydia Beach is located north of the village on the road to Port Lake.
Le Racou, gateway to C Կte d’Ivoire
Heading south, Le Raku is the last real sandy beach. At its southern end stand the first cliffs of Cote Verme, where children and divers love to dare. Argeles-sur-There is a feeling of freedom in this village of our city. In the evening, the beach comes to life with impromptu aperitifs, while small houses built on sandy streets planted with roses and bougainvillea are illuminated.
Go.
Follow Argelès-sur-Mer on D114, then D81. Choose the parking lot on the left, near the entrance to Le Racou. The 540 bus line is operated by Le Racou.
Saint Vincent, the most urban
With its magnificent view of Collier Bay, it deserves an Oscar for its most magnificent city beach. Saint-Vincent Beach (or Sant Vicenç, Catalan) is named after a 4th-century martyr whose remains can be found in the town of Fauvist. To find it, just head to Notre Dame de Angers’s church, which is small but charming and stands in front of a radius protecting Collier from storms.
Go.
The easiest way is to take TER. The train station is 500 meters away from the beach. Otherwise, the parking lots are often crowded in summer.
Sainte-Catherine, the wildest
From Cap Béar, at the foot of the lighthouse, the yellow coastline literally sinks into the great blue. After walking in the middle of the cacti for about ten minutes, it leads to a very small stream. Places are rare in mid-summer, but the turquoise water that bathes St. Catherine Bay is worth starting early.
Go.
Take the Port Bendar route from Cap Béar, which runs past the commercial port and then in front of the camp. At the foot of the park lighthouse.
Paulill’s delights
The coastal road from St. Catherine continues its journey through the “rocks” of the bays, until after an hour’s walk you will reach the Polynesian Bay. The latter occupied the dynamite factory for a long time. Today there is a paradise beach, which is especially appreciated by the Catalans. A remarkable botanical garden has been built all around. Due to the huge pines, the area has shady areas. At Sole Mio, on Bernardi’s small beach, you can also enjoy local hunting with your feet in the water.
Go.
The 540 bus line serves Pauline Bay. Otherwise, take the D914 by car from Port Wenders. Walk about fifteen minutes from the parking lot.
Discreet Banyul
Banyuls-sur-Mer has three beaches. Perfectly suited to the Gulf Horse, the central one is covered with pebbles and covered with cafe balconies that smell like Dolce Vita. At the entrance to the city, behind the old helio-sea center, is a small, restrained beach that is much less common, called Grandes Elmes or Sana Beach. A word of advice, settle in early morning to admire the landscape by grazing light.
Go.
Take the 540 bus to Les Elmes bus stop. By car, D 914, turn right, just in front of Elms Beach, park in the parking lot on the left.
Pierfit, submarine
This journey from the beaches to the bays ends in Peyrefit, which throws a stone from the Serbs և border. By the way, the southern part of the coast of Catalonia still holds many treasures. The Bay of Perefit, located in the Cape of the same name, is located in the heart of the Banyuls-Kerber Marine Nature Reserve. It’s worth as much for the tranquility of its mosaic beach as it is for the beauty of the seabed. A 250-meter-long underwater trail has been set up to discover the masked ecosystems of the vermicelli.
Go.
From Banuels follow D914 to Serbia. Take the 540 bus to Cap de Peyrefitte bus stop.
Source: Le Figaro
