Dolmen Creu d'en Cobertella, Roses, Girona, Costa Brava, Spain

Dolmen Creu d’en Cobertella is a tomb built of granite slabs between 3000 and 2700 BC, in the Neolithic. It is therefore a funerary enclosure in which, through a corridor that now no longer exists (but whose marks in the rocky base of the monument show their past existence) human bodies were buried inside.

The first written evidence of the presence of this monument comes from thirteenth century, when it was known as ‘petra coperta’ (covered rock). As villagers then were not aware of the importance of this archaeological evidence it was used as goat pen attached to the farmhouse attached to it, now in ruins.

Dolmen de la Creu d'en Cobertella is located in a megalithic guided foot trail, in Roses, Cape of Creus, Costa Brava

Although studies of this monument began early twentieth century, it was not until twentieth mid-century when the first excavations were made: in addition to the aforementioned brands of the corridor today disappeared, remains of bones, pottery, coins of the Roman empire and other funeral items were found.

Dolmen dimensions are impressive, especially considering the lack of means with which the inhabitants of this land had to lift weights like these. In total it is formed by seven slabs granite gneiss. The stone used as roof measures 4.15 meters by 5.7. Its thickness is 40 cm. The top of the enclosure reaches 2.45 meters and the plant is 3.90 by 3.15 meters. Inside the dolmen, not opened to the public, we would see that the interior walls contain small spaces were funeral rituals containers were were placed.

Entrance to the dolmen Creu d'en Cobertella, in Roses, Cape of Creus

Getting to the dolmen Creu d’en Cobertella is relatively easy. Starting from the center of Roses village take the Cala Montjoi route, that takes us to the beautiful landscapes of Cap de Creus. In one of the curves, just 1.5kms, on the left, you’ll see an indication of the walking path leading to the dolmen, that you’ll reach after 500 mts (park beside the route). This same walking path leads us also to other dolmens in the surrounding as Casa Cremada and Llit de la Generala or Turo de l’Home.

Views from the Mas Ventós scenic viewpoint, in Palau-Saverdera, Girona, Costa Brava, Spain

Mas Ventós is in the same access road that leads to the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes. Therefore, if you travel to this wonderful medieval building you’ll pass by in front of this scenic viewpoint. It is an idyllic place to rest. Located amid the mountains of Rodes (also called the Verdera Mountains), in Cap de Creus, is a place of absolute calm.

The beautiful landscape allows us to reach from Castelló d’Empúries until the Castle of Sant Salvador, even reaching the summit of the Canigó mountain. The viewpoint is shaped like a half circle and his vision is completely open, without any artificial or natural barrier that prevent us from looking at the landscape in all its glory.

Map to recognize places from the Mirador de Más Ventós, near Roses, Costa Brava, Spain

The Natural Park of Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, Empuriabrava and Roses village the are other points easily recognizable from this place, some 460 meters above sea level.

But this corner has also a curious and interesting environment. Its name comes from the old farmhouse next to him, inserted into a playground and picnic zone. A perfect place to spend a few hours with the family next to a building of uncertain date but in any case before the XVIIIth century. It was remodeled by its owners, the Dukes of Medinacelli in 1878 and remained occupied until the middle of last century. Today it is possible to recognize inside the oven.

Ancient farmhouse Mas Ventós still stays next to the viewpoint esplanade

And that’s not all. For those who like to walk, Mas Ventós is the beginning of a beautiful route, low difficulty and of about 1 hour duration, always with views to the sea, leading to Sant Onofre Hermitage, bright white little church situated on a rock, dating back at least 1362. Every second Saturday in May a pilgrimage is organised towards it, which brings together local resident of Palau-Saverdera and other visitors. From this chapel you get another beautiful view of the Empordà.

Foot trail that leads to the Sant Onofre Hermitage from Mas Ventós viewpoint

This wonderful place inspired Jaume Bonaterra i Dabau (1898-1985) the composition of one of the most popular sardanas (the typical catalan dance and music) in the repertoire: “Sota el Mas Ventós” (“Under Mas Ventós”).

Sant Onofre Hermitage, on a rock

Vall de la Santa Creu, in the middle of Cape of Creus, Port de la Selva, Costa Brava, Spain

The origin of this little village is linked to the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, to which it is still connected by a forest track. Indeed, the monks gave this land to the inhabitants of the valley, who depended legally on the monastery (remember we are talking about the feudal era), in exchange for an annual fee. In 1787, by order of Carlos III spanish king, and in full decline of the monastery activity, Vall de la Santa Creu village became part of the municipality of Port de la Selva.

Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes is located near Vall de la Santa Creu

Coming down from the hillside to the valley you will feel a great silence, broken only by the Tramontane wind which usually blows hard. Nowadays the village consists of about thirty houses (many of them are really cottages), some restored, but retaining the medieval charm. The streets are small and paved with rocks, as in the past. Traditionally these people sustained from the exploitation of their fields, vineyards and olive trees, many of which are still planted. In golden times Vall de la Santa Creu had a population of 200 people, but today most are second homes and it is possible that in middle winter you find absolutely nobody in the village.

Ancient panel at the entrance of Vall de la Santa Creu village

On coming in the village, on the right, you find the church of Sant Fruitós de la Vall, of the XVIth and XVIIth centuries, built on a single nave and with a bell. In front of it is the cemetery, next to the parish, which is closed. The village has three half-hidden sources. The most curious, the Font d’en Garlapà, is in a magnificent square with four giant platanaceae trunks that make a perfect shade on sunny days, if you sit on the stone benches in the square.

Scenic views from Vall de la Santa Creu, from Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes

Through Vall de la Santa Creu crosses a small stream having the same name of the village, which formerly was used to run several mills, as those of d’en Pairet or Canavall. In addition to the forest track that links it to the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, another path joins the village with Llançà, through the Coll Perer mountain.

As far as we descende through the valley towards the village we see its actual little dimensions

Vall de la Santa Creu is worth a visit if you go to Port de la Selva village and most of all if you visit the very important Sant Pere de Rodes monastery, the main church, by its historical value, in Costa Brava.

Mas Pinc, in Begur, Girona, Costa Brava

But also the story of Mas Pinc is closely linked to life, and especially death, of the best spanish Flamenco dancer of all times: Carmen Amaya. Born in Barcelona in 1913, in the poor neighborhood of Somorrostro, she had a huge international recognition.

Carmen Amaya, the best flamenco dancer who died in Mas Pinc

In 1961 Carmen Amaya purchased Mas Pinc to live in. She was passionated by the Costa Brava, and she had and active participation in village life until a kidney disease ended with her life. The great artist died in one room of Mas Pinc, surrounded by her family, November 19th, 1963. The funeral, held in Begur, gathered a lot of flamenco fans and artists who wanted to give their last goodbye to the dancer who revolutionized the Flamenco art.

Young Carmen Amaya portrait

Over time, Mas Pinc villa has passed into the hands of the municipality of Begur. Currently, it is the home of Nereo Foundation, an environmental organization whose main objective is the preservation of the Ses Negres area, a coastline piece of Begur extending from the bay of Sa Riera to Aiguafreda creek, near which shipping and fishing is strictly prohibited.

Mas Pinc has a tower defence from piracy from the XVIIth century

You can visit the interior of Mas Pinc, where you’ll find some memories of Carmen Amaya and an exhibition of the marine life in Ses Negres. Inside the home you will see also the door of 1.30 meters x 0.64 meters leading to the original tower defense, 12.30 meters high.

The area around Mas Pinc is also very interesting from a natural point of view. The Mas Pinc garden, opened freely to the public, has been conditioned by the Foundation Nereo as a modest botanical garden where the most important plants of the western Mediterranean are represented. Also in Mas Pinc begins a nice forest trail, crossing a wooded area known as Es Quinze, that leads to Aiguafreda Creek in about 45 minutes. A car parking is offered free to the visitors in front of the farmhouse.

Around Mas Pinc, in the Es Quinze wood, starts a trail to Aiguafreda cove

Undoubtedly Mas Pinc, and its surroundings, is one of the most important points of interest in all Begur.