Villa Romana de Pla de Palol, in Platja d'Aro, Girona, Costa Brava, Spain

And today we discover one of the most important Roman colonies on the Costa Brava. It’s the Vila Romana de Pla de Palol, about 10,000 m2. Despite being known since 1876 is not until 1959 when the first excavations were conducted. In 1984 works where accelerated to be shown to the public finally in 1998.

This panel explains visitors the history of this ancient roman settlement in the place known as Pla de Palol, in Platja d'Aro, Spain

What we know today of these Roman buildings? These buildings were occupied between the first century B.C. and VII. We know about the existence of thermal baths, a sign that this Vila had a residential component. We also have many proofs of the economic activity that took place in Pla de Palol. In particular it was a wine factory center and even this wine was exported to the rest of the Empire. We also know that a man called Porcianus was important in this industry.

The ancient villa still keeps the ancient silos where products were stored

From the architectural point of view the town is organized around two or three large terraces and baths. Around them wine, oils, and cereals stores have been found. Also clay was extracted in the area to make pottery, another craft activity that lasted longer in the Ampurdán. All these products were exported abroad from the nearby natural harbor of Cala Rovira.

Terraces and termae are the most common rooms found in Villa Pla de Palol, Platja d'Aro, Costa Brava

You can visit this interesting roman archeological settlement through the visits organized by the Platja d’Aro Tourist Office. It’s an excellent oportunity to learn in situ about the roman roots of the Costa Brava.

Platja d'Aro Tourist Office organizes visits to the Pla de Palol Roman Villa that helps us understand the context of this important settlement

Cala Sa Conca, in Platja d'Aro, Girona, Costa Brava, Spain

The golden sand is medium, and the entrance to the sea has a certain slope. Cala Sa Conca is usually very crowded in summer. The extension, good services, easy parking and scenic beauty make it one of the preferred coves by many tourists who enjoy the Costa Brava in this area close to Platja d’Aro. The cove is surrounded by a lush pine forest, so the environment is truly natural.

Cala Sa Conca is a very familiar and popular beach in the Platja d'Aro surroundings

Those not only interested in relaxing and sunbathing on the sand, should know that, on the right side of the creek (always facing the sea), towards Sant Feliu de Guixols, begins a coastal path that reaches the Sant Pol beach, also one of the most beautiful beaches in the area.

Both sides of Cala Sa Conca start interesting coastal paths

On the left, towards Platja d’Aro, the walkway leads to the harbour of Marina de Port d’Aro. Due to the proximity of this port is not uncommon to see boats to anchor next to the cove.

Cala Sa Conca and Cala dels Oriços

It should be noted that the Cala Sa Conca is clearly divided into two zones. The rocky promontory facing the cove is the Illot de Sa Conca. The most extensive is the Cala Sa Conca itself, and the smallest, sometimes with rocky underwater floor is the Cala dels Oriços or s’Oriçar, named so for the presence of sea urchins at the bottom.

Cala Sa Conca waters are clean and almost transparent

Cala Sa Conca always has transparent background and spotless waters. Services are comprehensive and include snack bar, showers, toilet, bed-soles for sun loungers and lifeguard station. It’s accessible by car through roads C-31 and GI-666 (see the routes on the map).