Casa Mariposa - Local Guide
Beaches
Beaches
The coastline around Begur offers a wonderful mix of craggy cliffs with walking trails, small pine fringed coves and beaches. There are about 10 beaches within an easy drive (5-20 minute drive) from the house, which we’ve detailed below:
Sa Riera (2 km / 5 minute drive)
The closest beach to Casa Mariposa and Begur is Sa Riera (2.3 km away - about a 5 minute drive or 35 minute walk down the valley). The large, sandy (coarse sand) beach is framed by rocky cliffs to either side and has a handful of restaurants and cafes. The beach looks north towards the Illes Medes and if you’re feeling energetic you can explore the picturesque costal path which takes you around the headland and over to the neighbouring Platja de la Roja and Pals beach/Platja de Pals.
There is limited parking available (pay at the meter) on the roads leading down to the beach. During the peak summer months it does get busy, so you might have to hunt for a parking space or arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Outside of peak season parking is fine.
There is also good accessibility for people with reduced mobility as it has access ramps and wooden walkways to the sand. The beach also has showers and public loos.
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Sa Riera
Sa Riera (2 km / 5 minute drive)
The closest beach to Casa Mariposa and Begur is Sa Riera (2.3 km away - about a 5 minute drive or 35 minute walk down the valley). The large, sandy (coarse sand) beach is framed by rocky cliffs to either side and has a handful of restaurants and cafes. The beach looks north towards the Illes Medes and if you’re feeling energetic you can explore the picturesque costal path which takes you around the headland and over to the neighbouring Platja de la Roja and Pals beach/Platja de Pals.
There is limited parking available (pay at the meter) on the roads leading down to the beach. During the peak summer months it does get busy, so you might have to hunt for a parking space or arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Outside of peak season parking is fine.
There is also good accessibility for people with reduced mobility as it has access ramps and wooden walkways to the sand. The beach also has showers and public loos.
Pals Beach /Platja de Pals (5 km / 10 minute drive)
5 km (10 minute drive) to the north of Casa Mariposa is the large, sweeping bay of Pals beach. It is one of the longest beaches on the Costa Brava at 3.5 km long. There are two parts to the beach, Platja Gran and Platja del Grau. The most northerly part is Platja del Grau which has lovely fine, golden sand and shallow waters and is perfect for families with young children. Platja Gran is at the southern end of the beach and has coarser sand and the water tends to get deep quite quickly. Both parts of the beach are great, we tend to prefer Platja del Grau as the parking is easier in peak season and we have young children. Both parts of the beach have public loos and fresh water showers.
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Platja Pals
Pals Beach /Platja de Pals (5 km / 10 minute drive)
5 km (10 minute drive) to the north of Casa Mariposa is the large, sweeping bay of Pals beach. It is one of the longest beaches on the Costa Brava at 3.5 km long. There are two parts to the beach, Platja Gran and Platja del Grau. The most northerly part is Platja del Grau which has lovely fine, golden sand and shallow waters and is perfect for families with young children. Platja Gran is at the southern end of the beach and has coarser sand and the water tends to get deep quite quickly. Both parts of the beach are great, we tend to prefer Platja del Grau as the parking is easier in peak season and we have young children. Both parts of the beach have public loos and fresh water showers.
Platja de I’Illa Roja (2.4 km / 5 minute drive)
Set amongst rocks and pine trees Platja de I’Illa Roja is known for its clear waters and the prominent reddish rocky island that presides over it and gives the beach its name, “Red Island”. It tends to be a quieter beach with coarse golden sand and is popular with nudists (but anyone is welcome with or without clothes!). The only access to the beach is via a pretty coastal pathway. It is worth noting that beach is surround by high cliffs and as a result gets fewer hours of sunshine than the other beaches (by mid afternoon it is in the shade).
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Platja de l 'Ila Roja
Platja de I’Illa Roja (2.4 km / 5 minute drive)
Set amongst rocks and pine trees Platja de I’Illa Roja is known for its clear waters and the prominent reddish rocky island that presides over it and gives the beach its name, “Red Island”. It tends to be a quieter beach with coarse golden sand and is popular with nudists (but anyone is welcome with or without clothes!). The only access to the beach is via a pretty coastal pathway. It is worth noting that beach is surround by high cliffs and as a result gets fewer hours of sunshine than the other beaches (by mid afternoon it is in the shade).
Sa Tuna (5 km / 10 minute drive)
A scenic drive east of the house is Sa Tuna; a tiny, former fishing village with white washed houses set around a small cove with a pebbly beach. There are also coastal paths to either side of the cove inviting you to explore the surrounding rocky coastline. There are a couple of restaurants and small car park. In the summer months parking can be tricky, so you have to time visit by either getting there early or in the late afternoon.
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Sa Tuna
Sa Tuna (5 km / 10 minute drive)
A scenic drive east of the house is Sa Tuna; a tiny, former fishing village with white washed houses set around a small cove with a pebbly beach. There are also coastal paths to either side of the cove inviting you to explore the surrounding rocky coastline. There are a couple of restaurants and small car park. In the summer months parking can be tricky, so you have to time visit by either getting there early or in the late afternoon.
Aiguablava (6km / 12 minute drive)
Just a 12 minute picturesque drive from the house is the small beach of Platja d'Aiguablava. It is a very popular beach due to its soft, fine sand and clear blue waters. There are also a couple of good restaurants. You can also continue to explore the coastal path from here towards the tiny, marina of Fornell.
There is also good accessibility for people with reduced mobility as it has access ramps and wooden walkways to the sand. The beach also has fresh water showers.
As with many of the smaller beaches and coves it does tend to get busy in peak season (July/August), so it is best to arrive early or late (mid afternoon onwards). There is a manned car park which you pay for after your beach visit. In the winter months the parking is free.
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Aigua Blava
Aiguablava (6km / 12 minute drive)
Just a 12 minute picturesque drive from the house is the small beach of Platja d'Aiguablava. It is a very popular beach due to its soft, fine sand and clear blue waters. There are also a couple of good restaurants. You can also continue to explore the coastal path from here towards the tiny, marina of Fornell.
There is also good accessibility for people with reduced mobility as it has access ramps and wooden walkways to the sand. The beach also has fresh water showers.
As with many of the smaller beaches and coves it does tend to get busy in peak season (July/August), so it is best to arrive early or late (mid afternoon onwards). There is a manned car park which you pay for after your beach visit. In the winter months the parking is free.
Tamariu (13km / 20 minute drive)
One of our favourite beaches to visit is Tamariu. Its a charming seaside village with a promenade fringed by restaurants and is a popular family beach. There is also a diving board in the summer months and a bit of snorkelling along the coves rocky edges. You can also explore the coastal path from here too. There are fresh water showers and wooden walkways to help those with reduced mobility.
There is parking in a wood at the back of the village which is very reasonably priced (pay at meter) or on street parking.
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Tamariu
Tamariu (13km / 20 minute drive)
One of our favourite beaches to visit is Tamariu. Its a charming seaside village with a promenade fringed by restaurants and is a popular family beach. There is also a diving board in the summer months and a bit of snorkelling along the coves rocky edges. You can also explore the coastal path from here too. There are fresh water showers and wooden walkways to help those with reduced mobility.
There is parking in a wood at the back of the village which is very reasonably priced (pay at meter) or on street parking.
Aiguafreda (5 km / 10 minute drive)
A tiny, stoney cove with good snorkelling and coastal walks. You can walk along the coastal path to the pretty former fishing village of Sa Tuna in about 15 minutes. The cove has a small car park.
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Aiguafreda
Aiguafreda (5 km / 10 minute drive)
A tiny, stoney cove with good snorkelling and coastal walks. You can walk along the coastal path to the pretty former fishing village of Sa Tuna in about 15 minutes. The cove has a small car park.
Llafranc (12 km / 20 minute drive)
A bit further south along the coast is the pretty seaside village of Llafranc. It is similar to Tamariu but bigger and also has a marina. It has plenty of restaurants lining the promenade which runs along the back of the beach and is a popular spot.
There is a multi-storey car park and on street parking (pay at meter).
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Llafranc
3 Plaça de la MarinadaLlafranc (12 km / 20 minute drive)
A bit further south along the coast is the pretty seaside village of Llafranc. It is similar to Tamariu but bigger and also has a marina. It has plenty of restaurants lining the promenade which runs along the back of the beach and is a popular spot.
There is a multi-storey car park and on street parking (pay at meter).
Calella de Palafrugell (12 km / 20 minute drive)
An old fishing village set along a collection of small, sandy coves, with numerous restaurants. Parking can be tricky during peak season so we tend to explore this area during the autumn, winter and spring months.
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Calella de Palafrugell
Calella de Palafrugell (12 km / 20 minute drive)
An old fishing village set along a collection of small, sandy coves, with numerous restaurants. Parking can be tricky during peak season so we tend to explore this area during the autumn, winter and spring months.
Platja de Castell (17 km / 20 minute drive)
A natural beauty set amongst the Castell Cap Roig Nature Reserve. A soft, sandy beach with a small pop up restaurant during the summer months and toilets. There are also excellent walking trails to explore in the surrounding pine woodland and secret coves you can walk to. The parking is easy (pay when you exit the car park) and is about a 10 minute walk to the beach.
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Playa El Castell
Platja de Castell (17 km / 20 minute drive)
A natural beauty set amongst the Castell Cap Roig Nature Reserve. A soft, sandy beach with a small pop up restaurant during the summer months and toilets. There are also excellent walking trails to explore in the surrounding pine woodland and secret coves you can walk to. The parking is easy (pay when you exit the car park) and is about a 10 minute walk to the beach.
Platja de la Fosca (19 km / 25 minute drive)
Another typical Costa Brava sandy beach with clear water, just north of Palamós.
Platja cala fosca
17 Passeig de la FoscaPlatja de la Fosca (19 km / 25 minute drive)
Another typical Costa Brava sandy beach with clear water, just north of Palamós.
Sightseeing
Begur (1.6 km / 4 minute drive or 20 minute walk)
Begur is our local town and is located in the heart of the Empordà district. The charming hillside town has a rich history and is fun to explore. Stroll around the historic centre and see some of the colonial style buildings built by Berga residents on their return from Cuba and take a walk (you can also drive) up to its medieval hilltop castle which overlooks the town. From the top you will get fantastic views across to the Bay of Roses and surround areas (and on a clear day you can see the foothills of the Pyrenees).
Begur’s market day is on a Wednesday morning in the main square next to the church, and is worth a visit. There are numerous parking areas dotted around the edges of the town, as well as a small multi-storey central car park or on street parking.
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Begur
Begur (1.6 km / 4 minute drive or 20 minute walk)
Begur is our local town and is located in the heart of the Empordà district. The charming hillside town has a rich history and is fun to explore. Stroll around the historic centre and see some of the colonial style buildings built by Berga residents on their return from Cuba and take a walk (you can also drive) up to its medieval hilltop castle which overlooks the town. From the top you will get fantastic views across to the Bay of Roses and surround areas (and on a clear day you can see the foothills of the Pyrenees).
Begur’s market day is on a Wednesday morning in the main square next to the church, and is worth a visit. There are numerous parking areas dotted around the edges of the town, as well as a small multi-storey central car park or on street parking.
Palafrugell (9 km / 15 minute drive)
Palafrugell is the nearest ‘large’ town and where you will find all of the closest supermarkets (Esclat, Lidl, Aldi, Carrefour Market, Mercadona etc) and a variety of shops. The town has a pleasant central square (Placa Nova) with numerous outdoor cafes. There is a very good daily food market on the street leading up to the main square, as well as the weekly bigger market on a Sunday (which sells clothes and other items as well as food).
There are numerous parking areas in and around the town and some on street parking. We tend to park in either the central underground car park (called Parking Can Mario Telepark in google maps) or in Place Camp d’en Prats car park (next to a children’s playground).
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Palafrugell
Palafrugell (9 km / 15 minute drive)
Palafrugell is the nearest ‘large’ town and where you will find all of the closest supermarkets (Esclat, Lidl, Aldi, Carrefour Market, Mercadona etc) and a variety of shops. The town has a pleasant central square (Placa Nova) with numerous outdoor cafes. There is a very good daily food market on the street leading up to the main square, as well as the weekly bigger market on a Sunday (which sells clothes and other items as well as food).
There are numerous parking areas in and around the town and some on street parking. We tend to park in either the central underground car park (called Parking Can Mario Telepark in google maps) or in Place Camp d’en Prats car park (next to a children’s playground).
Pals (Old Town) (7.5 km / 10 minute drive)
Pals old town is one of the region’s most beautiful historic villages. You can wander around the narrow medieval streets and stone buildings, and numerous small craft and gift shops. You can also climb up to the high point of the town, close to Torre dels Hores (Tower of Hours) and enjoy the views across the fields of the Empordà and surround areas. There are plenty of shops, cafes and resultants to visit too. One of the best and well known restaurants in Pals is Restaurant El Pedró - serving lots of traditional Spanish food.
There are a couple of car parks around the edges of the town that are usually easy to park in.
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Pals
Pals (Old Town) (7.5 km / 10 minute drive)
Pals old town is one of the region’s most beautiful historic villages. You can wander around the narrow medieval streets and stone buildings, and numerous small craft and gift shops. You can also climb up to the high point of the town, close to Torre dels Hores (Tower of Hours) and enjoy the views across the fields of the Empordà and surround areas. There are plenty of shops, cafes and resultants to visit too. One of the best and well known restaurants in Pals is Restaurant El Pedró - serving lots of traditional Spanish food.
There are a couple of car parks around the edges of the town that are usually easy to park in.
Pals Beach Resort (4 km / 10 minute drive)
A typical tourist beachside resort with lots of restaurants (these tend to be summer season only), beach shops and numerous campsites. There are a couple of good child friendly restaurants (Niff Niff and Braai) which both have small children’s play areas.
Pals is very much set up for family holidays and as a result has a some fun activities you can do with children. The Parc d’Adventure is a popular place with treetop trails, high wires and zip lines. There is also a pony riding centre nearby too.
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Platja Pals
Pals Beach Resort (4 km / 10 minute drive)
A typical tourist beachside resort with lots of restaurants (these tend to be summer season only), beach shops and numerous campsites. There are a couple of good child friendly restaurants (Niff Niff and Braai) which both have small children’s play areas.
Pals is very much set up for family holidays and as a result has a some fun activities you can do with children. The Parc d’Adventure is a popular place with treetop trails, high wires and zip lines. There is also a pony riding centre nearby too.
Peratallada (16 km / 20 minute drive)
Peratallada is well worth a visit for a couple of hours or so. It is a beautiful, small medieval stone village which has retained much of its charm and has been declared a place of historical interest. Take a walk through its winding cobbled streets during a morning or afternoon. There are numerous small shops to check out too and some lovely restaurants (and a very good ice cream shop - Gelat Artesa de Peratallada). There are a couple of good sized car parks around the outside of the village. We tend to park in either Aparcement Peratallada (next to the church) or Estacionamiento Municipal (both on google maps).
263 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Peratallada
Peratallada (16 km / 20 minute drive)
Peratallada is well worth a visit for a couple of hours or so. It is a beautiful, small medieval stone village which has retained much of its charm and has been declared a place of historical interest. Take a walk through its winding cobbled streets during a morning or afternoon. There are numerous small shops to check out too and some lovely restaurants (and a very good ice cream shop - Gelat Artesa de Peratallada). There are a couple of good sized car parks around the outside of the village. We tend to park in either Aparcement Peratallada (next to the church) or Estacionamiento Municipal (both on google maps).
Palau Sator (14 km / 15 minute drive)
Palau Sator is another tiny, medieval walled village with a couple of very good restaurants (Mas Pou and Can Salo). Whilst here it is worth taking a short stroll around the village and climbing up to the top of the clock tower (Tower of Hours) for super views of the surrounding countryside.
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Palau-sator
Palau Sator (14 km / 15 minute drive)
Palau Sator is another tiny, medieval walled village with a couple of very good restaurants (Mas Pou and Can Salo). Whilst here it is worth taking a short stroll around the village and climbing up to the top of the clock tower (Tower of Hours) for super views of the surrounding countryside.
Ullastret village and ancient ruins of Ullastret (20 km / 20 minute drive)
A tiny, medieval village with a handful of small restaurants and close to the ancient ruins of Ullastret (an Iberian town from Iron Age times and the largest discovered in Catalunya) which you can also visit.
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Ullastret
Ullastret village and ancient ruins of Ullastret (20 km / 20 minute drive)
A tiny, medieval village with a handful of small restaurants and close to the ancient ruins of Ullastret (an Iberian town from Iron Age times and the largest discovered in Catalunya) which you can also visit.
La Bisbal d’Empordà (18 km / 20 minute drive)
La Bisbal d’Empordà is one of the leading pottery centres in Catalunya and a great place to visit if you are keen on your ceramics, pottery or antique. You can find lots of treasures here in one of the many shops along Carrer de L’Aigueta. The best car park to access this area of the town is Aparcamant del Passeig (on google maps).
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La Bisbal de l'Empordà
17 Carrer del RavalLa Bisbal d’Empordà (18 km / 20 minute drive)
La Bisbal d’Empordà is one of the leading pottery centres in Catalunya and a great place to visit if you are keen on your ceramics, pottery or antique. You can find lots of treasures here in one of the many shops along Carrer de L’Aigueta. The best car park to access this area of the town is Aparcamant del Passeig (on google maps).
Ruins of Empúries / Ruïnes d’Empúries (31 km / 35 minutes drive)
A 35 minute drive north of the house on a stretch of coastline lie the Ruins of Empúries, the most important Greco-Roman site in Catalunya. You can explore the ruins and see stunning mosaics.
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엠푸리스 유적
s/n C/ Puig i CadafalchRuins of Empúries / Ruïnes d’Empúries (31 km / 35 minutes drive)
A 35 minute drive north of the house on a stretch of coastline lie the Ruins of Empúries, the most important Greco-Roman site in Catalunya. You can explore the ruins and see stunning mosaics.
Cap Roig Gardens / Jardins de Cap Roig (14 km / 20 minute drive)
The Cap Roig gardens are a truly unique spot on the Mediterranean coastline. The gardens spanning 20 hectares and home to around 800 botanical species, are perched on a cliff top with impressive views out to sea and across to Calella de Palafrugell. The gardens are open throughout the year and there is a dedicated car park for visitors.
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Sculpturepark Jardíns de Cap Roig
s/n Carrer Camí del RusCap Roig Gardens / Jardins de Cap Roig (14 km / 20 minute drive)
The Cap Roig gardens are a truly unique spot on the Mediterranean coastline. The gardens spanning 20 hectares and home to around 800 botanical species, are perched on a cliff top with impressive views out to sea and across to Calella de Palafrugell. The gardens are open throughout the year and there is a dedicated car park for visitors.
Girona (50 km / 55 minute drive).
The so-called “City of the Four Rivers”, is set at the confluence of four rivers in the valley of the Ter. One of the rivers, the Onyar, divides the historic centre from the modern city. The old centre is rich with history, from the time it was founded by the Romans in the 1st century B.C. and whom built its original wall, to its historic centre dominated by medieval buildings. The provincial capital features a beautiful walled medieval quarter, Barri Vell, perched on a hill above the city - with narrow cobbled alleyways, balconied houses and shady little plaças. Clinging to the banks of the river, as it meanders through the centre of town, is a long row of picturesque pastel-hued houses, the Cases de l’Onyar.
391 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Girona
Girona (50 km / 55 minute drive).
The so-called “City of the Four Rivers”, is set at the confluence of four rivers in the valley of the Ter. One of the rivers, the Onyar, divides the historic centre from the modern city. The old centre is rich with history, from the time it was founded by the Romans in the 1st century B.C. and whom built its original wall, to its historic centre dominated by medieval buildings. The provincial capital features a beautiful walled medieval quarter, Barri Vell, perched on a hill above the city - with narrow cobbled alleyways, balconied houses and shady little plaças. Clinging to the banks of the river, as it meanders through the centre of town, is a long row of picturesque pastel-hued houses, the Cases de l’Onyar.
Besalú (67 km / 1 hours drive)
Besalú a is a small tranquil town that was once an important local capital during the middle ages. Its star attraction is without doubt the Romanesque bridge over the River Fluvia. The picturesque town centre is a huddle of restored medieval stone buildings with numerous cafes, shops and restaurants. You probably only need a couple of hours here to “see it” and you could combine it with a visit to the Garroxta ancient volcanic landscape town of Olot, or the Lake at Banyoles, or the nearby village of Castellfollit de la Roca perched high on a cliff edge.
260 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Besalú
Besalú (67 km / 1 hours drive)
Besalú a is a small tranquil town that was once an important local capital during the middle ages. Its star attraction is without doubt the Romanesque bridge over the River Fluvia. The picturesque town centre is a huddle of restored medieval stone buildings with numerous cafes, shops and restaurants. You probably only need a couple of hours here to “see it” and you could combine it with a visit to the Garroxta ancient volcanic landscape town of Olot, or the Lake at Banyoles, or the nearby village of Castellfollit de la Roca perched high on a cliff edge.
Figueres (52 km / 45 minute drive)
Figueres is the former home to famous artist, Salvador Dalí. The Dalí Theatre-Museum is well worth a visit if you are keen on your art.
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Figueres
Figueres (52 km / 45 minute drive)
Figueres is the former home to famous artist, Salvador Dalí. The Dalí Theatre-Museum is well worth a visit if you are keen on your art.
Cadaqués (73 km / 1 hour 15 minute drive)
Situated on the Cap de Creus peninsula, Cadaqués is one of the most symbolic places on the Costa Brava. Its rocky coast, fringed by beautiful beaches and quiet coves, forms one of its main attractions, together with the Cap de Creus Natural Park. The town has been a source of inspiration for internationally famous painters and artists for decades, today the centre enjoys an intense cultural life, as witnessed by its many museums and art galleries, among which the Salvador Dalí House-Museum.
504 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Cadaqués
Cadaqués (73 km / 1 hour 15 minute drive)
Situated on the Cap de Creus peninsula, Cadaqués is one of the most symbolic places on the Costa Brava. Its rocky coast, fringed by beautiful beaches and quiet coves, forms one of its main attractions, together with the Cap de Creus Natural Park. The town has been a source of inspiration for internationally famous painters and artists for decades, today the centre enjoys an intense cultural life, as witnessed by its many museums and art galleries, among which the Salvador Dalí House-Museum.
Activities and Sports
Club Padel Indians is a friendly, low key, welcoming pool and Padel tennis sports club in Begur. They have a large outdoor pool, 4 Padel courts and a pleasant poolside restaurant and bar. There is no need to be a member you can just pay on arrival for the use of the pool, Padel or restaurant.
Whilst we don’t currently have a swimming pool at Casa Mariposa we regularly make use of the lovely, large pool at Club Padel Indians. It is only a 6 minute (2.7km) drive from the house and parking is easy.
For more information (opening hours, prices, location - see their website).
Club Padel Indians
Club Padel Indians is a friendly, low key, welcoming pool and Padel tennis sports club in Begur. They have a large outdoor pool, 4 Padel courts and a pleasant poolside restaurant and bar. There is no need to be a member you can just pay on arrival for the use of the pool, Padel or restaurant.
Whilst we don’t currently have a swimming pool at Casa Mariposa we regularly make use of the lovely, large pool at Club Padel Indians. It is only a 6 minute (2.7km) drive from the house and parking is easy.
For more information (opening hours, prices, location - see their website).