The Pyrenees has long been a favourite for those in the know.... It's cheaper, it's sunnier, it's less crowded and it's friendlier than the better known resorts in the Alps. At between 2000 and 3500 Mts they compare to the likes of Tignes and Val d'Isere and with snow cannons on all the major runs, there's guaranteed snow even if the famous Spanish sunny weather doesn't provide the natural stuff regularly. Get used to this sight ! Blue skies and crisp cold air. During the wee

Within 30km of the Villa, you will find half a dozen International Standard golf courses including the Catalunya PGA, Spain's No.1 golf course. You can play here all through the year, the winters are generally warm and sunny, but the summers can get very hot, especially at mid-day and in the afternoons. If you intend to play golf here between mid-June and the end of August, we recommend booking an early T off. At the end of the day, come home to a heated pool (April to mid-Oc

This coastal walk takes you from the port of Palamós to Calella de Palafrugell via some of the prettiest coastal villages on the Costa Brava. We find that even in the summer months when parking is at a premium, there is always available parking in Carrer de sa Tamardia above the Palamós Marina. From here, you can join the Cami de Ronda and this first section takes you over the wooded hill between Palamós and La Fosca with elevated views of the coastline to the Iberic ruins at

Each season in Catalunya brings us something quite different, but it has to be said that I look forward to this season the most. From mid-October until the end of November, the leaves on the trees are in full display and after a long and hot summer, there’s an absolute riot of colour in the mountains. You can generally expect temperatures in the mid 20’s, the air is fresh and clear and there is not a breath of wind rustling the leaves. The sky has that particular shade of dar

About 90 minutes to the north of Casa Cal Domino and one of my favourite places to come and soak up the scenery is the church of Santa Helena in the Serra de Rodes hills overlooking the seaside town of Port de la Selva. This part of northern Spain close to the French border lies in the Cap de Creus Natural Park, an arid, windswept area of outstanding natural beauty devoid of trees due to the ravages of the fierce Tramontana northern wind. The coastline is punctuated by strang

If you’re celebrating the official start of summer with the midsummer solstice, getting all religious at the Fiesta de San Juan (Sant Joan in Catalan) or just out to enjoy a good party, the Costa Brava is an excellent location for the festivities leading up to some great  fireworks on 23 June. For those that are unaware, San Juan is a Christian holiday – popular here in Spain – that celebrates the birth of St John the Baptist who, according to one popular publication, was bor

Just to the north of Casa Cal Domino and close to the old Roman walled city of Girona, lies the biggest natural fresh water lake in the Catalan region of Spain. Banyoles has been declared a Space of National Interest and is on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The lake is near the town of Banyoles with some 19,000 inhabitants and although there are some nice older parts to the town such as a central square dotted with bars and cafés, it’s not really wor

Casa Cal Domino is now offering long and medium term winter rentals from Mid October to the end of March. Come and enjoy the 300 days of sunshine that this region has on average each year. Hiking : Cal Domino is situated in the Gavarres Massif, a 38,000 Ha protected area just 3 km from the 28 blue-flagged beaches of the Costa Brava and overlooking the medieval village of Calonge and its 10th Century Castle. We are also close to the Collsacabra mountain range in the low Pyrene

Long term winter rentals in North-East Spain for retirees looking for some winter sun, professionals that are able to work from home or those that want the freedom to come and go whenever they wish and enjoy superb hiking, biking, golf and skiing right on your doorstep. From mid-October to the end of March, Casa Cal Domino is now taking long-term reservations with up to 75% off summer list prices. The summer and the beach scene are over and the Costa Brava returns to a sleepy

For visitors here, touring Europe is an exhilarating but expensive and exhausting experience. Pre-booked flights, rigid itineraries and expensive soul-less hotels. This year, leave the big suitcase at Cal Domino and take advantage of cheap mid week flights with just a carry-on. Rent your own luxury Villa in north-east Spain and base yourself in the centre of Western Europe. Casa Cal Domino is situated at the foot of the Gavarres Massif, a 38,000 Ha protected forest that overl

We are lucky to have some great hill and trail routes from the front door. It’s one of the things that I like about living by the sea in this part of northern Spain. You’ve got so much choice of what to do without having to actually “go” anywhere. Casa Cal Domino is located on the coast at the foot of the Gavarres massif, a 38,000 Ha protected stretch of coastal hills situated between the Mediterranean Sea and Girona. It’s not often that we feel the need to venture much past

Welcome to the Costa Brava ! From the town of Blanes all the way to the French border in north-east Spain, 214 kilometres of rugged cliffs punctuated by small sandy bays and crystal clear water. This stretch of the Spanish coastline boasts a total of 28 blue-flagged beaches which are testament to the health of the marine ecosystem. The Costa Brava also hosts 2 national park marine reserves, one at the Cap de Creus in the north and the other by L’Esartit at the Illes de Medes.