7 February, 2011

Events in the Costa Brava in March

From an idyllic and extremely long walk at Banyoles, to rally racing in Girona, March on the Costa Brava is dedicated to many thrilling and energetic events.

Taking a break to the Costa Brava in early spring to participate or watch an exciting Catalonia event can be easily and economically achieved, with many of the budget airlines’ Spanish routes in full flow after their winter time break.

Vintage Travel has uncovered two particularly ‘pulsating’ events on the Costa Brava this March.

 

Experience the Rally Catalonia in March

Rally racing in Spain can be traced back to the spring of 1904 with a race from Paris to Madrid. For more than a century the sport has grown in popularity and prestige.

The Rally Catalonia is held in March each year in the towns of Girona, selva, Alt Emporada and Baix Emporada. The race has grown in significance and status and is now one of the most important rallies in Spain, which now includes a World Championship circuit.

The event attracts large crowds, many of whom, jostling to secure the best spot, walk for hundreds of yards and even camp out the night before in improvised campsites.

40-kilometre walk, Playa de l’Estany

What could be a more idyllic location for a walk than the verdurous and varied Costa Brava? Since 1963 the Centre Excursionista de Banyoles has organised a 40 kilometre walk in the first fortnight of March.

For the first two years, the walk was 80 kilometres, but in 1965 was quickly changed to a more realistic 40 kilometres after it proved to be a little on the excessive side for most of the participants. With more than 2,000 people of all ages, abilities and both genders participating each year, the walk is a popular, relaxed and enjoyable event.

Unlike most sporting fixtures in Spain, there is no competitiveness involved with this leisurely but rather lengthy walk. In fact, so ‘unhurried’ is the atmosphere that participants often take breaks to take in the stunning scenery that surrounds them.