Carmen “Tita” Cervera, also known as Baroness Thyssen, has been linked to a town on the Costa Brava for decades, where she has an impressive and exclusive mansion facing the Mediterranean. Mas Mañanas has been their family vacation spot in Sant Feliu de Guíxols for decades, but it has also promoted cultural and hotel projects there that reflect its close relationship with the municipality.
The art collector herself has come to define Sant Feliu de Guíxols as “the most beautiful place that exists in the world” and the place where she wants to spend the rest of her life, a statement that invites us to look at this corner of Girona with different eyes. Because the truth is that it is enough to walk along its promenade, get lost among the streets of the historic center or discover the hidden coves that surround it to understand why this enclave falls in love with those who visit it.
Josemanuel
What to see in Sant Feliu de Guíxols
The great symbol of the town is the Monastery of Sant Feliu de Guíxols, one of the most important medieval complexes in Catalonia. Its famous Porta Ferrada, a pre-Romanesque construction from the 10th century, has become the emblem of the city and gives its name to a well-known music festival that brings together national and international artists every summer.
In the monastery itself is the Espai Carmen Thyssen, an exhibition center that, during the summer months, hosts temporary exhibitions with works from the baroness's private collection. The program usually pays special attention to Catalan painting and artists from the 19th and 20th centuries, making it an essential event for art lovers.
Costa Brava Tourism
The promenade is another of the great attractions of the municipality. Flanked by palm trees and with views of the port, it offers a walk that takes place in the shade of century-old plane trees and is complemented by sitting on a terrace or going to Sant Feliu beach, located practically in the city center. In the middle of this walk one comes across the Casino de la Constància (popularly known as the Casino dels Nois), a unique 19th century building in the Mudejar style, easily recognizable by its horseshoe arches and striking windows.
Those who prefer to discover the most historical side of the town will find charm in the old town, with its small squares, narrow streets and modernist buildings that recall the bourgeois past of this old fishing town.
Albertvilarmasso
Where to eat delicious and cheap in Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Gastronomy is another great reason to make a stop here. One of the best-rated establishments is Sa Marinada, well known for its rice, fresh fish and Mediterranean cuisine with excellent value for money, especially considering its location next to the sea.
Another safe bet is Can Kiku, a traditional Catalan cuisine restaurant where the menus and homemade dishes allow you to eat well without breaking the bank. There is a reason it is an establishment frequented by both visitors and local residents.
If you're in the mood for a more casual meal, La Locanda di Nonna Flo has earned an excellent reputation for its artisan pizzas and authentic Italian cuisine, perfect for those looking for a more affordable option without sacrificing quality.
Genis D
By the way, in addition to her artistic interests, the Baroness also has a beautiful boutique hotel in Sant Feliu de Guíxols called The Pink Elephant.
What to do around Sant Feliu de Guíxols
One of the biggest attractions of Sant Feliu de Guíxols is that you just have to leave the center for a few minutes to discover some of the most spectacular landscapes on the Costa Brava. The Camí de Ronda connects the town with small hidden coves and cliffs from which to contemplate the Mediterranean in all its splendor. The section that leads to S'Agaró is especially recommended for its views and because it can be traveled without great physical preparation.
Although for something of a more advanced level, the Cala del Molí via Ferrata is the only one in Europe that runs directly suspended over the sea cliffs.
Catalonia Tourism
Among the nearby beaches, Cala del Vigatà stands out, a small corner of transparent waters surrounded by rock, ideal for those looking for a quieter environment than the urban beach. Nearby is also Cala Ametller, another of those typical coves on the Costa Brava where the water takes on intense turquoise tones.
For those who prefer to combine beach and nature, the massif of the Gavarres It offers numerous trails through Mediterranean forests and natural viewpoints from which to contemplate the Girona coast. It is an excellent alternative to dedicate a morning to hiking before returning to enjoy the seaside atmosphere of Sant Feliu.
Costa Brava Tourism
So, with all this, it is not surprising that Tita Cervera chose this corner as her refuge decades ago. Between heritage, culture, gastronomy and some of the most beautiful coves in Girona, Sant Feliu de Guíxols brings together many of the ingredients that have made the Costa Brava one of the most special destinations in the Mediterranean.
Cover photo | Generalitat of Catalonia and Gordito1869
In Espinof | 50 years of career and 2 Oscars. Today one of the best actors of all time turns 70
