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 born exactly 6 months before Jesus Christ. Usually, a celebration is held on the night before his birthday and here in northern Spain, this involves lighting a rather large fire on the beach and leaping through the flames three times before diving headfirst into the sea. The significance, I understand, is that leaping through the flames will drive out any evil spirits that you may have accumulated over the previous 12 months and then to cleanse yourself spiritually by jumping in the sea. This supposedly facilitates a clean slate in order to sin all over again in the year to come. Not being particularly religious, I may have summarised or wildly misinterpreted the above.
Being totally pragmatic however, I can completely relate to the fact that it would be rather beneficial to jump into the sea after some late-night alcohol-fuelled bonfire shenanigans, the latter will most certainly solve any clumsiness with the former unless you are really, really drunk. Thankfully, any accidents here are rare and medically minor in nature.
With my sensible health and safety head on, please remember that glass is not permitted on the beaches, so make sure that you bring plastic containers and take your rubbish away with you when you leave. If you’re not here to watch the rather splendid fireworks display from the main beach, we recommend a blanket, a picnic, some fine Cava and settle down for the night at Platja Castell (set in a protected area of outstanding natural beauty) where you can see the display from a distance and be away from the bright lights of the town and bars. As part of Platja Castell is also a naturist beach, you won’t raise any eyebrows should you decide to go for a skinny dip at midnight.
This year between the 23rd June and the 26th June is the Festa Major in our local town of Palamós. There are displays, concerts, children’s workshops, etc and many of the normal pay-to-entry attractions are free…. including “ta-da” the fish museum. Palamós has a thriving port where the daily catch is landed and where you can buy fish fresh off the boat. They have a largeish building dedicated to the industry and the port’s history and although it’s a little hard for me to wax lyrical about a fish museum – no matter how I put it, fish museums are neither sexy nor exciting, this one in Palamós is well worth going to, especially during this week as it’s totally free.
If you still need some convincing, the fish museum is almost opposite “El Castillet”, a rather quirky Cuban bar that serves Mojitos.
Alternatively, you can watch the fireworks from our pool deck. We have a heated infinity pool and heated exterior Jacuzzi Spa with panoramic views of the coast and Palamós. Being totally private and not overlooked, skinny dipping is also allowed.
We have availability from May until the end of June. Contact us for a last minute booking and get a 15% discount off list prices.
Prices are from €1750.00 per week (just €31.25 pppd) and include full private use of our 4 bedroom 5 star Villa and its amenities (heated infinity pool, heated jacuzzi spa, sauna), our substantial welcome pack, CCTV coded video entrance system, large safe and alarm, all utility bills (gas, water, electricity), all taxes, broadband WIFI, pool and house towels, bed linen and final cleaning.
Quote “San Juan” and reserve your holiday now.