Environment
L’Empordanet
Mas Generós is located in the Catalan region of “Baix Empordà”. Josep Pla, a local writer who is well known for his genius descriptions of this landscape, called the region ‘l’Empordanet petit’ (the little Empordà). Its beauty lies indeed in the small things of its domesticity and its pleasant routine. With his exceptional writing, Pla gave a deep transcendence to the simple things of daily life in the country, which give us a full perception of ourselves and everything around us. This is the privileged environment that will fill our guests with peace and rest.
L’Empordà, as a whole, breaks the limits of my capacity of perceiving. L’Empordanet is related to my way of being, with my short flying around, with the pleasure I take from concrete, determined things.
Josep Pla. El Meu País, 1968.
Medieval villages
L’Empordà is known for its extended vineyards and wheat fields, but also for its picturesque and exceptionally well preserved medieval villages. Some of them are Peratallada (5km), Sant Feliu de Boada (8km), Pals (10 km) or Torroella de Montgrí (15km).
Pristine beaches
Just a short distance from Mas Generós you can find the spectacular Costa Brava, one of the most well-preserved coastlines of the Iberian Peninsula. Its highlight are the untouched beaches like El Castell (15km), absolutely free of buildings, and the beautiful Ronda trail which runs along the coast, where you can enjoy a long walk between the sea and the woods at sunset.
La Costa Brava
The Costa Brava is dotted with small charming fisher’s villages. Calella de Palafrugell (15km), Llafranc (15km) or Aiguablava (19km) are the perfect place for an evening walk on the beach followed by a candlelit dinner of delicious fresh fish.
Traditional craftsmanship
L’Empordà is especially known for its artisanal ceramics, typical from La Bisbal (2 km), which will bring L’Empordà’s soil, its very essence, into your home’s kitchen. Another of the sars of local handcrafts is recuit, a traditional soft cheese made in Fonteta, just a few steps away from our house.
Activities and tourist attractions
[Walking] is the perfect way of moving if you want to see into the life of things. It is the one way of freedom. If you go to a place on anything but your own feet you are taken there too fast, and miss a thousand delicate joys that were waiting for you by the wayside.
Elisabeth von Arnim
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Cycling
Cycling across vineyards and pine forests and stopping to rest in small medieval villages or to admire historical monuments is one of the most enjoyable activities in L’Empordà. Easily accessible routes such as Pirinexus y Vies Verdes, that guarantee the security of their users, are available across the region. At Mas Generós, we provide our guests with easy access to bike rental.
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Hiking
We are located exactly at the entrance of the Gavarres protected natural area, where many signposted trails along which to enjoy the local flora and fauna await you. The Sant Pol trail, for instance, starts just outside our doorstep. It will take you to the small chapel of Santa Maria de Fitor or to the “three feet dolmen” in an enjoyable morning walk.
If you prefer having a view to the sea, the Ronda trail runs along the Costa Brava and is only a few kilometers away from Mas Generós. This trail will allow you to enjoy both sides of l’Empordà: on one side, the green pines, on the other, the blue sea. On top of the spectacular panorama, you will occasionally find some hidden steps behind a flowering bush and discover a wild, secret beach where to enjoy a refreshing swim.
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Guided visits to local medieval villages
L’Empordà hides small gems. Among them, the perfectly preserved medieval villages. If walking around the picturesque streets of Peratallada, Pals or Monells is not enough for you and you rather dream of living a journey back in time, our local guides will help you to understand the meaning of every corner, every door and every stone.
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Museums
L’Empordà has a lot to offer, not only in terms of popular and traditional culture but also in terms of contemporary art. Unique places like the Terractoa Museum in la Bisbal, the Bisbal Castle, the Rural Museum of Palau Sator, the Cork Museum or the Jam Museum , all located very close to our house, will teach you about the customs of this land, its history, its handcrafts and even the traditional daily lives of the local peasants.
If you are rather interested in contemporary art, l’Empordà is also an ideal destination. The star of the region is the Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol, a medieval building refurbished by the well-known artist Dalí for his lover, Gala. You will also be able to enjoy contemporary art exhibitions at the Can Mario Museum in Palafrugell.
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Gastronomic routes
On top of history and craftsmanship, gastronomy is also an important part of the local cultural heritage. The wine producing tradition of L’Empordà, in fact, dates back to Roman times. This is why “Empordà” is a Protected Designation of Origin. Thanks to the D.O. Empordà Wine Route you will be able to get to know this aspect of our gastronomic identity. Also, many local artisans and producers will welcome you with open arms through workshops, visits and tastings in order to explain the production process of oil, cheese and other traditional products.
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Beach sports
If you want to couple the countryside with the beach, l’Empordà is the perfect place for you. On top of offering some of the most beautiful beaches of the Iberian Peninsula, the Costa Brava also offers water activities for you to enjoy our sea: from paddle surf or kayak excursions through sailing lessons all the way to diving certifications, everything will be right at your fingertips from Mas Generós.