Originality and diversity: much more than your everyday pub
Gone are the days of bars and pubs with no personality. Today, when we decide to go out for a casual drink, we look for places with something special to offer. In this post we’ll take a look at a few that are sure to impress. Go ahead and mark them on your map of discoveries!
Starting in the north, we’ll make a stop in Cadaqués. This town in Alt Empordà is home to countless pubs. New this year is Set, which offers spectacular views and delicious tapas. There’s also the more traditional La Frontera for all you night owls who love cocktails and live music. Ultramar, in L’Escala, offers a line-up of jazz and funk music that’ll make you dance to your heart’s content, not to mention signature cocktails. The inland part of the region also has some surprises in store: live music in a chill atmosphere at La Bassa in Ventalló, or a drink amidst Gothic walls at Jardins de Palau Macelli in Castelló d’Empúries, for example.
Moving on, we’ll head to Baix Empordà, where you simply must stop for a beer, whether at Dos Kiwis in Rupià for one of its many craft beers or at El Birrot in Jafre to enjoy its extensive range of exclusive microbrews. If you’re more of a wine drinker, you should check out Tanin in Colomers, a wine bar offering an experience complete with cheeses and other pairings. If you’re looking for music in the heart of nature, Silvana Bosc in Begur and Mas Sorrer in Gualta will not disappoint.
The city of Girona is also packed with all sorts of bars and pubs. If you’re in the mood for natural wines, hit up La Garrina, a cultural space and wine bar. For a round of pints, you’ll want to head to the land of beer, as Babilònia calls itself, offering 17 draught beers and a menu of international and original dishes. A spot with good views before nightfall is the refurbished terrace of Hotel Ultònia, and if you fancy a classic or unique cocktail, check out Cua de Gall, located in the old part of the Gironès capital.
Pla de l’Estany has a lakeside spot that’s perfect all year round and at any time of day: Banys Vells. This quiet little oasis near the water has become a classic in the Girona counties, not only for its setting but also for the activities and stand-up comedy it hosts. A newcomer to the city is La porta del món, a bar-restaurant with a social background located in the old part of town. It’s the perfect place for everything from Moroccan tea to roast croquettes. Its motto: by all and for all.
If you’re in Cerdanya, don’t miss Badiu in Queixans, which hosts yoga evenings, rumba nights, and art and wine workshops, among many other surprises, including regular live music. Puigcerdà is home to one of the classics, La Confianza, a shisha lounge and pub with endless possibilities. If you’re looking for live music all year round, the place to go is Avalanche, also in Puigcerdà.
Another top-shelf bar is Bar Nervis in Sant Joan de les Abadesses (Ripollès), one of those places with a cool vibe, live music, watermelon mojitos and apple gins. For speciality drinks, definitely hit up Cor d’Acer in Ripoll, either for a get-together with friends or a private party. And for vermouth, Las Vegas in Camprodon is the ultimate choice, making you feel right at home.
Finally, we’ll head back to the coast to Selva. Sunset is the best time to go to Cala Banys, a cocktail bar tucked away from the crowds of Lloret de Mar, right next to the water. If you just want to have a drink and boogie a little, Trinket in Tossa de Mar and Hivernacle in Blanes are both good places to go. Plus you can try your hand at a game of table football or pool.
The Girona counties provide the setting and inspiration for these establishments, which serve up better options, more originality and greater diversity year after year.