We are doing well, thank you! Coastal road from Sant Feliu de Guíxols to Tossa de Mar

Thank you to everyone who has cared for us and asked about us. We are doing well, we are safe and not affected by the floods. 

Born under a lucky star. We can say this when we see the extent of the floods in Valencia. Several rivers transformed into a deadly beast near Valencia overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. The sad interim toll of the storm that is already classified as the worst of the century in the region is a number of dead and countless missing. The storm phenomenon “Dana,” which can occur along Spain's Mediterranean coast when cold air masses meet the warm sea, wreaked havoc on various counties in southern and western Valencia on Tuesday. 

Rainfall of over 445 liters per square meter within a few hours destroyed towns and roads. According to my source “Costa Nachrichten,” it rained more in 5 hours than the amount of the last 20 months combined. 

On November 9, we have planned our next stay in Utiel near Valencia, a region known for its wine production. Utiel was severely affected by the storm. This certainly weighs heavily on one's mind, and one cannot help but wonder what would have happened if we had been there at the time of the storm? 

The images are painful, families have lost their loved ones as well as their homes and belongings. We are simply grateful to be in an unscathed place. Our hotel in Utiel is currently serving as shelter for residents or those in flood-affected areas who need a safe place. In 10 days, we will hardly be there and will likely have to adjust our route a bit. 

Currently, the mood in the country is gloomy. Due to the three-day state mourning, numerous cultural and leisure events have been canceled, and the weather forecasts in the affected regions are not optimistic.

To clear our minds, we took a coastal drive from Sant Feliu de Guíxols to Tossa de Mar today in quite nice weather. 

We take the coastal road GI-682, which is one of the most spectacular panoramic roads on the Spanish Costa Brava. It connects the two coastal towns of Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Tossa de Mar and stretches for about 22 kilometers along a winding route through the rugged coastal landscape. 

The road runs mostly close to the steep slope and offers a grand view of the deep blue Mediterranean, secluded coves, and green pine forests at many points. Along the route, there are viewpoints inviting stops to enjoy the scenery.

The GI-682 is known for its many curves, making the drive exciting, but as Swiss, we are used to mountain driving, and I had a good driver who got me to the destination safely. 

Along the way, small side roads lead to hidden coves, but these have not been accessible for some time due to the many tourists driving this coastal road.

We take a detour halfway to the Ermita de Sant Grau. The road goes 5 kilometers uphill to 360 meters above sea level. There stands a pilgrimage church.

The chapel was built in the 13th century in honor of Saint Grau. Over the centuries, it has been renovated and restored several times. The current church is a neo-Gothic structure from 1882. However, it is in poor structural condition and closed until next summer season. 

Sant Grau is a traditional pilgrimage site, and every year on October 13, a pilgrimage is held in honor of Saint Sant Grau. On this occasion, people from the area come together to celebrate the saint and hold a mass in the chapel. Traditionally, October 13 also marks the end of the tourist season. 

We stop at the various Miradors (viewpoints) to enjoy the spectacular view of the coast. 

The GI-682 is more than just a connecting road; it offers a unique coastal experience and showcases the Costa Brava in its most beautiful and authentic form.

In Tossa de Mar, we have reached the destination of the route. First, we take a well-deserved lunch break and enjoy delicious tapas at the foot of the city wall. 

We have already visited and reported on the castle and part of the old town. After lunch, we stroll through the backstreets of Tossa de Mar and make interesting discoveries. Lovely alleys, old doors, ceramic images, graffiti cobblestones, and beautiful windows.

Once again, we spent a lovely day today, and the sun showed itself more frequently. It almost reached sunset.