Ampurias/Rosas update?

[lindsay]

Is it worth while spending some time in this area of Spain? Even overwintering as a liveaboard? In particular what is it like cruising-anchoring in the nearby creeks to Cadaques which look so attractive on the chart? I was in Ampurias 8 years ago for a short while while awaiting calmer weather to scurry around Cap Bear back to France, so am familiar with the immensity of its 5,000 berths, supermarkets etc but unaware of any other possible attractions.

Thanks

[paulclan]

I was there for a couple of years

Advantages: nice people.if you have a car there are beautifu places in the hinterland.

[paulclan]

Hi Lindsay,
Sorry pressed the wrong button!

Advantages: Nice places in the hinterland, if you have a car.Trains to Figueres.Bus to Figures from the main road entrance to Empuraibrava, leave bicycles at railings of Police station.
Car esssential for getting to Gerona Airport.
Good shopping.Good eating out too.
cruising wise short hops possible down coast.
Up coast too, but beware sudden Tramontana which is no joke.The ports of Cap creus are part of a National Park and anchoring is not allowed .Competition intense for mooring buoys.
Selva did allow anchoring when I was last there 2004/6 and it is delightful with a good beach and swimming platform.Cafe prices reasonable.On a return visit the aforementioned wind blew up, anchor dragged and I had to squeeze in under the crane and trawlers to avoid eing beached,so constant weather eye is needed.(tough if its the middle of the night, as it was).Argeles -sur-Mer is good all round but dies in winter.
Rosas is delightful, good fresh fish, not cheap for berths, but safe. Santa Margharita is a bit shallow and the mooring blocks stick up from bottom.Care needed. Ruins and interpretitive (spellcheck) centre at Empuries both Greek and Roman are magic, well worth a visit, a special place.

Disadvantages:If you take a berth in the centre section near the tower, all boat movements pass by your berth, so its rock and roll all day and evening.In winter time is not a problem. Good fendering needed in the four poster type berths.Showers good, if basic, Staff obliging and liftouts are possible up to abt 36 feet 6 tonnes.
Tramontana gusts a bit wearing at times but it dries paint well!


Someone else will come along with more recent stuff I'm sure.

Good sailing and boating to all

[lindsay]

That's good background, Paulclan, tksvm. In fact with increasing age I have gone off midnight re-anchoring exercises!

[purplerobbie]

There is a very good parachute centre there.
And the rigger is excellent.

Rob

[paulclan]

Thanks Purple Robbie, I forgot that we did karting there too, mega fun!