Experience the Costa Brava Step by Step with Expert Local Guides
Ever since Madeleine Carrol set her foot in the sandy cove beaches in Palamós in the early 30’s, the image of Costa Brava has travelled the world. It was thanks to her influence in Hollywood as an actress that she convinced, after the Civil War was over, that this region was the perfect film set for movie productions.
The Beginning of Cinema on the Costa Brava
We had to wait over two decades for the fascist regime of Franco to allow the filming, but soon realizing how convenient it was to show the world what a “permissive dictatorship” we had, how glamorous it was to have Hollywood actresses around, and what a fantastic tourism marketing campaign it would all be, that soon it was all too easy for European and American production companies to install themselves in little towns like Cadaques or Begur.
Hollywood Discovers the Costa Brava
Can you imagine in 1950 having Richard Burton, Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra or Elizabeth Taylor in your village? Locals were drown to be part of film sets, eager to learn about America even though they couldn’t speak a word of English. Their passion and looks were enough to get them a job as extras in the casting for 15cent/day. In no time, we saw movie directors like Orson Wells turned s’Agaró into Montecarlo, Kirk Douglas paying for a new Lighthouse for the film “The light at the Edge of the world” in Cadaqués or Nureyev playing the character of Valentino in Santa Monica when he was really in Sant Pol Beach.
Tossa de Mar and the Impact of Pandora
But if there is a film that changed it all, that was “Pandora and the Flying Dutch Man” with Ava Gardner in Tossa de Mar. To this day, she is remember for being kind, funny, intense and 100% devoted to Spanish culture. She not only got so involved with a local bullfighter ( Mario Cabré) that Frank Sinatra had to fly all the way from LA to figure out what was going on, but also, she became an ambassador of the Spanish way of life, indulging in fiesta and siesta! In fact, she had such a great time she moved to Madrid and called it home for several decades.
How Cinema Boosted Tourism on the Costa Brava
The impact of Pandora was immediate. As soon as the film was released, waves of curious tourists began arriving in Tossa, even though there were no hotels, no sewage system and hardly any drinkable water. Visitors were captivated by the images of the medieval tower and fortifications, the turquoise-green waters and the pine trees rising above the golden beaches—the perfect picture of the Costa Brava.
The beginning of International Tourism as we know it today.
Hoy en día, recorrer estos escenarios a través de excursiones guiadas a pie por la Costa Brava permite descubrir no solo su historia cinematográfica, sino también su esencia más auténtica.
For further viewing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcnLjk-hyP8 (Pandora Trailer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2svAQ08Zc4 (“Light at the Edge of the world” Trailer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHAkalCkrLM (Suddenly, last summer Trailer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1I4MPCgsZ0 (Mr Arkadin complete film)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJmV7QHGGiM (Arde Madrid Trailer)
Explore the Costa Brava with Walking Costa Brava
- Discover our guided walking tours / trekking tours across the Costa Brava and explore its cinematic landscapes.
- Experience authentic flavors with our gastronomic experiences.
- Learn more about us on the About Us page.
- Ready for your adventure? Book your guided tour here.
Discover the Costa Brava with Walking Costa Brava
Experience the Costa Brava step by step with our guided trekking tours, designed to show you not only the most spectacular landscapes but also the local culture, history, and gastronomy. Explore ancient trails, hidden coves, and charming towns while learning about the history of cinema in the region and discovering secrets only locals know.
This is not just a tour: it’s a full experience combining adventure, culture, and culinary delights. Whether you come with friends, family, or solo, our local guides will make you feel at home.
Book your guided tour on the Costa Brava now and start experiencing its history and nature step by step!
Book your experience here