Jafre – Nature, History and Holiday Apartments

The lower section of the Ruta del Ter between Girona and the Gola del Ter runs through the municipality of Jafre. The Ruta del Ter is a cycling and hiking route, meaning a route for two types of transport, that follows the course of the River Ter. A bus route connects L’Estartit to Girona via Jafre.

Nature

L’Illa d’Avall is home to the Ter’s last meander south of the municipality of Jafre; the area is also part of the protected Natura 2000 site “Riberes del Baix Ter”. There is a network of trails for exploring nature on foot or by bicycle. Along the trails, visitors can observe animal tracks and numerous bird species. The area features a mosaic of riparian woodland, ponds in a former river channel, dry meadows and Mediterranean scrubland.

Culture

In Jafre’s historic centre, the Biennal de Jafre takes place every two years in odd-numbered years as a recurring event. A chapel dedicated to Mare de Déu de Gràcia was built at the Font Santa spring. The Santuari Font Santa is considered Jafre’s most distinctive building; events associated with it date back to 1460. According to a local legend, female-shaped fantastical beings lived in the Pou de les Goiges, hiding during the day and coming out at night to call out and dance.

History

The present-day church of Sant Martí was built in the second half of the 18th century in the Renaissance style. It has a single-nave layout, side chapels, a Latin-cross floor plan, a polygonal apse and a dome over the crossing. Jafre’s streets lead to this church, which was partly built on the structures of an earlier medieval castle. Archaeological work on the remains of the castle documented ancient structures such as walls, drainage channels, paved areas and a well.

The Font Santa spring used to attract pilgrims seeking cures for eye diseases and other ailments. The Santuari Font Santa is also associated with a local legend according to which the spring water has healing properties. Traditionally, a procession to bless the municipality took place every year at La Creu del Padró on the feast of Santa Creu.

Festivals and Regional Products

The Fira de Jafre is a fair dedicated to the culture of craft-brewed beer and products from the region. Its stalls feature handmade goods and regional products, including cheese, honey, cured meats, bread and olives. Beer tastings take place at every edition; the best beer submitted by the breweries is also awarded a prize.

Other destinations at a glance: Vilobí D'onyar, Sant Jordi Desvalls, Caldes De Malavella, Camprodon, Brunyola, Calonge, Vilanant, Palafrugell.

To the main travel overview: Girona.