Most travellers know Vidreres simply as a place they pass on the way to the Costa Brava, yet this small Catalan town has a history stretching back many centuries. Surrounded by forests, farmland and gentle hills, it developed as an agricultural community long before tourism reached the nearby Mediterranean coast. Today it offers a convenient break for travellers crossing north-eastern Spain while still preserving the quiet atmosphere of a traditional Catalan town.
The origins of Vidreres date back to the Middle Ages, when it formed part of the territories administered from nearby Girona. The historic centre still preserves several old buildings and narrow streets reflecting its medieval past, while the Church of Santa Maria remains the town’s principal landmark. Throughout the surrounding countryside, cork oak forests have supported the local economy for generations, and cork extraction continues to play an important role across this part of Catalonia.
One interesting curiosity is that Vidreres lies between the Mediterranean coast and the protected forests of the Massís de Cadiretes, making it an important transition zone between coastal and inland landscapes. Within only a few miles, travellers move from beaches to dense woodland filled with cork oaks, pines and Mediterranean wildlife.
For motorhome travellers, Vidreres proved to be one of those stops where practicality is more important than sightseeing. During our visit we stopped only for a short daytime break rather than spending the night. Finding one of the few dedicated motorhome pitches around midday was easy, the area felt quiet and safe throughout our stay, and nobody disturbed us. Although we did not need them on this occasion, all the service facilities were available free of charge and appeared straightforward to use. Another advantage was how easily the area could be reached directly from the motorway, even with a larger motorhome, while the marked pitches were comfortably long enough for bigger vehicles. Overall, it worked exactly as we wanted for a relaxing pause before continuing the journey.
During our planning we also considered two alternative stopping places nearby. One was a large gravel parking area at the edge of the town, while the other was a picnic area close to the motorway. Neither convinced us as overnight locations. Both seemed perfectly adequate for a short rest during the day, but the proximity to the motorway meant that traffic noise would probably become noticeable after dark, making them less attractive for a peaceful overnight stay.
Another pleasant surprise is how compact Vidreres is. Shops, cafés and supermarkets are all within easy walking distance of the official motorhome area, making it simple to stock up on supplies without needing to drive again before continuing towards either Girona or the Costa Brava.
Vidreres is not a destination filled with famous monuments, and it does not try to be. Instead, it succeeds as an exceptionally practical and well-designed stop on one of Spain’s busiest travel routes. For us, it offered exactly what we needed: an easy break from driving, a safe and quiet place to rest for a while, generous motorhome facilities and convenient access from the motorway before continuing towards the Mediterranean coast.