Costa Brava is one of the most popular holiday destinations along the north-eastern Spain coasts, from the French border through the north of Barcelona. Costa Brava means “fierce and rough coast” or “wild coast” and is the name of the area given to the coast of Girona, the Catalonian province that straggles from the high Pyrenees down to the Mediterranean.
Costa Brava can be described as the dark greens of pines gather with the blue waves and waters beneath the sun together with the Pirineu de Girona. The region is famous for its intense green of the pine groves, the massive steadfastness of the rocks, the softness of the golden sands and the deep, dazzling blue of the sea.
The main attractions and things to do in Costa Brava include;
- The Cap de Creus Natural Park,
- the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes and the village of Cadaques,
- the marshes of the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park and the Medes Islands Marine Reserve,
- Roses bay,
- the ruins of Empúries,
- the coves of Begur and Palafrugell,
- Sant Sebastia lighthouse,
- Cap Roig gardens,
- the Old Town of Tossa de Mar and the Santa Clotilde,
- Pinya de Rosa and Marimurtra botanical gardens,
- the shopping and leisure centres at Roses, L’Escala, L’Estartit, Palamós, Platja d’Aro, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Lloret de Mar and Blanes.
Top Tours & Activities
Costa Brava is a paradise for travelers seeking adventure and outdoor activities. With its stunning coastline, picturesque towns, and rugged natural beauty, there is no shortage of tours and activities to choose from. Whether you are looking to explore the region on foot, bike, or boat, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the top tours and activities in Costa Brava:
- Guided hiking and biking tours: Costa Brava is home to some of the most beautiful hiking and biking trails in Spain. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner, there are plenty of guided tours available to suit your needs. You can explore the rugged coastline, picturesque villages, and stunning natural parks.
- Sea kayaking and paddleboarding: The crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea are perfect for sea kayaking and paddleboarding. You can explore hidden coves and secluded beaches that are only accessible from the water.
- Snorkeling and scuba diving: The waters around Costa Brava are home to a rich diversity of marine life, including colorful fish, octopus, and sea turtles. There are plenty of guided snorkeling and scuba diving tours available for both beginners and experienced divers.
- Wine tasting tours: Costa Brava is home to some excellent vineyards that produce high-quality wines. You can take a wine tasting tour and sample some of the best wines the region has to offer.
- Hot air balloon rides: If you want to see Costa Brava from a different perspective, why not take a hot air balloon ride? You can soar over the rugged coastline, picturesque villages, and stunning natural parks.
- Cultural tours: Costa Brava has a rich history and culture, and there are plenty of cultural tours available that will take you to some of the most important historical sites in the region. You can explore medieval towns, Roman ruins, and Gothic churches.
- Food tours: Costa Brava is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and there are plenty of food tours available that will take you to some of the best restaurants and food markets in the region. You can sample traditional Catalan dishes, fresh seafood, and local wines.
- Boat tours: There are plenty of boat tours available that will take you along the rugged coastline of Costa Brava. You can explore hidden coves, secluded beaches, and picturesque villages.
Top Resorts
Blanes, Tossa de Mar, Malgrat de Mar, Lloret te Mar, Platja d’Aro, Pals, Roses, Palamos, Llafranc and Calella de Pineda de Mar are the popular holiday resorts in Costa Brava.
The Costa Brava and the Pirineu de Girona offer wide range of prices and types of accommodation to its visitors. There are great hotels by the sea or in the mountains, apartments in lively tourist resorts or country houses set in the lovely nature as well as excellent campsites and world-class spas and wellness centres.
No Regrets Booking Advice
Coastal towns & resort in Costa Brava
Along the coast on the northern tip, you may visit and see Albera Mountains and Cap de Creus Peninsula with beautiful towns and resorts of Portbou, Colera, LLança, El Port de la Selva and Cadaques.
The Gulf of Roses welcomes visitors with its beautiful towns and resorts of Roses, Castello d’Empuries, Empuriabrava and L’Escala.
From Begur – Torroella de Montgri you may visit Pals, Ullastret, L’Estartit and Medes Islands.
On the southern coast of the Baix Emporda you may visit and see Begur, Palafrugell, Palamos, Platja d’Aro and Sant Feliu de Guixols.
And among the Selva Lowlands; Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar and Blanes are the popular holiday resorts.
Inland towns & resort in Costa Brava
Girona, Banyoles, Besalu and Figueres are the must see towns on the inland Costa Brava. Girona capital is a must with its Cathedral, Jewish Quarter, Arab Baths, Provincial Archaeological Museum, Old City Walls, Sant Nicolau and Sant Feliu.
Olot, Ripoll and Sant Joan de les Abadesses are the other town that worth a visit and see.
Beaches
Costa Brava is famous for its stunning beaches and clear blue waters, attracting visitors from all over the world. Here are some of the top beaches in Costa Brava:
- Platja d’Aro: This popular beach stretches over two kilometers and is known for its soft golden sand and calm waters.
- Lloret de Mar: Lloret de Mar is one of the busiest resorts on the Costa Brava, with several beaches to choose from. The main beach, Platja de Lloret, is a long, sandy beach that is perfect for families.
- Tossa de Mar: Tossa de Mar is a beautiful beach surrounded by medieval walls and a castle. It is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
- Calella de Palafrugell: This charming fishing village is home to several small coves and beaches. The main beach, Platgeta, is a sheltered cove with crystal clear waters.
- Palamos: Palamos has several beaches to choose from, including the long sandy beach of Platja Gran and the quieter La Fosca beach.
- Sa Conca: This small, secluded beach is hidden away in a sheltered bay and is surrounded by pine trees. It is a peaceful spot for swimming and sunbathing.
- Aiguablava: This beautiful beach is located in a small cove surrounded by cliffs and pine trees. It is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
Food & Drink
Costa Brava is known for its delicious seafood, which is caught fresh from the Mediterranean Sea. Some of the most popular dishes include paella, grilled squid, and suquet de peix, a traditional Catalan fish stew. The region is also famous for its wines, particularly the Cava, a sparkling wine produced in the nearby Penedès region. For a unique culinary experience, visit the historic town of Girona and sample the local cuisine at one of its many Michelin-starred restaurants.
Shopping
Costa Brava offers a variety of shopping experiences, from local markets to high-end boutiques. The town of Platja d’Aro is known for its fashion boutiques and designer shops, while the charming town of Begur has a number of artisanal craft shops. For a truly unique shopping experience, visit the weekly market in La Bisbal d’Empordà, where you can find handmade ceramics and pottery.
Nightlife
Costa Brava is a lively region that offers a vibrant nightlife scene. The town of Lloret de Mar is known for its clubs and bars, while Tossa de Mar has a more relaxed atmosphere with a variety of pubs and bars. The city of Girona also offers a vibrant nightlife scene with a range of bars, nightclubs, and music venues.
Lodging
Costa Brava has a wide range of lodging options to suit any budget or preference. For those seeking luxury accommodations, there are numerous high-end hotels and resorts in the region, including the iconic Hotel Santa Marta in Lloret de Mar. For a more authentic experience, consider staying in one of the region’s many historic villas or country houses, many of which have been converted into charming bed and breakfasts.
Video Tour
Of course it is not possible to explain everything about the region here. On our visual Costa Brava pages, you may find and discover the best of Costa Brava holidays for your needs such as best things to do, best sights, best beaches, best holiday resorts, best of nightlife, shopping and eating out activities, best museums and more…
