Costa Brava Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Costa Brava, Spain. Plan your perfect itinerary with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Costa Brava

Costa Brava, located in the Girona province of Catalonia, is a breathtakingly beautiful region in Eastern Spain that is often overlooked by tourists. The region is named for its rugged and rocky coastline, which boasts lovely beaches, hidden coves, and picturesque villages. Costa Brava’s white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, quaint towns, and historical sites make it a top destination for those who want to explore Spain’s Mediterranean coast.

With its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and rich history, Costa Brava is easily one of Spain’s most captivating destinations. In this travel guide, we will take you on a journey through the famous region and provide you with all the essential information that you need to plan your perfect Costa Brava vacation.

List of Places to Visit in Costa Brava

Costa Brava is a diverse region with something for everyone, from historical sites and cultural attractions to natural wonders and outdoor adventures. Here are some of the top places to visit in Costa Brava.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Dali Theatre-Museum: Located in the town of Figueres, this museum showcases the largest collection of Salvador Dali’s artwork in the world.
  • Empuries Ruins: These ancient Greek and Roman ruins can be seen in the town of L’Escala and showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Tossa de Mar: This town has a well-preserved ancient rampart that provides a glimpse into Costa Brava’s past.
  • Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery: This 11th-century Romanesque abbey was built in the mountains near Cadaques and is now a popular attraction.

Natural Attractions of Costa Brava: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cap de Creus National Park: This park’s dramatic cliffs, rocky coastline, and secluded beaches provide a natural playground for hikers, swimmers, and kayakers alike.
  • Aiguamolls de l’Emporda Natural Park: This marshland area is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna and is a popular spot for birdwatching.
  • Montserrat Mountains: These mountains are visible from afar and are home to the Montserrat Monastery, which is a popular spot for pilgrimage in Catalonia.
  • Girona’s Jewish Quarter: This picturesque area of Girona features narrow, winding streets and the beautifully restored 14th-century Banys Àrabs building, which was formerly a public bathhouse.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Costa Brava

Costa Brava has a variety of scenic trails for hikers and bikers to explore. Here are some of the best routes to take:

  • El Cami de Ronda: This 200 km trail stretches from Blanes to Portbou, following the rocky coastline and offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
  • S’Agaro Coastal Path: This 5 km route starts at the beach of Sant Pol, in S’Agaro, and leads up to the beautiful cove of Sa Conca. It is an easy, family-friendly walk with stunning views of the coastline.
  • La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park: This volcanic area offers several hiking trails through stunning natural landscapes and dense forests.
  • Carrilet Cycle Route: This 132 km bike path runs from Girona to Sant Feliu de Guixols and follows an old railway line.

Best Things to Do in Costa Brava: Activities and Tours

If you’re looking for some exciting things to do in Costa Brava, we have got you covered. Here are some of the best activities and tours that you can try during your stay:

  • Hot air balloon rides: These tours provide a bird’s eye view of the stunning Costa Brava coastline and make for an unforgettable experience.
  • Wine tours: The region is known for producing high-quality wines, and there are several tours that will take you through the vineyards and let you sample the region’s delicious wines.
  • Kayaking: This is a popular activity in Costa Brava, allowing visitors to paddle through hidden coves, secluded beaches, and rocky coastline.
  • Scuba diving: The crystal-clear waters of Costa Brava make it a perfect spot for scuba diving, with several dive centers in the region offering courses and guided tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Costa Brava

If you’re planning on spending a week in Costa Brava, we recommend this itinerary:

  • Day 1-2: Girona and Figueres - explore the rich cultural heritage of the region and take in the artwork of Salvador Dali.
  • Day 3-4: L’Escala and Cadaques - enjoy the beautiful beaches and natural parks of Costa Brava.
  • Day 5-6: Sant Feliu de Guixols and Tossa de Mar - immerse yourself in the region’s history with a visit to these ancient towns.
  • Day 7: Lloret de Mar and Blanes - spend your last day sunbathing and relaxing on the most popular beaches of Costa Brava.

Food and Drink Scene of Costa Brava

Costa Brava’s cuisine is a reflection of its history and location, with a focus on fresh seafood, traditional Catalan dishes, and locally grown produce. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Suquet de Peix: a hearty fish stew made with saffron, garlic, and tomato.
  • Cim i Tomba: traditional dish made with meat, potatoes, onions, and garlic.
  • Escalivada: roasted vegetables served with olive oil and anchovies.
  • Crema Catalana: a creamy dessert similar to crème brûlée, flavored with lemon zest and cinnamon.

Local Beverages

  • Cava: a sparkling wine similar to champagne that is produced in the Catalonia region.
  • Priorat Wine: a high-quality red wine produced in the neighboring Priorat region.
  • Ratafia: a traditional herbal liqueur made from macerating green walnuts and aromatic herbs in brandy.

Where to Stay in Costa Brava: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Costa Brava offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Hotel Santa Marta: a luxury hotel located in Lloret de Mar, on the Costa Brava beachfront.
  • Hostal Sa Rascassa: a quaint guesthouse located near the sea in the village of Calella de Palafrugell.
  • Hostal La Fosca: a family-run hostel located near one of the most beautiful beaches of Costa Brava in Palamos.
  • Hotel Emporda Golf: an elegant hotel located near some of the best golf courses in the region.

What to Buy in Costa Brava: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for some unique souvenirs to bring back home, here are some items that you should keep an eye out for:

  • Espardenyes: traditional Spanish espadrilles that are perfect for summer.
  • Caganer: a unique Catalan Christmas decoration featuring a figurine squatting with pants around the ankles.
  • Hand-painted ceramics: Costa Brava is known for its traditional ceramic pottery, featuring vibrant designs and colors.
  • Llagut: a traditional fishing boat that can be purchased as a miniature replica.

Local Culture and Customs of Costa Brava

Catalonia has a unique culture and language that is different from the rest of Spain, and Costa Brava is a perfect place to experience it. Here are a few customs and traditions to keep in mind during your visit:

  • Catalans are known for their love of festivals and public celebrations, so check if there are any local events or festivals happening during your visit.
  • La Diada de Sant Jordi is one of the most important festivals in Catalonia and is celebrated every year on April 23rd.
  • When eating out in Costa Brava, it is common to share dishes with your fellow diners, so don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations and try something new.

Best Time to Visit Costa Brava

The best time to visit Costa Brava is between May and September when the weather is warm and sunny, and the beaches are ideal for swimming. However, if you want to avoid the crowds and get a more authentic experience, consider visiting in the off-season from October to April.

Do’s and Don’ts of Costa Brava

Do:

  • Do try the local dishes and wines during your stay.
  • Do take advantage of the rich cultural heritage of the region and visit some of the museums and historical sites.
  • Do respect the local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Don’t expect to find late-night partying and nightclub scenes on every corner of Costa Brava, as it is a place to relax and enjoy nature and its history rather than party till the wee hours.
  • Don’t forget to apply sunscreen as it’s very easy to get sunburned during hot summers.

Safety and Health

Safety in Costa Brava

Costa Brava is a generally safe region, although some common precautions should be taken:

  • Avoid leaving your valuables unattended on the beaches.
  • Exercise caution when swimming or doing any water activities, as the currents can be quite strong in some areas.

Health in Costa Brava

Costa Brava has excellent healthcare facilities with both private and public hospitals, and pharmacies are widely available. However, it is still recommended that you have comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen events.

Getting to Costa Brava: Transportation Options and Logistics

Costa Brava is easily accessible from Barcelona or Girona by public transportation or car. Here are some of the transportation options available:

Airports Near Costa Brava

  • Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO): serves both domestic and international flights and is located near the southern end of Costa Brava.
  • Barcelona-El Prat Airport: is the main airport of Catalonia and is the closest one to Costa Brava.

Bus Stations Near Costa Brava

  • Girona Bus Station: located in the city center, it is the main bus station for the region and has connections to many towns on the Costa Brava and beyond.
  • Figueres Bus Station: Located in the town of Figueres, has buses that connect to many towns in Costa Brava and points beyond.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: renting a car is an excellent way to explore Costa Brava at your own pace, and several car rental companies have offices in the region.
  • Trains: Unfortunately, no trains connect the main towns of Costa Brava, but there are services from the bigger cities to Girona and Figueres, such as the High-Speed train (AVE).

How to Get Around in Costa Brava

If you’re not renting a car, there are several transportation options for getting around Costa Brava:

  • Buses: The bus transportation system is efficient and has frequent buses between the main towns of Costa Brava.
  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available, but can be expensive.
  • Bicycle Rentals: Many towns and cities have bike rental services that allow you to fully experience Costa Brava’s natural beauty at your own pace.
  • Ferries: Some services operate ferries to get you across the Costa Brava coastline.

Where to Go Next from Costa Brava: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you are looking to travel beyond Costa Brava, here are some of the nearby destinations that are worth checking out:

  • Barcelona: Catalonia’s capital city is 80 km south of Costa Brava and is a must-visit destination for its vibrant culture, cuisine, architecture, and nightlife.
  • Montserrat: located west of Barcelona is a mountain that features a 1000-year old Monastery, this sacred mountain is well visited throughout the year offering striking views of Catalonia.
  • Pyrenees: located North of Costa Brava is the road to the Pyrenees offering skiing, hiking regularly throughout the year.
  • France: A tour to neighboring France is one of the great options where you can visit the scenic villages of the woody valleys, try local wines and enjoy the culture.

Conclusion

Costa Brava is undoubtedly one of Spain’s hidden gems, with its beautiful beaches, natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and friendly locals. Whether you want to explore the region’s history, indulge in its cuisine, get active with outdoor adventures, or simply relax in the sun, Costa Brava has it all. This travel guide has provided you with all the essential information you need to plan your perfect Costa Brava vacation, ensuring that you make the most of your visit to this stunning region of Spain.

Lloret de Mar - principal resort of the Costa Brava Lloret de Mar - principal resort of the Costa Brava


    Figueres
    Pals
    Roses