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The Costa Brava is located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, along the border with France, and stretches for more than 160km, offering spectacular landscapes, from Portbou to Blanes. It is made up of the regions of Alt Empordà, Baix Empordà, Gironès, Pla de l'Estany and Selva.
When considering where to stay in the Costa Brava, it is important to take into consideration several factors - such as cultural and historical attractions, leisure activities, natural parks and nightlife, among others - to decide which place best fits with your personal preferences.
The town dates back to prehistoric times, with the discovery of ruins and remains from different eras confirming its longevity as a human settlement. Protected by the medieval castle that overlooks the town, a profound sense of history emanates from every street, corner and house.
In addition to its historical heritage, Begur boasts many natural attractions in its coastal areas, including the Massís de Begur cliffs and several paradisical beaches and coves, such as Aiguablava and Illa Roja, which all together make up a setting of unrivalled beauty.
Cadaqués or “the most beautiful village in the world” according to Dalí, preserves its charm as an old fishing village thanks to the faithful conservation of its narrow streets and white-washed houses.
Once you have visited the village and walked along its gorgeous promenade, you might like to follow the path from Cadaqués to Port Lligat and visit the Salvador Dalí House-Museum. This will allow you to understand his work and see the eccentricities the genius wrapped himself in.
Moreover, if you don’t mind an hour’s drive, your last stop should be Figueres, Dalí’s hometown. Once there, you mustn’t miss The Dalí Theatre-Museum, the largest surrealistic object in the world, and home to the majority of his artwork.
Meanwhile, if you are interested in nature, the nearby Cap de Creus Natural Park, where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean Sea, offers a unique geological setting, as well as lush vegetation, in which Mediterranean and continental elements come together perfectly. Many diverse activities can be practised within the perimeter of the park, however the most popular are scuba diving and hiking.
There are various possible hiking itineraries, although we recommend the trail from Cadaqués to the Cap de Creus lighthouse.
Calella de Palafrugell is an old fishing village characterised by its white, tile-roofed houses, which are on display all along the craggy coastline.
The magic of this typical Catalan coastal town has been preserved with its narrow cobbled streets, marine atmosphere and excellent culinary scene.
Furthermore, Calella has both urban beaches, such as Port Bo or En Calau, which are perfect for enjoying the sea and gazing upon the traditional colourful boats moored on the shore, as well as secluded coves, such as Cala de Sant Roc or el Golfet Beach, where you can enjoy a dip in peace and tranquillity.
To the north of the town lies the village of Llafranc, which can be accessed through the Camí de Ronda, a hiking route offering impressive views of the sea and coastal towns.
Llafranc is another traditional coastal village, although somewhat smaller than Calella, and offers charming views and a marvellous, lively beach.
It enjoys a vibrant atmosphere and offers plenty of activities, and provides a wonderful setting for your holiday. Whether stretching out and catching a tan on the beach, enjoying an ice cream as you stroll along the seafront promenade, dining at its wide variety of traditional restaurants, or trying your hand at any of the summer sports offered at the marina, you have plenty of options to keep you entertained!
Lloret de Mar, although at times quite crowded and not as traditional as other coastal villages in the area, offers a wide range of exciting water activities, water parks and other kinds of daytime leisure pursuits, such as go-karting, mini and traditional golf, horseback riding and much more. It enjoys a bustling nightlife, offering a wide variety of nightclubs, casinos and bars.
If you want to try exciting watersport activities, such as parasailing, water ski, flyfish or others, we advise you to do so on Fenals beach, which has a "Blue Flag" rating for the quality of its waters and facilities, making it an ideal place to practice water sports. Furthermore, if you or your children are looking for a day at a water park, organise yourself a visit to Water World, one of the largest water parks in Europe.
Finally, Lloret de Mar is one of the Costa Brava’s major party destinations. Amongst its bars, nightclubs and pubs we highly recommend Cala Banys, situated in the cove with the same name. This historic bar (which has existed since the 1960s) has a terrace overlooking the cove, with sofas and a chill-out area, where you will be able to stay refreshed with delicious cocktails set against the backdrop of a spectacular sea view.
Tamariu is a small and intimate coastal village, and a perfect destination for families or couples. The town’s life revolves around its tiny-but-alluring beach, set in the middle of an unexploited natural environment, far removed from any cars and city noise. The main leisure activities offered are diving, sailing and kayaking. However, travellers with a preference for staying dry will also find plenty to enjoy This place is full of nice local restaurants with comfortable beach-side terraces, perfect for a few tapas, the fish-of-the-day or an evening drink.
In summary, the Costa Brava is a great place to spend your holiday, however you choose to do so: exploring medieval towns and the local cultural heritage, sunbathing on a paradisiacal cove, trying the traditional local cuisine, or even branching out and trying some exciting water sports... there are plenty of options for you and your loved ones throughout this wonderful region.
