Even the most beautiful coastal regions sometimes experience rainy days, and the Costa Brava is no exception. Between museums, artisan workshops, spas, and gourmet restaurants, there are plenty of ways to turn bad weather into the perfect excuse to discover another side of the region beyond its beautiful beaches. From the Castle of Tossa del Mar to the old town of Girona (where Game of Thrones was filmed), the Costa Brava reveals its most secret treasures when the rain falls.
When it rains, the Costa Brava can be explored in a different way: museums, small fortified villages and cultural treasures are wonderful indoor escapes. Here are a few ideas for cultural activities to enjoy with family or friends, sheltered from the bad weather:
The region brims with places where you can discover local crafts sheltered from the elements. The Centre Terracotta in La Bisbal offers indoor pottery workshops that are accessible to children.
In Palamós, Espai del Peix organises cooking workshops centred on fish. The venue promotes Catalan culinary traditions in a educational setting that is protected from inclement weather.
Many glassworks and ceramics workshops in La Bisbal and the surrounding area also open their doors, especially on calm days.
For those who wish to transform bothersome rain into a blissful moment of well-being, several boutique hotels offer dedicated spaces. In Roses, the Hotel Vistabella has a spa with sea views, offering body treatments and massages upon reservation.
Further south, in Begur, the Hotel Aigua Blava has a dedicated private treatment area with a cosy atmosphere. Overlooking a quiet cove, the hotel combines Mediterranean charm and discretion, offering the perfect setting to relax by the sea for a few hours, away from the hustle and bustle.
Villanovo also offers beauty treatments at home through its concierge service, as well as villas with heated pools, jacuzzis and spa areas. Discover them at Villa Klem, Villa Roseana
or Villa Majestic & Spa.
Some towns on the Costa Brava are ideal for a shopping trip on a rainy day. Begur, Cadaqués and La Bisbal are full of art galleries and craft shops.
In Begur, the Mira Ceti concept store has a selection of designer items, textiles and fashion accessories in a pleasing atmosphere.
In Palamós, Passeig de Mar allows you to do some shopping under the shelter of the arcades. This is the ideal place to find an original, high-quality souvenir shop, even in bad weather.
Rainy days provide the perfect opportunity to linger at the table. Mas Oller, in Torrent, offers tours and wine tastings in a renovated wine cellar.
In Llafranc, Far Nomo blends Mediterranean cuisine with Japanese flavours in the unique setting of the Sant Sebastià lighthouse. For more inspiration, explore our guide to the best restaurants on the Costa Brava, featuring gourmet spots perfect for a rainy day lunch or dinner.
For a sweet treat, Pastisseria Serra has been delighting Palafrugell with fine chocolates, Catalan delicacies and Iberian products since 1904.
Villanovo can also organise a Catalan cooking class in your villa. One of the best things to do when in rains in Costa Brava, you and your loved ones will enjoy a memorable moment learning how to make traditional Catalan dishes.
Villanovo offers a select range of villas on the Costa Brava with sea views, indoor or outdoor swimming pools, private jacuzzis, and direct access to the beach.
They are located in the most sought-after towns on the Costa Brava: Begur, Cadaqués, Llafranc, Tamariu, as well as Lloret del Mar.
Our concierge service adapts to your every need during your stay on the Costa Brava. They can arrange spa treatments at home, private guided museum tours, bookings at the Arab baths besides Girona's famous cathedral, gourmet restaurant reservations or a trip to the Gran Casino Costa Brava, for a guaranteed great time even in bad weather.
Each Villanovo holiday includes a personalised travel diary with our best recommendations, tested on site. Find great places to visit, cultural sites, cosy restaurants, family activities and unforgettable experiences to enjoy even in the rain.