The most picturesque of Spain’s three main holiday coasts, the Costa Brava, or ‘Rugged Coast’ boasts secluded coves, wide, sandy beaches, bustling resorts and atmospheric cities. Thanks to the region’s beautiful countryside and extensive coastline, the Costa Brava offers a great variety of activities including cycling, hiking, diving, kayaking and skydiving. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a bit of culture, the vibrant city of Girona offers a choice of museums, galleries and historic sites.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Costa Brava
Tossa de Mar – One of the prettiest and least developed resorts on the Costa Brava, Tossa de Mar started life as a fishing village and still retains much of its authentic charm. Explore the town’s cobbled streets and winding alleyways, relax on its beautiful beach and enjoy delicious food in Tossa de Mar’s great restaurants.
Girona – With its pedestrianized Old Town, waterside promenade, pavement cafes and picturesque setting at the confluence of Ter, Onyar, Galligants and Güell rivers, Girona is one of the prettiest cities in Spain. Walk Girona’s ancient walls, explore its narrow streets and enjoy the city’s famous nightlife.
Lloret de Mar – Famous for its vibrant nightlife, great choice of beaches and excellent range of activities, Lloret de Mar is the busiest resort on the Costa Brava. Visit the resort’s waterpark (the biggest in Europe), have a go at snorkelling, sea kayaking and yachting or play a round or two of golf on the resort’s professional course.
Cadaques – The pretty seaside town of Cadaques was one of Salvador Dali’s favourite resorts and the artist’s primary residence for much of his life. Visit Dali’s House, which now houses a museum dedicated to the surrealist, and relax on the resort’s expansive beaches.
Things to See in Costa Brava
The Old Town of Girona is one of the most spectacular sights on the Costa Brava. The city also boasts an awesome 15th century cathedral and a beautiful waterfront. The mountaintop ruins of the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, just outside Girona are also well worth a look, as is the Benedictine Abbey of Sant Pere de Galligants in the centre of Girona. Tossa de Mar Old Town is another of the Costa Brava’s important landmarks, with the Far de Tossa lighthouse one of its most prominent features. The region’s beaches are a landmark in themselves, with many of the sandy coves and bays offering picture postcard views and stunning settings.
Things to Do in Costa Brava
Life on the Costa Brava revolves around the sea. Whether you want to get out and get active with a sea kayaking trip, diving excursion or afternoon of snorkelling, or you just want to lie back and enjoy the sunshine, you’ll find plenty of sand to explore on this beautiful coast. A trip to Girona’s Old Town is a must during your stay on the Costa Brava, and a day exploring the twists and turns of charming Tossa de Mar is also well worth it. Head inland to find a range of activities including cycling, mountain biking, horse riding and hiking.
