Top Things to do in Costa Brava
Top Restaurants in Costa Brava
What to do and see in Costa Brava, Spain: The Best Places and Tips
Whether you're looking for sandy beaches, rocky coves, tranquil villages or mountain scenery, Spain's Costa Brava has something to offer you. Situated in the north-east of the country overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Costa Brava region enjoys hot summers and mild winters, making it an all-year-round holiday destination. There are plenty of opportunities in the Costa Brava to play golf, tennis or football, as well as to take part in water sports. The Sant Daniel Valley on the western side of the Gavarres hills has mountain biking and trekking paths with stunning views. If you are looking for a cultural activity, the Archaeological Museum in Banyoles is housed in a Gothic palace and has displays of paleontology and pottery as well as archaeology. Modern art lovers must not miss the Theatre Museum in Figueres which has a collection of Salvador Dali's paintings. At the end of the day, if you still have some energy, there is no shortage of nightlife in towns such as Lloret de Mar.
Restaurants in Costa Brava
1. Vila Vella (Old Town)
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
This National Monument is the only surviving walled city on the Catalan coast.
Reviewed By TAIN2013 - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Surrounded by the city walls, the old town leads down from the Castle and takes you back in time with its narrow, winding cobbled streets and stone houses. The walls are interspersed with towers and gates and are very well preserved. The streets offer great views great views over the city and the beach from several points.
Built on a hillside, the town requires a lot of climbing. So wear appropriate footwear.
2. Camino de Ronda
Overall Ratings
5 based on 402 reviews
Reviewed By Vista888 - Vancouver, Canada
The perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, history, wonderful accommodation, delicious local cuisine, and friendly people. The Cami de Ronda is a 230 km trail stretching along the picturesque Costa Brava coastline from Lloret de Mar (north of Barcelona) to the French boarder. There are many access points and a wide variety of terrain, including flat seawalks in resort towns, steep rocky trails through pine Forests, scenic staircases hugging the coastline, and sandy beach walking. Depending on the section you choose and the time available, it could be an afternoon stroll or multi-day hiking trip. The trail is very well maintained and well-marked. (Keep an eye out for the red and white parallel lines which indicate you are going in the correct direction, if the red and white lines are crossed you have taken a wrong turn.) We chose to hike the most scenic and popular section, called the ‘Baix Emporda’, equipped with a 30 liter backpack, sturdy walking shoes, a flexible schedule and no Reservations. We visited in Sept 2016, shoulder season, and easily found great accommodation at reasonable prices. We spent 7 days on the trail, only travelling by foot. Most of the hiking is quite easy for someone with reasonable fitness. The most difficult part was from Platja Fonda to Begur as it is all uphill.
Getting there? We took the SARFA / Moventis bus from Barcelona to Sant Feliu de Guixols, and spend the first night at the charming Can Segura Hotel… with time to explore the town, marina, and the monastery. We set out early the next day, and picked up the trail at the far north part of town, behind the marina….keep an eye open for the red and white lines painted on the roadway and poles. (Note: Sant Feliu de Guixols is also kilometer zero for the Via Verde, rails-to-trails path which heads inland and connects Catalonia to the Camino de Santiago)
Along the Cami de Ronda, you’ll discover historical sites, picturesque fishing villages, resort towns, secluded coves, pine Forests, naturist Beaches, and friendly people - the common Catalan greeting is ‘hola bon dia’. We enjoyed daily swims in the ocean, and marveled at the trail construction. It originated as a route to patrol the coast from pirates, and to connect fishing villages… later it became an escape route to France during the Spanish Civil War. We ended our hiking trip in Begur and took a bus to Palafrugell, then on to Girona. Along the Cami de Ronda we discovered so many beautiful, interesting spots … it would be a long list to name them all… enjoy the trail – it’s a wonderful adventure.
3. Cap de Creus National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
This National Park features unique rock formations and panoramic ocean views.
Reviewed By Marilyn C - Singapore, Singapore
Hiked the coastal trail from Cadaques to Cap de Creus lighthouse and back. About 15km in total. Took about 4 hours going and 2.5 hours on return. The reason we took a much longer time going was because we could not locate the start of the trail after Port Lligat. Followed the instructions provided in the brochure, we walked along the S'Alqueria residential area but the sign pointing to the trail was quite obscure and we missed it and ended up walking an unmarked trail only to turn back later. Once we got back on the trail, it was quite well marked all the way.
Although the hike is not technically challenging, it is not an easy one. The trail is mostly rocky and uphill so you have to be reasonably fit. The last stretch of the trail leading up to the lighthouse is also quite tricky as there are no clearly defined routes so you'll just have to figure out by instinct. Following is a brief summary of key routes:
1. Cadaques to Port Lligat (uphill climb along Carrer de Miranda)
2. Leave Port Lligat, walk along S'Alqueria (paved road)
3. Look out for the directional sign on the left of the last residential house (see photo)
4. Start of the trail to Guillola
5. Do not turn to Guillola unless you plan to detour for a dip
6. Continue on the paved road until you see the sign pointing to Cap de Creus
7. From here, continue hiking for about 1.5 hours on undulating rocky terrains
8. You're almost reaching the end of the hike when you see the lighthouse in sight and the Jugadora cove on your right. Reward yourself with a dip in the picturesque cove
9. Hike the final stretch to the lighthouse an enjoy the panoramic views
4. Castillo de Tossa de Mar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By TAIN2013 - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The castle is located on a hill overlooking the Platja Gran and offers commanding views over the town, beach and the sea. The actual defensive structures are now in ruins and only the remains of a few buildings, castle walls and towers are still intact. However, the old town is still inhabited. It takes a bit of climbing to get to the top and around halfway there is a beautiful statue of Ava Gardner.
5. Village Medieval de Pals
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By gaiteiro - Auckland
The week after a bunch of public holidays in winter is probably a good time to visit somewhere like Pals. The maze of cobbled streets were almost deserted, and everything except the church was closed (and we only just managed to get in there before someone came to lock it). It feels very untouched by the modern world, and we easily spent two hours exploring all the little alleyways and staircases. Living in NZ, historical stuff is what we miss, and Pals gave it to us in spades.
6. Playas de Calella
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 486 reviews
Reviewed By beachbuddy10 - Bridport, United Kingdom
Calella and Port Bo are small with soft sand and amenities close by. Showers and WC's are on or near the beach. With the right conditions, the waters are crystal-clear and great for snorkelers.
Similarly, Llafranc has everything but in greater quantities. More restaurants, shops and a wide, safe beach with rocks to attract fish at either end. Sun-loungers and parasols are available there too.
7. Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 872 reviews
Reviewed By MarioCavaradossi - New York
The large monastery is impressive by itself but the location, perched on an outlook with a view of the sea, was breathtaking.
They provide audioguides with the entry fee and they're pretty good. You can control the amount of detail you want at every point.
I wouldn't come here in the rain; you'd be missing quite a lot.
8. Ruins of Empuries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 493 reviews
Empúries is one of the finest historic settings in Catalonia.Two cities, one Greek and one Roman, set by the sea at L’Escala on the south of the Bay of Roses, named by Unesco as one of the most beautiful in the world.
Reviewed By cassiopeia86 - Brno, Czech Republic
This was very interesting but there is very little shade. The audio guide was great, very informative and atmospheric. The museum offered some coolness about two thirds of the way round with a vending machine for water. Allow a few hours for the visit.
9. Ruines d'Empuries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By Nick T - Manchester, United Kingdom
The ruins of a Greek city settled from about 400BC and the later Roman city slightly inland settled in about 200BC after the Punic War. The ruins are ruins but they are well laid out and there is an excellent audioguide which brings the place alive and makes it a most interesting visit. There is a museum which houses the statue of Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine as seen in the picture above. Well worth the 2 to 3 hours, although I guess you would need some interest in history to enjoy it.
10. Jardi Botanic de Cap Roig
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 610 reviews
Reviewed By Andrew S - Southampton, United Kingdom
Well maintained Gardens with plants identified for reference. Exceptional views of the sea. Gardens beautifully laid out using the dramatic landscape and castle as a backdrop. Really needs a cafe where visitors could refresh themselves given that the tour of the garden requires a lot of descending and ascending of paths.
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