The Costa Brava, commonly known as the “rugged coast,” is a picturesque coastal area in Catalonia, located in northeastern Spain. It is celebrated for its beautiful golden sand beaches, charming seaside villages, rich cultural heritage, and outstanding cuisine, encompassing rustic wineries and Michelin-starred dining establishments. This makes it a perfect place for nature enthusiasts, artists, and anyone eager to experience the Mediterranean way of life.
How to get there
Photo by Mireca Deulofeu
Costa Brava is situated less than two hours from Barcelona and is easily reachable by car or train. You can catch a train from Barcelona to Girona, but you might need a bus to get to the closest coastal town. Renting a car offers the greatest freedom to explore the area, particularly if you’re interested in visiting rural wineries and farmhouse restaurants, though it’s also accessible by bus. For the most direct and care free travel, let us organise a private driver to take you directly to Costa Brava – just get in touch for a free quote.
How long should I stay?
If you’re short on time, you can take a day trip from Barcelona to experience a part of the Costa Brava and enjoy a taste of Mediterranean life. However, we suggest staying for at least two to three nights, which is ideal for immersing yourself in one of the lovely coastal towns and their local culture. A week allows for a wonderful opportunity to unwind on the stunning beaches, explore multiple nearby towns, and fully appreciate everything Costa Brava offers.
Places to visit
Bay of Roses
Figueres
Figueres is a charming town that beautifully combines medieval and modern architecture. It is also the birthplace of the renowned Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí and is home to the eccentric Dalí Theatre-Museum, the largest surrealist object in the world. This incredible museum is a must-visit, as it showcases the life and works of this brilliant artist. While in Figueres, dive into the local cuisine, where tapas bars offer a delicious array of Catalan dishes featuring fresh seafood, meats, and farm-to-table produce. Be sure to savour local specialties like “cremat,” a traditional coffee-flavoured liquor on fire, providing a unique experience.
Peratallada
A trip to one of its medieval towns is a must. Peratallada is among the best-preserved towns in Spain, renowned for its stunning 12th and 13th-century stone buildings, megalithic monuments, and charming cobbled streets. This town is also home to a famous castle-palace with an interesting history. Additionally, Peratallada is conveniently located near the beautiful beaches of Costa Brava, offering various restaurants, small boutique hotels, and artists’ galleries to explore.
Calella de Palafrugell
Calella de Palafrugell is an ideal seaside town to stay in, especially for families. Once an ancient fishing village, this town is one of the places that still preserves its charm. There are a lot of activities to do here, including outdoor activities, scenic walks, or simply relaxing by the beach, which is also listed as a ‘Blue Flag’ beach.
Ancient Ruins of Empúries
While Costa Brava is known for its picturesque beaches, it is also a great place for history enthusiasts. The Greek Ruins of Empúries features ancient ruins from the first Greek settlement, which houses some of the oldest architectural sites in Spain. The ruins are well worth the three or four hours to explore the site, as it feels like stepping back in time to what was once an ancient coastal city for the Greeks and Romans.
Empordà D.O. Wine Route
The Empordà Wine Route is one of Europe’s most culturally rich wine trails, highlighting winemaking traditions that date back to Roman times. Wine enthusiasts can explore famous cellars and learn about local red, white, and rosé Empordà wines. The route offers more than just cellar visits, it offers vineyard meals, stays at scenic wineries, vinotherapy treatments, and unique experiences like kayaking with wine tastings, cycling tours and yoga among grapevines.
Girona
Old Town Girona
Girona is becoming popular for its filming location for *Game of Thrones*. It is also famous for its incredible cuisine, housing many Michelin-starred restaurants. Here, you can visit two important places related to Salvador Dalí: the Salvador Dalí House Museum in Cadaqués, a beautiful town on the Costa Brava, and the Gala Dalí Castle House-Museum in Púbol.
