Discover the Hidden Gems of Costa Brava: Breathtaking Destinations You Absolutely MUST Visit!

The Costa Brava is a coastline located north of Barcelona. This stretch of Spanish coastline, spanning over 200 km, is situated in Catalonia, stretching from the town of Blanes to the French border. Costa Brava translates to “wild” or “rugged coast,” which is reflected in the landscapes. This region is famous for its incredible cliffs, from which picturesque coves and beaches emerge. Along the coast, there are numerous towns and tourist destinations, including Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar, Calella de Palafrugell, and Roses, among others. Add the crystal-clear sea to the mix, and you have a plan for the perfect vacation!

Undoubtedly, Costa Brava offers many tourist attractions. What places are worth seeing there? I invite you to a holiday guide! I’ve tried to list the most picturesque and interesting places in the region.

Table of Contents

1 Costa Brava – sightseeing map
2 Costa Brava Attractions
3 Cami de Ronda
4 Girona – A Medieval Town
5 The Picturesque Road from Sant Feliu to Tossa de Mar
6 Botanical Garden in Blanes
7 City on Water: Empuriabrava
8 Tossa de Mar
9 Via Ferrata Cala del Molí
10 Cape Cap Roig
11 Calella de Palafrugell
12 Figueres – Salvador Dali Museum
13 Lloret de Mar
14 Natural Park dels Aiguamolls de l’Emporda
15 Beaches on the Costa Brava
16 Accommodation on the Costa Brava
17 Costa Brava Attractions

Costa Brava – sightseeing map

You can add it to the Google Maps application by simply visiting the website on your phone. Click on the map enlargement icon [ ] in the upper right corner, and the app will automatically launch with the map displayed.

Costa Brava Attractions

What to do on the Costa Brava? How does this coast differ from others? Is it worth visiting?

Costa Brava is a region where you won’t be bored! We came for a week, and after that, we extended our stay because it was so beautiful (we came by car, so we had the opportunity). I won’t write more; I’ll just get to the specifics.

Cami de Ronda

Cami de Ronda is one of my favorite attractions on the Costa Brava. This scenic walking trail, stretching along the coast, offers unforgettable views of cliffs, coves, and towns.

The Cami de Ronda trail stretches for about 200 km and connects many towns and villages on the coast (Calella de Palafrugell, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Tossa de Mar, or Lloret de Mar). You can take the entire trail or choose sections of varying difficulty and length. This makes it ideal for both families and advanced hikers.

I’ve hiked dozens of kilometers on this trail; I’m a big fan of scenic routes, and this is one of the best I’ve had the opportunity to see. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, headgear, and plenty of water!

Girona – A Medieval Town

Girona is a historic city located in Catalonia.

And let me tell you, one of the most delightful places I have visited there. And although Tarragona was beautiful and Reus wonderful, Girona had the most magical atmosphere (see the photos!).

Start your tour with the well-preserved city walls (or stop there). Be sure to walk around the Old Town and get lost in the maze of narrow streets. Above all, Girona is a great place to stroll through medieval buildings and discover the rich history of the region. See the colorful houses along the Onyar River and climb the bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel.

I will write more about Girona, as this place simply requires a separate guide ?.

TOP Things to Do in Girona

The Picturesque Road from Sant Feliu to Tossa de Mar

Too rarely do guidebooks describe scenic roads. That’s a mistake I’m not going to make, and I’m recommending one of the most scenic coastal roads in Spain: GI-682.

The route is often used by cyclists or motorcyclists, but it’s just as beautiful by car. It’s worth stopping at viewpoints or exploring the area.

Botanical Garden in Blanes

The Botanical Garden in Blanes, also known as the Jardi Botànic Marimurtra, is a real gem on the Costa Brava. Anyway, this region has more beautiful gardens (you’ll read about one more in this post). When visiting the garden, you can admire several thousand species of plants, including exotic specimens from different parts of the world. The garden is divided into sections, allowing you to discover a variety of flora from different climate zones.

This garden is located on a cliff with an overlooking view of the Mediterranean Sea. It was founded in 1920 by German naturalist Karl Faust, and today it is one of the most beautiful (and certainly the most beautifully located) botanical gardens in Europe.

I won’t write more; check it out:

City on Water: Empuriabrava

Spain surprises, and so does Empuriabrava.

Empuriabrava, often referred to as “Spain’s Venice,” is not without reason. This tourist destination was founded in the 1960s as an exclusive waterfront estate. It is characterized by numerous canals and marinas that attract both tourists and boating enthusiasts.

And although it doesn’t have as long a history as Venice, it’s worth renting a boat there and seeing what the city looks like from that perspective.

Tossa de Mar

This charming seaside town on the Costa Brava is unique because of its amazing shape: a castle reigns over the beach, seemingly rising from it. Tossa de Mar Castle is a medieval fortress built in the 12th century. Wandering through the narrow stone streets, you can feel the atmosphere of the old days, admire the historic buildings, and visit the local galleries.

Via Ferrata Cala del Molí

Here you can discover the only Via Ferrata (climbing hiking route) in Europe. The route is located on the rocks, by the Mediterranean Sea, and you can count on amazing views when you take it. This experience is ideal for extreme sports and climbing enthusiasts who want to explore picturesque scenery from an unusual perspective. For now, it’s not for me, but maybe someday… ?

Behind this fascinating work is Alberto Gironès – an experienced mountain guide who also has other spectacular routes to his credit. If you’re going on this trail, check it out:

Cape Cap Roig

Cap Roig is a picturesque cape located near the town of Calella de Palafrugell. It is primarily known for its huge botanical garden, spread over an area of about 17 hectares. The garden was founded in the early 20th century by an aristocrat and her husband. They collected more than 1,000 species of plants from different parts of the world. Walking through the garden, you can admire exotic flowers, trees, and shrubs that blend with Catalan plant species.

What else stands out about Cap Roig? A castle built by the married couple. The castle’s construction was completed in 1974, so it’s relatively new. Nevertheless, it gives the impression of an old castle, built hundreds of years ago, and adds to the charm of the place.

And please don’t ask which botanical garden on the Costa Brava is more beautiful. I don’t know; they are both lovely. ?

Calella de Palafrugell

What do Cap Roig and Cami de Ronda have in common? Calella de Palafrugell! This beautiful and atmospheric town is one I heartily recommend for your vacation. One of the biggest attractions of Calella de Palafrugell are the beautiful coves, the Cami de Ronda coastal path, and the aforementioned cape. If you are going to the Costa Brava, save this place for yourself and go there on a day trip. Although, for me, one day was not enough, and we were there twice. ?

Figueres – Salvador Dali Museum

The Salvador Dalí Museum, once a theater, has been transformed by the master himself into an extraordinary gallery. Its unique facade is decorated with eggs and golden figurines, which only foreshadow that this place will take you to Dalí’s fantasy land. The interior of the museum hides many extraordinary works by the artist, which present different stages and styles of his work – from oil painting to sculpture and graphics.

In my opinion, the place is worth a visit. I had an excellent time.

Lloret de Mar

Lloret de Mar is a place that seems to divide tourists. Although personally not my favorite place in Costa Brava, I can’t deny that this lively city attracts crowds of people who love its atmosphere, nightclubs, and beaches.

However, it is worth noting that Lloret de Mar also has its quieter side, such as the gardens of Santa Clotilde, which will delight you with its green scenery and unusual terrain.

Read more in this post: Top Things to Do in Lloret de Mar

Natural Park dels Aiguamolls de l’Emporda

This place made a huge impression on me. Aiguamolls de l’Empordà is a true paradise for nature and bird lovers like me. The park is home to several hundred species of birds that use the area as a resting place during migration and also as a breeding ground. Among them, you can see flamingos, herons, cormorants, or kingfishers. We also managed to see a stork, which may have been on its way to Poland. ?

From salt lagoons, through reed beds, to coastal dunes and marshy areas – there are also wooden footbridges and viewing platforms throughout the park, from which you can watch birds and other animals, such as wild horses. Highly recommended!

Natural Park dels Aiguamolls de l'Emporda

Beaches on the Costa Brava

Probably everyone who goes to the Costa Brava thinks about beachcombing. Fortunately, Costa Brava is famous for its picturesque beaches. There are beaches for every taste and need on the Costa Brava – from large, wide beaches with infrastructure to small coves where you can enjoy getting in touch with nature.

What beaches are worth visiting? My favorite is La Fosca. A sandy beach in a cove, rather windless. It was also wonderful to sunbathe in Tossa de Mar overlooking the castle. Platja d’Aro also has an amazing beach, as does Lloret de Mar, but there is rather a lot of hustle and bustle.

Of the bays, beautiful ones include Cala Marquesa Aigua Xelida or Badia de Llafranc, for example. Cala s’Alguer is also lovely.

Accommodation on the Costa Brava

On the Costa Brava, you will find a variety of accommodation options to suit different tastes and budgets. Cozy guesthouses, luxury hotels, apartments, or campsites – there is something for everyone. I had the opportunity to spend time in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, which proved to be an excellent base for exploring the region.

We rented a nice apartment with a separate kitchen and bedroom in a cool location. (You can find it here) We needed high-speed internet for work. The only downside was the thin windows, so you could hear what was going on in the street. Nevertheless, I would recommend it.

Booking.com

Costa Brava Attractions

What to see on the Costa Brava? I’ll admit that during my trip to Catalonia, I didn’t manage to see everything. There were a lot of attractions, and on top of that, I wanted to relax there. That’s why I know I have something to come back to Catalonia for. Other interesting places that I marked on the map are:

Monestir de Sant Pere de R odes

Cadaqués and the home of Salvador Dali

The beautiful coastal city of Roses

The ancient Greek and Roman ruins at Empúries

Overall, the Costa Brava is a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. With its stunning beaches, picturesque towns, and numerous attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking to relax and soak up the sun, the Costa Brava is a destination you won’t want to miss.