Holidays on the Costa Brava

When it comes to beach holidays on mainland Spain, one of the undisputed favorites is, quite rightfully, the Costa Brava. This welcoming and extremely picturesque Mediterranean region receives millions of tourists of all ages and types every year: at the same time, the Costa Brava offers a wide range of options both for fans of active holidays and for those who value maximum peace and seclusion.

What You Need to Know About the Costa Brava

The coastal region of the Costa Brava is famous for having some of the most scenic landscapes along the entire Mediterranean coast and arguably the best beaches in all of Spain. The choice is very wide: there are windy beaches that will appeal to lovers of active water sports, and there are quiet and calm ones with a gentle entrance to the water, ideal for family holidays. Many of the local beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag as confirmation of their environmental cleanliness.

The natural beauty of the region was noticed many centuries ago by some of the most ancient civilizations — the Iberians, ancient Greeks and Romans. Thanks to their centuries-long influence, the Costa Brava combines elements of different cultures, which is reflected primarily in its stunning architecture.

Where the Costa Brava Is Located

The Costa Brava is located on the Mediterranean coast in the northeast of Catalonia. This region stretches for 162 kilometers from the town of Blanes all the way to the French border. The region includes the areas of Alt Empordà and Baix Empordà. Transport connections are provided by rail and air via three nearby airports — in Barcelona, Reus and Girona.

When It’s Best to Go to the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is a resort region with comfortable, but comparatively cooler weather than other beach resorts. The best time for a relaxed holiday and swimming on the Costa Brava’s beaches is considered to be July and August, although if you go a little earlier or later, you will still be able to enjoy yourself immensely. As for sightseeing trips, there are no particular restrictions in this respect: throughout the year the temperature generally remains within a comfortable range for walking.

What to Do on the Costa Brava

• Relax on one of the Costa Brava’s beaches with white sand and pebbles, and swim to your heart’s content in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Go diving in Blanes, L’Estartit, Lloret de Mar or Tossa de Mar.
• Take a trip to Girona and stroll through its picturesque medieval quarter.
• Explore the fortress in Tossa de Mar, proudly towering above the bay.
• Visit the famous Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, as well as his house-museum in Portlligat.
• Go kitesurfing in the Bay of Roses.
• Walk around Cap de Creus Natural Park.
• Try seafood at one of the small seaside restaurants in Cadaqués.
• Rent a kayak and paddle along the coast, enjoying the scenic views.
• Go snorkeling in Vies Braves.
• Take a walk through the Cap Roig Botanical Garden.
• Attend tastings of local wines, which are considered among the best in the country.
• Enjoy a cultural promenade through the region’s interesting museums, including the Cinema Museum, the Doll Museum and a number of others.
• Climb Mount Montserrat.

Which Hotel to Choose on the Costa Brava

• Caprici Verd 4* (Santa Susanna)
  The four-star Caprici Verd boasts a convenient location — it is just a two-minute walk from Santa Susanna Beach. The hotel grounds feature indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, a gym, an international-cuisine restaurant, a kids’ club and a summer bar with a large terrace.
• Aqua Hotel Aquamarina 4* (Santa Susanna)
  Aqua Hotel Aquamarina offers its guests not only a large outdoor pool, a restaurant and a fitness room, but also the Aquamarina wellness center, where you can book beauty treatments, visit a heated seawater pool and enjoy various wellness procedures.
• Aqua Hotel Bertran Park 4* (Lloret de Mar)
  Aqua Bertran Park is located in a quiet part of the center of Lloret de Mar, just 450 meters from the beach area. Guests of this recently renovated hotel have at their disposal a large outdoor pool, a sun terrace, an excellent restaurant with an open kitchen, as well as a café-bar.
• Hotel Miramar 4* (Lloret de Mar)
  Hotel Miramar is located just a minute’s walk from the beach and a 15-minute walk from the city center. The hotel features a swimming pool, sauna and fitness center. The comfortably furnished rooms offer an excellent view of the lively city streets.
• Aqua Hotel Silhouette & Spa 4* (Malgrat de Mar)
  The recently renovated Aqua Silhouette SPA hotel is located on the second line from the sea, within 250 meters of the beaches of Malgrat de Mar. Guests of the hotel have at their disposal a wide range of wellness treatments, a gym, an indoor swimming pool, as well as an excellent restaurant with a variety of Mediterranean dishes.

Where to Eat Well on the Costa Brava

Given the region’s strong focus on tourism, you can be sure that you will definitely not be left hungry on the Costa Brava while searching for at least somewhat decent food. Each town in the region has dozens, if not hundreds, of various establishments serving both local and international cuisine. These can be:

• Small restaurants and cafeterias with local dishes at reasonable prices, such as La Fusta.
• All kinds of restaurants specializing in fish and seafood dishes, where you should definitely try a dish called suquet.
• Hotel restaurants, among which you can find many excellent restaurants and bars.
• Michelin-starred restaurants, concentrated mainly in Girona. These include La Brasa de Riudarenes, Maràngels, Divinum, Nu and about a dozen others.
• Beach bars and cafés offering all kinds of snacks and local fast food.

What to Combine a Trip to the Costa Brava With

• When planning a trip to the Costa Brava, you can also include in your itinerary:
• Colorful Barcelona, located in the immediate vicinity of the Costa Brava.
• Picturesque Valencia, which will be a natural addition to a route running along the coast of Spain.
• The Canary Islands.
• Ski resorts in the Pyrenees.
• The French Riviera, no less beautiful than the coast of Spain, but distinctly different in mood and atmosphere.