Costa Brava Guides
In-depth local guides to the towns, beaches, food, and hidden corners of the Costa Brava — from Blanes to Portbou.
In-depth local guides to the towns, beaches, food, and hidden corners of the Costa Brava — from Blanes to Portbou.
The Costa Brava stretches from Blanes in the south to the French border. Each town has its own character — from glamorous Cadaqués to workaday fishing ports like L'Escala.
The whitewashed jewel of the Costa Brava. Salvador Dalí lived in nearby Portlligat, and the town retains an artistic, bohemian atmosphere. Stunning light, rocky coves, and superb seafood restaurants. Relatively hard to reach (one winding mountain road), which keeps it from being overrun.
Alt EmpordàA medieval walled town perched above a perfect crescent beach. The Vila Vella (old town) behind the fortress walls is one of the most atmospheric spots on the entire coast. Marc Chagall called it "the blue paradise." Busier than some, but the old town retains its charm.
La SelvaA former fishing village with whitewashed houses, rocky coves, and the famous havaneres singing festival (first Saturday of July). The coastal path to Llafranc and Tamariu is one of the best short walks on the Costa Brava. Genuinely charming without being precious.
Baix EmpordàA working fishing town famous for its anchovies (anxoves). The old quarter (nucli antic) is where the best restaurants hide. Nearby St Martí d'Empúries has spectacular Greek and Roman ruins right on the beach. Less polished than Begur or Cadaqués, but more authentic.
Alt EmpordàA hilltop town with a ruined castle and views across to the Medes Islands. The real draw is the cluster of spectacular calas (coves) below: Sa Riera, Aiguafreda, Sa Tuna, and Aiguablava. Some of the most beautiful swimming spots on the Mediterranean. Upmarket but not snobby.
Baix EmpordàA perfectly preserved medieval village of honey-coloured stone perched on a hill above rice paddies. The Gothic quarter is tiny but exquisite — arched doorways, flower-draped balconies, and a round Romanesque tower. Pair it with a visit to nearby Peratallada for the ultimate medieval double.
Baix EmpordàThe Costa Brava ("Wild Coast") is defined by its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and pine-fringed beaches. Here are the ones worth seeking out.
A tiny horseshoe cove backed by fishermen's houses painted in white and blue. Crystal-clear water, great snorkelling, and a single excellent restaurant. Arrive early — parking is limited and it fills fast in summer.
One of the last undeveloped beaches on the Costa Brava — no buildings, no bars, just sand, pines, and sea. Protected by local activism in the 1990s when developers tried to build on it. A precious survivor.
The remote cove where Ferran Adrià's El Bulli once stood. Accessible by a winding road or on foot via the coastal path. Beautiful for swimming and kayaking, with a wild, end-of-the-world atmosphere.
Vivid turquoise water in a sheltered bay that could pass for the Caribbean on a good day. The Parador hotel above it has one of the best views on the coast. Popular but rarely overcrowded thanks to its size.
L'Estartit's main beach — a long, wide stretch of sand facing the Medes Islands. Perfect for families. Boat trips to the marine reserve depart from the harbour at the southern end.
Only accessible on foot (20 minutes from Tamariu) or by kayak. Rocky, wild, and utterly unspoiled. Bring water and a snorkel — there's nothing here except the sea and the pines.
The Costa Brava's food culture blends mountain and sea — fresh seafood, Catalan farmhouse cooking, and increasingly excellent local wines from the Empordà region.
The Costa Brava's fishing fleet still operates from ports like Palamós, Roses, and L'Escala. Palamós is famous for its red prawns (gambes de Palamós), L'Escala for its anchovies. Suquet de peix (fisherman's stew) is the signature dish of the coast — every village has its own recipe.
The DO Empordà wine region produces excellent Garnatxa reds, fresh rosés, and the traditional sweet wine vi dolc. Vineyards are scattered across the hills behind the coast. Several estates offer tastings. Look for wines from Espelt, Clos d'Agon, and Mas Estela.
Weekly markets are a way of life on the Costa Brava. Every town has one. The best for food: Torroella de Montgrí (Monday), Palafrugell (Sunday), L'Escala (Sunday). Arrive early for the best produce. The paradetes (stalls) sell local cheese, olives, honey, and seasonal fruit.
The most Catalan thing you can eat: rustic bread, rubbed with ripe tomato, drizzled with olive oil, and finished with a pinch of salt. It appears at the start of almost every meal. Simple, perfect, and the subject of fierce debate about the correct technique (rub, don't slice).
The Costa Brava is an outdoor playground — on the water, along the cliffs, and through the hills behind the coast.
Explore hidden coves and sea caves that are inaccessible by land. Rental and guided tours available in most coastal towns. The stretch between Tamariu and Llafranc is spectacular.
The Illes Medes marine reserve near L'Estartit is one of the best dive sites in the Western Mediterranean. Groupers, moray eels, and octopus in crystal-clear water. Multiple dive centres offer courses and guided dives.
The ancient coastal path that runs the entire length of the Costa Brava. Originally built for customs patrols, it now offers some of the most dramatic cliff-top walking in the Mediterranean. Walk it in sections or tackle the whole route over several days.
The hills behind the coast offer world-class road cycling — quiet roads, challenging climbs, and views that make the suffering worthwhile. Girona is the cycling capital of Europe, with a huge community of professional and amateur riders.
Glass-bottom boats to the Medes Islands, catamaran cruises along the coast, or fishing trips with local fishermen. Departures from L'Estartit, Roses, Blanes, and most resort towns throughout the summer season.
Pals, Peratallada, Monells, Ullastret — the Baix Empordà is dotted with perfectly preserved medieval villages of golden stone. Combine two or three in a day trip with long lunches in between.
We're working on detailed guides for individual towns, seasonal itineraries, and accommodation recommendations.
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