Trips to Costa Brava, Spain
The most beautiful places on the Costa Brava
According to Youremailverifier.com, the Costa Brava is not a fixed region, but rather an unofficial name for the northern coast of Catalonia.
It is about 220 kilometers long and borders the province of Barcelona to the south and the French state border to the north . In France it is called the continuation of the Côte Vermeille coast.
Literally translated, Costa Brava means something like wild coast. This is because the shore here is very rocky and consists of many small coves.
We introduce you to the most beautiful places on the Costa Brava that you should not miss:
Cadaques
White houses and pirate stories
The former fishing village of Cadaqués is very popular, but the white facades of the houses and the small bays also have a very special charm.
Children can go on a pirate treasure hunt in Cadaqués.
Tossa de Mar
Historic old town and beaches
The historic old town of Villa Vella is surrounded by a city wall and you should not miss a walk through the center.
The climb to the lighthouse on the hill is also worthwhile, you have a great view from up there.
Afterwards you can rest on the wide sandy beach of Tossa de Mar.
Girona
Old town with medieval ambience
The historic center with the imposing cathedral convey medieval flair.
Since parts of Game Game of Thrones were filmed here, Girona is of particular interest to fans of the series.
On a guided tour you will get to know the city better and receive practical insider tips from a guide.
The most beautiful beaches on the Costa Brava
Long sandy beaches and small bays make up the Costa Brava and make it a very popular travel destination.
Whether it’s a beach holiday or water sports, you’re sure to find a beach that suits you on the Costa Brava.
In our article on the most beautiful beaches on the Costa Brava , we show you our highlights:
Lloret de Mar
Wide sandy beaches for swimming
When you hear Lloret de Mar, you might first think of party and partying people, but around Lloret de Mar you will find many great beaches and outside of the high season it is also quieter there.
On the southern Costa Brava you will find not only wide sandy beaches but also smaller bays such as Cala Banys, which are great for walks.
Gulf of Roses
swimming and water sports
The popular bay on the Gulf of Roses is located on the northern Costa Brava.
The long beach is good for swimming, but surfers and kite surfers also get their money’s worth here.
A little further south, on the Montgrí coast, you will find great diving spots.
This part of the Costa Brava is also a good choice with children, as the water is shallow in many places.
Callela de Palafrugell
Perfect for photos
Many beaches around Palafrugell, such as Callela de Palafrugell, are great photo opportunities with their small bays and turquoise water.
It is worth enjoying the sunset there and taking a photo or two.
Getting there
If you come directly from Germany, you will of course take the plane, but if you are already in Spain or France, there are more alternatives.
By plane
If you come by plane, you can fly to either Barcelona or Girona. From there it is best to continue by rental car. There are also train and bus connections, but unfortunately not that many. You have to know exactly where you want to go and should find out the departure times beforehand.
Incidentally, we always book our flights via Skyscanner , where you can easily compare different flights. So you can quickly find out the best flight and the best arrival airport for you.
By train
If you come by train, go to Figueres or Girona. Both places have AVE train stations, which means you can take the AVE through from France. In the past, you always had to change trains in Portbou because of the different track widths, but this is no longer the case. From the train stations you can reach most coastal towns with the regional bus companies. However, it is better to rent a car because it gives you more flexibility.
By car
If you come by car, you will probably cross the border on the highway at La Jonquera. A nice alternative is the coastal road via Portbou. However, you should not have a very large car for this (so maybe not necessarily travel with a caravan or mobile home) and take your time. The path is very curvy and much longer, but just beautiful!
The best travel time for your holiday on the Costa Brava
For us, autumn is the best time to travel to the Costa Brava. Then the water is still nice and warm. With luck you can be part of the harvest or taste the fresh olive oil. The light and colors in autumn are great for taking photos . We can therefore only recommend the Costa Brava as a travel destination in September .
In winter it can get cold. Normally the Costa Brava “sleeps” from around Christmas to the end of February. If you like it quiet, then winter is the perfect time for long walks on the beach in the sunshine or to discover the villages without other tourists.
In spring you can enjoy the first rays of sunshine on the coast . In the Baix Empordà, the trees in the orchards are in bloom – the perfect time for bike tours. Then it’s not too warm to be active during the day. However, the water is still fresh.
Summer is for sure the time that attracts the most people. Summer is best for a beach holiday, but you will also find crowded beaches and lots of tourists here. The rest of the year it is much quieter.
Activities on the Costa Brava
kayaking and snorkeling
Water sports on the Costa Brava
On the Costa Brava you have many opportunities to try different water sports.
A guided kayak tour along the coast will give you a whole new perspective of the Costa Brava. In between you have the opportunity to snorkel and enjoy a picnic.
Marimurtra
Botanical Garden in Blanes
The botanical garden is located directly by the sea and you will find many exotic plants, trees, shrubs, flowers and herbs.
A relaxing stroll through the garden is definitely worth it.
Excursion to Barcelona
Perfect for a day trip
During a holiday on the Costa Brava, you should not miss a stopover in Barcelona or take a day trip to the Catalan city.
The impressive city with many sights has many beautiful places ready.
FAQ
What’s the best way to get around the Costa Brava?
Unfortunately, the public transport network on the Costa Brava is not optimally developed. The railway line runs inland and connects Barcelona with Girona and Figueres. Only in Llança does the railway meet the coast again. Villages directly by the sea can usually only be reached by bus.
You can find information about the main bus connections on the Sagales website or here on Moventis (website in Spanish). In general, you can easily get to the coast from Girona.
However, driving from one coastal town to the next can be difficult at times. It is best to check where you want to go and when the buses leave before you get there.
Our tip : take a rental car to be on the safe side. They’re pretty cheap all over Spain.
What language is spoken on the Costa Brava?
In addition to Spanish, Catalan is spoken throughout Catalonia. In the small villages of the Costa Brava you will surely hear people speaking Catalan more often than in Barcelona.
In the high season, however, the Costa Brava is also international. Close to the French border, in places like Roses or Cadaqués, for example, you will get along just fine with French. Although English is also spoken here, it is not always easy for German ears to understand.
If you don’t come during the peak tourist season and meet real locals, a friendly ʺbon diaʺ (meaning ʺgood dayʺ in Catalan) is guaranteed to earn you bonus points.
Do you tip on the Costa Brava?
Spaniards and Catalans rarely tip and if they do, then rather little. But because we know that tourists are more inclined to give a waiter a bit of advice, foreigners are usually very welcome guests.
With the low salaries and the hard long working days, everyone is happy about a small thank you. Especially during the high season, many waiters or hotel employees work more or less through the summer and rarely have a day off.
