Costa Brava in the province of Girona in Catalonia, Spain, is known to be one of the world’s best holiday and vacation destinations. From its powdery white sand beaches to the picturesque medieval-era castles, down to its very exciting and lively nightlife, Costa Brava is indeed a destination for everyone. There’s also a myriad of restaurants, many of which are Michelin-starred, that are found in Costa Brava. The nearby towns of Tossa de Mar, Pals and Girona are also known for its medieval-era walls. If you’re planning to visit this destination, here are some of the best things to do in Costa Brava, Spain.
1. Gaze at the amazing paintings at Salvador Dalí Theater-Museum
The Salvador Dalí Theater-Museum is an amazing museum that is dedicated to Salvador Dali, one of the world’s most known surrealist painters. The theater-museum is home to all of his artworks - from his humble beginnings as an artist down to his last few works before he died. Get to explore the life of Salvador Dali and know the history and the story behind the showcased artworks as you get to visit and have a look at the Salvador Dalí Theater-Museum.
Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum
Address: Plaça Gala i Salvador Dalí, 5, 17600 Figueres, Girona, Spain
Website: Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm, 10pm - 1am (daily)
2. Marvel at the architecuture of Empúries
Aside from its majestic white sand beaches, you also get to explore the ancient past in Costa Brava. When you are in the area, make sure to visit the ruins of Empuries. It is where the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations left their legacy at the Iberian Peninsula. Travel back in time as you get to learn and explore a 2,500-year-old archaeological site while enjoying the picturesque and spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea in front of you.
Empúries
Address: 17130, Girona, Spain
3. Discover the volcanic fields at La Garrotxa
Known as the volcanic region of Catalonia, La Garrotxa is a very beautiful yet one of the most underrated areas in Catalonia and Costa Brava. La Garrotxa has just started to become one of the must-visit places in Costa Brava. That is because the area has a lot of fascinating points of interest, virgin forests, and quaint yet amazing villages. The region is also known for its very unique and delicious local dishes that are truly a hit with both locals and tourists.
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4. Play golf at Club de Golf Costa Brava
Take a break from all of those activities and tours in Costa Brava and just enjoy a nice game of golf during your stay. The best place to play golf in the area is at the Club De Golf Costa Brava. The golf club first opened its doors to the public in 1962 and was originally designed by Hamilton Strutt. It also has undergone extension by nine holes. Today, the golf course has 27 holes, offering two rounds of Par 70 and Par 73. Added to that gameplay is the amazing views of the mountains, lush greenery, and century-old trees.
Club de Golf Costa Brava
Address: Urb. Golf Costa Brava, La Masia, Avda. Costa Brava, 17246 Santa Cristina d'Aro, Girona, Spain
Website: Club de Golf Costa Brava
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
5. Wander around the beautiful Girona
Strategically located between the amazing city of Barcelona and Costa Brava, the city of Girona is a great place to stop and explore when you’re coming from Barcelona. It is known as Northern Catalonia’s largest city and is laden with historical museums, prized galleries, and Gothic churches that are spread across stone lanes and ancient walls. The city is also known to be one of the only Jewish quarters left in the whole of Spain. Game of Thrones fans are also familiar with the gray-colored streets as it appeared in the show as the city of Braavos.
6. Visit the Cap Roig Botanical Gardens
The Cap Roig Botanical Gardens is known to be one of the most beautiful botanical gardens not only in the whole of Spain but also in the Mediterranean. Overlooking the sea, the garden is full of amazing plants and flowers that came from other parts of Spain and from the whole world. The botanical garden covers a total land area of 17 hectares (42 acres). Aside from amazing plant species, the garden is also laden with beautiful sculptures created by the world’s best artists. It is also known to be the site of one of the most prestigious summer music festivals, the Cap Roig Festival.
Cap Roig Botanical Gardens
Address: Camí del Rus, s/n, 17210 Calella de Palafrugell, Girona, Spain
Website: Cap Roig Botanical Gardens
Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)
7. Enjoy water sports at Pals Beach
We all know that Costa Brava is known for its long stretch of white, powdery sand beaches. One of the best and the longest beaches in the tourist area is Platja de Pals or Pals Beach. It can be found in the quaint yet amazing village of Pals. You are hitting two birds with one stone when you visit Pals Beach since you get to see the beautiful forest of pines, reeds and dunes on one side and the spectacular view of the Medes Island on the other side.
Pals Beach
Address: Platja de Pals, Spain
8. Tour the fascinating Portlligat Museum-House
Probably one of the most well-known tourist attractions in the Costa Brava area is Portlligat Museum-House. But aside from that giant egg that seems to be balancing at the top of the pyramid-shaped roof of the museum, there’s more to discover in Portlligat Museum-House. It is one of the Salvador Dali museums in the area and it is also where Dali and his Russian wife would live for the last 50 years of their lives. Get to know a day in the life of Salvador Dali as you enter the museum.
Portlligat Museum-House
Address: Platja Portlligat, 17488 Cadaqués, Girona, Spain
Opening hours: 9:30am - 8:10pm (daily)
9. Walk through the vineyards at Castillo de Perelada
If you are on the hunt for a glass of the most authentic Spanish wines while you are in Costa Brava, you are lucky as you are just close to one of its best producers. For wine lovers, you should really visit Castillo de Perelada. It is said that wines were produced at the castle even during the Middle Ages, based on the documents and parchments that were recovered and can now be found in its library. Today, the castle serves the best Spanish wine while you explore the collection of ancient sculptures, furniture, tapestries, and even more. There is also a wine museum that exhibits some of the pieces of the original wine cellar and the history of wine-making.
Castillo de Perelada
Address: Carrer Nou de Sant Joan, s/n, 17492 Peralada, Girona, Spain
Website: Castillo de Perelada
10. Check out the gorgeous Gulf of Roses
Enjoy the splendid beaches and get to see the beautiful sunsets as you visit the Gulf of Roses in Costa Brava. You will surely love the touristy feel of its coastline as it is lined with huge hotels, condominium towers, and Michelin-starred restaurants. But despite the modernity in the area, you can still visit the quaint and small villages. The environment in the Gulf of Roses even gets livelier as the sun sets as the nightlife in the area is also booming and lined with bars and party spots, making it a hit among millennial travelers.
Gulf of Roses
Address: Sant Pere Pescador, Spain
11. Swim the waters of Vies Braves
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Have fun swimming in the open water in Vies Braves. It is a public network of open water routes that are specially designed for sports, leisure, and even educational activities. The said routes can be identified using the signs and buoys that are placed along the water path. This way, locals and tourists alike can enjoy swimming in the open water and even snorkeling without fears of getting lost and being attacked by vicious sharks and other sea creatures. The routes of the Vies Braves also run parallel to the Camino de Ronda land paths, making it possible for people to enjoy trekking, running, swimming and snorkeling in the same location.
Vies Braves
Address: Carrer de la Garrotxa, 10, 17181 Aiguaviva, Girona, Spain
Website: Vies Braves
12. Visit the incredible Cap de Creus Natural Park
You will surely not forget the amazing landscapes and the picturesque views of the sea at the rugged terrain of the Cap de Creus Natural Park. Everyone will surely fall in love and be mesmerized by the rock sculptures that only Mother Nature can craft. Aside from the bizarre yet unique rock formations, Cap de Creus Natural Park is also laden with lush meadows and rich forests. However, you need to always be prepared when visiting the area as the weather can quickly change.
Cap de Creus Natural Park
Address: Cadaqués, Spain
13. Admire the enthralling Caldes de Malavella
The quiet and peaceful spa town of Caldes de Malavella offers a very relaxing experience for tourists coming from Barcelone, Girona, and of course, Costa Brava. The town is built on a natural hot spring. Because of this, there are a lot of hot baths and spa treatment centers available in the town. Aside from that, you can also pay a visit to the church of Saint Esteve and ride a bike as you explore the town.
Caldes de Malavella
Address: Girona, Spain
14. Explore the watchtowers in Tossa De Mar
Known as the “blue paradise”, the bustling and gorgeous town of Tossa De Mar is known for its turquoise-colored waters, amazing beaches, and the scenic mountains behind it. But despite the towering hotels and the amazing buildings in the area, there are still a lot of breathtaking watchtowers along the shore that have been in existence for centuries. In fact, the town was established as a fishing town way back during the medieval times. But now, you can enjoy having your nice tan during the day and dance all night at Tossa De Mar.
Tossa De Mar
Address: 17320, Girona, Spain
15. Enjoy a night out at LLoret de Mar
Lloret de Mar is yet another bustling tourist town on the Costa Brava. It is preferred by locals and foreign tourists alike because of its affordability and convenience. Tourists crave for an experience of a lifetime at their Blue Flag beaches. Lloret de Mar is known to be a hub of entertainment in Costa Brava. Amenities and attractions in the area include a water park, a gigantic adventure playground, bustling nightlife, and several tours, excursions and activities around the area.
LLoret de Mar
Address: 17310, Girona, Spain
16. Experience fine dining at El Celler de Can Roca
El Celler de Can Roca is one of the best and the finest restaurants in the world and it has been ranked number one in the world twice. The secret behind the restaurant’s sumptuous culinary offerings is the world-class creativity and expertise of the Roca brothers, namely Joan, Josep and Jordi. The restaurant is currently the world’s second-best restaurant and it holds three Michelin stars. They serve the most authentic Catalan dishes but with a twist, making them unique among other restaurants in the world.
El Celler de Can Roca
Address: Carrer de Can Sunyer, 48, 17007 Girona, Spain
Website: El Celler de Can Roca
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12:30pm - 2:30pm, 8pm - 9:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
17. Check out the structure of Creu d’en Cobertella dolmen
When you speak of bizarre and unexplainable structures and formations, probably the first thing that comes to your mind is the United Kingdom’s Stonehenge. However, Spain has also its own version of the Stonehenge which is called Creu d’en Cobertella dolmen. Located just a short drive away from the town of Roses, Creu d’en Cobertella dolmen is a tomb made of slabs of granite that has been in existence for around 5000 years. Built around 3000 to 2700 BC during the Neolithic Period, the dolmen is proof of the existence of early humans in Spain.
Creu d’en Cobertella dolmen
Address: Carretera a Montjoi, 17480 Roses, Girona, Spain
18. Sample wine on the Empordà Wine Route
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime activity in Costa Brava by exploring the Emporda Wine Route. Get to know the history of winemaking in the area, that started even during Roman times. Also, know how wines became a part of the Spanish culinary experience and get to distinguish between different kinds of wines as you traverse the Emporda Wine Route. Of course, you will also get to taste quality Spanish wines during the activity.
The Empordà Wine Route
Address: Costa Brava, Girona, Spain
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8:30am - 1:30pm, 4pm - 8:30pm; Sun: 10am - 1:30pm
19. Have fun at Parque Acuático Aquabrava
Kids and the kids at heart will surely have fun under the sun as they get to play and have fun at Parque Acuático Aquabrava. The resort offers a very nice tropical setting that is perfect for a whole day of fun in summer. Aquabrava resort offers the best and the most exhilarating rides for all ages. The water park has just recently unveiled their new zone called “Pirate Island”, wherein kids can enjoy as they embark on an adventure on a pirate island.
Parque Acuático Aquabrava
Address: Ctra. Roses a Cadaqués, KM. 0.78, 17480 Roses, Girona, Spain
Website: Parque Acuático Aquabrava
Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)
20. Walk across the historic bridge at Besalú
Known for its amazing bridge from the Roman-era and the remnants of the Jewish empire, the quaint town of Besalu offers a very immersive experience of their rich culture and history. It can be found at the foot of the Pyrenees in the La Garrotxa. It was once known to be one of the most influential towns in Catalonia when it comes to politics and socialization. Its main attraction is the large bridge from Roman times, where the main entrance to the town is situated. Today, the bridge is preserved and itbis one of the best examples of the stunning architecture from the Medieval-era.
Besalú
Address: 17850, Girona, Spain
21. Hike to Sant Ferran Castle
One of the greatest and the most well-preserved monuments in Costa Brava is the Castle of Sant Ferran. The castle occupies a total land area of 55 hectares (136 acres) and it is strategically located to have the best views of Serra de l’Albera and the Gulf of Roses. But before you reach the amazing castle, you should first hike to the top of the hill of Figueres.
Sant Ferran Castle
Address: Pujada del Castell, s/n, 17600 Figueres, Girona, Spain
Opening hours: 10:30am - 6pm (daily)
22. Dance it out at Disco Tropics
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Being a beach town, you should really not miss spending the night with lots of dancing and booze at Costa Brava. The best place to go clubbing and drinking is at the Disco Tropics in Lloret de Mar. It is known to be the most popular club in the whole Costa Brava and it is very popular among locals and foreigners alike. The bar offers delicious cocktails and a wide variety of drinks at a very cheap price. Party and dance all night long along with the best mixes of local and international DJs.
Disco Tropics
Address: i, Av. Just Marlés Vilarrodona, 49, 17310 Lloret de Mar, Girona, Spain
Website: Disco Tropics
Opening hours: 9pm - 5am (daily)
Have fun in the sun while in Costa Brava
Costa Brava indeed is a destination for everyone. Whether you are someone craving for vitamin “sea” at the beach or looking for a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the history and culture of Spain, Costa Brava surely has something for you. Enjoy your trip to this lovely destination.
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