Things to Do in Costa Brava: Our 22 Top Highlights

Map of Our 22 Costa Brava Highlights

Let’s start with a map of our 22 top things to do in Costa Brava. This gives you a quick sense of where all our highlights on the Costa Brava are located.

The Most Beautiful Towns and Villages on the Costa Brava

On the Costa Brava, one charming resort town follows the next. Here’s our take on which spots are genuinely worth your time — and which you can skip.

Want even more tips on resort towns and day-trip destinations on the Costa Brava? We’ve got a dedicated article for that too.

Our 11 Most Beautiful Places on the Costa Brava

Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar is a historic little town on the southern Costa Brava coast. The standout sight is the old town known as Villa Vella, with a beautifully preserved medieval town wall.

Just above the town sits the Castillo de Tossa de Mar with its seven small towers — you can visit it and soak up a fantastic view of the sea. We especially love it at night, when floodlights make the whole castle glow.

Otherwise, Tossa de Mar is a great place to wander around, grab a bite to eat, and relax on the beach. Just know that it gets seriously busy in summer.

Girona

Girona is the largest city on the Costa Brava — and the perfect pick when you’re craving more of a city vibe.

Most visitors on a Costa Brava vacation head straight to Barcelona. But honestly, Girona has plenty going for it too — with an authentic charm that Barcelona’s crowds can’t match. You’ll experience genuine Spanish lifestyle without the tourist hordes.

Don’t miss a walk through the Jewish Quarter, a visit to the cathedral, and a stroll along the banks of the Onyar river, where a row of colorful little houses lines the waterfront.

Calella de Palafrugell

Calella de Palafrugell is the classic Mediterranean resort town: small, laid-back, and with everything you need.

Strolling along the promenade, you get a perfect view of the fishing boats in the harbor and the whitewashed houses right by the sea. Especially magical at sunset.

There are also some really beautiful beaches here, including Port Bo and Port Pelegrí. This is also where the coastal hiking trail Camí de Ronda passes through — more on that below.

Empuriabrava

Empuriabrava is the Saint-Tropez of the Costa Brava — the place where the rich and beautiful hang out. You’ll notice the luxury villas and sleek yachts the moment you arrive. Budget a few extra euros if you’re eating out here.

That said, the town is genuinely gorgeous — it’s no wonder Empuriabrava is nicknamed the Venice of Spain. Small waterways wind through town just like in the lagoon city, making it perfect for a boat ride or a leisurely stroll.

Begur

Begur is a dreamy little town perched on a hill above the sea — the view is truly magical. And to add a storybook quality, it also sits at the foot of a medieval castle. Absolutely gorgeous.

There isn’t a huge amount to do here, but it’s a wonderful place to wander through the narrow alleyways.

If you’re craving really good fish, Begur is an excellent choice. The seafood restaurants here serve some of the freshest catch on the coast.

The Most Beautiful Beaches on the Costa Brava

Golden sand and azure water: the beaches are among the top things to do in Costa Brava. But especially in summer, many get really crowded. Here’s our honest take on which ones are truly worth it.

Want even more beautiful beaches on the Costa Brava? Check out this article.

The 11 Best Beaches on the Costa Brava

Aiguablava

Aiguablava is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa Brava: peaceful, family-friendly, and well-equipped.

You’ll find showers, restrooms, and a few nice beach bars for a midday snack. Umbrellas and lounge chairs are available to rent, and lifeguards are on duty.

Hard to believe, but despite all that, the beach stays relatively uncrowded. Aiguablava is genuinely one of the quieter spots on the Costa Brava — a real find.

Platja del Castell

Platja del Castell is our top pick for a natural, unspoiled beach on the Costa Brava.

There’s no real infrastructure here — no restrooms, no restaurant strip. But that’s exactly what we love about it: no hotel blocks, no frills — just pure nature.

The old castle right on the beach is a real bonus. The panorama is simply stunning, and you can actually visit the castle too.

Playa de Roses

Roses sits at the northern end of a long bay, the Gulf of Roses. It’s one of the most popular resort towns on the Costa Brava, and the beaches here are a big reason why.

There isn’t really just one beach at Roses — several stretches and coves line up one after another. Well-known favorites include La Punta and Platja de Santa Margarida.

The town itself is worth a look too. A bit touristy, sure, but great for strolling and there are plenty of solid restaurants.

Costa Brava Sights for Nature Lovers

Cap de Creus

Cap de Creus is, in our opinion, the most beautiful nature park on the Costa Brava. Dense cork oak forests, secluded coves reachable only by boat, and a rich variety of wildlife — it’s seriously special.

No wonder this landscape served as a source of inspiration for Salvador Dalí.

You can go hiking, snorkeling, or simply soak up the scenery. Our personal recommendation: do the short hike out to the lighthouse Far de Cap de Creus.

Marimurtra Botanical Garden

There are actually several botanical gardens on the Costa Brava, but Marimurtra stands out — so much so that the Catalan government has declared it a site of special cultural interest.

Around 4,000 different species of exotic plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, and herbs from five continents grow here. You also get a wonderful panorama of the rugged coastline and the sea.

In summer, concerts are held here too — a lovely bonus.

Ticket for the Marimurtra Botanical Garden

Illes Medes

Just off the resort town of L’Estartit lie seven uninhabited islands — the Illes Medes.

The real magic here is underwater. The islands are home to one of the most colorful marine reserves in Spain, which is why L’Estartit is packed with shops renting out diving gear and offering diving courses.

Not a diver? No problem — a boat trip out to the islands takes just ten minutes. Bring a mask and snorkel, or simply explore the islands on foot.

Introductory diving course at the Illes Medes

Boat trip to the Medes Islands with snorkeling

Aiguamolls de l'Empordá

Alongside Cap de Creus, Aiguamolls de l’Emporda is another stunning nature park and one of the most important wetlands on the Costa Brava.

The park is laced with lagoons and marshes, incredibly green, and home to a wide range of wildlife — including flamingos. Wooden boardwalks wind through the whole area, making for a super relaxed walk.

If you want to learn more about the reserve’s history, there’s a great visitor center on-site.

Camí de Ronda

The Camí de Ronda is the Costa Brava highlight for hiking enthusiasts. It’s a coastal trail that winds through the most beautiful corners of the coast.

You’ve got two options: the easier route covers 43 kilometers from Sant Feliu de Guíxols to Begur. Feeling ambitious? There’s also a 140-kilometer loop route starting from Girona.

The great thing is that the Camí de Ronda works for all fitness levels — you can hike just one section and choose between steep or flatter stretches.

Costa Brava Highlights for Culture Lovers

Dalí Museum

One name you’ll hear constantly on the Costa Brava is Salvador Dalí. The famous artist was born in Figueres, and the locals are seriously proud of him.

The Dalí Museum in Figueres lets you dive into the artist’s life and admire his most iconic works. Honestly, the building itself — with its wild, surrealist architecture — is worth the trip alone.

Our tip: Just a short distance away, in the towns of Portlligat and Púbol, there are additional Dalí museums.

Ticket for the Dalí Museum

Ruins of Empúries

Roughly in the middle of the Gulf of Roses lie the ruins of the first city that Greek settlers built here over 2,000 years ago — once an important trading hub.

Today only ruins and excavation sites remain, and they’re really not just for history buffs. The panorama of ancient walls with the sea directly behind them is simply gorgeous.

Just wandering through the site is absolutely worth your time. Want to learn more? Pick up an audio guide at the entrance.

Ciutadella de Roses

The citadel is the top attraction in Roses — a former fortress complex that feels genuinely massive and imposing. It’s easy to see why its walls kept out every attacker and pirate who tried their luck.

On the grounds you’ll find remains from multiple cultures and centuries: Roman ruins, and traces of the ancient city of Rhode — named after its Greek founders from Rhodes.

Wandering around the site alone is well worth it, but there’s also a museum covering the history of Roses.

Monestir Sant Pere de Roses

Over a thousand years ago, a group of Benedictine monks built a monastery in the rolling landscape of the Cap de Creus nature park.

A guided tour is really worth it here. The ancient stonework only truly comes alive when a guide shares the legends and myths surrounding Sant Pere de Rodes.

Hiking up to the monastery is also a lovely option — it lies along the Catalan section of the Camino de Santiago. In theory, you could walk from here all the way to Santiago de Compostela, some 1,150 kilometers away.

Costa Brava Sights with Kids

Toy Museum Figueres

This museum is a total toy paradise, with around 4,000 toys from several decades on display. Dolls, trains, tricycles, wooden toys — it really has everything.

There are also photos of children playing in the old days on display. Kids get a real kick out of seeing how children back then looked and played.

Interesting for adults too: some of the toys belonged to famous people. You can even see what Salvador Dalí played with as a child.

Blanes

Blanes is our top pick for a family vacation on the Costa Brava — it’s even been officially recognized by the Catalan government as especially family-friendly.

The beaches here are great for kids, with shallow water, lifeguards, beach bars, and plenty of playgrounds along the promenade.

From our own experience: kids are genuinely warmly welcomed in the restaurants in Blanes. That matters more than you’d think!

Kayaking on the Sea

The Costa Brava coastline is dotted with hidden caves and coves that are completely inaccessible on foot. In our opinion, there’s no better way to explore it than by kayak.

Don’t worry — you don’t have to go it alone. Guided tours are available and are suitable for kids ages seven and up.

Most tours also include time for snorkeling. With a little luck, you might spot starfish or even an octopus.

Kayaking and snorkeling excursion on the Costa Brava

Parc d'Aventura

Feeling like a little adrenaline? If you’re traveling with kids, the Parcs d’Aventura are absolutely among the Costa Brava highlights.

There are two adventure parks — one in Pals and one in Platja d’Aro. You and your kids can look forward to long zip lines, free-fall jumps, swings, climbing walls, and much more. Perfect for burning off some energy.

The outing works for the whole family, with courses designed for all age groups.

Day Trips from the Costa Brava

Barcelona

Barcelona is one of our favorite cities in Europe: modern, lively, and young — we’ve been completely won over by its hip neighborhoods and fantastic restaurant scene.

The absolute must-sees in Barcelona include the famous Sagrada Família and the other Gaudí sights like Park Güell and the shopping street Las Ramblas.

The city is just over an hour by car from the Costa Brava, so a day trip is totally doable. Even better, of course, is spending a few nights there. If that’s the plan, we’ve got the right Barcelona hotel tips for you:

General Tips for Exploring the Costa Brava

Before we wrap up, here are a few practical pointers that’ll hopefully make your Costa Brava vacation even better.

Book Your Accommodation in Advance

The Costa Brava is one of the most popular beach vacation destinations in Europe. In summer, hotels fill up fast. Book your place to stay on the Costa Brava as early as you can — you’ll thank yourself later.

Still searching for the right hotel on the Costa Brava? We’ve got you covered.

Our 11 Best Hotels on the Costa Brava

Travel to the Costa Brava in the Off-Season

Sure, June through August are the warmest months and ideal for a beach vacation. But you can still swim in the sea in spring and fall — and you’ll find far fewer tourists, plus lower prices on accommodation and flights. Our top pick is a trip to the Costa Brava in September.

Take the Boat Instead of the Car

Between many resort towns like Lloret de Mar, Calella de Palafrugell, and Cadaqués, transfer boats run regularly. They’re often faster than driving — and you get to see the coastline along the way. Some hidden beaches, for example, can only be reached by boat.

Pick Up a Catalan Phrasebook

In the larger resort towns you can usually get by with English, but in more rural areas only Catalan is spoken. Don’t be fooled either: speaking Spanish doesn’t mean you’ll understand Catalan. Knowing a few words goes a long way — and really opens hearts among the locals.