The beautiful Costa Brava is located on the azure-blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea and is the ideal destination for an exciting holiday. The coastline features a succession of snow-white beaches and picturesque bays, and here, you’ll find both authentic fishing villages and tourist towns with vibrant nightlife. On the Costa Brava, beautiful villages and cities compete for the title of the perfect holiday setting. And if that weren’t enough, the region boasts a number of unique nature reserves where you can take a refreshing walk or go snorkelling, while the history of the region can be seen in its many castles and museums.

With so many attractions, it can be hard to choose where to go. In this blog, I’ll be guiding you around the Costa Brava and showing you which sights should definitely not be missed during your holiday!

Costa Brava: Wild Coast

The Costa Brava is located in the northeast of Spain, just across the border from France. As a result, it is fairly easy to reach by car, bus, train or plane. Famous seaside resorts such as Lloret de Mar, Blanes and Tossa de Mar attract many tourists each year, who come to enjoy the sun, sea, sand and all the other delights that this coastline has to offer. Costa Brava means “Wild Coast” in Spanish, and with good reason. Here, you will see the waves of the Mediterranean Sea splashing against the rocks and green cliffs, as opposed to the pearly-white sandy beaches further down the coast.

1. Unspoilt bays

With over 125 miles of coastline, the beautiful Costa Brava is deservedly known as a paradise for sun and beach lovers. There are countless bays, each one even more beautiful than the last. However, some of these gems definitely stand out, such as the picturesque Platja Treumal in Blanes, where you will be able to immerse yourself in an exotic paradise. A short walk away is Aigua Xelida, a pristine and intimate bay at Tamariu. You can also discover the real Costa Brava at Cala Senyor Ramón near Tossa de Mar. Although remote, the beach is easily accessible, and you can enjoy nature and clear blue water here. The sandy beach of Cala Giverola near Tossa de Mar is also worth mentioning. Sheltered between the green rocks, the fine sand stretches over up to 200 metres. This is a heavenly place for a day of entertainment, especially for families with children.

2. Take in the atmosphere in authentic fishing villages

For many years, fishing was one of the main sources of income for the inhabitants of the Costa Brava. Many of these fishing villages, such as Blanes, Rosas and Estartit, have since become tourist resorts, but you can still taste the atmosphere of bygone times in the old village centres. If you’d like to visit an authentic fishing village, Calella de Palafrugell is particularly recommended. Here, you will see the fishing boats on the beach and can take a stroll through the village’s narrow streets. The nearby villages of Llafranc and Tamariu are also well worth a visit.

3. The Dalí triangle

The world-famous painter Salvador Dalí was born in Figueres in 1904 and died there in 1989. It is therefore unsurprising that there is a lot dedicated to this local hero in the village and the surrounding area. Here in his hometown, you will find the Dalí Museum where you can admire his beautiful surrealist works. The Dalí Castle, which the painter bought especially for his muse, stands in the nearby village of Pubol. The walls and ceilings are adorned with beautiful paintings and there are some statues of Dalí in the castle grounds. The third village that the painter clearly left his mark on is Port Lligat, where he lived for over 50 years. His former villa now houses the Casa-Museu Salvador Dalí.

4. Medieval villages in the Golden Triangle

The Costa Brava’s rich history is clear for all to see in the villages of Pals, Palau Sator and Peratallada. Collectively, these villages are known as the “Golden Triangle” and are all beautiful places to visit. Immerse yourself in the Middle Ages in their well-preserved village centres, narrow streets, fountains and squares. Palau Sator is the smallest village of the three, but the cantilevers and high tower in the old town centre are more than worth a visit. From Pals, you have a beautiful view over the surrounding area and just outside the town, you’ll find the medieval castle Castell de Pals. Peratallada is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, where the centuries-old buildings and streets surrounding the castle are so well preserved that it is still exactly as it was in the Middle Ages.

5. Surprising Girona

One of the most beautiful towns inland on the Costa Brava is undoubtedly the provincial capital of Girona. Over the course of history, Romans, Moors, Visigoths and many other peoples have settled here, providing the city with a history that has been well preserved. All sights, including the Old Cathedral, the Arab bathhouse and the Jewish Quarter are within walking distance of each other, but you can also see them in comfort by taking the tourist train.

6. The natural beauty of Cap de Creus

The natural landscape of the Costa Brava is breathtakingly beautiful, and the Cap de Creus nature reserve as one of its highlights. The reserve is located at the easternmost tip of the country and is known as the “Devil’s point” by fishermen. It covers an area of more than 14,000 hectares where jagged mountain and rock formations jut out into the sea. Cap de Creus has a very rich ecosystem with hundreds of plant and animal species, both on land and in the water. This makes the nature reserve a perfect place for hikers, cyclists and diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.

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As you can see, the Costa Brava has a lot to offer. With gorgeous beaches, hidden coves, exceptionally beautiful natural areas and its rich history, the Costa Brava is the perfect destination for a varied and unforgettable holiday. Do you want to know more about the beauty that the Costa Brava has to offer? Check out Holidays in Spain – everything you need to know about the sunny destination of Spain or take a look at the Club Villamar website. As true experts on Spain, you’ll no doubt find your perfect accommodation amongst our extensive range! View our holiday homes in Spain.