Though you can experience all the Costa Brava offers in three to five days, spending one week in the region is your best bet. Seven days or more allows you to combine cities like Girona and Begur with plenty of time on the coast. And with a more leisurely pace, you can prioritize activities you enjoy most, such as hiking the famous Camí de Ronda coastal trail, trying water sports like kayaking or snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach.
The Costa Brava is dotted with charming and historic coastal villages, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From medieval fortresses to picturesque fishing villages, the Costa Brava has something for everyone who wants to experience authentic Mediterranean life and escape the bustling city. Consider these options when deciding which coastal towns in the Costa Brava are best for you.
Costa Brava is home to over 300 miles of coastline, meaning you'll have plenty of beach choices, each offering its own charm and atmosphere. Whether you're seeking a lively scene, complete with restaurants and water sports, or a more peaceful, secluded setting for relaxing and sunbathing, you'll find several options on the Costa Brava.
In northeastern Spain, the Costa Brava offers stunning beaches, picturesque landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. How you plan your trip can make a significant difference in the quality of your vacation. From the medieval charm of Begur and other towns to the bustling city of Girona and the tranquil fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, there are several options to consider when planning a Costa Brava excursion.
Discover the rich history and culture of the Costa Brava with a visit to one of its charming medieval villages. Each village offers a unique experience that takes you back in time, from fortified castles to quaint cobbled streets.
The Costa Brava is a scenic stretch of Catalonia's coastline, extending from the French border in the north to the town of Blanes in the south. Dotted with rugged coves, medieval villages, sandy beaches, vineyards, and the works of Salvador Dalí, many travelers flock to this picturesque region of Spain. Explore the countryside with yacht excursions, e-bike ventures, and kayaking trips, or visit beloved towns and cities like Girona, Cadaqués, and Figueres.
Whether planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, the Costa Brava has plenty of charming boutique hotels to suit all budgets and preferences, from luxurious options to mid-range and standard lodgings. Enjoy amenities like outdoor pools, spas, on-site restaurants, and direct beach access, and choose from historical villages like Begur, Palafrugell, and Girona, coastal locations, or countryside retreats.
The Costa Brava is known for its stunning beaches, charming towns, and exquisite culinary experiences—all perfect for a luxury stay. The region offers 5-star hotels with perks and amenities to elevate your visit, like spas, fine-dining restaurants, and private beaches. This article highlights five top picks for Costa Brava luxury hotels, all providing an unforgettable experience.
The perk of staying at a beachfront hotel means you can step straight from your accommodation onto the Costa Brava's sun-kissed shores. This can enhance your Costa Brava experience, as the Mediterranean Sea is a significant influence on Catalonia's culture and history. Though there aren't many beachfront options, this region still offers a few excellent choices for seaside stays.
Discover the best boutique hotels nestled in the picturesque medieval town of Begur. From beautifully restored historic mansions to chic, modern hideaways, these accommodations offer a perfect blend of luxury, charm, and unique amenities, plus excellent locations for enjoying Begur's historic center and rugged coastline.
Discover the charm of Girona, where history meets modernity, through a curated list of the best hotels in the city. From beautifully restored historic properties to contemporary options, these hand-picked accommodations ensure a comfortable stay while exploring Girona's winding cobbled streets and interesting landmarks.
Though the beaches of the Costa Brava are some of its main appeals, it's always nice to have the option of cooling off in the pool—and pools are excellent amenities for non-coastal establishments. The best hotels with pools in the Costa Brava range from beachside options to relaxed countryside retreats surrounded by greenery. Either way, you can swim or relax on the sun deck when not exploring the region.
Enjoy the Costa Brava's mesmerizing landscapes by staying at one of the region's hotels with stunning coastal, countryside, and/or city vistas. Whether you're seeking the perfect sunrise over the Mediterranean, a serene rural retreat, or a city break, these accommodations promise panoramas that will elevate your experience on the Costa Brava.
The Costa Brava is known for its picturesque coastal towns and beautiful beaches, making it a popular destination for visitors to Spain. Finding the perfect mid-range hotel can be overwhelming, but fear not; the following is a list of the best options that offer great value without compromising on quality and comfort, from seaside resorts to charming boutique hotels.
Despite being popular with visitors, the Costa Brava remains a quintessential Spanish locale, so you'll find plenty of authentic, down-to-earth standard hotels that still provide all the amenities you'll need. Kimkim's top picks offer everything from beachfront retreats to city escapes, allowing you to enjoy this stunning coastal region known for its rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and clear blue waters.
This eight-day Catalonia tour kicks off in cosmopolitan Barcelona, where you'll experience top-notch cuisine and modern architecture via foot and bicycle. Next, drive to the sun-kissed Costa Brava—a 125-mile (200 km) stretch of pine trees, golden beaches, and crystal clear water. Here you'll spend four blissful days exploring trails, medieval villages, and artwork thanks to its famous native, Salvador Dalí.
This tour of Spain's Catalonia region starts in the capital of Barcelona, where you'll enjoy tapas and architecture tours. Next, head to the sun-kissed Costa Brava—a 125-mile (200 km) stretch of coast fringed by pine trees, golden beaches, and crystal-clear water. Here, you'll spend five days soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine while visiting medieval coastal towns and enjoying wine tours.
Experience the highlights of Catalonia on this 10-day luxury tour. Start in buzzing Barcelona, where you'll tour Gaudí's architectural gems and explore the culinary scene with a personal sommelier, then escape to a lavish beach resort on the Costa Brava. When you're not lazing on golden sands or kayaking along the sun-speckled coastline, head inland to wander medieval villages, enjoy private wine-tasting tours, and take a hot-air balloon ride over Montserrat's mighty monastery.
This weeklong adventure combines a mix of private tours and free time for the ultimate introduction to Spain's Catalonia region. Kick off the week in cosmopolitan Barcelona for Gaudí architecture, tapas bars, and Mediterranean beaches. Then head north to the Costa Brava for kayaking, Dalí culture, and wine tasting—all while staying in a medieval town loaded with great restaurants.
This complete nine-day cultural itinerary features the vibrant and eclectic city of Barcelona, the quaint villages along the rugged Costa Brava coastline, as well as a day trip into the Montserrat mountains. You'll experience a broad range of cultural tours covering the history, architecture, and ancient and current traditions at the hands of knowledgeable private guides, with free time to go at your own pace. You'll drink wine, eat authentic Catalan fare, and swim in the Mediterranean.
Most travelers will find that seven to nine days are perfect for a well-paced Spain trip with stops in both Barcelona and the Costa Brava. It's possible to hit the highlights in five or six days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—one of the best-loved trip extensions includes the medieval town of Vic. See more ideas and itineraries below.
This 12-day tour kicks off in Barcelona where you'll explore the city's fascinating culture and architecture, including Gaudí's UNESCO-listed landmarks. Next, head north to the Costa Brava—a 125-mile (200-km) stretch of pine trees, golden beaches, and crystal clear water—for a blissful week on the Mediterranean while staying in a medieval town with great restaurants.
From Barcelona's outdoor playground to the incredible beaches of the Costa Brava, Spain's Catalonia region is perfect for a family trip. Visit iconic sites with a kid-friendly twist, such as the quirky Park Güell and amusement park atop Tibidabo, then make memories on the coast with museum visits, beach days, and kayaking excursions.
Get a taste of northern Spain's buzzing cities and coveted coastline on this luxury weeklong tour. Start in Barcelona, where you'll dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant and privately tour Antoni Gaudí's architectural wonders, including the UNESCO-listed La Sagrada Família. Next, escape to the beach-studded Costa Brava to bask on golden sands, hike coastal paths, and take to the seas for kayaking adventures and private yacht cruises.
Take it easy on this two-week trip around the sunny beaches of Spain! You'll start with a few days in Barcelona, then drive north to the rugged coastline of the Costa Brava, taking your time as you explore quiet coves and small villages by the sea. For the second part of the trip, you'll jet off to the Costa del Sol, basing yourself in seaside Marbella and quaint Ronda as you swim, sunbathe, hike, and relax.
This six-day tour is the perfect introduction to Spain's Catalonia region. Kick off in the capital of cool—Barcelona—for architecture, tapas bars, and hip neighborhoods before finishing with two nights in the Costa Brava for beaches and wine tasting. In addition to private excursions, you'll get plenty of free time to round out this fun adventure.
Split your time between the city and the beach on this six-day family trip through northeastern Spain. Explore Barcelona's historic Gothic Quarter, see the whimsical works of architect Antoni Gaudí, and relax on the city's most popular beaches. Then, it's off to the Costa Brava, where you'll sea kayak through secret caves, snorkel in the warm Mediterranean waters, walk along the medieval walls of Tossa de Mar, and take a glass-bottomed boat ride to local coves.
Get ready for an adventure on the Iberian Peninsula. This comprehensive 15-day itinerary covers the highlights of both Portugal and Spain, including the capital cities of Lisbon and Madrid, as well as Mediterranean beaches and the wine country near Porto. You'll also visit historic architectural marvels like the Pena Palace in Cintra, the famous cathedral of Toledo, and the Catalan-modernist buildings of Gaudí in Barcelona.
Discover the essence of Catalonia with this self-drive through Barcelona, the Costa Brava, and the Spanish Pyrenees. Along the way, you'll enjoy excursions like private visits to Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and iconic Gaudi architecture, plus leisurely self-guided day trips to the Costa Brava beaches and towns. Soak in the beauty of the Spanish Pyrenees as you drive through winding mountain roads, sleep in charming villages, and hike along alpine lakes, ending your trip back to Barcelona for some tapas.
This two-week adventure kicks off in Barcelona, where you'll explore fascinating art and culture, including Gaudí's UNESCO-listed landmarks. Then drive north to the Costa Brava—a 125-mile (200 km) stretch of pine trees, golden beaches, and crystal clear water—for a blissful week on the Mediterranean. Finish in Vic for medieval villages and hiking trails before returning to Barcelona for one more night on the town.
This 10-day road trip takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Costa Brava and the Spanish Pyrenees, offering plenty of chances to explore the region's diverse cultural and natural wonders. From vibrant cities like Barcelona and Girona to the rugged coastline of Costa Brava and scenic Val d'Aran, you'll enjoy Northern Spain's history, cultural heritage, and gastronomy.
Summer is the perfect time to visit sunny Spain and take advantage of the country's kid-friendly outdoor activities. This 10-day adventure is all about family time outside, with visits to Barcelona's colorful and quirky Park Güell, food adventures in Madrid with kid-approved grub, beach days on the Costa Brava, catamaran cruises, and more.
Immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and flavors of Spain with this exciting 10-day journey. Start by savoring tapas and flamenco in the elegant capital of Madrid before taking a high-speed train to Barcelona to experience Gaudí's architectural wonders and get lost in the Gothic Quarter. Then rent a car and journey north to the Costa Brava, where lesser-known coastal villages—and fun adventures in the Mediterranean Sea—await your discovery.
Most travelers will find that nine to 11 days is perfect for a well-paced Spain trip with stops in Barcelona, Madrid, and Costa Brava. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in six to eight days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Seville, Valencia, or Mallorca. Get inspired with our Barcelona, Madrid, and Costa Brava trip ideas below.
Immerse yourself in northern Spain's cities, mountains, and beaches on this 11-day tour. First, you'll fly to one of Europe's most vibrant cities, Barcelona, to feast on tapas, cycle among Gaudí's architecture, and discover a nearby wine region. Then, spend four days hiking through the spectacular Pyrenees mountains, crossing into France and back. Finish the trip with some relaxation in the Costa Brava, exploring its beaches and coves—and snorkeling in its warm Mediterranean waters.
Why visit one beautiful country on Europe's Iberian Peninsula when you can visit both? This 13-day adventure begins in Portugal's historic capital of Lisbon and continues north to the equally stunning heritage city of Porto and the surrounding wine region. Then it's off to Spain, with not only stops at the best museums in Madrid but the best beaches in Barcelona and even further north along the Costa Brava.
This 10-day tour of Spain allows you to visit the highlights, like the plazas and palaces of Madrid, while also getting off the tourist track. This is a deep immersion into Spain's rich culture as you travel from the capital to Barcelona while also taking day trips to ancient villages like Pedraza and Segovia as well as countryside wineries. Throughout the adventure, you'll enjoy some delicious food as you stop at authentic tapas bars and covered markets.
Embrace Spanish culture and ease into the Mediterranean outdoor lifestyle with this 15-day family trip to Spain. Discover gastronomy in Barcelona and Madrid with child-friendly cooking classes, and experience the Basque Country's stunning scenery and history with cycle tours around Bilbao and San Sebastián. There'll be plenty of beach time, too, with a self-guided trip to the Costa Brava and the perfect blend of activities, relaxation, and sightseeing to make the most of your Spanish adventure.
This weeklong adventure offers a wonderful mix of cultural sightseeing and outdoor adventures in and around Barcelona. Start with several days in the colorful coastal city, touring Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, and cruising offshore on a sailboat. Detour to the famous Monastery of Montserrat, home to a renowned boys' choir that you'll hear perform. Then spend the last part of the trip hiking between picturesque villages in the Pyrenees Mountains and exploring the rugged coastline of the Costa Brava.
There's nothing quite like the Iberian Peninsula. It's home to Spain and Portugal, two distinct countries that feature some of the richest culture and most scenic locales in Europe. Over 16 unforgettable days, you'll visit the highlights of both nations, from Lisbon and Madrid to Porto and Barcelona—plus the Costa Brava, the Empordá wine region, and everywhere in between.
Starting in Barcelona, this 16-day trip to Spain ticks all the boxes for active families searching for the perfect blend of sightseeing, excursions, and beach time with the kids. See Gaudí's iconic works in Catalonia's capital before discovering Dalí in the Costa Brava. Next up is the Basque Country, where you'll feast on pintxos, marvel at the Guggenheim and sail around foodie hotspot San Sebastián. Finish your vacation in the cultural capital of Madrid, where you'll learn to flamenco and master the art of paella!
You'd be hard-pressed to find two more beautiful European countries to pack into a single vacation than Spain and Portugal. Each features medieval cities and towns, fertile wine regions, incredible food, historic landmarks, and some of the most beautiful coastline in the world. Over 11 days, you'll experience this via city tours of Madrid and Lisbon, wine tastings, enjoying the sights of Barcelona, and coastal hikes along Spain's incomparable Costa Brava.
If the idea of country-hopping in Europe is appealing to you, then you're going to love this two-week Iberian adventure. It begins in Portugal with visits to Lisbon and Porto plus the surrounding wine country. Then you're off to Madrid for art and culture tours, day trips to Toledo, and finally a jaunt to beautiful Barcelona and the equally enticing Costa Brava.
This 5-day tour is the perfect introduction to Spain's cosmopolitan hub of Catalonia. Let local guides show you Barcelona's best architectural sights, tree-lined streets, and tapas bars by foot and bicycle. You'll also take a sailing trip and a kayaking excursion in the Mediterranean to round out this fun adventure.
