Best of the Costa Brava

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Costa Brava
The Costa Brava runs from Spain's Mediterranean border with France down to just north of Barcelona. It is renowned for its rugged coastline peppered with numerous idyllic villages and ports, framed against a coastscape of immense cliffs and riven coves, which in turn secrete truly glorious beaches. The region also hosts a superb offering of cultural activities and opportunities to relax. The Costa Brava's beaches, though, are some of the country’s best, although not the biggest, often hidden below soaring clifftops and unusual rock formations. Many of these, in fact, can only be reached on foot, making the journey part of the fun, and you'll be rewarded on arrival by turquoise blue water, lapping waves and stretches of sandy and stony beach which, outside the main tourist destinations, are quiet besides those near Barcelona.

Not only is there plenty to see along the shore, but the Costa Brava also encompasses some beautiful inland attractions, too. Stop by the town of Figueres, birthplace of famed surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, and visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum designed in typical bizarre fashion by the artist. Or toast your trip in the Empordà wine region, also located along the Costa Brava. Though it's not as big as other wine regions in Spain, Empordà is known to produce delicious wines, like White Grenache, Tempranillo, Macabeu, and Syrah, at terrific prices. Historians say that vineyards have been in this area since the 5th century BCE, and a tasting tour of the region's vineyards and bodegas is a great way to pass an afternoon.
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Costa Brava Essentials

Costa Brava, Spain
The Best Things to Do in the Costa Brava

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.

Beach at Palafrugell [Photo by Susan Flynn on Unsplash]
The Best Boutique Hotels on the Costa Brava

Catch some sun and seafood on the Costa Brava at these hotels, with lodging options atop cliffs, alongside crystalline coves, or in countryside vineyards. From these views, it's easy to see why this region of northern Catalonia has been drawing vacationers and artists to its picturesque shores for decades.

Costa Brava Itineraries

A coastal village and beach near the town of Begur
Map of Best of Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 8 Days
Best of Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 8 Days

This 8-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.

A coastal hiking trail in the Costa Brava
Map of Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 10 Days
Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 10 Days

This exciting Catalonia tour begins in Barcelona, where you'll experience tapas, architecture, and a nearby monastery in the mountains. Next, head to the sun-kissed coastline called Costa Brava—a 125-mile (200-km) stretch of pine trees, golden beaches, and crystal clear water. Here you'll spend five days enjoying the Mediterranean Sea while staying in a medieval town with great restaurants.

Explore Parc Guëll and watch the setting sun over Barcelona
Map of Best of Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 9 days
Best of Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 9 days

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.

Explore beaches near the village of Begur
Map of Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 7 Days
Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 7 Days

This 7-day 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.

A coastal trail dotted with pine trees in the Costa Brava
Map of Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 12 Days
Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 12 Days

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.

View of Tossa de Mar from Vila Vella Fortress
Map of Barcelona & the Costa Brava: Best Itinerary Ideas
Barcelona & the Costa Brava: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 7 to 9 days is perfect for a well-paced Spain trip with stops in both Barcelona and the Costa Brava. It's possible to hit the highlights in 5 or 6 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.

Let the children play in the surf of one of Costa Brava's many beaches
Map of Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 7 Days
Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 7 Days

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.

The Costa Brava
Barcelona, the Costa Brava & the Costa del Sol - 14 days

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.

Sant Joan Castle in Lloret de Mar
Map of Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 6 Days
Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 6 Days

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.

Pena Palace on the Portuguese Riviera in Sintra
Map of Highlights of Spain & Portugal: Cities, Beaches & Culture - 15 Days
Highlights of Spain & Portugal: Cities, Beaches & Culture - 15 Days

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.

Enjoy the beaches of Costa Brava with your family
Map of Family Summer Vacation in Spain: Madrid, Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 10 Days
Family Summer Vacation in Spain: Madrid, Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 10 Days

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, and catamaran cruises, and more.

Cadaqués on the Costa Brava
Map of Self-Drive Costa Brava & Pyrenees Mountains  - 10 Days
Self-Drive Costa Brava & Pyrenees Mountains - 10 Days

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.

Calella de Palafrugell
Map of Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 14 Days
Barcelona & the Costa Brava - 14 Days

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.

spain
Map of Highlights of Spain & Portugal: Cities, Beaches & Culture - 13 Days
Highlights of Spain & Portugal: Cities, Beaches & Culture - 13 Days

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.

spain
Map of Off the Beaten Path in Madrid & Barcelona  - 10 Days
Off the Beaten Path in Madrid & Barcelona - 10 Days

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. 

A sweeping view of the Monastery of Montserrat
Map of Barcelona, the Costa Brava & Rural Cataluña - 7 days
Barcelona, the Costa Brava & Rural Cataluña - 7 days

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.

Lisbon's Alfama district
Map of Highlights of Spain & Portugal: Cities, Beaches, & Culture - 16 Days
Highlights of Spain & Portugal: Cities, Beaches, & Culture - 16 Days

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.

Spain
Map of Highlights of Spain & Portugal: Cities, Beaches & Culture - 11 Days
Highlights of Spain & Portugal: Cities, Beaches & Culture - 11 Days

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.

spain
Map of Highlights of Spain & Portugal: Cities, Beaches, & Culture - 14 Days
Highlights of Spain & Portugal: Cities, Beaches, & Culture - 14 Days

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.

Placa Reial in the Barri Gòtic
Map of Highlights of Barcelona - 5 Days
Highlights of Barcelona - 5 Days

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.

Other popular travel destinations in Spain
Madrid · Andalusia · Catalonia · Barcelona · Seville · Granada · Basque Country · Córdoba · Balearic Islands · Canary Islands · La Mancha · Toledo · Mallorca · Santiago de Compostela · Ibiza · La Rioja · Pamplona · Marbella