The 9 essential things to do on the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava offers a cyrielle of faces and activities. The 9 essential things to do on the Costa Brava: the essential to discover the Wild Coast.

Small isolated paradisiacal coves, vertiginous cliffs, large golden sand beaches, turquoise waters, medieval villages: the Costa Brava is as diverse as it is wonderful. Sports aficionados practice nautical disciplines and hikes. Art and history ferus are located in museums, festivals or picturesque villages. The farniente mordu pose their towel and graze, with delectation, all their sun capital.

The Costa Brava invites you to live the holidays of your dreams, at your own pace, and is committed to constantly changing you. To enjoy a maximum of the multiple riches of the Catalan coast Follow the guide. Here are the 9 essential things to do on the Costa Brava.

1. Local gastronomy

One of the first things to do on the Costa Brava? Discover its culture and lifestyle through its culinary traditions. On horseback between the products of the sea and the land, the gastronomic heritage of the Costa Brava will surprise you with its simple and tasty character.

You taste like almost banal associations, but with a detonating and quickly addictive taste. Tomato bread, rice-based preparations, roasted vegetable dishes, Catalan cream, Figueras sweet onion, olive oil, Escala and Rosas anchovies, land and cheese cutters Pyrenees . The whole, in the form of tapas to be enjoyed at Spanish time, and enhanced by wines such as Moscatel.

Do you know that two restaurants in the Costa Brava were awarded the best restaurant in the world? El Bulli, Rosas and El Celler Can Roca, Girona . So, yeah, there's something to eat.

2. Natural parks

No way to visit the Costa Brava without going through at least one of its three natural parks.

First of all, there is the Natural Park Cap de Creus . In the north, adjacent to Cadaqués, it is shaped by a unique geology and landscapes plowed by powerful winds. Shared between land and sea, turquoise waters and shredded rocks, the Cap de Creus offers the sumptuous and elusive panoramas of a virgin coast.

Then there is. Natural Park of the Empordà Aiguamolls . A marshland located south of Empuriabrava is a true paradise for bird enthusiasts. Here, beautiful and rare migratory species find their refuge.

Finally. Montgri Natural Park, Medes Islands and Baix Ter in Torroella de Montgri. This jewel of contrasts alternates between the wild spaces of the Montgri hills and the remarkable water reserves.

3. Water sports

Speaking of aquatic nature reserves... One of the most important things to do on the Costa Brava is to try you at water sports.

Moreover, if you are already amateur, the possibilities of practicing can justify your journey alone. Kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing, surfing, kayaking, boats, jet skiing, waterskiing: everything is possible. Unless you're more of a kind to want to wear palms and take a tuba or a bottle of oxygen?

Know that the Costa Brava is also full of amazing spots for snorkeling and diving. In all, no less than sixty diving centers are scattered across the coast. However, if you have to choose one: appointment on the Medes . This small archipelago is the paradise of the most popular divers in Spain. Tombs, caves, tunnels and endemic species await you in a nearly polynesian world.

4. The Chemin de la Ronde

Visit the Costa Brava without surveying the Chemin de Ronde? No way.

This trail, which runs along the coast and sometimes marries GR92, is a condensed of natural wonders. To complete it, count about two weeks and two hundred kilometers. Otherwise, just find out by servings. In any case, you will always be loved between seaside and fragrant pine forests.

The idyllic route sometimes leads you even to the water and to the bottom of small confidential coves. Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of medieval village or fishermen. Despite its fame, the Chemin de la Ronde offers resurgent marches and great tranquility. A must for nature lovers and peace lovers.

5. Festive events

In Spain, we love celebrating and celebrating traditions. On the coast, all the more!

One of the things to do on the Costa Brava, whether you are a big party or a shy night bird, will therefore experience this joy of living. Even better, to attend one of the festive events that rhythm the coast throughout the year. For example, some will be linked to popular and joyous religious celebrations.

These are a must-see for the inhabitants. It's defying, it's dancing in the sound of sardanes, it's a sign of pyrotechnic prowess. Then there are some entertaining and cultural events: they celebrate flowers in Girona, opera in Peralade, music in Cap Roig, Jazz in Estartit and much more.

6. Medieval villages

The Wild Coast stands out by a fabulous number of small villages medieval. They invite you to visit the Costa Brava in the course of adorable peregrines out of time.

• Pals: this medieval city marries the Mediterranean and contains a heart of town whose charm operates instantly. Pals fortifications open onto a breathtaking panoramic view, between historic buildings and turquoise lagoons;
• Peratallada: This medieval village flourished at the foot of its incredibly well preserved castle. It visits the detour of dressed squares, tortuous streets, walls and authentic Catalan scenery;
• Palau Sator: this village surrounded by its castle offers the authenticity of a rural village still unknown to tourists;
• La Bisbal d’Empordà : this medieval village proudly holds the title of pottery and antiques capital. Its ancient nucleus contains narrow streets, old houses, squares, around the palace of the bishopric;
• Púbol: This small town is especially famous for its castle which welcomed Gala Dalí in the 1970s. This great middle-aged mansion allows to discover the Dalí couple in the last period of their life;
• Ullastret: This small town is especially famous for its castle which welcomed Gala Dalí in the 1970s. This great middle-aged mansion allows to discover the Dalí couple in the last period of their life;
• Begur: a village perched at the top of the mountains, dominated by the ruins of its castle and surprising by its houses inherited from the Indianos of the nineteenth century.

7. Coastal cities

Visiting the Costa Brava also stops in some coastal cities. For a day or a few days, they are cultural and historical emblems of the coast.

• Palafrugell: Here, the seafront is full of sparkling whitewashed houses, life beats its full in the fishing port, the coves are nibbled by translucent waters and the historical heart is drawn in a labyrinth of shaded alleys;
• Cadaqués : its unique atmosphere lies in its small fishing port, its immaculate houses blotted in the cliffs and the soul of Dalí that flies everywhere. Named the white village, Cadaqués resembles a postcard;
• Girona: this typical medieval town, raised on a rocky promontory, is full of treasures. Its history-filled environment transports you from paved alleys to buildings several times centenary. In the backdrop, Pyrenees sumptuous;
• Calella de Palafrugell : a former fishermen's village that enchanted by its sinuous streets where it is good to lose. Port Bo, the harbour area, seduced by its spicy panoramas of charming houses and monuments of the past;
• Escala: town crowned by a coastline composed of coves, cliffs and sandy beaches. Escala is one of the most beautiful bays in the world: the Bay of Roses;
• Tossa de Mar: nicknamed the blue paradise because of its beautiful and Azurean bay, the village also seduces by its historic heart;
• Roses : Loved on a magnificent natural port, anchored in its marine traditions, the city of Roses can be sheltered among the most beautiful vestiges of the coast;
• Empuriabrava: this “Vice of Spain” is crossed by twenty-five kilometers of waterways. She has established herself as a luxurious seaside resort and postcard par excellence.

8. In the footsteps of Dalí

Salvador Dalí, born in 1904 and died in 1989 in Figueres, remained attached to his roots throughout his life. His muse, apart from his wife, was also the fishing village of Portlligat, next to Cadaqués. He was also very animated by the natural beauty of the Cap de Creus, whose tramontane seemed to blow his inspiration.

Do you like the painter? Then go to the Costa Brava by following the exceptional sites that retrace the course of Catalan genius. Through the Dalinian Triangle, discover the ancient theater of Figueres, its house of Portlligat and its castle-mate in Púbol.

9. The beaches

We put it last among the 9 essential things to do on the Costa Brava, simply because it is good to keep the best for the end. Difficult to choose the best beaches of the Wild Coast as they compete with beauties and curiosities. Here are some of our favorite spots:

• Blanes: for its exceptional setting between pine forests and translucent funds;
• Lloret de Mar: for its alliance between unspoiled nature, lagoon shades and urban services;
• Calella de Palafrugell : for its ideal location between typical houses and rocky reefs;
• Tossa de Mar: for its crystalline sea surrounded by greenery and its many amenities;
• Cap Roig: for its surreal diving spots;
• Begur: for its picturesque coves crowned by the charming fishing houses;
• El Port de la Selva : for its wild landscapes and its preserved environment;
• L’Estartit : for its unique location in a natural reserve of great purity;
• Escala: for its small pebble beach and rocks enclaved between two large beaches;
• Empuriabrava: for its magnificent opening on the bay of Roses and the green massifs;
• Cap de Creus: for its landscapes that inspired Salvador Dalí.

How to get to the Costa Brava?

• car is often the preferred means of transport to go and visit the Costa Brava. From Paris, count about ten hours. The ideal will therefore include a stop on your journey. However, if you live further south, know that the Costa Brava is barely further than the Franco-Spanish border. The advantage is also to be able to share the costs of the journey and power, ultimately, economic travel.
• Otherwise, the aircraft remains the fastest way to reach the Costa Brava. In addition, flights are generally very affordable. You land in Barcelona or Girona. To make the best choice, do not hesitate to use a flight comparison such as Skyscanner. Once on site, rent a vehicle or take the bus to one of the main cities of Costa Brava.

Where to stay on the Costa Brava?

Accommodation offers jump on the Costa Brava. Campsites, hotels, holiday homes, Airbnb , hostels : there are for all tastes and budgets. To find you there, Compare hotels will be of precious help.

For a citybreak, Girona is an ideal destination. Between culture, nature, heritage and traditions, this fascinating city has everything to offer. Empuriabrava and Calella de Palafrugell lend themselves more to substantial budgets and luxurious retreats. If you want a 100% beach destination but have a tighter budget, Estartit, Escala, Cadaqués Roses and Tossa de Mar will fill you.

The medieval villages such as Pals are destined for those seeking a haven of peace and a stay to the green. I mean, the most fetish people will complain Lloret de Mar or Blanes, where nightlife is very lively.