There’s something about Costa Brava that keeps pulling me back in.
From its rugged coastline lined with tiny hidden coves to its relaxing seaside restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Costa Brava feels like the kind of place that has been beautifully preserved in time, unbothered by the developing world around it.
After living in Barcelona for years, Costa Brava has become my favorite escape whenever I want a slower pace, crystal-clear water, and that dreamy Mediterranean feeling without needing to hop on a long flight. It’s wild in places, refined in others, and honestly one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on the Iberian Peninsula.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering about the best things to do in Costa Brava, Spain, this guide covers all my favorite experiences after years of exploring the region.
Key Takeaways
- Hike the Camí de Ronda, rent a kayak or boat, and explore hidden coves like Cala Pola and Platja Fonda for some of the best coastal experiences in Costa Brava.
- Stay in towns like Tossa de Mar, Calella de Palafrugell, Cadaqués, or Begur depending on whether you want beaches, nightlife, charm, or a quieter local atmosphere.
- Don’t skip the inland experiences. Visiting medieval villages, local vineyards, and Salvador Dalí museums are some of the most memorable things to do in Costa Brava, Spain.
Best Towns + Hotels to Stay in Costa Brava
You’re going to want to choose your homebase wisely, as each town offers a different vibe and experience in this region.
- Calella de Palafrugell: Best for a classic Costa Brava experience with beautiful beaches, coastal walks, seafood restaurants, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. This is personally my favorite town to stay in.
- Favorite Hotel: Hotel Mediterani
- Tossa de Mar: Best for first-time visitors wanting a mix of beach, history, and walkability, thanks to its charming Vila Vella old town and scenic coastline. This area offers the best hotels in Costa Brava that you don’t need a car to get to.
- Favorite Hotel: Elisabeth by the Sea Hotel
- Cadaqués: Best for art lovers and couples looking for a more romantic and picturesque escape with whitewashed buildings and a slower pace.
- Favorite Hotel: Can Set
- Begur: Best for boutique hotels, upscale restaurants, and easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches and coves in Costa Brava.
- Favorite Hotel: Hotel Aigua Blava
- Llafranc: Best for a quieter and more refined coastal stay with a beautiful waterfront promenade and easy access to the Camí de Ronda.
- Favorite Hotel: Hotel Isabella’s Llafranc
Personally, I’d avoid staying in Lloret de Mar unless nightlife is your priority. While it is one of the most popular areas to stay in, it definitely lacks that charm and quaintness that the other towns are known for.
Related Article: The Best Costa Brava Hotels: 16 Incredible Coastal Stays
15 Things to Do in Costa Brava, Spain
Located along the northeastern coastline of Spain, Costa Brava is known for its rugged coastline, hidden coves, medieval towns, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Stretching from Blanes to the French border, this part of the Iberian Peninsula offers everything from scenic coastal hikes and charming fishing villages to Salvador Dalí museums, vineyard visits, and incredible fresh seafood.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape from Barcelona or a longer road trip through Costa Brava Spain, these are the spots and experiences I personally think are most worth your time.
1. Hike the Camí de Ronda Coastal Trail
One of the absolute best things to do in Costa Brava Spain is hiking part of the Camí de Ronda.
This coastal path winds along dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, pine forests, and tiny fishing villages. Some stretches honestly feel like something out of a movie. The section between Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc is probably the most famous, but there are beautiful routes all across the coastline.
2. Discover the Hidden Coves and Beaches
Costa Brava is famous for its beautiful beaches, but the real magic is in the smaller coves tucked between the cliffs.
Places like Cala Pola, Cala Aiguafreda, Platja Fonda, El Golfet, and Platja de Tamariu are some of my favorites. Many require a short walk to reach, but that’s part of the charm. You’ll often find calmer water, fewer people, and a much more relaxed atmosphere than the larger sandy beach areas.
This wild coast is full of secluded beaches that feel almost untouched, especially outside peak summer months.
3. Eat Paella or Fresh Seafood by the Water
Honestly, some of my favorite memories in Costa Brava revolve around long lunches.
There’s just something about ordering fresh seafood and wine while overlooking the Mediterranean Sea that feels like peak summer. Towns like Calella de Palafrugell and Tossa de Mar are filled with beachfront restaurants where lunch easily turns into a three-hour affair. One of my favorite restaurants in Begur is Toc al Mar. I always reserve an outside table and order the sardinas a la brasa along with one of their arroces. This to me is the epitome of a Spanish summer.
Travel tip: lunch is usually the main event in Spain, so lean into it. Order the rice dishes and a pitcher of sangria. I also highly recommend reserving ahead of time, especially during the summer season.
4. Rent a Boat and Cruise Along the Coastline
If you really want to understand why Costa Brava is so special, seeing it from the water completely changes everything.
Renting a small boat for the day lets you access hidden beaches and caves that aren’t reachable by foot. You’ll pass dramatic cliffs, tiny fishing villages, and some of the most stunning beaches in the entire Costa Brava region.
Even if you don’t have a boating license, many companies offer small rentals or guided excursions.
5. Visit the Salvador Dalí Museum in Figueres
One of the most iconic things to see in Costa Brava is the surreal world of Salvador Dalí.
The Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres is bizarre in the best possible way. Between melting sculptures, strange optical illusions, and eccentric rooms, it feels more like entering someone’s dream than a traditional museum.
Even if you’re not massively into art, it’s still an interesting place to visit because it gives you such a strong sense of Dalí’s personality and connection to this part of northern Spain.
6. Explore Medieval Towns Like Pals and Peratallada
Costa Brava isn’t only about beaches.
Some of my favorite day trip experiences have actually been inland in medieval villages like Pals and Peratallada in the Baix Empordà region. Cobblestone streets, ivy-covered stone buildings, tiny wine bars, and quiet plazas make these towns feel frozen in time.
Pals especially become magical in the evening once the day visitors leave.
7. Spend a Day in Tossa de Mar
Out of all the beach towns in Costa Brava Spain, Tossa de Mar might be the most iconic.
What makes it special is Vila Vella, the medieval walled old town perched directly above the sea. Walking through the stone streets at sunset honestly feels cinematic. Below it, Platja Gran fills with swimmers and beachgoers during summer.
Tossa de Mar strikes a really nice balance between historic charm and beach destination, which is probably why I recommend it to almost everyone visiting Costa Brava, especially if you aren’t planning on renting a car.
8. Visit La Bisbal for Ceramics Shopping
If you love home decor or handmade ceramics, don’t skip La Bisbal d’Empordà.
This small town is famous for pottery and artisan ceramics, and the shops here are honestly dangerous if you’re trying not to buy anything. Every time I come here I end up buying bowls, olive oil dishes, coffee cups, and things I definitely didn’t need, however, they offer great prices and super unique pieces.
9. Rent Bikes and Explore the Countryside
One thing people don’t always realize about Costa Brava is how beautiful the countryside is once you leave the coast.
The cycling routes through Baix Empordà are especially gorgeous, winding past sunflower fields, vineyards, medieval villages, and quiet roads lined with cypress trees. It feels wildly different from the coastline, but equally beautiful.
Even casual riders can find relatively easy bike trails throughout the region. I have always rented bikes from BikeOn. You can also book a guided ebike tour through Emporda here.
10. Visit Marimurtra Botanical Garden
Perched above the sea near Blanes, Marimurtra Botanical Garden has some of the best sea views in Costa Brava.
The gardens overlook the rugged coastline and are filled with tropical plants, flowers, and cliffside walking paths. It’s peaceful, scenic, and captivatingly beautiful.
11. Go Scuba Diving Around the Medes Islands
The Medes Islands, or Illes Medes, are one of the top diving destinations in Spain.
Located near L’Estartit, this protected marine reserve is known for crystal-clear water and incredible marine life. Even if you’re not scuba certified, snorkeling tours are also available.
The water around the Medes Islands feels incredibly untouched compared to some other parts of the Mediterranean.
12. Rent Kayaks and Explore by Sea
Kayaking is easily one of the best things to do in Costa Brava if you enjoy being active.
Paddling along the coastline lets you discover sea caves, rock formations, and hidden coves that most tourists never see. Areas near Sant Feliu and Tossa de Mar are especially popular for this.
Book Your Costa Brava Kayaking Tour Here
13. Take a Day Trip to Cadaqués
Cadaqués feels completely different from the rest of Costa Brava.
Whitewashed buildings tumble down toward the sea, fishing boats bob in the harbor, and artists seem to still linger in the atmosphere. It’s no surprise Salvador Dalí spent so much time here.
The drive itself through Alt Empordà is beautiful, and once you arrive, it’s easy to understand why this town became one of the most famous places along the coastline.
14. Explore the City of Girona
While technically not directly on the coast, Girona makes an excellent day trip from Costa Brava (you can also easily do a day trip from Girona to Barcelona as well).
The colorful houses lining the river, medieval alleyways, and massive cathedral make it one of the most photogenic cities in Spain. If you watched Game of Thrones, you’ll probably recognize parts of the old town immediately.
Girona also has some incredible restaurants and wine bars that make it worth staying into the evening.
15. Visit Cap Roig Gardens
Cap Roig Gardens might honestly have one of the prettiest settings anywhere in Costa Brava.
The gardens sit directly above the sea with panoramic views over the coastline and surrounding beaches. During summer, the Cap Roig music festival also takes place here, attracting international artists.
Even without the concerts, it’s worth visiting just for the scenery alone.
16. Have Lunch at Mooma Sidreria
A slightly unexpected recommendation, but trust me on this one.
Mooma is a cider house located in the countryside near Palafrugell, and it’s become one of my favorite lunch spots in the region. They produce local cider, serve fresh seasonal food, and the setting surrounded by apple orchards feels incredibly peaceful.
After days of beach hopping, it’s a nice change of pace.
17. Visit a Local Vineyard
Costa Brava and wine go hand in hand.
The Empordà wine region produces excellent reds, rosés, and whites, and many vineyards offer tastings overlooking vineyards or rolling countryside. Some wineries are tiny family-run operations, while others feel much more upscale and modern.
A wine tasting here feels far more relaxed and intimate than in some of Spain’s larger wine regions. You can check out different wine tours here.
FAQ About Visiting Costa Brava, Spain
Is Costa Brava worth visiting?
Absolutely. Costa Brava offers a mix of beautiful beaches, hidden coves, medieval towns, coastal hikes, incredible seafood, and a much slower pace compared to some of Spain’s larger tourist destinations. It’s easily one of my favorite regions in Spain for a summer trip.
What is the prettiest town in Costa Brava?
This really depends on what you’re looking for, but Cadaqués, Calella de Palafrugell, and Tossa de Mar are usually considered some of the prettiest towns in Costa Brava. Personally, Calella de Palafrugell is my favorite for its relaxed atmosphere and classic Mediterranean charm.
How many days do you need in Costa Brava?
I’d recommend at least 3–5 days if you want to experience multiple towns, beaches, and activities without rushing. If you’re planning a full Costa Brava road trip, a week is ideal.
Do you need a car in Costa Brava?
Yes, I highly recommend renting a car. While some towns are accessible by bus, many of the best beaches, hidden coves, wineries, and smaller villages are much easier to reach by car.
When is the best time to visit Costa Brava?
Late May through early October is generally the best time to visit Costa Brava. Personally, I think June and September are ideal because the weather is warm, the sea is swimmable, and the crowds are smaller than peak July and August.
What is Costa Brava known for?
Costa Brava is known for its rugged coastline, crystal-clear water, beautiful beaches, charming seaside towns, fresh seafood, and scenic coastal hiking trails like the Camí de Ronda.
Planning a trip to Costa Brava, Spain? Learn more with these articles below:
Calella de Palafrugell, Spain: A Travel Guide to Costa Brava’s Most Charming Seaside Town
The Best Costa Brava Hotels: 16 Incredible Coastal Stays
Costa Brava Travel Guide: The Most Beautiful Towns, Beaches & Places to Stay in 2026
What to Pack for Spain: The Ultimate Packing List
10 Underrated European Beach Destinations to Travel to This Summer
Final Thoughts on What To Do in Costa Brava Spain
There are so many incredible things to do in Costa Brava Spain that honestly, narrowing this list down was difficult.
What I love most about this region is that it offers a little bit of everything. You have medieval towns, dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, fresh seafood, vineyards, coastal hikes, art museums, and beautiful little fishing villages all packed into one stretch of coastline.
And despite becoming more popular over the years, parts of Costa Brava still feel wonderfully untouched compared to other Mediterranean destinations.
If you’re planning your own trip, my biggest travel advice is simple: don’t try to rush through it all. Leave room for spontaneous beach stops, lazy lunches, and those random little detours that usually end up becoming the highlight of the trip.
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