Top 4 Hidden Gems for Costa Brava

Every year, numerous vacationers flock to the Costa Brava in Spain during the summer. Partying, sunbathing, and beaches - but wait, is that all there is? The answer is a resounding no. Read on to discover what you shouldn't miss along the beautiful coast of Spain.

First, let's clarify where this so-called coast is located. The Costa Brava refers to the northeastern coastal stretch of Spain, which starts at the French-Spanish border at Portbou and extends through places like Roses, L'Estartit, Palamós, Lloret de Mar, and reaches Blanes. Altogether, the coast is about 220 kilometers long - doesn't that sound like a perfect route for a road trip?

By the way, the name Costa Brava hasn't been around for long. The writer Ferran Agulló gave the landscape this name due to its rugged, inaccessible coastline in one of his articles, which translates to 'wild coast' in English. In the 1950s, the first hotels were built in this part of Spain, transforming the Costa Brava into a popular tourist destination.

It didn't take long for an increasing number of hotel complexes to spring up in a short span of time. Long sandy beaches and nearly 200 sunny days a year quickly made the Costa Brava one of the top vacation spots in recent years. Additionally, party hotspots like Lloret de Mar and nearby Calella and Malgrat de Mar have given the wild coast the image of the 'Ballermann on the mainland.' Unfortunately, amidst all the partygoers, the true beauty of the Costa Brava has somewhat been forgotten.

There's a saying that there are both sea and mountain people. Some love the water, while others feel at home on high peaks. Along the Costa Brava, you have both: sea and mountains. Just 50 kilometers separate the coastline from the foothills of the Pyrenees. The Costa Brava boasts countless beautiful beaches, so many that we can't even name them all - there are simply too many. Some sandy beaches are found in secluded coves, while others with stones and rocks match the rugged coastline. But it's not just water lovers; hikers will also find plenty to love here. Along the whole Costa Brava, there are numerous hiking trails, the most famous of which is undoubtedly the Camí de Ronda. Once used by fishermen to quickly reach the next village, the approximately 200-kilometer hiking trail is now the most popular along the Costa Brava.

The Camí de Ronda starts at Portbou and ends in Blanes. If you want to experience the coastline up close, the Camí de Ronda is a great way to visit all the interesting towns along the hike. For those who prefer to cover more kilometers in a day, renting a mountain bike to explore the wooded and coastal areas on two wheels is advisable. Riding in the light shade of the pines and firs is enjoyable and relaxing.

The Costa Brava is known for its small fishing villages, such as Cadaqués. Neatly maintained white houses rise against the backdrop of mountains, and small fishing boats rock at docks in the brilliant blue sea. Cadaqués is a perfect postcard image and one of the favorite excursion destinations along the coast. Overlooking the old town stands the Esglesia de Santa Maria. While unassuming and modest from the outside, the interior will astonish you with its elaborate Baroque altar. Though there is a beach and decent swimming options here, those who come here want to enjoy the charm of the small town.

Once, Cadaqués was a significant wine region; no wonder a glass of red wine in the evening tastes the best here. Many artists, inspired by the charming surroundings, call this place home. The most famous artist from Cadaqués is Salvador Dalí. The representative of Surrealism once lived in Port Lligat, which is located northeast of the town center. Today, his former residence is home to a Dalí museum. But be warned: during peak season, tourists flock to the small museum, making it quite crowded, very quickly.

Cadaqués is also an excellent starting point for an excursion to the Cap de Creus nature reserve. The area consists of the foothills of the Pyrenees and features many small coves. Be sure to pack your camera; you won't want to miss the numerous viewpoints overlooking the sea. Moreover, we are sure your grandma would love a photo of you at the easternmost point of the Spanish mainland, don't you think?

The shrimp from Palamós have made the town famous all over Spain. Even though fishing used to be the main livelihood along the entire Costa Brava, the fishing industry has significantly declined. Tourism has long become the primary source of income for the residents of the Costa Brava. Palamós, on the other hand, remains a traditional fishing village.

Vacation Guru Tip: Be at the beach in Palamós around 4:00 PM to see the fishing boats come in. An incredible number of seagulls and other birds dive towards the approaching boats to grab a piece of the fresh catch - it's quite a spectacle!

Of course, popular tourist destinations like Empuriabrava, Roses, and Tossa de Mar have their charm as well - countless satisfied vacationers every year can't be wrong.

Empuriabrava is also known as the 'Venice of Spain.' Established in the 1960s, this resort is crisscrossed by canals that stretch a total of 30 kilometers. Almost every house or apartment here has its own boat mooring. It's no surprise, then, that especially well-to-do vacationers prefer to buy entire holiday homes. Seeing and being seen - showing off a bit with your yacht is part of the local culture.

Further north of Empuriabrava lies Roses. Originally named Rhode, the town got its name because the first settlers were Greeks from the island of Rhodes. A testament to the past that can still be visited today is the Ciutadella de Roses. This fortress, built in the 16th century, served as protection against pirates. At the same time, this stronghold was meant to keep hostile French neighbors at bay; Napoleon Bonaparte last occupied the fortress in 1808. On the grounds, you'll also find a museum that further explains the history of Roses.

Tossa de Mar is a picturesque town not far from Lloret de Mar. The old town, Vila Vella, is protected as a historical monument with its historical walls and narrow streets. The fortress of Tossa de Mar was built for protection against pirates and is still well-preserved today. A stroll through the cozy old town to the lighthouse is worth it - once at the top, you'll be rewarded with a stunning view over all of Tossa de Mar. The new town, Vila Nova, is interesting for the shopping queens among you. Here you will find small boutiques with Spanish charm, and if you need a break, you can relax in one of the cafes and let the hustle and bustle pass you by.

As beautiful as the coast is, you should definitely make a trip into the hinterland of the Costa Brava. The best way to do this is to rent a car and explore the many medieval towns on your own. Here, time seems to stand still; this is where you can find 'real' Catalonia. Here we present a small selection of noteworthy places in the hinterland.

The city of Girona, with its nearly 100,000 residents, often goes unnoticed in the shadow of Barcelona. This picturesque town, with its endless stairs, hides a new beautiful square at every turn or reminds you of the city's history. For example, near the Onyar River at Plaça Sant Feliu, there is a post with a small statue of a lion attached to it. It is said that in the past, everyone who wanted to live permanently in Girona had to kiss the lion's behind as a sort of initiation ceremony. To do this, candidates had to climb the post, which wasn't an easy feat. Today, steps have been added to make the process a bit easier.

As you stroll through the streets, you cannot miss the Jewish past of the city, especially the Jewish quarter. At some entrances, you will see a vertical notch in the house wall where the mezuzah, a Jewish scroll, used to be placed. Before anyone was allowed to enter the house, the mezuzah had to be touched.

The small towns of Pals, Besalú, and Castelló d'Empúries look as if they belong on the set of medieval films. The well-preserved buildings made from the region's typical sandstone exude a special charm, especially in the evening light. As you wander through the alleys, you immediately feel transported back in time. Here, you will find small shops, art studios, and restaurants that still master traditional Spanish cuisine. From the city walls, you have wonderful views over the old town and the surrounding area filled with olive trees and cacti. It's best to try and discover the hinterland in the off-season, as the villages are still in winter slumber and tourist crowds haven't yet clogged the narrow streets.

And once again, it proves worthwhile to look beyond well-trodden tourist paths. With rugged rocky coastlines, tranquil hiking trails, and a rich hinterland, the Costa Brava rightfully remains one of Spain's most popular vacation destinations - and all without wild parties in Lloret de Mar.

Have our Costa Brava tips convinced you and you're now eager to explore the wild coast? Then check out our offers for an All-Inclusive Spain vacation!