3 Days at the Costa Brava: Your personal Travel Guide
Few places in Spain can be compared to the Costa Brava in terms of the quality and beauty of its beaches and coves. Traveling to the Costa Brava means enjoying beaches with transparent water, white sand and discovering medieval towns ar old fishing villages that still preserve their charm. If it’s your first time in the area, a good option is to draw a route of priorities which includes: culture, landscape, tradition and essence. Enjoy the adventure!
Day 1: Barcelona- Lloret de Mar- Tossa de Mar- Calella de Palafrugell-Estartit
Day 2: Estartit- Cadaqués- L’escala- Sant Martì D’Empuries and surroundings.
Day 3: Peratallada- Pals- Begur (Calas y caminos de Ronda) and some other surprises.
Lloret de Mar
Lloret de Mar is a coastal town located in the province of Girona. Most people know it because it is famous among the tourists and can get quite crowded in summer. But it is also one of those places that can surprise you because you can still find quiet spots. From its emblematic Santa Cristina beach to Cala Canyelles, it has 11 kilometers of coastline with magnificent beaches and hidden coves among crystal-clear cliffs.
Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar is another famous place, it is not only a beautiful coastal city surrounded by ancient walls, it also offers beautiful coves along its entire coastline. The coastline is actually immersed in a natural environment, very rich in vegetation and fascinating rocks. The little town offers many nice restaurants, bars and shops so it will never get boring. Many people come especially for Paella on Sundays at lunch time.
Calella de Palafrugell
The charm of Palafrugell lies in its one of a kind atmosphere and spirit. It is a small town at the beach but it is also surrounded by mountains and forest. It is actually a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year. Make sure you get to see the spectacular views, such as from Cabo de Sant Sebastià: the highest and most emblematic view point from which you can see the bay of Llafranc and its coves all the way to Palamós.
Estartit
Once you arrived in Estartit, we recommend to make a stop for the night and continue the route the next day. There are beautiful beaches to enjoy the sun but you can also practice water sports such as diving or snorkeling. Enjoy seeing the sunrise at the viewpoint, called window to the Illes Medes. Take a boat that takes you all over the area and discover these magical, traditional little towns. Jump into the crystal clear water from the cliffs and continue with your route…
Cadaqués
Cadaqués is one of the places you simply cannot miss on the Costa Brava tour. It is a famous cute little fisher village, right at the water. Its stone coves, its landscape, its boats and its essence are pure inspiration. It is a romantic spot we also suggest to stay a night and discover the culinary offers and bars. There are also many art galleries from local artists which are worth checking out. We recommend to take a walk up to the Church of Santa María, which deserves some special attention. If you have time you can also take a 10 minute drive up to the Cap de Creus. Created in 1998 it is the first marine and terrestrial nature reserve in Catalonia and you get some incredible views!
L’Escala y Empúries
In Empuriabrava you can take endless walks along the coast, see the dunes and cliffs and enjoy the gastronomy. In addition, it is a place well known for its history and its Greco-Roman ruins. It has the largest residential marina in Europe, with 24km of navigable waterways it is quite impressive to watch.
Pals
The medieval town of Pals is located on the Costa Brava, on top of the hill and overlooking the beach of Pals. Enjoy a village with cobblestone streets and arches, the tombs of the Calle Mayor or its Church of Sant Pere. Appreciate everywhere the facades with original windows and stone balconies. You can also find many traditional restaurants and craft shops to buy souvenirs.
Peratallada.
Peratallada is definitely an essential town to see while at the Costa Brava. It has a spectacular medieval monumental site to offer. You can arrive easily by foot, leaving the car in front of the parking lot at the church of Sant Esteban which is from the 13th century. The name of the town actually comes from “pedra tallada”, which means “carved stone”. There are festivals with concerts organized every August and a special medieval festival in October.
Begur
Begur is clearly famous for its beaches with turquoise water and white sand. Cove of Aiguablava, its beach Illa Roja or Sa Tuna, its spectacular cove of Aigua Xelida between Begur and Fornells are some examples of the colors of the Costa Brava. Come and try the seafood which is especially good in this area. It couldn’t be fresher, the fish literally jumps right from the water onto your plate.
I hope after reading about this fabulous place, you will pack your bags and come to see the Costa Brava! See you there.