Costa de brava spain. Holidays in Spain on the Costa Brava. Beaches, features, attractions. How to get to Costa Brava
Spain is a country that is lucky both with its climate and with the presence of the sea. In fact, except for the west of the extreme northeast, all its borders pass through water areas. This is the Bay of Biscay of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. To understand their many coasts, the Spaniards came up with names for them. Verde, a green coast, stretches along the Bay of Biscay. But tourists who dream of warming up their bones by swimming in calm and warm water are more attracted to the beaches of the Mediterranean. There are many coastlines from the Pyrenees to the Strait of Gibraltar. In the south of Spain, Blanca and Azahar (White and Sugar Coasts) are famous. But Catalan resorts are considered more budget-friendly. They are called Maresme, Costa Brava and Costa Dorada. We will try to compare them with each other in this article. Many tourists do not know which of the three Catalan coasts to choose. And others think that it doesn’t matter - after all, everywhere in Spain is good. Meanwhile, these coasts are very different.
Spain: on the map
In the south of the Pyrenees, near the Mediterranean Sea, is a large autonomous province - Catalonia. Perhaps it will soon become an independent republic, who knows? But now we are interested in the coasts of Catalonia. There are only three of them. In the middle, around the capital of the region, the beautiful city of Barcelona, lies the Sea Coast (Maresme). To the north of Barcelona it stretches to the resort of Blanes. By the way, there is also a railway along the coast to this city. Further north, rocks begin - the spurs of the Pyrenees. Therefore, only buses run along the Brave Coast or, as it is otherwise called, the Brave Rocks, namely between the resorts. The Maresme also extends south of Barcelona. The coast ends at the village of Kunit. To the south of it, to the very border of Catalonia with Valencia, stretches Dorada. The name translates as Gold Coast. In the Costa Brava, the main city is Girona, and the most popular resort is Blanes. The capital of the Gold Coast is Tarragona. And the main resort is Salou.
Costa Brava or Costa Dorada - which is better?
Let's say right away: there is no clear answer to this question. After all, many people interpret rest in different ways. Give some spacious sandy beaches, others - rocks and secluded coves. Some people love peace and tranquility, while others love the fun and excitement of youth resorts. You shouldn’t tip the scales in the dilemma “Costa Brava or Costa Dorada: which is better?” and climate indicators. This is especially true if you are going to Catalonia at the beginning or end of the tourist season. A good holiday is unthinkable without a rich excursion program. Where are there more attractions - the Brave Coast or Dorade? If you are going on vacation with children, you are interested in the safety of their bathing. And finally, the question of the price of all the pleasure also remains important. Therefore, we will compare both coasts according to different parameters. And it’s up to you to decide where to go.
Nature
For lovers of beauty, there is no question of which is better - Costa Brava or Costa Dorada. Of course, the wild and rocky Coast of the Brave completely dwarfs its southern rival in its stunning scenery. The terrain of the Costa Brava is predominantly hilly. Rocks and cliffs fall into the sea. They are covered with beautiful pine forests. The relief of the Costa Dorada is flat. It is drier here and there is less greenery. On the other hand, for those who like to wander for kilometers along the edge of the sea, the Gold Coast is more suitable. In the Costa Brava you will have to climb up and then descend into the “cala” - the bay. But the landscapes on this coast are just begging to be painted on an artist’s canvas. Towers (or their ruins) rise on the tops of coastal cliffs. And this adds additional charm to the beauty of nature.
Climate
If you want to go to a resort where it is guaranteed to be hot and your entire vacation will be without precipitation, look at the map of Catalonia. So which is better - the Costa Brava or the Costa Dorada? The very geographical location of the first coast suggests that the climate there is cooler. It will appeal to those who cannot stand the heat well. Even in the summer months there is a fresh breeze. The deep sea warms up only in June. And the season ends at the end of September. Costa Dorada puts its northern competitor in the belt when it comes to climate. This is the warmest coast of Catalonia. The mountains are barely visible in the distance, but reliably protect the resorts of the Costa Dorada from cold winds. You can fully sunbathe and swim here from the end of March to the beginning of November. But in the summer months it is very hot there. The feeling of heat is enhanced by the complete absence of wind. Small children and people suffering from cardiovascular diseases will find it uncomfortable here in the summer.
Beaches
The Costa Dorada is called the Gold Coast because mica is found in its sand. You shake your foot along the bottom, and sparkles rise into the water. Just like golden scales! When it comes to beach holidays, it is also difficult to please everyone, and it is impossible to say unequivocally which is better - Costa Brava or Costa Dorada. You definitely can't jump into the water from the cliffs on the Gold Coast. Diving there is not very interesting. In a sea without waves, surfing becomes meaningless. For all this you need to go to the Costa Brava. But on the Gold Coast there is a smooth entry into the sea. No rocks, cliffs or other troubles. The sand is fine, golden, as if created by nature specifically for sculpting castles. Costa Dorada is an ideal place for a holiday with children. And poor swimmers will like it more there too. The Costa Brava requires courage. The sea there is often rough. On the other hand, you can always find a bay that is turned so that it will be completely calm when there is a storm on other beaches. The sand on the Costa Brava is coarse, actually ground pebbles. You won't be able to mold something out of it. But this sand does not stick to the body.
Excursions and entertainment
Whether you go to the Costa Brava or the Costa Dorada, your holiday will be very eventful. There are plenty of interesting places on both coasts. But going to Catalonia and not visiting Barcelona is an unforgivable mistake. But the best way to get to the capital is from the Costa Brava. Especially if you live near Blanes, in resorts such as Lloret del Mar or Tossa. Buses run very frequently to Blanes, and from there the train will take you to Barcelona in less than an hour (and 6.15 euros). Getting from the Costa Dorada to the capital will be, if not more difficult, then definitely longer and more expensive. The one-way journey takes two hours. But vacationers on the Costa Dorda have the beautiful and ancient city of Tarragona nearby. And for entertainment - the famous Aventur amusement park near Salou.
Prices
There is an opinion that the main thing that distinguishes the Costa Brava from the Costa Dorada is the budgetary nature of the holiday. But it is not so. There is simply a very large selection of hotels on the Costa Brava. This coast is perceived by tourists from Western Europe as a continuation, and therefore there are many five-star hotels and luxury villas that are for rent. At the same time, there are also quite a few budget hotels and even hostels here. You can rent inexpensive housing in the private sector or stay at a campsite. Prices for other services depend on the “promotion” of the resort. But to an even greater extent it depends on whether it is a high season or a low one. If you choose to visit Catalonia at the end of September or the beginning of October, then you will pay less for the same services on the Costa Brava than on the Gold Coast. Vacationers actually have another advantage: they can travel cheaply to Andorra, where duty-free shopping provides the opportunity for successful shopping.
conclusions
Of course, you decide for yourself where it is better - on the Costa Brava or Costa Dorada. We can only summarize all of the above. Costa Brava is more suitable for young people. There is a mountainous terrain, often choppy seas, and a cooler climate. But there is a lot of entertainment, and the city of Lloret del Mar is called a youth resort. Costa Dorada is more suitable for older people or vacationers with children. The gentle sea has a gently sloping bottom, and you can sculpt Easter cakes and castles from the sand. The terrain here is flat and you won’t have the opportunity to go down and up the steps to the beach. But young people may find it a bit boring here. Apart from Park Aventur, there is no special entertainment in Salou.
Most Russian-speaking tourists prefer to holiday in Spain at the resorts of the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada. But these two tourist regions are seriously different from each other, as they offer completely different holidays.
Holidays in the Costa Brava will be more enjoyable for those who cannot sit still. Museums, natural views, architectural monuments, proximity to Barcelona's attractions - you can't do it all in a week!
Costa Dorada, on the contrary, is aimed at the “lazy” tourist and young parents. The latter will definitely like the gentle entrance to the sea and the proximity of one of the largest amusement parks in the world, Port Aventura.
Content
Comparison of pros and cons
| Advantages of the Costa Brava | Advantages of Costa Dorada |
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| Flaws | Flaws |
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Location of coasts on the map
Costa Brava
Main resorts:
The Costa Brava (meaning “wild rocky coast” in Spanish) is part of the Balearic Sea coast north of Barcelona. Officially, its borders start from the city of Blanes and end at the Spanish-French border.
The only “own” airport of the Costa Brava is in Girona, but 98% of tourists fly to Barcelona and get to the resorts using public transport or transfers.
Costa Dorada
Costa Dorada is located in the province of Tarragona, in the northeastern part of Spain. The "Golden Coast", as this coast is often called because of the golden color of the sand, stretches from Tarragona to Barcelona.
Main resorts:
Climatic features
Costa Brava
Lloret, Blanes and Tossa De Mar are always a couple of degrees cooler. It is influenced by the mountains and the cold current that comes here from Gibraltar. The water takes a little longer to warm up, so the swimming season begins only at the end of June and ends at the end of September.
Majestic cliffs, densely covered with mighty pines and firs, secluded bays and snow-white beaches. You won’t find anything like this in other regions, so we recommend staying in the north for lovers of beautiful views and hiking.
Costa Dorada
Costa Dorada has a slightly milder and warmer climate. Thanks to its southern location, it receives less rain from the Pyrenees. The swimming season here starts earlier and ends a little later. Therefore, in June and October it is better to relax in Salou or Tarragona.
Since the entrance to the sea is shallow, the water also warms up much better than in the resorts of the Costa Brava. And the sand here is finer, so it sticks better and kids like it. There is so much entertainment here that neither kids nor lovers of active recreation and thrills will be bored.
The resort infrastructure is growing and improving every year. There are many more hotels with animation and food that our tourist is used to. The same applies to nightclubs, noisy discos and entertainment centers.
Major resorts
Costa Brava
Perhaps the brightest and busiest resort in the region is the former trading port, now a paradise for vacationers -. Nightclubs and discos for every taste, British bars, beach attractions and noisy party life - everything is created for a carefree youth holiday.
An excellent vacation spot is. A 3-kilometer golden beach, picturesque bays, medieval buildings, botanical gardens and wonderful nature create an atmosphere of comfort. Also, trains to Barcelona run constantly from here.
From the northern resorts it is a stone's throw to the southern coast of France. By renting a car, you can easily reach Nice and the Principality of Monaco in 6 hours. And good transport links to Barcelona will give you the opportunity to get to know this beautiful city and its attractions.
Costa Dorada
Tarragona Cathedral is a majestic building built in the 12th century. In the temple you can see sculptures of the 12 apostles, Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. The cathedral is active, so in addition to its architecture, it is also notable for the fact that it allows you to plunge into the local religion.
Excursions to the Roman Amphitheater, to the castles of Vilavortuni, Miravet, Siurana and others will not only be educational, but also very interesting for both children and adults.
The main place of entertainment and an outstanding attraction of the entire Spanish coast is considered to be a real city of attractions, large-scale colorful shows, celebration and joy.
Why is the Costa Dorada more expensive than the Costa Brava?
There are several reasons for slightly higher prices:
- More hotel chains offering meals
- Higher demand with the same supply
- Weather
From Spanish, Costa Brava is translated into Russian as “Wild Coast”; the resort received this name due to the unusual combination of cliffs washed by the surf and bays with beautiful sandy beaches. Holidays on the Costa Brava will appeal to everyone who wants to sunbathe and swim. The resort is located north of Barcelona. A little further from the sea inland, tourists find themselves in the beautiful cities of Tarragona, Girona and Lleida. Magnificent temples and palaces were built here. An unforgettable experience will be given to all guests of the Pyrenees by the snowy peaks of the mountains, against which the Romanesque churches stand out.
A great holiday in the Costa Brava is facilitated by calm seas and a favorable climate; it is a real paradise for active holidays. Visitors to the Costa Brava can engage in sailing and many other water sports, go down the slides of water parks, try their hand at golf, skiing, fishing, etc. Thrill-seekers can go hiking, mountain biking, rafting, canoeing or kayaking on a mountain river. Gourmets will enjoy cuisine typical of this region of Spain. In numerous restaurants, cafes and bars you can try meat dishes, seafood, and unusual desserts.
Nature and climate of the Costa Brava.
Holidays on the Costa Brava are a holiday in a wonderful resort area with small sandy beaches and picturesque bays of the Mediterranean Sea. The daytime air temperature at the resort in April is about +18 0 C, in July and August +28 0 C, and in October +21 0 C. At the same time, the average daytime water temperature in April is +14 0 C, in July, August +23 0 C, and in October +20 0 C. Sheer cliffs and magnificent pine groves, small fishing villages and modern hotels will not leave anyone who visits here indifferent.
Sights of the region.
The resort is located in one of the most prosperous and ancient autonomies of Spain - Catalonia, for this reason, a holiday on the Costa Brava provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the culture and nature of the region and its history. The capital of Catalonia is Barcelona, it is known to the world for its unique architectural monuments from different times. The city of Girona has an ancient Jewish quarter and cathedral, as well as the 11th-century Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat. In the city of Figueres there is a Salvador Dali Museum and in the town of Besalu, people have been crossing the Fluvia River for 10 centuries on a Romanesque bridge. The medieval fortified town of Pals offers a panorama of the Medes Islands and nearby mountains from its observation decks. In the beautiful village of Tossa de Mar there is a medieval fortified city that has been perfectly preserved to this day.
Entertainment and excursions on the Costa Brava.
In their free time, holidaymakers on the Costa Brava can visit the Marineland zoo, which is located in the vicinity of the Malgrat de Mar resort, and the large water attraction park Waterworld, located in the vicinity of Lloret de Mar. Most coastal towns have sea sports and diving clubs. Guests of the Costa Brava are offered all kinds of excursions, both in Spain and in neighboring countries, including France and Italy. Barcelona can be easily and inexpensively reached by local trains, which leave every 30-50 minutes. You can also take a taxi relatively inexpensively. In addition, during the “hot” tourist season, pleasure boats actively travel between resort towns.
Resorts Costa Brava.
Tourist capital of the Costa Brava.
The tourist capital of the Costa Brava is the city Lloret de Mar , located 65 km from Barcelona. Vacationers on the Costa Brava will be able to fully enjoy the colorful picturesque landscapes, clear water of the Mediterranean Sea and the ruins of the ancient city of Loredo. The holiday in Lloret de Mar does not end either day or night. It is not recommended to relax in the center of the resort with small children during the season. There are music halls, casinos and discos here, as well as theatrical performances in a medieval castle.
Blanes.
The southernmost resort of the Costa Brava is Blanes , it is 60 km away from Barcelona. This is a modern, comfortable resort that houses the 14th-century Church of Santa Maria, the ruins of the 11th-century Castle of San Juan and the Botanical Garden.
Costa del Maresme.
Costa del Maresme - This is a sea coast 50 km long. The velvety Mediterranean climate and sandy beaches protected from the wind by the mountain range, healing mineral springs and a clear, gentle sea, modern cozy hotels and the hospitality of local residents have contributed to the active development of this Costa Brava resort area.
Kalela.
The tourist capital of the Costa del Maresme is Kalela, which is famous for its wide sandy beach over three kilometers long, beautiful and cozy hotels, countless nightclubs, discos, restaurants and shops. The Dalmau city park and buildings from the Renaissance and Middle Ages have survived to this day.
Santa Susanna.
This is a small resort town in the center of the Costa del Maresme. In winter it is very calm and quiet, but in summer it comes alive. In the old part of the city, the ancient castle of Castell de Can Rates and a watchtower from the 16th century have been preserved, and next door there is a park with healing springs, Parque Natural de la Font del Boter.
Buy a tour at Flagman and be satisfied!
Holidays in Costa Brava Suitable for young, active, sophisticated tourists. Anyone who wants to combine immersion in the history of Europe with the delights of a seaside resort, developed infrastructure with magnificent views, noisy discos with stunning sunrises, we recommend contacting Flagman Travel. Our employees will select a tour, book a hotel, help you correctly fill out documents for a visa, in general, they will do everything to make your vacation a success.
Costa Brava means “coast of the brave” in Spanish. This coastline is rugged with rocky cliffs and shallow bays. There are many ancient picturesque fortresses and cities here; It's home to some of the best nightlife and Michelin-starred restaurants. Costa Brava gave the world the great Salvador Dali.
Costa Brava is the northernmost coast of Spain on the Mediterranean Sea. The beaches of the Costa Brava stretch from the city of Blanes, 60 km from Barcelona, to the border with France. Costa Brava is a year-round resort, which not all tourists know about. In winter, ski resorts that meet all European standards open in the Girona Pyrenees. And in the summer, the beaches and towns of the Costa Brava are filled with tourists from all over the world.
How to get from Barcelona to Costa Brava?
The easiest way to get to the Costa Brava from Russia is by regular or charter flights, most of which arrive in Barcelona, and very few in the capital of the Costa Brava, Girona. There are several ways to get from Barcelona to any city on the Costa Brava.
- By bus that runs from Barcelona El Prat de Llobregat Airport to any city on the Costa Brava (you can find out detailed information about the schedule and fare, as well as book a ticket online)
- By Renfe train from Barcelona-Sants train station from the center of Barcelona. To do this, you first need to get from the airport to Barcelona by Aeroexpress or electric train (for more information about trains, schedules and fares, see)
- By intercity bus from Barcelona's Northern Bus Station (Estacio de Nord), which can be reached with a transfer from the airport by train and metro. (for more information about bus schedules on the Costa Brava and ticket prices, see)
Barcelona North Bus Station Transport and food on the Costa Brava
- The most inexpensive and popular form of transport on the Costa Brava is intercity buses, which connect all the cities and villages of the coast. There are several small private companies, as well as the large carrier Safra (see the official website and Safra bus schedule)
- Intra-urban transport in the cities of the Costa Brava is poorly developed, as they are very small in size. If you wish, you can rent a bicycle or a car for independent travel along the coast.
- Meals on the Costa Brava depend on your financial capabilities and the chosen accommodation option. The cheapest way is to cook yourself if you rent an apartment or apartment. If you book a hotel, breakfast and sometimes dinner are included in the price.
- If you prefer to eat in cafes and restaurants, then the cheapest option is fast food (from 12 euros per person), followed by small local restaurants and cafes (from 18-20 euros per person, but here you can save on portions that reach gigantic size, and take one dish for two)
- the most expensive option is classic restaurants from small democratic establishments (30-40 euros per person) to Michelin star holders
Main resorts of the Costa Brava
Blanes
Blanes- the southernmost and most ancient city of the Costa Brava. Main attractions of Blanes:
- Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Santa Maria de Blanes), built in the 12th century
- The medieval castle of Sant Joan (Castel de Sant Joan) on the top of the mountain above Blanes; from here you have a magnificent view of the entire coastline, and in clear weather you can even see the outline of Barcelona on the horizon
- Botanical Garden Marimurtra (Jardi Botanic Marimurtra), where, in addition to rare species of endangered plants, you can enjoy walks through a magnificent park and recreation areas in the shade of coniferous trees
- The Sa Palomera cliff is the calling card of Blanes and the “gateway” of the Costa Brava, as it is what separates the Costa Brava from the Barcelona suburb of Costa del Maresme. Stone steps lead to the top of the cliff; in clear weather, some daredevils jump from the top of the cliff into the sea. For more relaxed holidaymakers, boats are available for rent for boat trips in the cliff area
- The Pinya de Rosa Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanico Pinya de Rosa) is the largest cactus garden in the world, which, according to experts, contains the most complete collection of plants of this species from all over the world. Particularly impressive are the gigantic flowering cacti and the unique aroma of their flowers.
Lloret da Mar
Lloret de Mar- This is the youngest resort on the entire coast. The city is contraindicated for families with children and quiet pensioners, since the noise of parties here does not stop for a minute, and cheerful students from all over Europe seem to have occupied every corner of the city.
The medieval castle on the cliff above the town is a knock-off from the 1940s. There are no significant historical buildings preserved in Lloret de Mar. Everything included in the program of historical excursions in Lloret de Mar was recreated or rebuilt in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
It is definitely worth visiting the Church of St. Roman (Iglesia de Sant Romà), the design and interior decoration of which was carried out by one of Antoni Gaudi's students
The figure of a woman on the observation deck of the embankment is a monument to a fisherman (Monumento Mujer Marinera). The left foot of the monument is polished to a shine, because according to local legend, if you make a wish, touch the left foot of the monument and look beyond the horizon, your wish will certainly come true.
The best discos in Lloret de Mar
- Aztek (Aztec)– scenery in the spirit of ancient Aztec settlements, corresponding to the show of local dancers; R&B, house and techno styles, official website www.aztekdisco.com
- Zoo the Club&Terrace— several zones, styles: Latin, house, techno, retro, website www.zootheclub.com
- Colossos– laser show, guest DJs, themed parties, various musical styles, chill-out area and swimming pool. Website www.discocolossos.com
- Hollywood– house and disco predominate, entry is often free for girls, there is face control and a dress code for some themed parties; website www.discohollywood.es
- Londoner– house, R&B, breakdancing and hip-hop; good bar and themed parties; website www.discolondoner.com
Robin Hood - only Latin (salsa, bachata, pachanga), ballroom dancing and professional shows; karaoke on weekends - St.Trop´Disco— a huge hall for 2000 people, modern equipment and special effects; DJs of local and European level, different styles, calm music prevails; website www.sttrop.com
- Tropics– famous DJs, go-go dancers, special effects, theme parties, different trends; website www.discotropics.com
- Xtra– 2 dance floors for 800 people, 3 bars, private private parties; genres: Latin, R&B, house, reggaeton, electro
Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar– the most beautiful and cozy town on the entire coast. Everything here is permeated with medieval tranquility and the measured rhythm of life of the townspeople. Tossa is ideal for a secluded romantic vacation, as well as a calm, contemplative holiday for those who are tired of the bustle of the city and life in the metropolis.
In the old town of Tossa, centered around the Villa Vella Castle (12th century), time seems to have stood still in the Middle Ages. Here you can spend hours wandering through the old narrow streets, looking at the facades of ancient houses, small taverns and bronze statues that suddenly appear from the darkness of the back streets.
In addition to numerous medieval buildings, Tossa has the beautifully preserved Roman villa of Els Ametllers, which will greatly appeal to lovers of Roman-era monuments. Modern buildings - villas and hotels - are in amazing harmony with the ancient architecture of Tossa, merging into one delightful view.
The promenade is full of small restaurants, where in the summer months it is fashionable to see real live flamenco, incomparable to what is shown at mass shows for tourists. The local cuisine is also distinguished by its authenticity: local dishes are prepared according to recipes that have been cooked by local residents for hundreds of years.
Playa de Aro
Playa d'Aro– one of the best resorts on the entire coast. This is a place where there are no big noisy hotels and organized tours; only independent tourists relax here.
Playa d'Aro is one of the best resorts on the entire Costa Brava, Spain Playa de Aro has excellent children's infrastructure: playgrounds, parks, attractions, play areas, Aquadiver Water Park and gently sloping sandy beaches, as if created for families with children. The beaches are equipped with everything you need. The coastal streets have no shortage of cafes and restaurants, and for shopping lovers, Playa de Aro has a lot of boutiques and branded clothing stores.
The city has several shopping and entertainment centers where you can find something to suit all family members - from play areas for the little ones, to sports bars and fashionable ladies' shops. International children's camps and language schools are held annually in Playa de Aro, where children from 7 to 17 years old are accepted from anywhere in the world.
Palamos
Palamos this is a fishing town, the main attraction of which is the port, and the main entertainment in the city is visiting the many fish restaurants for which Palamos is famous throughout the area. Despite the popularity of Palamos among tourists, it cannot be said that this city is imbued with a resort atmosphere. Normal daily life goes on here, and visitors blend in with the locals to experience real Spanish everyday life.
Calella de Palafrugell
Calella de Palafrugell- a resort village, popular more with Catalan families than with visiting foreigners. The village is notable for the fact that it is one of the few that retains its original appearance, not “trampled” by crowds of tourists and not succumbing to the temptation to reshape itself to please the tourism industry.
In the taverns of Palafrugell on the beach, habaneras are still performed live - ancient songs about the plight of fishermen and their wives. They serve delicious jamon combined with traditional cheese and garlic bread with olive oil and tomatoes.
Another remarkable site of Palafrugell is the “Russian castle” (Castell Cap Roig). This is an early 20th century estate that belonged to a married couple of Russian pilot Nikolai Voevodsky and Irish aristocrat Dorothy Webster. For the sake of his beloved, the governor built a real Irish castle instead of the estate, and Dorothy laid out a magnificent flowering garden around it, which still amazes the imagination with its size and thoughtful layout.
All year round, Palafrugell restaurants pamper their visitors with the most exquisite seafood dishes, from sea urchins to truly royal “niu”, which takes as long as 5 hours to prepare. Every year, Palafrugell hosts the Cap Roig and Jazz Costa Brava music festivals, which bring together the most famous jazz, rock and pop musicians in the world. Over the years, Sting, Diana Ross, Liza Minnelli and Bob Dylan have been here.
Tamariu
Tamariu is a city that, by our standards, does not even reach the level of a village: the indigenous population here is barely 300 people. Tamariu is popular with water sports enthusiasts, divers and lovers of a quiet holiday. At the top of the mountain above Tamariu there is an observation deck around the old lighthouse, which offers very picturesque views of the surrounding bays and villages.
Empuries
Empuries are the remains of the Greek colony Emporion, founded in the 1st century BC, and the Roman Emporiae, founded on the site of a Greek settlement after its conquest. Theatrical performances often take place here, recreating the life and holidays of ancient Greece and Rome. Also, fascinating historical excursions take place here at any time of the year, and the local archeology museum stores many unique artifacts of those eras.
Empuriabrava
Empuriabrava- this is the real Spanish Venice - a city built on water and the largest private yacht mooring in the world. For yacht owners, everything here is thought out to the smallest detail: the width of the canals and refueling for boats, special lifts and service stations, specialized stores and convenient parking. Even the weather here is more oriented towards yacht owners - frequent strong winds are well suited for all types of water sports, including yachting.
In this area there is no industrial production and large cities that poison the local nature; the season here begins at the end of March, the city is surrounded by a natural park in which any construction is prohibited. The main audience here is wealthy European retirees who spend all year round in Empuriabrava, going home only for the Christmas holidays.
The rest of Empuriabrave's entertainment is also aimed at the wealthy: golf courses, horse riding, tennis clubs, karting and a world-famous parachuting club.
Cadaques and Port Lligat
Cadaques is a small but very picturesque village that differs from other settlements on the Costa Brava. Due to its long isolation (Cadaqués was a very inaccessible village until the beginning of the 20th century), the town has preserved a very old dialect of the Catalan language, which is not always understandable to other residents of the region.
At the beginning of the last century, the city was discovered by the Spanish bohemia of that time, and from that moment its development as a tourist center began. At various times, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Marc Chagall, Federico Garcia Lorca, Joan Miró, the Duke of Windsor and others vacationed here. In August, Cadaqués becomes a world cultural center for several days, as an international music festival is held here, which brings together opera singers and top musicians from all over the world.
In the old part of Cadaques, the pavements are very interesting, which, unlike other cities in Spain, are lined with large sea pebbles, and not with boulders from quarries. Despite all its charm, Cadaqués is not very suitable for swimmers, as frequent strong winds make the sea too rough and at times even dangerous for swimming.
In general, the surroundings of Cadaques are more reminiscent of the islands of Northern Europe than the beaches of sunny Spain. The fact is that Cadaqués is located on the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula - Cap de Creus, which is blown by all the sea winds of this region.
Port Lligat– the place where the house-museum of Salvador Dali is located. Here he spent most of his life and created his most famous works. It all started with a small house that Dali bought in this abandoned village.
Having moved here, Gala and Salvador fell in love with the local landscapes so much that they practically became recluses, leaving their shelter for a short time. Gradually they bought and renovated the surrounding houses, turning their home into an intricate, bizarre labyrinth of separate buildings. The Salvador Dali House Museum is the main and only attraction of Port Lligat.
El Port de la Selva
El Port de la Selva– the northernmost resort of the Costa Brava. It is not very popular among beach lovers due to the strong winds that characterize this resort at any time of the year. But thanks to the winds, El Port de la Selva is the most attractive place for surfers, since ideal natural conditions have been created for them.
Rosas
Rosas– translated from Spanish as “city of roses”, it is located on the very border of Spain with Farncia. Roses is quite a comfortable city to visit, since, unlike neighboring settlements, it is reliably sheltered from the cold northern winds by the Pyrenees ridge.
Here you can see the ruins of the old fortress Ciutadella de Roses, destroyed by Napoleon's troops. Not far from the city there are two more ancient fortresses: Trinidad (Castell de la Trinitat) and Bufalaranya (Castillo de Bufalaranya), of interest to lovers of medieval buildings. Half an hour from the city there is the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà nature reserve, in which is home to rare species of birds and animals.
Among the entertainment options in Rosas, you can offer the Aqua Brava Water Park, which is not inferior in its infrastructure to the best water parks on the coast. The beaches of Roses are equipped with everything necessary for recreation for children and adults, including water sports for every taste.
For gourmets, there are numerous fish restaurants and the Michelin-starred El Bulli. Nightlife in Roses is represented by the famous Pacha club throughout the area and other smaller entertainment establishments.
Girona
Girona- the capital of the Costa Brava, the Catalans call it Girona. Over its long history, it has experienced many tragic pages, as it was in a very advantageous position - at the intersection of trade routes from Europe to Africa. Each new conqueror considered it his duty to take control of it, having first ruined it to the ground.
Main attractions of Girona
Monastery of St. Peter Galligans (Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants)- Benedictine monastery from the 12th century, currently occupied by the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia and Girona
Jewish Quarter El Kahl (El barrio judío de El Kahl)- a district of wealthy moneylenders and Jewish merchants of medieval Girona. It had one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe. The El-Kal community made a significant contribution to the financing of Columbus's expeditions to the lands of the New World.
At the end of the 14th century, several severe Jewish pogroms took place throughout Europe, and especially in Spain, with the beginning of the campaign to expel Jews from cities. The majority of the quarter's population was forced to flee outside the city to escape the brutal massacre.
The rulers of Girona distributed the empty houses to poor townspeople who did not have enough funds to rebuild their new homes. Thanks to this, the Jewish Quarter of Girona has reached us almost in its original form.
Houses on the Onyar River (Las casas del Oñar)- This is a 17th-century building on the site of a destroyed fortress wall. The houses overhanging the water are built on the foundations of an old fortress. The townspeople still live in them.
Arab Baths of Girona- These are Moorish-style buildings that date back to the 12th century, but have not been used for their intended purpose since the 13th century. Currently restored and of artistic value as a monument of the early Middle Ages.
Iberian village (Poblado Iberico)– an archaeological museum at the excavation site of an old Iberian settlement, in which household items, weapons, ceramics and other items used from pre-antique times of the Costa Brava are exhibited.
Church of Saint Felix (Iglesia de San Felix)- a 12th-century Gothic church on the outskirts of Girona, in which the relics of Saints Philip and Narcissus, the first Christian martyrs executed by the Romans in Girona, rest.
Girona Cathedral. A majestic staircase of 90 steps leads to the Cathedral. According to local beliefs, each step up this staircase grants forgiveness of one sin. In terms of the beauty of the interior decoration and the size of the nave, the Girona Cathedral surpasses most Catholic churches in Spain and Europe. Also inside the cathedral is a large tomb of the rulers of Barcelona.
Lombardy Church (Iglesia Lombard) in fact bears the name of St. Nicholas, and is nicknamed Lombardy because it was built in a style characteristic of the churches of the Lombardy region in Italy. The church was built at the medieval monastery cemetery, of which only a small necropolis remains today.
Girona Art Museum (Museu d’Art de Girona) located in the Bishop's Palace, built in the 10th century. The museum's exposition consists of 18 exhibition halls and includes works of art from the 10th-20th centuries, including sculptures, paintings, icons, wood carvings, and unique handwritten books.
Eiffel Bridge (Puente Eiffel)– a bridge over the Onyar River, on which the famous author of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the French engineer Gustav Eiffel, worked. The bridge has a rather unusual appearance and is clearly visible from many parts of the city.
Girona fortress wall (La muralla de la ciudad de Girona)– the remains of an old fortress wall built by the Romans to protect the Via Augusta trade route from raids by bandits and robbers. There is a walking path along the fortress wall, which offers beautiful views of the old city.
Lion statue in Girona (de león en Girona) is a small sculpture of a lion climbing to the top of a column near St. Felix's Cathedral. No one knows why the figure was nicknamed a lion, because it is made in a characteristic mythical medieval style, and could just as easily represent a she-wolf, a dog or any other animal. It is believed that if you kiss the Girona lion on the lower back, all your wishes will come true. I must say that the lion hangs quite high and the kiss is not easy. However, the fifth point of the sculpture has been polished by the lips of tourists for many years.
Figueres and the Salvador Dali Museum
Figueres is the hometown of Salvador Dali, where he spent his childhood. As a sign of gratitude to his small homeland, at the end of his life, Dali expressed a desire to donate some of his works to the city, for which he personally designed a museum opened in the building of the former city theater. The museum ranks second in Spain in terms of the number of visitors per year.
The extensive exhibition of the museum includes not only artistic paintings, but also sculptures, furniture, toys and stucco moldings, sketches, installations, and forged sculptures. Various kinds of optical illusions and much more from the rich heritage of the brilliant artist.
A tour of the museum takes at least 5-6 hours and arouses admiration even among people far from the world of art. The museum is also open at night; you can view the museum’s opening hours and purchase a ticket.
Pubol Castle
Pubol Castle or Gala-Dalí Castle (Spanish: Castillo de Púbol or Castillo Gala-Dalí, cat. Castell de Púbol or Castell Gala-Dalí) is an ancient castle of the 11th century, which Salvador Dali purchased as a gift to his adored wife Gala. At the time of purchase, the castle was a rather pitiful sight, since it had been in an abandoned state for a long time and required serious investments for repairs.
Dali rebuilt it in his unique style and gave it to his wife. It is noteworthy that the castle was not conceived as a family nest, but as the sole possession of Gala, in which she received guests only by prior invitation, including Salvador Dali himself. Currently, the castle retains the appearance of its famous owners. It contains an extensive exhibition of works by Salvador Dali.
Medieval cities of Besalu and Rupit
Besalu is a small medieval town in the mountains 32 km from Girona. The main buildings here date back to the 8th-10th centuries, and since then time seems to have stood still on the streets of the city. If you want to see a real city of the early Middle Ages, untouched by civilization, you definitely need to come to Besala. The city can be reached by regular buses from Girona and Barcelona.
Rupit- another medieval settlement in the mountains of the Girona Pyrenees, which was formerly a fortress built at the crossroads of the most important Roman trade routes. During the Inquisition, many residents of Rupit died at the stake, since in the Middle Ages it was considered a city of witches.
Today Rupit is interesting primarily for the views from the height of 800 meters at which the city is located, as well as for local delicacies: cheeses, jamon and excellent wine.
Shopping on the Costa Brava
40 minutes from Barcelona is located shopping village La Roca Village– a whole city of outlets and brand stores of famous European brands, from the most affordable to premium goods.
In the villages and cities of Catalonia there is a special information center La Roca Village, which is ready to provide any necessary information about the operation of shops, payment methods, the procedure for obtaining a tax free service, transport links with the regions and other information necessary for visiting the village.
There is also a developed network of additional services, from personal transfers to the possibility of delivering your purchases from different shops in the village to the location you specify. La Roca Village employs experienced stylists who are ready to help you if necessary (an order for a stylist's services must be made at least 48 hours before visiting the village).
10 must-do things on the Costa Brava
- Lose yourself at a night disco in Lloret de Mar
- Walk through the old streets of Tossa
- See 150 different species of cacti at the Botanical Gardens of Blanes
- Listen to sad habanera songs in the taverns of Palafugel
- Kiss the Girona lion below the back and make a wish
- Taste the real salty squall wind at Cap de Creu
- Get a brain break from Dali's brilliant works at the Figueres Museum
- Touch the rough stones of Emporion and feel their thousand-year age
- Imagine yourself as a resident of the 13th century on the old streets of Besalu
- Be sure to stop by Barcelona, which is only 2 hours away by train (you can read in detail about the sights of Barcelona; you can read about transport, food and shopping in Barcelona
- Last minute tours to Spain
- Tours for the New Year Worldwide
Costa Brava (Spanish for “wild rocky coast” or “coast of the brave”) is the northeastern part of the Catalan coast in the province of Gerona near the border with France. This is one of the most picturesque corners of the Mediterranean coast, combining magnificent beach resorts with areas for active recreation and tourism. Inaccessible cliffs and emerald spurs of the Pyrenees, overgrown with pines, pines and fir trees, among which beautiful bays, bays with white sand beaches and pebbles near the azure sea waves open up to the eye - nature rewarded these places so generously that the lands of the Costa Brava were chosen by people, starting with the most ancient civilizations - the Iberians, ancient Greeks and Romans.
Today, a number of coastal cities retain echoes of the past - ancient villas, ruins of castles, ancient monasteries, countless museums. The cultural program is replaced by an entertainment one - in the evening foam parties take place on beaches stretching as much as 214 km.
Costa Brava is the first Spanish resort to begin receiving tourists from Russia. It so happens that tour packages to this area are cheaper than to other resorts in the country.
Guides on the Costa Brava
Entertainment and attractions
The greatest interest on the coast is represented by historical attractions - ancient ruins, castles built in the early Middle Ages, churches and chapels.
The largest and most visited resort in the region is Lloret de Mar. In the "city of laurel trees" tourists rush to see the ruins of the castle of Sant Joan, which was a defensive fortress in the 11th century. Today there is a museum here.
Guests are not allowed into the Chateau d'en Plage, which stands on a hill - this is private territory. But the flow of tourists to it does not decrease - a path runs along the rocky shore along the castle, from where unforgettable views open up. The vertical symmetries of the gardens of Saint Clotilde will not leave even the most unsentimental viewer indifferent. The Church of San Roma also attracts attention; its exterior is very impressive. A real open-air museum is the Modernist Cemetery.
A little further north, in Tossa de Mar, there is one of the most beautiful fortresses in Catalonia - Vila Velha. Further south, in Blanes, it is worth taking a look at the Marimurtra and Pinha de Rosa botanical gardens.
Catalonia is of particular interest to connoisseurs of Salvador Dali; the great painter lived and worked here for a long time. The route of travelers usually runs along the “Dali triangle”: the theater-museum in Figueres - the Gala Dali castle in the town of Pubol - the house-museum in Cadasques.
9 things to do on the Costa Brava
- Rent a car and take a breeze along the coast.
- If you want to get to France or visit Andorra for a day.
- For excellent kitesurfing, get to Roses Bay.
- Enjoy seafood dishes every evening in the many restaurants lining the shore.
- In Blanes, take a special train to the Botanical Garden.
- Don't forget to visit the beautiful Barcelona.
- Dance the night away in one of the clubs in Lloret de Mar.
- Don’t be lazy and visit Mount Montserrat.
- Experience the excitement of diving in Tossa de Mar.
Active holidays on the Costa Brava
The Costa Brava offers a wide range of opportunities for active holidays. One of the main entertainments is kayaking. The centers invite guests to explore coastal caves, dive to sunken ships and celebrate a successful journey with a picnic in a bay invisible from the shore. You can travel on your own by renting a vehicle. A trip in a group with a guide will cost about 50-70 EUR per person.
On popular beaches there is always equipment for surfing, kitesurfing, and wakeboarding. The bravest ones try flyboarding. Sailing is also in demand in the Costa Brava. Even a beginner can learn how to sail a yacht here - for this purpose, special educational courses are open on the coast.
Hiking is equally popular among tourists along the sea. There are paths along the shore with signs and tips. The most scenic route is the Camis de Ronda, it was laid by pirates and smugglers who wished to remain undetected. Tourists willingly explore the skies over the Costa Brava. The center of attraction for parachutists is the town of Empuriabrava. There are programs for both beginners and experienced air surfers. For the pleasure of visiting the skies you will have to pay from 100 to 500 EUR.
Cycling tours, hiking, yachting, golf, fishing, horse riding, mountaineering, paragliding - even if you really wanted to relax lazily, plans will change - there are too many temptations.
Marineland water park, where, in addition to attractions, there is a zoo and a dolphinarium. To the north is the Dwarven Park with rope towns.
Another popular water park on the coast is the giant Water World near Lloret de Mar. There is also “Aquadiver” in Playa de Aro with its extreme slides. Tourists immediately praise the Pp’s Park amusement park. By the way, Playa de Aro is also noted by travelers as one of the most convenient for families with children.
Family tourists speak positively about the town of Roses. The main attraction here is the Aqua Brava park, whose administration built a rock in the pool. It is besieged by the bravest ones - it’s not far to fly if you lose it, but still, they say, it’s a little scary. An hour's drive west of Barcelona on Mount Tibidabo there is an amusement park of the same name - very old and large. There is a children's amusement park and extreme slides for adults, as well as museums, a theater, and observation decks.
Events and festivals
Temperamental Spaniards party noisily and often. Here and there there is a carnival or festival in honor of some saint, and a party on the beach can easily turn into a costume show.
One of the main events of the year is the July fireworks festival in Blanes. Parties last in the city for a whole week. As darkness falls, hundreds of boats sail from the shore with people wishing to enjoy the fireworks from the water. The night of San Juan is celebrated spectacularly in the Costa Brava. Celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, on the evening of June 23, Catalans take junk out into the street and light bonfires, after which they go swimming, eating pies and dancing. On July 24, the whole of Lloret de Mar goes on a colorful sea procession in honor of the Virgin Mary del Carmen.
One of the most interesting sights at Spanish festivals is the living towers of castellers. The most skilled acrobats can build 10-story pyramids!
On the first weekend of July, Calella de Palafrugell hosts the habanera song festival. Tourists visiting the Costa Brava in the spring can witness impressive processions during Semana Santa - Holy Week. The National Day of Catalonia is celebrated on a large scale on September 11th.
Each town on the Costa Brava annually celebrates the feast of its patron saint - fiesta mayor. The holiday usually lasts several days. At this time, craft fairs, concerts, fireworks are held, and attractions for children are staged. The celebration usually ends with a parade of sparklers. From June 28 to July 1, the fiesta mayor takes place in Tossa de Mar, from June 24 to 28 in Blanes, and from July 24 to 30 in Lloret de Mar.
Weather April
The resort has a smooth, mild climate without cataclysms or weather surprises. Summer is moderately hot, there are no tropical downpours or sweltering stuffiness. The beach season lasts from May to the end of October. True, it’s still early to swim in May, but sunbathing is just right. Summer nights bring welcome coolness and are pleasant for walks.
The off-season is in November. This is the most unfavorable month for visiting the region - a time of squally winds and cold rains. Winter is ideal for sightseeing trips. From December to February the temperature remains stable above zero - without frost or snow.