Tossa de Mar beach and fortress in the background, Costa Brava, Spain

Things to do in  Costa Brava

Costa with the most-a

Whitewashed villages tumble towards windswept headlands and golden beaches across the wildly scenic Costa Brava, where there’s more to love than sun, sand, and sangria. This region is also a hub of Catalan culture, with sightseeing opportunities from archeology to modern art. Looking for things to do in Costa Brava? There’s lots to explore, whether you’re wandering the ancient villages of Pals and Besalú, tasting Empordà wine, or sampling Salvador Dalí’s artistic legacy at Salvador Dali House—Portlligat.

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Top 12 attractions in Costa Brava

#1

Besalú

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The picturesque mountain town of Besalú is well-known for its ancient Catholic monasteries and iconic Romanesque architecture, particularly a photogenic 12th-century bridge that has become the symbol of the town. In the Middle Ages, Besalú was a regional capital, overseeing this scenic section of Catalonia.More
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#2

Salvador Dali House—Portlligat (Casa Salvador Dalí—Port Lligat)

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Situated in the former home and workshop of surrealist painter Salvador Dali, the Salvador Dali House—Portlligat (Casa Salvador Dalí—Port Lligat) showcases the artist’s quirky work and offers a look into his eccentric life. Visitors can explore the house-museum’s maze-like interior, window-framed views, and kitschy decor including everything from mannequins to taxidermy. Outside, you’ll find a surrealist wonderland as well, with curiosities like a funky lip-shaped sofa flanked by giant Pirelli tire signs and an abundance of Dali’s signature giant eggs.More
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#3

Pals

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Surrounded by walls and marked with winding cobblestone streets, medieval Pals still has many of its aged stone arches, walkways, and balconies. A Romanesque tower dates back to the 11th century, while the Mirador del Pedró provides a lookout over the sea and surrounding Catalonian landscape dotted with citrus groves and rice fields.More
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#4

Palamós

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The town of Palamos is on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in Spain, northeast of Lloret de Mar and southeast of the regional capital, Girona.The Mediterranean as a whole is a popular vacation destination, and Palamos has the added benefit of being near a large bay that makes an especially appealing spot for swimming and other water sports. Palamos is a port town, as well, with a busy fishing industry.Visitors enjoy the beautiful beaches in and around Palamos, and the many opportunities to get out into nature. Swimming, diving, and sailing are popular on the water, and hiking is popular on land. There is a particular type of prawn caught in the area that is famous among foodies - Palamos prawns are flavorful and typically a bright red color.More
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#5

Cap de Creus

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Located in far northeast Catalonia near the French border, Cap de Creus is the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula. A wild and rugged landscape overlooking the Mediterranean, Cap de Creus is home to a lighthouse, nature reserve, hidden coves, and dramatic coastal scenery, with fancifully shaped rocks that inspired Salvador Dali.More
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#6

Castle of Púbol (Gala Dalí Castle)

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The southernmost part of the Dalí Triangle (completed by the Dalí Theater-Museum in Figueres and the Salvador Dalí House in Cadaqués), the Castle of Púbol (Gala Dalí Castle) was a gift from artist Salvador Dali to his muse and wife, Gala. Their former home is now her final resting place—a surrealist Gothic and Renaissance building surrounded by shaded gardens and quirky fountains, and open for the public to explore.More
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#7

Palafrugell

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Halfway between Barcelona and the French border lies the town of Palafrugell, a jumping-off point to some of the prettiest and most pristine areas of the Costa Brava. Enticing spots include the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, Cap Roig promontory, and the beachy villages of Tamariu, Aiguablava, Fornells, and Llafranc.More
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#8

Empúries

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Revealing the region’s ancient history, Empúries is a hidden gem in the Costa Brava, well worth taking some time away from the beach for. Once a grand city founded by the Greeks and then occupied by the Romans, the area’s archaeological excavations show the remains of buildings, city walls, and even statues.More
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#9
Cadaqués

Cadaqués

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Salvador Dalí once said that the lovely seaside town of Cadaqués was the most beautiful village in the world. Today, the whitewashed town, with its quiet cobbled streets wending through a maze of modernist homes, charming hotels, and restaurants renowned for their tasty local cuisine, ranks among the Costa Brava's top attractions.More
#10
Cap Roig Botanical Gardens (Jardines de Cap Roig)

Cap Roig Botanical Gardens (Jardines de Cap Roig)

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The Cap Roig Botanical Gardens (Jardines de Cap Roig) began as the private estate of two expat residents in 1927. The castle and gardens remained private until 1969. Since then, it is overseen by the “La Caixa Foundation” and is open to the public.The Cap Roig Botanical Gardens covers about 17 hectares and features more than 1,000 plant species, one of the most impressive collections in the Mediterranean. The grounds run from the castle itself all the way to the sea, with terraces on each level.Throughout the gardens, visitors can see sculptures in various places which add to the overall aesthetic look of the space. Some of the sections of the gardens are the Cactus Garden, the Spring Garden, the Lovers’ Garden, and the Geranium Walk.With a well-planned day tour, it’s possible to visit nearby Palamos and the Cap Roig Botanical Gardens in one day from Barcelona.More
#11

Castelló d'Empúries

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Situated near the mouth of the River Muga on Spain’s Gulf of Roses, the attractive medieval town of Castelló d'Empúries has a rich architectural heritage, thanks to its position as the seat of the earls of Empúries until the 14th century. Cobbled streets, a well-preserved Jewish Quarter, and a 14th-century Gothic church add to the historic appeal.More
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#12
Water World Lloret

Water World Lloret

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Located on the scenic Costa Brava of the Catalonia region of Spain, Water World Lloret is one of Europe’s largest water parks. Its many slides, water rides, pools, and activities make it particularly popular with families. The variety of thrill levels and different areas means that there’s something for any member of the family, whether a toddler, a teenager, or an adult.The park’s Water Mountain slide contains steep drops and turns in the dark, and the Kamikaze slide reaches high speeds on its drop from nearly 80 kilometers. There’s even a large bungee jump where daredevils leap from a crane that's 80 kilometers high.On the gentler side, there’s a wave pool, family lagoon, jacuzzis, and toboggan rides. The park is shaded by pine trees and contains several picnic areas for families to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings as well.More

All about Costa Brava

When to visit

Beach weather from June through September brings crowds to Costa Brava—the shoreline reaches peak sunbathing over summer vacation. This coincides with a busy music festival season—Porta Ferrada Festival, Cap Roig Festival, and Festival Castell Peralada all fall in July and August. If you’re not there for beaches and big-name musicians, visiting in the off-season is a better bet for uncrowded roads and mild temperatures.

Getting around

Many visitors to Costa Brava travel in rental cars, which offer freedom to explore teeny coastal villages and backroads. Nearby cities like Barcelona and Girona have agencies, but there are also options for day rentals along the coast, including in Lloret de Mar and Empuriabrava. It’s also possible to get around Costa Brava by public transit; trains serve hubs like Girona and Figueres, where you can catch public SARFA buses to nearly everywhere else.

Traveler tips

Costa Brava’s most famous son is Salvador Dalí, the ever-provocative artist whose waxed, flamboyantly upturned mustache decorates postcards, souvenirs, and T-shirts. His coastal Salvador Dali House—Portlligat (Casa Salvador Dalí—Port Lligat) and the Dalí Theatre-Museum (Teatro-Museo Dalí) in Figueres are the blockbuster sites for aficionados. Just as worthwhile is the less-visited and atmospheric Castle of Púbol (Gala Dalí Castle), where his beloved wife, Gala Dalí, spent the final years of her life.

Local Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
CEST (UTC +1)
Country Code
+34
Language(s)
Catalan
Attractions
12
Tours
0
EN
007e5393-35b7-4b4d-8a4f-3ba9cd890f79
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People Also Ask

Is Costa Brava worth going to?

Yes, Costa Brava is worth going to. From Cap de Creus’ rocky headlands to beach-front parties in Lloret de Mar, this scenic stretch of coast is among Spain’s most appealing escapes. History and art buffs also love the Costa Brava, where ancient hilltop villages abut modern art and archaeological sites.

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What is Costa Brava known for?

This coastline is known for its rugged terrain, which sandwiches sandy beaches between sheer rock cliffs and forest. While some vacation spots along the Spanish coast specialize in sprawling resort hotels, the Costa Brava is also known for well-preserved villages such as Pals and Cadaqués.

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How many days do you need in Costa Brava?

You need a week to explore Costa Brava. That’s enough for a few days of beachside lounging in Lloret de Mar, followed by time in a picture-perfect village like Begur or Calella de Palafrugell. Then, finish your trip in Girona, a vibrant city that proudly showcases Catalan language and culture.

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How to spend one day in Costa Brava?

With one day in Costa Brava, start at the beach—favorite seaside beauty spots include Platja de Treumal, Platja de Santa Cristina, and Platja de Santa Cristina. In the afternoon, focus on culture: Visit one of the sites dedicated to artist Salvador Dalí or sample Empordà wines at a vineyard.

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Is Costa Brava good for partying?

Yes, Costa Brava is a great place to party. While some smaller towns quiet down early, resort areas including Lloret de Mar, Blanes, Platja d’Aro, and Estartit have energetic scenes that go all night. Places to party range from cavernous nightclubs like Disco Colossos to the more exclusive disco Essència.

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Which is nicer: Costa del Sol or Costa Brava?

If you’re all about sweeping beaches, golf courses, and spa-style relaxation, check out Costa del Sol—it also enjoys year-round sun ideal for winter escapes. More rugged and less developed, Costa Brava combines gorgeous scenery with serious culture—visit to explore historic fishing villages, major art museums, and rolling vineyards.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Costa Brava?
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