The Costa Brava is the most frequently visited coast of Spain. Located in Catalonia, in the province Girona, and with more than 200 km of coastline—from the town of Blanes, 60 km north of Barcelona, to the French border—you can, despite tourism, still find authentic little towns with virgin bays, sheltered caves, and beautiful beaches. The typical coastal landscape can be counted amongst one of the most attractive of the Mediterranean.
The lively Costa Brava harbours a universe of culture and tradition, where coast, sun, nature, monumental buildings, and fiestas will seduce you and entertain you.
History of the Costa Brava
The area has a rich history, and archaeological remnants point to an earlier presence of Iberians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, and Arabs. Monumental buildings and ruins can be marvelled at virtually every spot on the Costa Brava.
 The Catalan culture began in the Middle Ages during the reign of the kingdom of Aragon. Catalonia became an important maritime holding, and lively harbours on the Costa Brava became the scene of conflict and trade.
The term Costa Brava, which translates to rough coast, was coined by the Catalan poet Ferrán Agulló in 1908. Even during the 1930s, the Costa Brava’s unusual beauty attracted many famous people from cultural and artistic backgrounds. As a result, many literary works and paintings found their origins here.
During Franco’s regime, everything that was Catalan—better put: everything that was “not Spanish”—became strictly forbidden. With his death in 1975 and the new Constitution of 1977 came an end to censorship and isolation. As a result, the traditions of the Catalan language and culture were restored to their rightful place.
When tourism began to flourish in the ‘60s, the area quickly turned from a quiet fishing coast into the most ipmortant source of income. Because tens of thousands of tourists meant as many accommodations, rapid urbanisation and development emerged and still determine to a large extent the view of the Costa Brava today. The influence of the tourism industry on the natural environment became so great that the coastal towns of the Costa Brava signed an agreement in 1998, entitled the Carta de Tossa, to ensure protection of the environment. These days the Costa Brava flourishes as never before.
The nature of the Costa Brava
The rough, desert coast, with rock formations that sometimes run into the sea, foothills of the Pyrenees, with beautiful, pine-surrounded bays, and mysterious caves are the decor of the unique landscape of the Costa Brava. Abundant vegetation that borders on the blue-green sea and a soft whisper of a breeze give you a feeling of rest and freedom.
Illes Medes
 These islands off the coast of L’Estartit are Spain’s first maritime nature reservation and a popular diving area.
Parc Natural Cap de Creus
From Port de la Selva to Roses, this nature area covers 25’000 ha land and another 7’500 ha of sea.  A large portion of the flora and fauna are very rare and unique. The water here is extremely clear, and thus a favourite diving area. The coast and its sometimes bizarre rock formations were an inspiration to Dali’s famous works.
Aiguamolls de l’Emporda
 This 2’000 ha natural park occupies the area between the Muga and the Fluvia Rivers. In addition to a large and diverse bird population, you can also find many other types of animals in the swampy landscape: frogs, rabbits, fitches, otters, and wild boar.
Beaches Costa Brava
 The Costa Brava is known for its clear-blue water. During the high season, beaches near the bathing spots are quite busy, but between the towns are many small bays with less-frequented, very attractive beaches. This is proven by the fact that the Costa Brava has the most Blue Flag beaches in all of Spain. This Blue Flag is granted only to those beaches that meet 29 strict criteria. Below is a list of the 4 best beaches of the Costa Brava (according to our humble opinion).
Aigua Blava
Aigua Blava is a quiet beach, the ideal spot to escape from the stress of everyday life. It has clear water that rhythmically rolls over the golden sand. It is a small, charming little beach with an intimate ambiance that does wonders in relaxation.
Tamariu
A little bit larger than Aigua Blava is Tamariu – a small grove that is only accessible on foot. The hike itself is an experience, and your efforts are rewarded with clear water and a soft, sandy beach surrounded by vegetation.
Llafanc
The beach of Llafanc with its picturesque harbour is larger than the beaches mentioned above, but still small enough to be quite cosy. Children have the room here to play, and it is the ideal spot to relax or tan. Directly on the promenade you can eat in one of the many little restaurants for delicious tapas with a glass of wine or sangria.
Culinary
 You will not be surprised to learn that the kitchen in the Costa Brava primarily uses fish and shellfish. With ingredients such as rice, legumes, broth, Mediterranean vegetables and copious amounts of garlic, these already mouth-watering dishes  become even more appetizing. Popular fish dishes are the Suquet de Peix (rich fish stew), Mariscada (combination of diverse shellfish), Arroz negro (rice coloured by squid’s ink), anchovies, and squid dishes.
Popular meat dishes iare Escudella i Carn d’Olla (beef stew), Manos de Cerdo Estofados (baked pork hooves), and sausages such as Butifarra and Fuet.
But surf-and-turf combinations are also quite delicious, such as the often-ordered  crab with chicken.
Along the entire coast, ‘cremat’ is drunk—coffee with flambeëd rum.
In terms of dessert, you can eat your  heart out in the many different sweets: the famous Cocas from San Juan, Brazos de Gitano (small cakes filled with truffles and cream), Mel i Mató (honey and almond dessert), and of course Crema Catalana (Catalan custard topped with a burnt layer of sugar).
 Tip: The crème de la crème of this culinary playing field can be found in Roses. Restaurant El Bulli, where executive chef Ferran Adrìa has turned cooking into an art form, has many prizes to its name. Ferran Adrìa is responsible for introducing molecular gastronomy, in which scientific techniques are adapted for use in the kitchen. Restaurant Bulli even has two scientists on its payroll. A culinary high point for connoisseurs.
Wines
The wine area of the Empurdan-Costa Brava is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, near the French border, and during the Second World War produced the then-popular heavy red and sweet white wines.
These days we are spoiled with red quality wines from Campmany, fresh rosés (the most produced wine in this area) from Espolla, and champagne and white wine from Peralada.
Further inland you will the D.O. Allella that lies to the north of Barcelona and is a notable producer of white wine. You will also find the Pla de Bages wines that are a notch above the Penedes. The most important producer of the latter is Masies d’Avinyó, which sells Abadal wines.
Interesting places on the Costa Brava
NORTH
Cadaques
Beautiful white-painted town where in the past artists such as Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse established home bases.
Roses
Roses is a historic place that has witnessed many wars. A large 16th century citadel, built around an old Benedictine monastery and the Santa Maria de Roses basilica, a natural harbour, a beautiful promenade, and a 4km long sand beach make Roses a popular bathing place.
Figueres
 A large, bustling city that is the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, where the museum Teatro Museo Dali, after the Prado museum in Madrid, is the most-visited museum in all of Spain. Here you will also find Europe’s longest castle, the Castell de Sant Ferran. The toy museum is also worth a visit.
L’Escala
Both geographically and touristically, L’Escala is the port of access to the Gulf of Roses. One of the most important fishing harbours of the Costa Brava, but also quite popular with tourists. Characteristic of this town are the Trainyeros, the typical boats decorated with lights that leave the harbour at night to go fishing.
CENTRAL
Gerona
Gerona is an incredibly beautiful medieval city with a well-preserved historic centre. Strategically located on a hill where two rivers meet, the old walls protect the city’s historic culture. Gerona has everything: Roman ruins, a Jewish quarter, Arabic bath houses, Catholic churches, an early-Gothic cathedral, museum, modern edifices, parks...in short: an absolute must-see!
L’Estartit
 L’Estartit was in the past an important fishing village and nowadays an important tourist attraction, with a large beach and many opportunities for watersport. Diving is especially beautiful at the Medes Islands that lie off the coast of L’Estartit.
Begur
Begur Authentic Spanish town located on a hill, with a 15th century castle at its midst. Here you can find the most beautiful bays and caves of the entire Costa Brava.
SOUTH
Lloret de Mar
The touristic bathing place that has the ambiguous honour of having the most hotels on the coast. The nightlife here dictates the street façade of this historically Roman city: bars, discotheques, casinos, and nightclubs with shows.
Blanes
The harbour town of Blanes lies where the Costa Brava begins, with a 1km long beach and a yacht marina. A stroll through the city will lead you past archaeological artefacts, including a Gothic fountain, the Church of Santa Maria, and the Gothic castle of the count of Cabrera.
Platja d’Aro
Especially popular amongst the Catalans, modern and trendy, with a long, wide beach. In the evening, the cosy bars and restaurants that border the beach offer a fascinating view of the sea, inviting you for a moonlight stroll along the beach.
Activities on the Costa Brava
The Costa Brava offers you everything in terms of watersport; on nearly all the larger beaches you can hire a boat or jet ski. The clear water invites you to go  snorkelling or diving. Waterskiing, kitesurfing, pedalos, and banana boats are also very popular.
Day trips are also organised for enthusiasts of deep sea diving or marine life.
Almost every location has a tennis club, and the undisturbed natural beauty of the area lends itself well to tours on horseback or mountain bike.
Golf on the Costa Brava
The Costa Brava is famous for being one of Spain’s best golf locations. Golfers who travel to the golf clubs in the Baix and Alt Emporda areas will be astounded by the beauty of the links. Between breathtaking natural landscapes you will find old Masias, farms converted into club houses, where you will be offered unrivalled service. We present 9 fantastic golf courses on the Costa Brava, four which belong to the best in Europe.
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Peralada Golf Club 18 holes
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Torremirona Golf Club 18 holes
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Girona Golf Club 18 holes
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PGA Golf de Catalunya 18 holes
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Emporda Golf Club 27 holes
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Serres de Pals Golf Club 18 holes
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Pals Golf Club 18 holes
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Mas Nou d’Aro Golf Club 18 holes
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Costa BravaGolf Club 18 holes
Festivities on the Costa Brava
Cultural activities are organised year-round. Concerts, festivals, and holy feasts are celebrated with music, dance, and fireworks. From listening to Habaneras (traditional songs about sea travels from times long passed) on summer evenings in Calella de Palafrugell, witnessing the medieval Dança de la Mort (Dance of the Dead) in Vergas, marvelling at the impressive fireworks competition in Blanes, to enjoying the popular music festival in the castle of Peralada; celebration happens in abundance here, and ever little place has its own colourful traditions.
Fixed holidays:
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January 1st Año Nuevo (New Year’s Day)
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January 6th Epifanía del Señor (Three Kings)
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May 1st Dia del Trabajo (Labour Day)
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August 15th Asunción de la Virgen (Assumption of Mary)
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October 12th Fiesta nacional de España (National Celebration Day)
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November 1st Todos los Santos (All Saints)
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December 6th Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day)
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December 8th Inmaculada Concepción (Immaculate Conception)
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December 25th Navidad (Christmas)
Variable holidays:
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April Semana Santa (Holy Week)
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March/April Jueves Santo (White Thursday) and Viernes Santo (Good Friday)
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March/April Dia de Pascua (Easter)
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June Pentecostés (Pentecost)
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June Corpus Christi
Climate
The Costa Brava has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters that make this area an ideal holiday retreat for families with children.
See also
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