If you’ve been considering a holiday to sunny Spain to enjoy some of the country’s beautiful Mediterranean coastline, then you’ve probably thought about Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol. And while both have plenty of charm, it’s the Costa Brava further to the north that offers the finest mix of unspoilt sun and style. To further convince you, we take a look at the best of Costa Brava.
Located on the Catalan coast, the Costa Brava has conspicuously less development than it’s fellow Costas, and you’ll likely find it cheaper too. That doesn’t mean the area lacks things to do. In fact, this should be your first choice if you want something beyond the package holiday vibe found in Malaga or Benidorm. Stretching from the town of Blanes to the French border in the north, the Costa Brava packs a lot into its compact size. To help convince you to go on your own adventure to the Costa Brava, here are some of the top places to visit.
Tamariu
Boasting some of the clearest waters anywhere in the western Mediterranean, the small town of Tamariu offers some quintessential Costa Brava beauty. Framed by a pine covered backdrop, the gently scalloped bay makes for a sedate seaside spot. The pretty town itself also provides plenty to do with a number of charming cafes and bars to retire to after a day in the sun.
Llafranc
Embodying the sophisticated side of the Costa Brava, Llafranc offers an upmarket slice of Mediterranean life. With more than enough to do to keep the kids entertained, the town is quiet enough to feel like you are getting away from it all. Nearby Calella de Palafrugell offers some of the loveliest beach side walks in the region, and the surrounding coast has enough small coves between the craggy rocks to escape to.
Lloret de Mar
One of the bigger cities and a great starting point for exploration of Costa Brava, Lloret de Mar is an hour bus ride from the Barcelona airport. It’s one of those places where you’ll find a great mesh of both locals and tourists alike. A partying mecca, Lloret de Mar offers a plethora of raving clubs and bars to take in during your visit. During the day, enjoy the sandy beaches on the Mediterranean Sea when you’re not taking in the architecture of this historic city. It also has a really great food scene and some stunning hiking trails along the Camino de Ronda.
Begur
One of the Costa Brava’s most picturesque villages, Begur is also one of the most historic. The town’s scenic 10th century castle is a beautiful sight, and provides lovely views across the wider district to those who make the trip to the top. The medieval walled town below offers a maze of charming cobbled streets to get lost in. As an inland town, Begur lacks its own beachfront. But at only 1.5 km away from the coast, lovey beaches like Illa Roja and Sa Riera are not a long journey away.
Tossa de Mar
One of the best of Costa Brava, Tossa de Mar’s combination of historic beauty and blue flag beaches is ever popular with visitors. Tossa de Mar’s walled Old Town is one of Catalonia’s finest historic sites, and the battlements of the Vila Vella enceinte as it’s known, offer lovely views of the beaches below. The town’s proximity to Barcelona makes the Catalan capital an easy place to reach for a daytrip if lounging in the sun gets too much.
Best of Costa Brava
No matter which cities you choose to visit or what adventures you choose to have, you really can’t go wrong in the Costa Brava. Each city has it’s own idyllic qualities with narrow lanes to wander and history to discover. The waters of the Mediterranean remain clear and bright all along the coast so taking to the trails along the Camino de Ronda is well worth the effort.
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Disclosure: Special thanks to Eurail for providing with a pass to use during our summer travels in Europe. All opinions are 100% mine, as always. This post contains affiliate links, meaning we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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