Nestling between the sea and the foothills of the Pyrenees in northeast Spain, the Costa Brava is a holiday destination that appeals for its diversity. Whether you're passionate about culture, gastronomy or simply looking for idyllic scenery, the Costa Brava has plenty of opportunities to feed your desires. Together, medieval villages, heavenly beaches, secret coves along the wild coast, and the artistic influence of Salvador Dalí offer an unforgettable experience.
The Costa Brava is full of beaches and coves with a variety of landscapes. Blanes and Lloret de Mar, pristine blue flag beaches in the province of Girona, are prized for their idyllic setting along the Mediterranean Sea. At the seaside resort of Lloret de Mar, its 1,500-metre-long, golden sand beach is a great place for couples and families to relax or enjoy water sports while admiring the magnificent Costa Brava landscape.
If you're looking for peace and quiet, you'll find rocky coves like Calella de Palafrugell and Cap Roig ideal for snorkelling and seaside strolls away from the tourist hotspots. As for Begur, its picturesque coves such as Sa Tuna and Sa Riera offer the perfect setting for a lazy day on the Iberian Peninsula in the Mediterranean sunshine.
The crystal-clear waters of the Costa Brava coastline are a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Diving in the Medes Islands, a protected nature reserve, is a great place for discovering the richness of the seabed. The more adventurous can explore the coves by kayak, while stopping off for a wine tasting on an Eno Kayak excursion.
When it comes to gastronomy, the cuisine of the Costa Brava is rich in Mediterranean influences. From seafood paëllas to fideuà (a paëlla-like noodle dish), the restaurants in the region's towns showcase local ingredients.
Toc al Mar in Aiguablava is one of the region's best-known restaurants, where people enjoy grilled fish overlooking the sea. Head to Sol i Mar in Calella de Palafrugell for simple, authentic cuisine in an intimate setting overlooking the Mediterranean.
Just a few kilometres inland, the Costa Brava reveals a different facet with its medieval towns steeped in history. A charming mix of cobbled streets and stone houses, Peratallada transports visitors to a medieval setting typical of northeastern Spain.
Perched on a hill just a few kilometres from the coast, Pals offers panoramic views from the Catalan countryside to the sea. Palau Sator, with its largely unspoilt ramparts and peaceful atmosphere, is ideal for families to explore. These two villages seem frozen in time, offering a fascinating immersion in the architecture and charm of the Middle Ages.
The Costa Brava is inextricably linked with the world of Salvador Dalí, who found this region of the Iberian Peninsula an inexhaustible source of inspiration. In this part of the Costa Brava, the Dalinian Triangle retraces the highlights of his life in three emblematic places:
These tours allow visitors to immerse themselves in the creative and whimsical spirit of the world-famous artist, while enjoying a cultural activity that includes sites of great beauty.
Nature lovers won't want to miss the Cap Roig Botanical Gardens, a place where Mediterranean flora flourishes right next to the sea. Situated atop dramatic cliffs just a few kilometres from the Costa Brava coastline, the gardens offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and are a haven of peace on the Iberian Peninsula. Created by a passionate couple in the 1920s, this park in the province of Girona also hosts a music festival every summer.
The Chemin de Ronde, a historic path running along the coast, offers breathtaking views of the cliffs and secluded coves such as Calella de Palafrugell. This path was used as early as the Middle Ages to prevent incursions. The watchtowers and ramparts found in some sections bear witness to this defensive role. Later used in the 20th century to keep an eye on smugglers, today the route is a great place for hikers and photographers in search of spectacular views.
Villanovo has a wide choice of luxury villas on the Costa Brava, from the French border to the famous seaside resort of Lloret de Mar, via Begur, Llafranc, Cadaqués, Tamariu - near one of the biggest residential marinas in the world: Empuriabrava. We've selected the best villas with a tennis court, villas with swimming pools and those with direct access to the Mediterranean Sea, so you can enjoy a holiday that's equally calm and close to things to do.
Our attentive concierges take care of all the details so you can concentrate on your holiday. This personalised service adapts each trip to your needs: private visits to key sites, a guide in Cap de Creus Natural Park, diving in the Medes Islands, a boat excursion for families, and more.
Last but not least? Villanovo offers you a beautiful travel diary for each stay or weekend in one of our villas. You'll find all our recommendations for amazing restaurants, shops, heritage and historic towns to visit and other experiences to discover on the Costa Brava.