The top things to do in the Costa Brava during your holidays

Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, you can visit the Costa Brava pretty much all year round. We recommend May-June and September-October to avoid school holidays and high temperatures. Of course, the high season in the Costa Brava attracts crowds of holidaymakers keen to experience a slice of Spanish sunshine. Yet, there are still a few hidden spots that will make you feel like a local during your holidays. Regardless when you visit, discover these Costa Brava things to do and get ready to enjoy an unforgettable holiday. 

From charming villages to quaint beachfront towns, the Costa Brava is a melting pot of culture and history. Spend time dipping in and out of local life and enjoy the Mediterranean way of living during your summer break.

Roses, Costa Brava’s trendy place to be right now offers a beautiful mix of beaches, historical landmarks and lively local culture. Located on the northern coast of the Costa Brava, in Girona, offers picture postcard vistas and easy access to some of the area’s best hiking routes. Use the magnificent, beachfront Hotel Roses Platja as your base for exploring not just Roses, but all the things to do in the Costa Brava. 

Start with an adventure to the Citadel of Roses, a historic fortress with ruins dating back to the 4th century BC. Unwind on the golden sand of Platja del Rastell or take a refreshing dip in the Ocean to discover optimum scuba diving conditions. If you want to venture out of the town centre, the nearby Cap de Creus Natural Park is perfect for hiking across windswept coastal landscapes.

Known as the pearl of the Costa Brava, Cadaques is a small, old-fashioned fishing village just two hours outside of Barcelona that was once only accessible by sea. In the past, it was considered to be the creative capital of Spain thanks to it being a hotspot for international artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Duchamp and Salvador Dalí who lived in nearby Portlligat for over 50 years. The best time to visit is between May and September when the Tramuntana winds have died down and the town’s beaches can be enjoyed in all their unspoilt glory. Life here is slow, mainly lived on foot and is proudly local. Immerse yourself in the daily goings on but do make time to explore the Salvador Dalí house and museum (a short 20-minute walk away). Or, venture into the Cap de Creus National Park to explore the wilderness of Catalonia. 

When planning your Costa Brava places to visit, don’t miss Tossa de Mar off your list. One of the most beautiful places on this stretch of coastline, this tiny town with its brown, mediaeval stone walls offers a stark contrast to Cadaques. Marvel at the seven watchtowers of the city walls, dive into the crystalline waters and swim to unexplored coves or venture into the Old Town and uncover delicious Spanish tapas dishes in the many taverns and restaurants. 

While there are many Costa Brava attractions along the sandy shoreline to discover, a trip inland offers plenty of things to marvel at. Journey to the mediaeval town of Pals, just 90 minutes east of Barcelona where the honey-hued buildings echo centuries of history and culture. Spend your days dipping in and out of the dazzling waters of Platja de Pals, rubbing shoulders with local artists at the independently run galleries, attending creative workshops, or sipping sangría and eating paella in one of the town’s family-run eateries. The area is famous for its rice production and wine making ensuring that food is a big part of daily life in this neck of the woods. 

From hiking and bike rides to fishing and watersports, the Costa Brava offers everything you can possibly need for a holiday in paradise.

If you are looking for outdoorsy things to do in the Costa Brava, the Cami de Ronda must be on your list. This stunning coastal hiking trail stretches along the Costa Brava, gifting walkers out-of-this-world views of the Mediterranean Sea. It was once created to aid fishermen and to help the Guardía Civil catch smugglers but since then, it has now become one of the most popular hiking routes in the region. Expect to find charming villages, secluded coves and rugged, timeworn cliffs. There are routes for all abilities catering to casual walkers to those experienced with the wilderness. Plus, you don’t have to hike the entire 200 km long route. It is split into sections allowing you to pinpoint which towns and villages you wish to explore. For instance, you can hike from Cadaqués to Cap de Creus (10 km) or from Roses to Cala Montjoi (9.5 km), both exceptionally scenic routes. 

If exercise and holidays are not your dream combination, you can still enjoy outdoor things to do in the Costa Brava. The Jardí Botànic Marimurtra offers an impressive collection of over 4000 species of plants ranging from native species to sub-tropical and even exotic species. Not to mention, its privileged location overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the small Cala Sa Forcanera makes it a picturesque place to while away a day. Founded by a German merchant and patron of science, Karl Faust, in the 19th century, this is one of the best Costa Brava tourist attractions to visit during your holiday.

Located in Spain’s most northeasterly region, this national park offers exciting landscapes crafted by centuries of wind and water erosion. Untamable rock formations and small, sheltered bays make it easy to see where the likes of Dalí got their inspiration for their surrealist works. 

Explore the nature reserve’s Instagrammable scenery and then head to the Cap de Creus lighthouse restaurant in Cadaques for a 360º dining experience. If you want to dine in the national park, just make sure to travel by bus or on foot (booking in advance) to avoid paying a fee to drive into the park’s natural habitat. 

Hitting the beach and enjoying a day on the sun-scorched sand is one of the best things to do in the Costa Brava for families. Just make sure that you have stocked up on SPF and bottles of water! 

The Costa Brava is known for its stunning stretches of coastline - the clue is in the name. Yet some coves stand out for being exceptionally beautiful. Cala S’Alguer, recognised as a protected cultural asset (bien de interés cultural), is one such place. Of course, you can swim in its gin-clear waters but the real draw is the dense pine forest and candy-coloured fishermen’s houses that surround the bay. Marvel at the area’s natural beauty from the comfort of the shoreline as well as the depths of the Ocean and enjoy the feeling of being connected with nature.

If you crave an almost untouched scenery for a day at the beach, catch a boat to the Medas Islands and enjoy a peaceful place full of natural wonders. Located off the coast of L’ Estartit, this nature reserve is one of the most important marine protected areas of the Mediterranean. Enjoy pristine conditions for a restorative dip in the Ocean or join a group and enjoy a scuba diving excursion. The agenda is to protect and respect the sea so many traditional beach activities are restricted, yet it is still possible to catch a boat trip and enjoy a few hours on the water learning about the native wildlife. 

There are so many fun things to do in the Costa Brava, yet if you are stuck for time and want to experience the highlights of the region, we recommend you visit these two cultural landmarks. While not the traditional idea of fun, they offer an ideal glimpse into the historical heritage of the region and are considered by many to be a Costa Brava must-see.

A trip to the Port de Selva region allows you to embark on several things to do in the Costa Brava. Exploring the town itself is a must and is often considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the region. From here, you can easily reach the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes which is a great landmark offering extensive views across the Mediterranean. The nearby Castillo de Verdera is also worth exploring and offers even more impressive views than those found at the monastery. 

Journey back in time to the 6th century and explore what was once one of the most important settlements in the Mediterranean, considered by many to be the gateway through which Greco-Roman culture filtered through Spain. History buffs will enjoy this remarkable archaeological site where remains of a Greek settlement (Emporion) and a Roman settlement (Emporiae) can be found. If you like exploring ancient cultures, this is one of the best things to do in the Costa Brava.