The resorts of the Costa Brava vary in focus. Some are more family friendly, like Sant Antoni de Calonge. Others target the advantage of a youth audience, such as Lloret de Mar. This does not mean that it will not be possible to combine, but it is better to determine the goals for the rest in advance. The same goes for pricing policy.
If you deviate a little from the popular tourist routes and Barcelona, then you can find offers much cheaper without losing quality. In terms of attractions, there is a great variety. But the city of Figueres, where the Dali Museum is located, is especially popular. Vacationers at nearby resorts should definitely take the time to travel there.
Popular resorts on the Costa Brava
Lloret de Mar
Although the resort is suitable for families as well, it is more popular with young people and partygoers. One of the best local sandy beaches is Fenale Beach. At night, they organize a fire show, foam parties, dance competitions for tourists. Nearby there is a water park, a park-architectural complex, the gardens of St. Clotilde, the Museum of the Sea. Top hotels in the area include the Rigat Park & Spa Hotel and the Aparthotel Costa Encantada.
Tossa de Mar
People come here not only to sunbathe on the spacious beach near the New Town, but also to see the sights of the region. The main one is the Vila Velha fortress. It protrudes somewhat into the sea and allows you to take beautiful panoramic photos of the entire resort from the observation deck. In addition, prices are traditionally lower here than in neighboring cities. Hotels near Golden Bahia de Tossa & Spa and Gran Hotel Reymar & Spa
Empuriabrava
It is also called "Little Venice". The resort consists of a system of canals, along which dense buildings - villas, cafes, shops, marinas. By boat, you can easily get from the streets of the city straight to the sea. From here, it is convenient to get to Figueres, where the Dali Museum is located. Nearby there is the Empordà Nature Reserve. Empuriabrava has the largest skydiving center in Europe.
Blanes
One of the largest and oldest cities on the coast. The promenade stretches along the spacious and clean beach - an ideal place for evening walks. The fishing port located on the north side is a source of freshly caught seafood. You can buy them raw and ask to cook them in one of the restaurants. Diving, discos and boat trips are the most popular types of recreation.
Rosas
The location between the Pyrenees Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea has made the local climate more comfortable than the neighboring resorts. There is less heat and a longer season. The new sports complex with tennis, football and golf courses makes the typical beach holiday more varied. Places of interest: the Kreu den Cobertela dolmen, built no later than the 13th century, the Citadel of Roses, a national park.
L'Escala
The relatively young resort attracted the attention of the general public in the 60s of the last century. On the coast, you can find entertainment for any piece - from sightseeing architectural sights to gatherings in restaurants. Much of the resort has a lot to do with the anchovy, including a festival and a museum dedicated to it. You can stay at the L'Escala Resort or the luxury Hotel Molí de l'Escala.
La Estartit
Located in the easternmost point of Spain. The wide sandy beach occupies one third of the entire coastline. It is divided into several sections. The most popular is called Playa Gran-L'Estartit: during the season there is nowhere for an apple to fall. Water attractions, sports games, renting any little things for relaxation - the beach has it all. Although a good hotel can be found in the area, tourists prefer to rent villas whenever possible.
Castel Platja d'Aro
The resort is one of the most luxurious. Its beach is huge and is divided into parts by rocky outcrops. Thanks to this feature, 8 recreation areas appeared, which are located side by side, but differ from each other in details. The smallest are calm and secluded. There is a wide range of recreational opportunities on the large: sports grounds, rental of boats, restaurants within walking distance.
San Antonio de Calonge
One of the best cities in the Costa Brava for families. 4 spacious beaches are located in bays, which avoids strong winds and waves. Playgrounds are open. In the historic center, there is a well-preserved Calonge castle built in the 8th century. The main festivals of the city are held here and in the nearby square. The Medieval Market and the Young Wine Festival are especially popular.
Sagaro
Belongs to the number of elite resorts in Spain. Here, among other eminent tourists, members of the royal family rest. The natural promenade of the Camí de Ronda abuts against the Sa Conca beach. The coast is shallow, and the water is so clear that the bottom can be seen more than 10 meters from the coast. There are almost no waves, as the bay is surrounded by rocks. Sagaro is home to the "Hostal De La Gavina" - a hotel that is listed in the top 100 in the world by UNESCO.
Palamos
The development of the tourism industry has transformed the once small settlement of fishermen. Now the city's port is considered the largest on the Costa Brava. There are many restaurants along the coast, where the menu always includes dishes from the fresh catch. The beaches are narrow, invariably clean, but the variety of services usual for resorts is not here. Holidays in Palamos are chosen by tourists who want to immerse themselves in modern Spanish traditions.
Cadaques
The uniqueness of the city opens up to tourists already upon arrival: there is only one road leading here. In the past, Cadaques has attracted famous artists. In memory of this, galleries, museums, exhibition halls were created here. Expositions are often held right on the streets on the occasion of memorable events. The Old Town area was formed in the Middle Ages and is well preserved. There are always many yachts in the bay, and you can enter the water directly from the noisy street.
Sant Feliu de Guixols
Suitable for lovers of measured rest. The town belongs to a typical provincial, although the resort infrastructure is at the highest level. Equipped embankment, clean beach, rent of everything you need will ensure a carefree and relaxing holiday. In summer, the Porta Ferrada festival is held, one of the most colorful in the region. The former Benedictine monastery houses a historical museum.
Tamariu
The houses of a small fishing village are harmoniously built into the green area. Wildlife and civilization are intertwined. In winter, the population is about 300 people. But in summer, it gets crowded on a clean beach with light coarse sand. There is a diving club, kayak rental, bars and restaurants. A circular walking route is laid past the bays. It allows you to see all the beauties of Tamariu.
Calella de Palafrugell
One of the few places on the Costa Brava where mass tourism has not reached. The settlement resembles a village of the past: narrow short streets and dwellings of hereditary fishermen. The beaches are sandy, they have the minimum of what you need: some leisure activities, lifeguard towers, sun lounger rental. The tourist program is not extensive: a day at the beach, a walk and dinner in an authentic restaurant. Suitable for those who are tired of the hustle and bustle.
Llafranc
The resort is located in the bay of the same name. Unlike the neighboring Calella de Palafrugell, it is crowded and there are more opportunities for recreation. The beach, 300 meters long, is one of the best on the Costa Brava. The city botanical garden is sometimes called "Russian". It was founded by the wife of the Russian pilot of the First World Voevodsky. In summer, Llafranc plays host to Cap Roig, Catalonia's premier music festival.
Begur
The settlement itself is small and colorful. Leaving aside modern communications, you can present yourself here, as in the Middle Ages, thanks to architecture. Noisy events are rare.Preference is given to the option of sedate relaxation: the beach, walking routes for walks, gatherings in bars. From mid-spring to June inclusive, Begur hosts fish seasons - a gourmet paradise.
El Port de la Selva
There are about 30 here, all with clean water and a well-equipped coastline, but the coverage is different: from coarse pebbles to fine dark sand. Anyone can study at a surfer school, as well as go out to sea under sail in the company of an instructor. A tourist route to the Cap de Creus National Park has been laid. If you come to El Port de la Selva in mid-spring, you have a chance to take part in the asparagus festival.
Liansa
It is located away from the top tourist routes, so the rest here is calm. Guests are offered spearfishing, cycling, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing. Two local beaches have a Blue Flag award for their cleanliness. Liansa is one of the most popular resorts in Europe among nudists. There are many festivals in the city, including St. Vincent's Day in January and Summer Gastronomy Days.
Girona
The presence of the airport makes Girona a starting point for tourists to visit many resorts. It is called an immortal city, since the local fortress withstood 25 sieges at one time. Once a year, the Protected Historical Jewish Quarter becomes a greenhouse during the Flower Festival. There are countless architectural beauties here. The beaches are not wide and often come close to buildings.
