Resort towns of Costa Brava. Attractions of Costa Bravo in Spain

There are so many wonderful towns and villages on the Costa Brava that choosing just one to go on holiday can sometimes be very difficult. So here's a selection of our favorites. This will help you decide where you want to go and what you want to see during your stay. Many of these cities are close to each other - you will have time to visit several even in one day. It's worth it!

5. Blanes

The former fishing village of Blanes should definitely be on your list. Magnificent beaches, rocky coves, beautiful churches, a charming old town, a pleasant promenade, impressive monuments and attractions and a huge variety of restaurants and bars. It also has one of the few still operating fishing ports on the Costa Brava. The relaxed atmosphere is an ideal place for a family holiday, which, by the way, has even received official recognition due to the quality of services and amenities provided for children on the beach.

The coastal town of L'Escala offers a wide cultural program, traditional festivals, nature reserves and, of course, beautiful beaches. Roses Bay is its main beach area - a beautiful bay with calm waters surrounded by mountains. L'Escala is also famous for the cute statue of the Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry on the embankment.

The main cultural attraction and asset of the city is the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia, where you can see the remains of a Greek trading port from the time of the beginning of Western civilization and the Roman forum, which was the center of the ancient citadel. At one of the city's beaches, Moll Grec, you can even swim next to ancient Greek and Roman ruins. In L'Escala you can enjoy a truly amazing combination of culture and beach holiday!

Map

On the map below you can find all the Costa Brava towns mentioned in our list. From Blanes in the south, said to be the beginning of the Costa Brava, to Cadaqués further north, but worth a visit if only for its rich heritage, including Dali's house.

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Costa Brava (Spanish for “wild rocky coast” or “coast of the brave”) is the northeastern part of the Catalan coast in the province of Gerona near the border with France. This is one of the most picturesque corners of the Mediterranean coast, combining magnificent beach resorts with areas for active recreation and tourism. Inaccessible cliffs and emerald spurs of the Pyrenees, overgrown with pines, pine trees and fir trees, among which beautiful bays, bays with white sand beaches and pebbles near the azure sea waves open up to the eye - nature rewarded these places so generously that the lands of the Costa Brava were chosen by people, starting with the most ancient civilizations - the Iberians, ancient Greeks and Romans.

Today, a number of coastal cities retain echoes of the past - ancient villas, ruins of castles, ancient monasteries, countless museums. The cultural program is replaced by an entertainment one - in the evening foam parties take place on beaches stretching as much as 214 km.

Costa Brava is the first Spanish resort to begin receiving tourists from Russia. It so happens that tour packages to this area are cheaper than to other resorts in the country.

Guides on the Costa Brava

Entertainment and attractions

The greatest interest on the coast is represented by historical attractions - ancient ruins, castles built in the early Middle Ages, churches and chapels.

The largest and most visited resort in the region is Lloret de Mar. In the "city of laurel trees" tourists rush to see the ruins of the castle of Sant Joan, which was a defensive fortress in the 11th century. Today there is a museum here.

Guests are not allowed into the Chateau d'en Plage, which stands on a hill - this is private territory. But the flow of tourists to it does not decrease - a path runs along the rocky shore along the castle, from where unforgettable views open up. The vertical symmetries of the gardens of Saint Clotilde will not leave even the most unsentimental viewer indifferent. The Church of San Roma also attracts attention; its exterior is very impressive. A real open-air museum is the Modernist Cemetery.

A little further north, in Tossa de Mar, there is one of the most beautiful fortresses in Catalonia - Vila Velha. Further south, in Blanes, it is worth taking a look at the Marimurtra and Pinha de Rosa botanical gardens.

Catalonia is of particular interest to connoisseurs of Salvador Dali; the great painter lived and worked here for a long time. The route of travelers usually runs along the “Dali triangle”: the theater-museum in Figueres - the Gala Dali castle in the town of Pubol - the house-museum in Cadasques.

9 things to do on the Costa Brava

1. Rent a car and take a breeze along the coast.
2. If you want to get to France or visit Andorra for a day.
3. For excellent kitesurfing, get to Roses Bay.
4. Enjoy seafood dishes every evening in the many restaurants lining the shore.
5. In Blanes, take a special train to the Botanical Garden.
6. Don't forget to visit the beautiful Barcelona.
7. Dance the night away in one of the clubs in Lloret de Mar.
8. Don’t be lazy and visit Mount Montserrat.
9. Experience the excitement of diving in Tossa de Mar.

Active holidays on the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava offers a wide range of opportunities for active holidays. One of the main entertainments is kayaking. The centers invite guests to explore coastal caves, dive to sunken ships and celebrate a successful journey with a picnic in a bay invisible from the shore. You can travel on your own by renting a vehicle. A trip in a group with a guide will cost about 50-70 EUR per person.

On popular beaches there is always equipment for surfing, kitesurfing, and wakeboarding. The bravest ones try flyboarding. Sailing is also in demand in the Costa Brava. Even a beginner can learn how to sail a yacht here - for this purpose, special educational courses are open on the coast.

Hiking is equally popular among tourists along the sea. There are paths along the shore with signs and tips. The most scenic route is the Camis de Ronda, it was laid by pirates and smugglers who wished to remain undetected. Tourists willingly explore the skies over the Costa Brava. The center of attraction for parachutists is the town of Empuriabrava. There are programs for both beginners and experienced air surfers. For the pleasure of visiting the skies you will have to pay from 100 to 500 EUR.

Cycling tours, hiking, yachting, golf, fishing, horse riding, mountaineering, paragliding - even if you really wanted to relax lazily, plans will change - there are too many temptations.

Marineland water park, where, in addition to attractions, there is a zoo and a dolphinarium. To the north is the Dwarven Park with rope towns.

Another popular water park on the coast is the giant Water World near Lloret de Mar. There is also “Aquadiver” in Playa de Aro with its extreme slides. Tourists immediately praise the Pp’s Park amusement park. By the way, Playa de Aro is also noted by travelers as one of the most convenient for families with children.

Family tourists speak positively about the town of Roses. The main attraction here is the Aqua Brava park, whose administration built a rock in the pool. It is besieged by the bravest ones - it’s not far to fly if you lose it, but still, they say, it’s a little scary. An hour's drive west of Barcelona on Mount Tibidabo there is an amusement park of the same name - very old and large. There is a children's amusement park and extreme slides for adults, as well as museums, a theater, and observation decks.

Events and festivals

Temperamental Spaniards party noisily and often. Here and there there is a carnival or festival in honor of some saint, and a party on the beach can easily turn into a costume show.

One of the main events of the year is the July fireworks festival in Blanes. Parties last in the city for a whole week. As darkness falls, hundreds of boats sail from the shore with people wishing to enjoy the fireworks from the water. The night of San Juan is celebrated spectacularly in the Costa Brava. Celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, on the evening of June 23, Catalans take junk out into the street and light bonfires, after which they go swimming, eating pies and dancing. On July 24, the whole of Lloret de Mar goes on a colorful sea procession in honor of the Virgin Mary del Carmen.

One of the most interesting sights at Spanish festivals is the living towers of castellers. The most skilled acrobats can build 10-story pyramids!

On the first weekend of July, Calella de Palafrugell hosts the habanera song festival. Tourists visiting the Costa Brava in the spring can witness impressive processions during Semana Santa - Holy Week. The National Day of Catalonia is celebrated on a large scale on September 11th.

Each town on the Costa Brava annually celebrates the feast of its patron saint - fiesta mayor. The holiday usually lasts several days. At this time, craft fairs, concerts, fireworks are held, and attractions for children are staged. The celebration usually ends with a parade of sparklers. From June 28 to July 1, the fiesta mayor takes place in Tossa de Mar, from June 24 to 28 in Blanes, and from July 24 to 30 in Lloret de Mar.

Weather April

The resort has a smooth, mild climate without cataclysms or weather surprises. Summer is moderately hot, there are no tropical downpours or sweltering stuffiness. The beach season lasts from May to the end of October. True, it’s still early to swim in May, but sunbathing is just right. Summer nights bring welcome coolness and are pleasant for walks.

The off-season is in November. This is the most unfavorable month for visiting the region - a time of squally winds and cold rains. Winter is ideal for sightseeing trips. From December to February the temperature remains stable above zero - without frost or snow.

Getting to Barcelona is not difficult, an express bus runs on the Tossa de Mar – Lloret de Mar – Barcelona route about 7 times a day and a ticket costs about 6 euros, and a taxi fare will cost about 90 euros. But still, the main type of transport on the coast is comfortable commuter trains. The railway stretches along the coast from the town of Blanes to Barcelona and beyond. Trains depart every 30 minutes (the service stops at night), the ticket price varies depending on the day of the week and is approximately 3 euros. From the town of Lloret de Mar you can get to Blanes train station by bus, which also leaves every 30 minutes from the bus terminal. But there is an alternative way to travel between neighboring resorts - these are pleasure boats that run between the cities of Blanes, Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar several times a day. The price of a boat ticket is 3 – 8 euros one way, depending on the distance. Moving between the resorts of this coast by taxi will cost you approximately 6 - 20 euros. Prices are indicated one way.

Things to do?

While relaxing in the resorts of the Costa Brava, you can successfully combine a beach holiday with excursions. Moreover, there really is something to see. Well, for example, how can you not visit Barcelona? Can't see the famous creation of Antoni Gaudi - the Sagrada Familia? 145 km from Barcelona is the magnificent medieval city of Girona. Not far from this historical monument is the town of Figueres, where the Salvador Dali Theater and Museum is located. It is also impossible not to visit the miracle of ancient architecture, the symbol of Catalonia - the Montserrat Monastery, built at an altitude of 721 m above sea level and surrounded by bizarre rocks. A full-day excursion to the independent principality of Andorra, a duty-free zone, is a “deep dive” into shopping. In the town of Valtordera, you can see a real medieval knightly tournament, as well as take part in a medieval festival with dancing and dinner. Not only children, but also the older generation will truly enjoy visiting the Marineland dolphinarium, the Aqualeon mini-zoo, and water parks, the largest of which is called Water World and is located near Lloret de Mar.

Resorts

The resorts of Costa Barcelona and Costa Brava, which have long been known under the common name “Costa Brava Coast,” are located on the northern coast of Spain and deservedly enjoy the love of tourists from all over the world.
Vacationers are attracted by affordable prices, a large selection of entertainment for the whole family, developed infrastructure and proximity to Barcelona, ​​the capital of Catalonia.
The Costa Barcelona (or Costa Maresme) stretches from Barcelona to the resort town of Santa Susanna. Behind it begin the Costa Brava resorts of Blanes, Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar and Playa de Aro, each of which has its own unique appearance. Lloret de Mar is popular among young people who prefer active recreation and entertainment.
Beach lovers will appreciate the long beaches of Calella and Santa Susanna, their picturesque surroundings and seafood cuisine. Tossa de Mar - the natural pearl of the region - is a quiet and relaxing family resort, located in a cozy bay on the seashore. Here is the famous medieval fortified city Vila Vella (“Old Village”). The hospitable resorts of the Costa Brava will not leave indifferent those who cannot imagine life without shopping and leisurely dinners in local restaurants. A large selection of hotels for different tastes, a gentle sea and bright sun, attractions located “literally at your fingertips”, you will find all these joys of life here on the coasts of Catalonia.

Beaches and swimming season

The coastal terrain of the Costa Brava resort region consists of inaccessible cliffs and cliffs covered with Pyrenean pines and firs, which, in turn, alternate with magnificent coves and bays with white sand beaches.
All beaches here, as throughout Spain, are municipal and free. Many beaches are awarded the blue flag, including: Blanes and Sabanell beaches in Blanes, Fenals, Lloret, Sa Boadella & St.Cristina in Lloret de Mar, Garbi and Gran de Calella beaches in Calella, Gran de Todda & La Mar Menuda in Tossa de Mar, central beach of Malgrad de Mar and Pineda de Mar.
​Rental of beach equipment (sun loungers and umbrellas) is paid separately. The swimming season lasts from mid-May to October.

Costa Brava resorts:

Blanes

Blanes is a lively resort town with contrasting architecture. Medieval monuments and neighborhoods built in ancient Spanish style coexist with ultra-modern buildings. Among tourists, the resort is famous as an excellent place for a family holiday.

Costa Brava

The coolest coast of Spain, the Costa Brava, has a particularly mild climate throughout the year. The coast includes several resorts stretching all the way to the border of France, the most famous of which are the towns of Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar, Blanes.

Lloret De Mar

Lloret de Mar is a small Spanish paradise where you can forget about cloudy days and the bustle of a dusty metropolis, enjoy sunny bunches of grapes and dance fiery flamenco until dawn. And during the day - wander through the narrow streets of the ancient city and relax on the golden beach, where the gentle waves with a gentle touch will cure accumulated fatigue.

It must be said that sandy beaches are more typical for the Turkish Mediterranean coast, if we talk about the surroundings of Belek, Alanya and Side. But on the coast of the Aegean Sea, west of Kemer, pebble beaches are more common. It must be said that it has long been noticed that the water is cleaner near pebble beaches. The main advantage of Turkish beaches is that they are very clean and well guarded. In general, Turkish resorts are more suitable for lovers of idle pastime. The territories of tourist complexes have everything necessary for entertainment and a comfortable stay, and on the beaches tourists feel free and cozy. Both night and topless bathing are common here, and sun loungers are generally free.

Spanish resorts in general and the Costa Brava in particular differ from Turkish ones in the greater degree of their urbanization. And this, believe me, cannot but affect the appearance of the coast. Not far from the beaches of the Costa Brava there is a railway and factories. In addition, Spanish beaches are mostly public, and this entails a certain crowding. In addition, the nightlife at these resorts is more intense. The northern part of the Costa Brava is considered a more secluded and environmentally friendly place to relax.

If we literally translate the name Costa Brava from Spanish, it will sound like “wild coast”. This paradise is located in the province of Girona, which is located in the northeastern part of Catalonia. Its length is about 160 kilometers, and travelers from literally all over the world come here to relax.

This part of the Spanish coast is notable for the fact that its topography combines completely incompatible zones at first glance. In one of them there are rocky cliffs with huge numbers of fir and Pyrenean pines growing on them. But in another part of the coast, one after another there are gentle bays and picturesque bays with sandy beaches surrounded by graceful palm trees.

Quite remarkable is the fact that the slopes of the Costa Brava constantly attract a huge number of esotericists and scientists. And the reason for this, apparently, is dolmens - unusual monolithic monuments consisting of stone blocks and shaped like a table. According to esotericists, ancient dolmens are places of power on the planet.

On the Costa Brava, medieval buildings peacefully alternate with first-class hotels that meet the highest class of service. The most popular resorts in these places are Lioret de Mar, Roses, Blanes, Tossa de Mar and Estartit.

The resort of Lioret de Mar is very popular among young people and among inveterate party-goers. For active and energetic lovers of a noisy holiday, there are many clubs, discos and bars. But a comfortable family holiday at this resort is also quite possible. There is simply an abundance of family entertainment here - a magnificent sandy beach, an aquarium, a huge (even by European standards) water park and interesting Port Adventure attractions created by the famous film company Universal Studios.

Holidaymakers on Lioret de Mar can have fun with jet skis or parasailing. There are more than enough hotels for accommodation here, ranging from luxurious five-star hotels to inexpensive hostels. Many rooms offer magnificent views of the sea coast.

The resort of Blanes offers a more relaxed atmosphere. It is located 10 kilometers south of Lioret de Mar and has an older history. The first inhabitants appeared here already in the 1st century BC. The main attractions of the resort are the ruins of several ancient castles, well preserved to this day. The resort has a delightful zoo and a fun park with water activities - Marineland. Not only little visitors, but even their adult parents do not remain indifferent to his visit. A wonderful fireworks festival takes place every year on the beach of this almost paradise.

The village of Tossa de Mar, miniature in size, is hidden in a very picturesque bay on the Mediterranean coast. It is known not only as a resort with a calm and comfortable holiday, but also as a town with its own distinctive and unique culture. If you go out to sea by boat, you can see the amazing panorama of Tossa de Mar - a rugged coastline strewn with soft sand sparkling in the sun and surrounded by rocky hills. On one of these hills there is an ancient Spanish fortress. This resort seems like a real Eden for a comfortable family holiday, because it completely lacks active nightlife.

Perhaps the best resort where you can practice active sports is Calella. Almost all types of water activities are presented here - diving, windsurfing, surfing, yachting and rafting. And to them you can also add “terrestrial” types - golf, mountain bikes, tennis and many other types.

So Costa Brava is an excellent resort for a complete and comfortable holiday, no less beautiful and picturesque than Turkish resorts. Of course, prices for accommodation here will be higher than in Turkish hotels. But it’s still worth taking the risk and going, if only to feel the difference in the quality and intensity of your vacation. Enjoy your trip!

Costa Brava is a wide strip of Mediterranean coastline that geographically occupies the north of Spain.

Costa Brava is located in the northeast of Catalonia (province of Girona), part of the Spanish Kingdom.

The territory of the Costa Brava stretches from the border with France to the resort town of Blanes for 210 km.

On the Mediterranean coast of Spain's Costa Brava there are often cliffs and cliffs interspersed with picturesque coves and bays. The landscape is complemented by the greenery of thickets of Pyrenean pines, fir and pine trees. Nature reserves occupy 30% of the Costa Brava. Cap de Creus is a natural park with an area of ​​140 square meters. km, which is located in the eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula and has maritime and land zones. The air of the Costa Brava is filled with the aroma of pine and the smell of the Mediterranean Sea.

Costa Brava is considered the coolest coast in Spain. In summer the average air temperature on the Costa Brava it is + 27 C, and the water is + 23 C.

Summer holidays here will appeal to those who do not like the summer heat.

Beach season on the Costa Brava lasts from the beginning of June to the end of October.

Winter is mild with an average air temperature of up to + 14 C.

Costa Brava translates as wild, rocky coast. It is possible that with its exoticism it began to attract the attention of numerous tourists from all over the world.

It was the Costa Brava that marked the beginning of the tourism boom in Spain. Europeans began to actively visit the Costa Brava since 1960. Costa Brava is the first resort area in Spanish Catalonia to welcome Russian tourists. Tours to this region are cheaper than to other resorts in the country.

In Catalonia, there are 3 airports of international importance in the cities of Girona, Barcelona, ​​and Reus.

Most often, travelers choose Barcelona Airport (4 hours flight from Moscow). Along the Costa Brava there is a 70 km railway line to Blanes.

The capital of the province is the city of Girona. The mystical city of Girona enchants its guests with its many attractions. In the vicinity of Girona in the Pyrenees, 5 ski resorts open in winter, and in summer tourists are delighted by Garrotxa, a volcanic zone reserve. Girona proudly displays its architectural landmarks: the Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter.

Resorts Costa Brava

The beaches of the Costa Brava are white sand and pebbles, and Lloret de Mar is famous for its pure sandy beaches. Municipal beaches in Costa Brava are free. Umbrellas and sunbeds are available for a fee.

Most northern resort Costa Brava - Portbou.

Blanes is the most southern resort Costa Brava, which is 59 km from Barcelona. The beaches of Blanes with a gentle entrance to the sea are perfect for families with small children. Blanes has a luxurious Botanical Garden and a fish market.

Most famous resorts of the Costa Brava from north to south: Portbou, Roses, Empuria Brava, Figueres, Palamos, Playa de Aro, Sagaro, Santa Cristina de Aro, Sant Feliu de Guixols, Tossa de Mar, Lloret de -Mar, Blanes.
Choose the best tour on the Costa Brava among all the offers of tour operators.

Resort Lloret de Mar

Lloret de Mar (Spanish: Lloret de Mar) is considered the best youth resort and tourist capital of the Costa Brava. The seaside resort of Lloret de Mar boasts two sandy beaches: Lloret and Fenale Beach. The beaches offer all types of water activities. The nightlife in the center of Lloret de Mar fascinates with foam parties, flamenco shows, the sound of music, the lighting effects of bars and cozy cafes where young people have fun until the morning. The resort of Lloret de Mar is ideal not only for active youth recreation, but also for families with children.

Hotels in Lloret de Mar:
Rigat Park & ​​Spa Hotel 5*; Hotel Rosamar Maxim – Adults Only (+18) 4*.
For young people: H TOP Palm Beach & SPA 3*
Aparthotel Costa Encantada 4*; Hotel Guitart Gold Central Park Aqua Resort 4*; Hotel Surf Mar 4*.

Sights of Lloret de Mar attract thousands of tourists every year:

• The Gardens of Saint Clotilde are an architectural and park ensemble on a steep cliff in the form of terraces;
• Museum of the Sea (19th century building);
• Water amusement park Water World;
• Museum "Cat House";
• Marineland water park;
• Verdakyer Cultural Center;
• Mini-zoo "Aqualeon".

Lloret de Mar resort on the Costa Brava.

Figueres resort

Figueres is the capital of the Catalan district of Alt Empordà. Figueres is the birthplace of Salvador Dali.

Salvador Dali (May 11, 1904 – January 23, 1989) was a Spanish representative of surrealism in painting, graphic artist, sculptor, writer and director.

Attractions of the Figueres resort:

• The Dali Theater-Museum (Teatro-Museo Dali) was built on the site of the city theater of the 40s of the 19th century, which burned down in 1939. Dalí first exhibited his work in the Figueres theater in 1919 at the age of 15. Perhaps that is why Salvador Dali enlisted the idea in the 60s of the 20th century to create his own museum as a theater. Construction lasted 14 years. It was opened on September 28, 1974. Of particular pride are the “Wind Palace” Hall and the “Mae West Face” illusion room with a red sofa in the shape of lips;
• The Empordà Museum is a collection of archeology from the area and a chronological overview of art. A special place in the collection is given to Catalan painting of the 19th and 20th centuries;
• Castle of Sant Ferran. Construction of the castle began in 1743 and lasted 13 years, and finishing work took even longer. The fortress of Sant Ferran became the location for the filming of the film "Perfume";
• The Toy Museum in Figueres is a collection of 4,500 Catalan toys.

The work of Salvador Dali is very unusual and popular all over the world.

In 2014 alone, the Dali Theater-Museum in Figueres was visited by more than 300 thousand tourists from Russia.

For connoisseurs of the surreal art of Salvador Dali, there are two more places in the Costa Brava associated with the name of the artist:

• The town of Cadaques is famous for Dali's summer house, and now the house-museum of Salvador Dali with a garden in the form of an intricate labyrinth, with a restored workshop and library;
• The Gala Dali Castle in the village of Pubol was presented by the famous artist to his Russian wife and muse in 1968. Among its innovative exhibits are the Gala throne, a fountain with Wagner heads, elephants on thin legs, and a collection of Gala dresses. Gala Dali Castle (12th century) is now open to fans of the extravagant artist from March 15 to December 31. Paid entrance.

Resort Tossa de Mar

The resort of Tossa de Mar is famous for the Vila Velha fortress.

Vila Velha is the most beautiful attraction not only of the Costa Brava, but of the entire Spanish Catalonia. The Vila Velha fortress is a piece of the Old Town that rises above the resort of Tossa de Mar and extends far into the sea.

The Tower of the Moors in the Vila Velha fortress is a landmark of the entire resort town. From the observation deck you can take excellent views of Tossa de Mar. At the foot of the fortress there is a ridge of rocky cliffs similar to its bastions, in which rich modern villas flaunt.

The Tossa de Mar Lighthouse Museum has been guiding sailors since 1917.

At the bottom of the New Town there is a large beach, and on the promenade you can admire the statue of Minerva.

Hotels in Tossa de Mar
For a relaxing, respectable holiday: Gran Hotel Reymar & Spa 4* Superior
For a family holiday with children: Golden Bahia de Tossa & Spa 4* Superior

Costa Brava resorts surprise tourists with a variety of world attractions, cheaper prices for holidays, excellent nature, secluded beaches in bays and the gentle Mediterranean Sea.

Costa Brava resorts especially attract tourists due to their proximity to Barcelona, ​​where they can make an unforgettable experience.