A Trip to Costa Brava: Barcelona's Sweet Escape
- Zoe Dawn
- Nov 7, 2024
- 4 min read
As if your trip to Spain couldn't get any better. Imagine crystal clear, turquoise waters (even cleaner than the beaches of Barcelona if you can believe it!); picturesque, fishing towns & stunning castles. All to be found just a short drive from the capital of Catalunya.
What and Where is Costa Brava?
Costa brava is located in the province of Girona (a region in Catalunya), along the northeastern coast of Spain touching the Mediterranean Sea. Costa Brava means "wild coast" or "rugged coast", which makes a lot of sense when you see her gorgeous rocky & dramatic coastline beaches. The famous artist, Salvador Dalí, spent much of his life here and was inspired by the nature here. (Side note: Spanish is spoken here, but also be aware that the other official language here in Catalunya is Catalan.)
Don't Have Time to Waste? Book A Day Tour
There are tons of tours available to take you up to some of the gorgeous spots along Costa Brava (transportation to and from Barcelona included). Though it's best to spend a few days here (strongly recommend you come with a car to see smaller towns too), a day trip is very doable! Here are some of my Top-Rated Day Tours for Costa Brava:
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and whitewashed villages of the Costa Brava, and the medieval architecture of Girona on an 8-hour small-group or private tour from Barcelona. Travel back in time as you discover Roman and medieval history.
Discover the landscape of the Costa Brava on a tour from Barcelona. See the most stunning coastlines in Europe. Stroll through the cliff top botanical gardens, before lunch in a local restaurant.
Explore Costa Brava's stunning coastline by kayak and snorkel and cliff dive into crystal-clear waters on this full-day tour from Barcelona. Keep your energy up along the way with the included lunch.
How to Get Here
By Car
Driving to Costa Brava in your own or a rented car is by far the easiest way to get here from Barcelona. It's quite common to rent a car for a weekend trip outside of Barcelona (yes, even for the locals). There's many options to choose from, just be mindful of the kilometer limit. By car you're looking at a 1.5-2 hour drive depending on traffic up AP-7 highway or the scenic coastal road C-32.
By Bus
Don't have a license? No worries, you can also take the bus. There are many direct bus services available from Estació del Nord or Sants bus stations to many of the various towns along Costa Brava.
By Train
If you're not heading too far north in Costa Brava you can also take the regional R1 train from Barcelona’s Sants or Plaça Catalunya stations to Blanes, which is one of the southernmost towns in Costa Brava. This train is 1.5 hours more or less, and once you arrive to Blanes you can take a taxi or bus to other places along Costa Brava.
Cities/Towns to Stay In
I stayed near Palamós, a bustling port town with lots of fresh seafood. But a few other options to stay are:
Empuriabrava, known as the "Venice of Spain" for it's canal network, and is also idea for those who enjoy water sports.
Platja d'Aro (most popular), a modern resort town with a lively atmosphere and long sandy beaches.
Blanes, the gateway city of Costa Brava.
Calella de Palafrugell, a small, charming fishing village for those who want a peaceful getaway.
Roses, a larger town with a great mix of things to do, idea for families and beach lovers.
Lloret de Mar, another popular town for those who live nightlife and entertainment.
Tossa de Mar, a great mixture of historical vibes and relaxed beach life.
Cadaqués, famous for it's whitewashed buildings and connection to Salvador Dalí.
Costa Brava Beaches
The beaches are simply stunning. You can choose which type of vibe you're looking for. In towns like Sant Antoni/Palamós, you'll find a more local and laid-back energy. Where as you can find more people and things to do along the beach in Platja d'Aro. If you have a car, it's fun to try a few beaches to see what else might be going on.
Visiting Girona (the City!)
I'd been to Costa Brava quite a few times, but only recently visited the gorgeous city of Girona. Huge mistake! She was gorgeous. I was stunned by the size & beauty of herr churches and downtown buildings. You may not know, but the region of Catalunya has been in a drought for many years. The river that flows through Girona's city center has definitely seen more glorious days. However when we crossed over the many bridges that connect one side of the city to the other, it was still a site to behold! Make sure you stop buy a local pastry shop to try the Girona Famous Pastry: Xuixo! Think: fried donut log with a cream center rolled in sugar.
Hiking
The Cami de Ronda, a legendary coastal trail marked by red and white stripes from the GR-92, is a thrilling way to experience the best of Costa Brava’s rugged coastline. From hidden coves and turquoise waters to medieval towns and cliffside vistas, this trail winds through breathtaking scenery and charming villages like Tossa de Mar, Calella de Palafrugell, and Cadaqués. Originally a path for patrolling the coast, it now offers adventurers the chance to explore the Mediterranean’s wild beauty and vibrant Catalonian culture, making every step an unforgettable journey.
Want to plan your trip to Barcelona? Check out my E-book: A Beginner's Guide to Barcelona. Perfect for those of you planning a trip, coming for a study abroad or even considering moving to this beautiful city. This e-book gives you insight into the unique Catalan culture, as well as top-rated tours, recommended bars & restaurants, cultural differences and more!
Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to say hi on Instagram: @zoetheguiri
Comments