Looking for an escape from the lively and bustling city of Barcelona? Experience the beautiful Costa Brava, a Spanish region that stretches from Blanes town to the French border, offering a diverse array of stunning buildings, delicious restaurants, and endless beaches. This Mediterranean getaway ticks all the boxes for an unforgettable adventure.
There are various ways to reach the incredible Costa Brava from Barcelona. For those who prefer to drive, the journey takes around an hour, allowing you to pass through idyllic towns and picturesque landscapes. Alternatively, public transport is also readily available, with Renfe trains being the most convenient option, as they arrive in Girona in just 40 minutes. You can purchase your train tickets online, at the station, or using your metro card. For those who prefer buses, the journey takes slightly longer, around 1 and a half hours.
When it comes to planning your visit, the ideal time to go to Costa Brava is in May, just before the touristy summer season arrives. The weather is warm yet not too hot, making it perfect for exploring and hiking in the mountains. However, July and August are extremely busy and popular times to visit, with high temperatures ranging from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. If you're looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in September, when the sea temperature is ideal for a quick dip and the atmosphere is much quieter.
Costa Brava is arguably the most beautiful part of Spain, with numerous delightful towns to explore. The towns are small-scale and close to each other, making it easy to discover and explore many of them in one day. For a more tranquil escape, head to Blanes, an enchanting old town with an active fishing port and charming botanical gardens overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean coastline.
For those looking for something off the beaten path, visit Begur and Fornells, two underrated yet magnificent towns and villages. Both places are surrounded by mountains, offering the perfect spot to hike, explore, and sunbathe. The coves in these areas have sparkling water and offer a serene atmosphere, ideal for relaxation.
Another must-visit destination is Girona, a well-known town located just off the coast. This charming city is filled with Jewish quarters as well as 12th-century Mediterranean buildings, making it a dream holiday destination for history buffs. The town also holds a special place in the hearts of Game of Thrones fans, as many of its scenes were filmed in multiple locations within the Old Town.
For art lovers, Figueres is a must-visit destination. This birthplace of renowned artist Salvador Dalí offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in his life and works. The Dalí Theatre-Museum, a popular tourist destination, is home to some of his quirky and impressive works, providing an insight into the mind of this influential artist.
When it comes to gastronomy, Costa Brava offers a variety of incredible restaurants that are meant to be savoured slowly, all while in good company. Treat yourself to a three-Michelin-star restaurant, El Celler de Can Roca, in Girona. This restaurant has been run by three brothers for over 30 years, offering exquisite tasting menus.
For those looking for seafood, Miramar is an excellent choice. This two-star emblematic restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine as well as seafood Á La Carte dishes and set menus that will leave you wanting more, as you marvel at the views over Llança Bay. Alternatively, try Bo TiC, a traditional 2-Michelin-star restaurant nestled in Alt Empordà, run by chef Albert Sastregener and sommelier Cristina Torrent.
Costa Brava has an abundance of beaches that are just waiting to be explored! With a coastline of over 200km, you can relax and discover Lloret del Mar, Tossa de Mar, and Calella de Palafrugell, just to name a few. For adrenaline junkies, experience watersports such as parasailing, offering stunning birds-eye views of the Mediterranean coastline.
For those looking for a speedy ride, try out jet skiing at well-known beaches like Lloret del Mar. You can rent out jet skis solo or with a partner and race over the waves for an unforgettable experience. Alternatively, hop on board a catamaran and indulge in a glass of cava whilst sailing across the Mediterranean.
During July and August, the Porta Ferrada Festival takes place, offering renowned artists as well as local talent. Established in 1958, this festival has previously featured artists such as Tom Jones, Two Door Cinema Club, Antònia Font, and many more! Tickets range from 15 to 65 euros, depending on the artist you want to see.
The Cap Roig Festival is held from late July to the third week of August in the botanical gardens of Cap Roig Castle. This event is popular with locals, as the majority of the acts are Spanish. However, there are some well-known acts too, such as Michael Bublé, Tom Jones, and James Blunt.
The Festival Castell Peralada is held in the gardens of the Peralada castle from July until the middle of August, featuring a variety of performances such as ballet, rock, pop, or opera. This festival also takes place at a 5-star hotel with a casino and a hotel, providing an unforgettable festival experience.
When visiting Costa Brava for the first time, you'll be presented with numerous activities, stunning sights, beautiful towns, top-quality restaurants, and more. Whether you're searching for a relaxing and luxurious break by sunbathing on a catamaran or want to take part in unforgettable activities and treat yourself to fine dining, this beautiful Spanish region offers something that you cannot find anywhere else.
For those planning their trip in 2025, AB Apartment Barcelona is an apartment rental agency offering over one thousand short and long-term apartments across Barcelona. If you'd like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog to raise your profile, please contact us.
