Costa Brava Spain Travel Guide
If you have a short layover near Girona-Costa Brava Airport, focus your time on Girona city.
Morning: Explore Girona's Old Quarter (Barri Vell), including the impressive Girona Cathedral and the well-preserved Jewish Quarter (Call Jueu). Lunch: Enjoy traditional Catalan tapas and local wine in the city center. Afternoon: Walk along the ancient city walls for panoramic views of Girona's colorful riverside houses on the Onyar River. Evening: Savor dinner at one of Girona's reputable restaurants. This short itinerary has a strong taste of Catalan history and culture.
Choose between coastal charm or art & medieval history for your short break.
Base yourself in the historic town of Tossa de Mar.
Base your stay in Girona city.
Plan your weekend getaway with these points in mind.
Weekend trips require focused choices.
Organized tours simplify logistics, independent travel offers freedom.
Pre-book popular attractions, especially Dalí Museum.
A full week to immerse yourself in the diverse beauty of the Costa Brava.
Arrive in Girona, settle in, and explore the city. On day 2, take a day trip to Figueres to visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum.
Travel south to the Begur/Palafrugell area (e.g., Calella de Palafrugell or Llafranc). Explore the stunning medieval villages of Pals and Peratallada. Visit some of the region's most beautiful coves like Aiguablava and Sa Tuna. You might consider a cooking class focused on Catalan cuisine.
Travel north to Cadaqués or Roses. Explore the iconic whitewashed village of Cadaqués and visit Dalí's House-Museum in Portlligat (remember to book in advance). Spend time exploring Cap de Creus Natural Park. Enjoy the beaches, try water activities like kayaking, or indulge in a local wine tasting experience in the Empordà region before departing from Girona or Barcelona.
Combine the one-week itinerary with additional time for exploration and day trips: Dedicate more extensive time for hiking on various sections of the Camí de Ronda. Plan dedicated time for water sports, like diving in the Medes Islands Marine Reserve or extended kayaking trips along the coastline. Include day trips to Barcelona for its urban attractions, Besalú for its medieval charm, or the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa for unique natural landscapes. More time for culinary experiences, including food tours, market visits, and exploring smaller, less-visited villages that offer authentic local life.
Tailor your itinerary to specific interests, whether you prefer history, food, adventure, or art.
Start in Girona (Old Quarter, Jewish Quarter, Cathedral). Visit the Ancient Greek and Roman ruins of Empúries. Explore the perfectly preserved medieval villages of Pals and Peratallada. Discover Tossa de Mar’s Vila Vella. Take a day trip to Besalú, a remarkable medieval town with its iconic bridge.
Base yourself in Girona for its Michelin-starred restaurants and food tours. Visit Palamós to taste Gambes (prawns) and explore the fishing museum. Go to L'Escala for its famous anchovies. Spend time in the Empordà wine region, visiting wineries for tastings. Explore local weekly markets to sample regional products.
Dedicate time to hiking various sections of the Camí de Ronda. Plan diving or snorkeling trips in the Medes Islands. Go kayaking along the coastline, exploring sea caves. Cycle on the "vies verdes" (greenways). Try coasteering in Sant Feliu de Guíxols for an adrenaline rush.
Consider basing your stay in Lloret de Mar (for beaches and water parks) or Roses (for its wide beach, medieval citadel, and water sports). Include a boat trip to the Medes Islands from L'Estartit. Explore Tossa de Mar's Vila Vella and its relaxed beaches. Look for accommodations with pools and family amenities.
Follow the Dalí Triangle: Figueres, Portlligat, and Púbol. Admire Girona's architecture. Explore Romanesque churches.
Seek out retreats in quiet masias. Find tranquility in secluded coves. Walk peaceful sections of Camí de Ronda. Consider spa treatments.
Focus on scenic drives, hidden beaches, and coastal walks for breathtaking views.
The Costa Brava offers experiences for every budget, from frugal backpacking to luxurious escapes.
Stay in hostels or campsites. Utilize supermarkets for most meals, preparing food in self-catering facilities. Focus on free activities like beaches, hiking the Camí de Ronda, and exploring towns on foot. Rely on regional buses for inter-town travel, which are economical.
Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels or well-appointed vacation rentals. Enjoy "Menu del Día" for lunch, which offers excellent value. Mix public transport with occasional car rental for specific day trips to less accessible areas. Include a few paid attractions and a mid-range dining experience.
Stay in 5-star hotels or luxury villas with amenities. Indulge in fine dining experiences, including Michelin-starred restaurants. Arrange private tours and boat charters for exclusive experiences. Consider spa treatments and other high-end services. Utilize private transfers or premium car rental for seamless travel.
Travel in shoulder season to benefit from lower prices and fewer crowds. Book accommodation in advance for better rates. Use public transport as your main mode of travel. Eat at local tapas bars and markets for authentic, affordable meals. Look for free walking tours or self-guided routes.
The Costa Brava transforms with the seasons, offering different highlights throughout the year.
High season. Expect lively atmospheres and full services. Beaches and water activities are main.
This period is excellent for hiking, cycling, and exploring medieval villages. Girona Temps de Flors (Flower Festival) in May is a major attraction. Enjoy pleasant weather before the summer heat.
Excellent for hiking, wine tasting (this is harvest season in Empordà), and exploring cultural sites with fewer crowds. Temperatures remain mild, and the sea is still warm enough for swimming in September.
Ideal for cultural immersion in Girona, exploring Dalí sites, and quiet coastal walks in towns that become peaceful. Enjoy local cuisine without the summer crowds. Be aware that some coastal businesses may be closed during this period.
Some coastal businesses close November-March.
Fewer public transport services run during low season.
