Costa Brava Spain Travel Guide
Primary mobile operators within Spain include Orange, Vodafone, Movistar, and Yoigo. Prepaid SIMs are easily purchased at airport kiosks, cell phone shops, and major grocery stores. They require passport enrollment for activation. These SIMs provide different packages for data, calls, and texts. Costs typically range from €10-€30 for a monthly plan, providing good value for tourists.
Wi-Fi: Widely available and often free in hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, cafes, and many public areas in towns. You will find it easy to stay connected. Coverage: Mobile data coverage is generally excellent throughout the Costa Brava region, including most coastal paths and rural areas, for finding your way and staying in touch apps. Correos is the national postal service. You can locate post offices in most towns. Stamps are also for buy at tabacs (tobacconists).
Effort is always appreciated.
Business hours in Costa Brava reflect local customs, including the traditional siesta.
Generally open from 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM and then starting AT 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM/9:00 PM, with a siesta break. Some tourist shops stay open.
Usually open from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. Some larger supermarkets may open on Sunday mornings.
Lunch service commonly from 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM. Dinner service from 8:30 PM - 11:00 PM. Many close between services.
Museums/Attractions: Usually open from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM/7:00 PM, but often closed on Mondays. Always check individual websites. Banks: Generally open from 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Some banks may have later opening times.
Religious and public holidays affect services. Many smaller, small businesses in coastal towns may close for the low season (November-March). Fewer public transportation services also run during the low season.
Always verify specific opening hours and holiday closures on official websites before your visit to every attraction or establishment.
A handshake is common in formal settings. Two kisses on the cheek (right then left) are customary between women, or between a man and a woman who know each other. Men usually shake hands. "Hola", "Bon dia" (Catalan), or "Hello" (Spanish) are common greetings. Generally casual attire. For churches, dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered).
Wait until invited to sit at a table in a restaurant. Avoid snapping fingers to get service, which is considered rude. Bread is a often charged separately. Generally, it is acceptable to photograph public spaces and attractions. Always get consent before taking photos of people, especially children. Some museums may prohibit flash or all photography; look for signs.
Engaging with local culture and showing respect for customs enriches your travel experience.
Travelers with mobility challenges or other specific needs will find varying levels of accessibility in the Costa Brava region.
Major cities like Girona feature efforts to improve accessibility with ramps, accessible public transport, and adapted restrooms. However, many historic centers at the Costa Brava region (e.g., medieval villages, Girona'the historic district) feature cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, and steps that present challenges.
Some museums along with current attractions are accessible. Check individual websites or contact venues directly for detailed accessibility information ahead of your visit. Newer buses and high-speed trains often include wheelchair access. Older regional trains and city buses may be less accessible. Few specific services specifically for tourists exist. Assistance dogs are generally allowed in public places.
Pre-planning and direct communication with accommodations and attractions greatly enhance accessibility for all guests.
