Costa Brava Spain Travel Guide
Primary mobile operators in Spain include Orange, Vodafone, Movistar, and Yoigo. Prepaid SIMs are easily purchased at airport kiosks, phone shops, and big supermarkets. 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 non-urban areas, for navigation and communication apps. Correos is the national postal service. You can find post offices in the majority of 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 after that 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, From monday To saturday. Some larger supermarkets may open on Sunday mornings.
Lunch service typically from 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM. Dinner service from 8:30 PM - 11:00 PM. Many close between services.
Museums/Attractions: Generally 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 extended hours.
Religious and public holidays affect services. Many smaller, small businesses in coastal towns may close for the low season (November-March). Fewer public transport services also run during the low season.
Always verify specific opening hours and holiday closures on official websites before you go 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 "Buenos días" (Spanish) are common greetings. Generally casual attire. For churches, dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered).
Wait until invited to sit at a reservation in a restaurant. Avoid snapping fingers to get service, that happens to be considered rude. Bread is a often charged separately. Generally, it is acceptable to photograph public spaces and attractions. Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially children. Some museums may prohibit flash or all photography; be on the lookout for signs.
Engaging with local traditions 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 (e.g., medieval villages, Girona's old town) feature cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, and staircases that present challenges.
Some museums and modern 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 local trains and municipal buses may be less accessible. Limited specialized services exclusively 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.
