We list the best towns in Costa Brava for your perfect holiday experience.
The Costa Brava: Photo by ELG21
The Costa Brava, a beautiful coastal region in north-eastern Spain, is renowned for its stunning beaches, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage. But how can we decide which are the best Costa Brava towns? What makes a town the best can vary greatly depending on what you’re looking for in a holiday. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly vacation, seeking lively nightlife, exploring historical sites, or simply looking to soak in breath-taking scenery, the Costa Brava has something for everyone.
In this guide, we will explore some of the best towns in the Costa Brava, categorizing them based on different interests to help you choose the perfect spot for your next holiday. From family-friendly destinations with safe beaches and fun activities, to towns with lively nightlife for those who enjoy evening entertainment, to culturally rich towns with historical sites, and picturesque villages offering stunning natural beauty, we’ve got you covered. This way, you can find the best town tailored to your personal preferences and holiday needs.
Top towns for families
The Costa Brava offers several family-friendly towns that provide a safe and enjoyable environment for children and parents alike. Here are some of the best towns in Costa Brava for a family holiday:
Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar is a picturesque town known for its medieval castle and beautiful beaches. It offers a range of activities suitable for families, including safe swimming areas, boat tours, and historical sites to explore.
Tossa de Mar’s castle overlooks the main beach. Photo by 12019
Family-friendly features:
- Platja Gran: A large, sandy beach with shallow waters ideal for children.
- Vila Vella: The well-preserved medieval old town and castle provide an educational and fun outing for families.
- Boat tours: Glass-bottom boat tours offer a chance to explore the underwater world without getting wet.
Estartit
Estartit is another excellent choice for families, known for its long sandy beaches and proximity to the Medes Islands marine reserve. The town offers a variety of activities that cater to children and parents.
Family-friendly features:
- Estartit Beach: A vast beach with gentle waves and plenty of space for kids to play.
- Medes Islands: Accessible via boat tours, offering snorkelling and diving experiences for older children.
- Nature trails: Easy hiking and cycling trails suitable for families with young children.
Platja d’Aro
Platja d’Aro is a lively town with a vibrant promenade, numerous shops, and family-friendly beaches. It’s an excellent destination for families looking for a mix of relaxation and entertainment.
Family-friendly features:
- Platja Gran: The main beach is clean and safe, with lifeguards on duty.
- Aquadiver Water Park: A fun-filled water park with slides and pools suitable for all ages.
- Pp’s Park: A family amusement park with rides and attractions for children.
Roses
Roses is a historic town with beautiful beaches and a range of activities that appeal to families. The town’s welcoming atmosphere and variety of attractions make it a great family destination.
Family-friendly features:
- Roses Beach: A family-friendly beach with calm waters and ample facilities.
- Roses Citadel: A historical site where families can learn about the town’s rich history.
- Mini-golf and go-karting: Fun activities for children and adults alike.
Calella de Palafrugell
Calella de Palafrugell is a charming fishing village with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful scenery. It’s perfect for families seeking a quieter, more tranquil holiday.
Family-friendly features:
- Safe beaches: Small, sheltered beaches with calm waters ideal for young children.
- Coastal paths: Easy walking paths along the coast, offering stunning views and family-friendly strolls.
- Botanical Garden of Cap Roig: A lovely garden to explore with kids, featuring diverse plant species and beautiful landscapes.
Top towns for nightlife
The Costa Brava is not just about tranquil beaches and family-friendly spots; it also boasts towns with vibrant nightlife scenes perfect for those looking to enjoy evenings out. Here are some of the best towns in Costa Brava for lovers of nightlife:
Lloret de Mar
Lloret de Mar is famous for its bustling nightlife, with a wide array of bars, clubs, and beach parties. It attracts a young crowd looking to dance the night away.
Nightclubbing! Photo by geralt
Nightlife highlights:
- Disco Tropics: One of the most popular nightclubs, featuring international DJs and a lively dance floor.
- Disco Colossos: Known for its themed parties and energetic atmosphere.
- Beach bars: Numerous beachside bars offer a more relaxed way to enjoy the evening with cocktails and music.
Platja d’Aro
Platja d’Aro combines beautiful beaches with a vibrant nightlife scene. The town’s promenade is lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants that stay open late into the night.
Nightlife highlights:
- Paladium: A stylish nightclub with a great atmosphere and excellent music.
- Buddha Bar: A trendy bar offering cocktails and a chilled-out vibe.
- El Bandido Cocktail Bar: Known for its creative cocktails and lively music.
Blanes
Blanes is known for its beautiful beaches and gardens, but it also has a lively nightlife. The town offers a variety of venues from traditional Spanish bars to modern clubs.
Nightlife highlights:
- Discoteca Arena: A popular club with a large dance floor and regular DJ events.
- The Shack: A welcoming pub with a friendly atmosphere right next to the sea.
- Bar La Costa El Maquina: Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere with a variety of traditional Catalan tapas and drinks.
Tossa de Mar
While Tossa de Mar is more relaxed compared to Lloret de Mar, it still offers a good selection of bars and nightspots for a more laid-back nightlife experience.
Nightlife highlights:
- Can Carlus: A traditional bar with a great selection of local wines and tapas.
- Bar Josep: A popular spot for drinks and tapas.
- Tapas del Mar: Enjoy a quiet evening with great food and a beautiful sea view.
Roses
Roses offers a mix of vibrant nightlife and relaxing evening spots, making it a great destination for all tastes.
Nightlife highlights:
- Chic Roses: A popular nightclub with a lively dance floor and great music.
- Bar Si Us Plau: Known for its cocktails and beachfront location.
- Gozos Mundanos: A wine bar offering a more sophisticated night out with a fantastic selection of wines and tapas.
Top towns for culture and history
The Costa Brava is steeped in history and culture, with numerous towns offering a rich tapestry of historical sites and cultural experiences. Here are some of the best towns in Costa Brava for those interested in culture and history:
Girona
Girona is a cultural and historical gem with its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich Jewish heritage. The city offers a deep dive into Catalonia’s history.
Girona’s cathedral
Cultural and historical highlights:
- Girona Cathedral: Known for its impressive Gothic nave and stunning views.
- Jewish Quarter (El Call): One of Europe’s best-preserved Jewish quarters, with narrow streets and historic buildings.
- Arab Baths: A beautifully preserved Romanesque bathhouse dating back to the 12th century.
- Museum of Jewish History: Offers insights into the Jewish community’s historical significance in Girona.
Pals
Pals is a charming medieval village that has retained much of its historical character. It’s perfect for those who appreciate ancient architecture and quaint cobbled streets.
Cultural and historical highlights:
- Pals Tower: A medieval tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Gothic Quarter: Wander through narrow streets lined with stone houses and historic buildings.
- Sant Pere Church: An impressive Gothic church dating back to the 10th century.
Besalú
Besalú is known for its remarkably well-preserved medieval architecture, including a famous Romanesque bridge that spans the Fluvià River.
Cultural and historical highlights:
- Besalú Bridge: A stunning Romanesque bridge that serves as the town’s iconic landmark.
- Jewish Bath (Mikveh): A rare and well-preserved Jewish ritual bath from the medieval period.
- Sant Pere Monastery: A 10th-century monastery with beautiful Romanesque architecture.
Peratallada
Peratallada is a picturesque medieval village known for its castle and stone-paved streets. It offers a glimpse into the region’s past with its well-preserved buildings and fortifications.
Cultural and historical highlights:
- Peratallada Castle: A fortress dating back to the 11th century, surrounded by a moat.
- Medieval Streets: Wander through the narrow, stone-paved streets and admire the historic architecture.
- Sant Esteve Church: A Romanesque church with significant historical value.
Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Sant Feliu de Guíxols combines beautiful coastal scenery with a rich cultural heritage. The town’s historical sites and museums make it a great destination for culture enthusiasts.
Cultural and historical highlights:
- Monastery of Sant Feliu de Guíxols: A Benedictine monastery with a unique Porta Ferrada.
- Carmen Thyssen Space: An art museum featuring rotating exhibitions of contemporary and modern art.
- Historic Town Center: Explore the old town with its traditional Catalan architecture and charming squares.
Figueres
Figueres is famously known as the birthplace of Salvador Dalí and houses one of the most significant collections of his works. It’s a must-visit for art lovers.
Cultural and historical highlights:
- Dalí Theatre-Museum: A surreal museum dedicated to the works of Salvador Dalí, designed by the artist himself.
- Sant Ferran Castle: One of the largest bastions in Europe, offering guided tours and spectacular views.
- La Rambla: The main street of Figueres, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Top towns for scenic beauty
The Costa Brava is known for its breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and picturesque coastlines. Here are some of the most scenic towns in Costa Brava, perfect for those who appreciate natural beauty and stunning vistas:
Cadaqués
Cadaqués is often considered one of the most beautiful towns in the Costa Brava. Its whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and stunning seafront make it a must-visit destination.
Cadaqués. Photo by ELG21
Scenic highlights:
- Waterfront Promenade: Stroll along the seafront and enjoy the views of the Mediterranean.
- Salvador Dalí House-Museum: Visit the artist’s former home in nearby Portlligat, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
- Cap de Creus: Explore the rugged coastline and unique rock formations of this natural park.
Begur
Begur is a charming town with a mix of medieval history and scenic beauty. The town is perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.
Scenic highlights:
- Begur Castle: Climb to the top of the castle for stunning views of the town and the coast.
- Sa Tuna and Aiguablava: Two of the most picturesque coves in the area, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
- Historic Town Center: Wander through the charming streets and enjoy the traditional Catalan architecture.
Calella de Palafrugell
Calella de Palafrugell is a quaint fishing village known for its scenic beauty and relaxed atmosphere. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Costa Brava.
Scenic highlights:
- Coastal Paths: Walk along the scenic coastal paths that connect the various beaches and coves.
- Botanical Garden of Cap Roig: Explore the beautiful gardens with stunning views of the sea.
- Picturesque Beaches: Relax on the sandy beaches and swim in the clear waters.
Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar combines historical charm with scenic beauty, making it a favourite among visitors to the Costa Brava. The medieval castle and walls provide a stunning backdrop to the town’s beaches.
Scenic highlights:
- Tossa de Mar Castle: Explore the castle and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline.
- Vila Vella: Wander through the historic old town with its cobbled streets and ancient buildings.
- Platja Gran: Relax on the main beach with its crystal-clear waters and beautiful surroundings.
Tamariu
Tamariu is a small, charming village known for its beautiful beach and crystal-clear waters. It offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Scenic highlights:
- Tamariu Beach: Enjoy the pristine beach with its calm, clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
- Coastal walks: Take a walk along the coastal paths for breath-taking views of the rugged coastline.
- Picturesque village: Stroll through the village and enjoy the traditional whitewashed houses and charming atmosphere.
Pals
Pals is a medieval town that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. Its well-preserved buildings and picturesque streets make it a delightful place to explore.
Scenic highlights:
- Pals Tower: Climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the region.
- Rice fields: Explore the surrounding countryside and the lush rice fields that are unique to this area.
- Historic town centre: Wander through the narrow streets and admire the Gothic architecture.
