Every year, around 7.5 million people visit the popular region of Costa Brava. With the warm summer climate, huge selection of beautiful beaches and spectacular white cliff coastal line, it is easy to see why so many people fall in love with Costa Brava.
Located in the north-eastern area of Spain, just south of the border with France, Costa Brava is a family-friendly destination with endless options for fun activities.
If you are looking for the perfect holiday destination, staying in a stunning Spanish villa in Costa Brava will allow you to enjoy everything you want for an idyllic getaway. Make memories exploring the local areas, where you will find a blend of culture, picturesque scenery and tranquillity.
Read on to discover why Costa Brava has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for relaxation, exciting activities or rich culture and fantastic cuisine, this guide reveals what you can expect from a holiday in Costa Brava.
Here’s more information about the geographical location, the best places to visit nearby and some of the top reasons to make Costa Brava your next holiday destination.
Geographical Location of Costa Brava
When you stay in a luxury Spanish villa in Costa Brava, you have adventures, cultural experiences and stunning beaches right on your doorstep. The name “Costa Brava” translates as “Rough Coast”, reflecting the dramatic, cliff-edged coastal line. It is the perfect place to explore fascinating caves, take hikes with panoramic views or simply relax on one of the many local beaches.
Costa Brava’s location along the Mediterranean Sea means Costa it is a hot destination in summer. Average temperatures are around 30 degrees Celsius through July and August. The area enjoys mild winters, so it is generally pleasant even outside the hotter summer months.
Costa Brava stretches 200 kilometres from the border of France, making it easy to drive from southern France. The closest major town to Costa Brava is Girona, famous for its historic medieval villages. The Catalonia capital, Barcelona, is 150 km southwest along the Mediterranean coast from Costa Brava.
Many people staying in Costa Brava take a day trip to Barcelona, which takes around 90 minutes by car. Another option is to combine a stay at Costa Brava with a few days in Barcelona, especially for those who have not visited the famous city before.
Why Visit Costa Brava?
While many tourists head to Costa Brava for the great coastline and beaches, there is a lot more that this beautiful destination has to offer. The spectacular natural scenery draws people back every year. While the cultural heritage appeals to those who prefer to avoid the more commercialised areas of Spain.
Below, we’ve compiled some of the most popular attractions in Costa Brava so you can make the most of your visit to this stunning area.
- Spectacular Beaches and Coves
If your idea of an amazing holiday involves visiting beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, Costa Brava has a huge range of beaches where you can spend a relaxing day. The cliff-lined coast has secluded coves and interesting caves to explore. Playa de Llafranc is one of the most popular sandy beaches in Llafranc. If you want to travel a bit further, Lloret de Mar has a breathtaking beach and small rocky bays. - Charming Villages and Towns
Costa Brava has a fascinating history, and there are ancient medieval castles and buildings with stunning architecture. Quaint villages and towns such as Tossa de Mar, with its Roman walls, provide an insight into the region’s history. Another must-visit town is Peratallada. Here, you can get a taste of the local culture and walk around the medieval quarter. If you fancy a day of experiencing the more traditional highlights of Costa Brava, the local villages located a short distance inland are worth a visit. - Dali’s Museum in Figueres
The renowned Spanish artist Salvador Dali hails from nearby Figueres, where you can visit the Dali Theatre Museum. Here, you will be able to view some of his most acclaimed works, an inspiring place for any art enthusiast. The collection includes the unique creations of Dali, who became a pioneer of the surrealist movement. See remarkable sculptures, paintings and installations that established his reputation as one of the best artists in the world. - Outdoor Activities and Nature
Costa Brava is regarded as one of the most stunning coastlines in Europe. Hiking enthusiasts are spoilt for choice, with many amazing trails to explore, including coastal pathways with breathtaking viewpoints. We always recommend a visit to the Cap de Creus National Park if you want to find the best hiking spots. A bit further away, the spectacular Catalan Pyrenees await the more adventurous hikers, with beautiful lakes and challenging climbs. The region is also home to wildlife such as wild boar and short-toed and booted eagles. - Gastronomy
No holiday is complete without tasting the best cuisine, and Costa Brava is not short of great restaurants. The area is famous for fresh seafood, while you’ll struggle to find a better location for authentic tapas. When in Costa Brava, we highly recommend sampling the ” suquet de peix”, a traditional Catalan fish stew. If you like to pair your dishes with outstanding wines, you can try reds and whites from the nearby Empordà wine region. Whether you want to try the best fine dining restaurants in Costa Brava or more casual eateries, there are plenty of great choices in the area. You can sample the 2-Michelin star awarded Restaurante Miramar (Llanca) or one of the many other top restaurants with sea views, such as Restaurante Es Dofi (Tamariu) or Restaurante Isabella’s (Llafranc). For casual dining in a family-friendly restaurant, we recommend the chain Restaurante El Raco, which serves pizzas, burgers and delicious savoury crepes and there are a few El Raco restaurants in Costa Brava to choose from.
How to Get to Costa Brava
Another benefit of holidaying in Costa Brava is the easy access by air. There are several airports within close proximity, including Girona-Costa Brava Airport, situated approximately 15 kilometres from Girona’s city centre. The Barcelona El Part Airport is also fairly close, which takes around 90 minutes by car. Both airports have bus routes operating to Costa Brava, while rental cars are a good option, especially if you want to be able to explore all the surrounding areas while staying at your Spanish villa.
Why Choose Costa Brava for Your Spanish Getaway?
As we’ve covered in this guide, Costa Brava ticks all the boxes for the ideal holiday destination. For a blend of fun days at the beach, exploring the picturesque landscape and culture, and enjoying excellent cuisine, choose Costa Brava. From exhilarating adventures to tranquil relaxation, this destination is unbeatable.
If you’re considering renting a property in Spain, choosing luxurious villas to elevate your stay in Costa Brava is second to none. When you stay at our villa rentals in Costa Brava, we know that you will be planning your next stay before you’ve even left this magical destination.
Book Your Spanish Villa Today to Make Everlasting Memories
With so many activities and exciting places to visit, Costa Brava is the ultimate choice for a fantastic holiday for families, couples and groups. Our Spanish villas provide a luxury, private getaway with a convenient base to explore the best attractions in Costa Brava.