Nestled in Spain’s north-eastern corner, the Costa Brava transcends its reputation for beautiful coastlines and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. Adventurers, culture enthusiasts, families, and leisure-seekers will find Costa Brava activities that perfectly cater to their interests.
Photo by Unexpected Catalonia
This guide unveils the wide array of experiences the area offers, from tranquil beach retreats to engaging cultural explorations. Embark on a journey that highlights the essence and diversity of the Costa Brava, ensuring every visitor discovers something memorable.
Culture
The Costa Brava, with its rich history and art, invites visitors to journey beyond its beaches into the heart of Catalonia. This region, where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean, has been a crossroads of civilisations for millennia, each leaving its mark in ancient ruins, medieval towns, and artistic legacies. Here, culture is experienced deeply, offering a dive into the traditions and innovations that shape this vibrant community.
The Dalí museum in Figueres. Photo by David Leigh.
Historical sites and museums
From the Greco-Roman ruins at Empúries to the Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, the Costa Brava is a living museum where history and modernity blend.
The Greco-Roman ruins at Empúries. Photo by Kai-Christian Bruhn.
Empúries allows you to step back in time to when Catalonia was settled by first the ancient Greeks and then the Romans. The Dalí Theatre-Museum offers a surreal journey through the artist’s mind, in a building as fantastical as his creations. Beyond these, castles, monasteries, and medieval towns like Pals and Peratallada stand as testaments to time, with their stone streets and Gothic churches.
Local festivals and art exhibitions
The region’s calendar is filled with festivals that celebrate its culinary heritage and patron saints. Events like the Calella de Palafrugell Habaneras Festival and art exhibitions in towns like Tossa de Mar or L’Escala showcase the contemporary creative scene against the backdrop of natural beauty.
Markets and Crafts
Visiting the markets, especially the weekly market in La Bisbal d’Empordà known for its ceramics, offers a glimpse into the craftsmanship of the region. These markets are sensory feasts, offering the freshest local produce, cheeses, meats, and seafood, embodying Catalan cuisine.
Relaxation
One of the beaches at Empúries in late June. Photo by David Leigh.
In the heart of its lively atmosphere and historical richness, you’ll also find a myriad of Costa Brava activities for relaxation. Whether it’s a serene day beside the Mediterranean, a revitalising spa visit, or a gentle exploration of its natural wonders, visitors find perfect ways to recharge.
Beaches
The Costa Brava, with its signature rugged beauty, is famed for its diverse beaches. From secluded spots like Cala Montgó and Aiguablava, offering pristine waters and dramatic landscapes, to family-friendly beaches such as Platja de Pals and Llafranc with their calm waves and convenient facilities, every beach promises a slice of paradise.
Wellness
Spas and wellness centres across the Costa Brava blend natural elements and the Mediterranean ethos into rejuvenating experiences. Treatments range from thermal baths in ancient settings to massages with local botanicals, all aimed at harmonising body and spirit.
Wine tasting
Visiting the vineyards unfolds the region’s esteemed winemaking heritage. Tastings immerse visitors in the flavours of the Costa Brava, complemented by local delicacies, offering a tranquil yet enriching experience.
Nature escapes
The area’s botanical gardens and natural trails, like the Marimurtra Garden and the paths of Cap de Creus, provide peaceful retreats into the region’s splendid natural landscapes, ideal for leisurely appreciation and introspection.
Gastronomy
The Costa Brava, a culinary treasure, delights with its rich Catalan cuisine, blending tradition with innovation for a unique taste journey. With ingredients sourced from both land and sea, the region’s gastronomy is a memorable adventure for food lovers.
Local markets and wine
Central to the Costa Brava’s culinary scene are its vibrant markets and esteemed vineyards. In local markets visitors can experience the region’s rich agricultural tradition, with stalls brimming with fresh produce, meats, and seafood. Vineyard tours, particularly in the Empordà wine region, offer a deep dive into the craft of winemaking, showcasing wines that beautifully complement local dishes.
Dining experiences
The Costa Brava’s dining options range from quaint seaside eateries to prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants. At El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, a world-renowned dining experience awaits, where innovative dishes showcase the pinnacle of contemporary Catalan cuisine. Meanwhile, coastal gems like Cadaqués and Roses are home to taverns and restaurants where the day’s catch is transformed into sumptuous dishes like suquet de peix (fish stew) and arròs negre (a seafood dish in which rice is stained black by squid ink). For a taste of local life, the fish auction in Palamós offers a unique insight into the maritime culture, with restaurants nearby serving the freshest seafood straight from the Mediterranean.
Food festivals
The gastronomic calendar in the Costa Brava is dotted with festivals that celebrate the region’s diverse flavours. The Festa del Vi i de la Gastronomia in Palafrugell is a highlight, offering tastings of local wines and culinary specialties. Food festivals showcase the best of local produce, from the sea to the orchard, inviting visitors to indulge in the tastes that define the Costa Brava.
Cooking classes
For those keen to delve deeper into the Costa Brava’s culinary traditions, cooking classes are available across the region. These hands-on experiences, often led by local chefs, provide an intimate understanding of Catalan cooking techniques and ingredients. Participants can learn to make classics such as paella, tapas, and crema catalana, taking home not just recipes but also stories behind the dishes.
Family-friendly activities
The Costa Brava’s vibrant landscapes and deep cultural roots make it a haven for families in search of both adventure and relaxation. This Costa Brava’s activities are not only fun but also provide learning experiences, ensuring every family trip is filled with unforgettable moments.
Adventure parks
Families venturing into the Costa Brava can find excitement and challenges in its numerous adventure parks. Places like Arbre Aventura Park and Parc Aventura offer thrilling treetop courses suitable for all ages, where families can navigate through obstacles high above the ground. Swing through the forest canopy, conquer rope courses, and zip-line across breath-taking landscapes, while creating unforgettable memories of shared triumphs and laughter amidst the natural beauty of the region.
Underwater exploration
Discover the mesmerizing marine life of the Mediterranean aboard the Aquarium II glass-bottom boat. Glide over vibrant coral reefs, observe exotic fish darting through crystal-clear waters, and marvel at the beauty of underwater landscapes—all without getting wet. This immersive experience provides a unique educational opportunity for families to learn about marine ecosystems and conservation efforts while enjoying a thrilling adventure together.
Water parks
Cool off from the summer heat at one of the Costa Brava’s water parks, such as Water World in Lloret de Mar. Splash down exhilarating slides, drift along lazy rivers, and enjoy family-friendly attractions and entertainment for a day of aquatic fun and laughter.
Beach activities
Families and groups can enjoy the laughter and screams of joy that come from bouncing over waves on an inflatable banana boat, a fun and accessible activity for all ages. For a more leisurely experience, pedal across tranquil waters on a pedalo rental, soaking in the scenic views of the coastline.
Adventure seekers
Welcome to the adventure playground of the Costa Brava, where adrenaline meets natural beauty in a symphony of exhilarating experiences. This diverse region offers a plethora of thrilling activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.
Water-sports
The Costa Brava boats a plethora of water-based activities designed to thrill and delight. Simply don mask, fins, and a snorkel to explore the underwater world. Kayaking excursions invite adventurers to explore the coast’s hidden gems, from secluded bays to dramatic sea caves. For those seeking speed, jet skis offer a rush like no other, skimming across the water’s surface with exhilarating velocity.
Scuba diving
The area around Estartit, especially the Medes Islands, is celebrated for its exceptional diving conditions. These islands have become a sanctuary, where the underwater world thrives, protected and untouched and giant groupers approach divers with curiosity.
The commitment to preservation is evident in the flourishing coral and bustling aquatic life, making every dive an exploration of a living, breathing ecosystem. The Costa Brava has a number of wrecks and that serve as artificial reefs and underwater museums.
Wind and kite surfing
At the heart of the Costa Brava’s adventure sports scene is the long, sandy stretch near Sant Pere Pescador, a beacon for wind and kite surfers worldwide. This area in the Golf of Roses transforms into a vibrant community of surfers each summer, drawn by the consistent winds and expansive, open waters.
The beach’s designation for wind sports ensures a safe and exhilarating experience for enthusiasts of all levels. This section of coast is dotted with schools offering comprehensive courses, ensuring that even beginners can catch the wind under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Sailing
To sail the Costa Brava is to navigate the essence of Catalonia’s coast, discovering secluded coves and basking in the Mediterranean sun. The tradition of sailing here is deep-rooted, with marinas like Llançà, Roses, and Estartit serving as gateways to the sea.
Chartering a boat offers a unique perspective of the Costa Brava, from its secluded beaches to the dramatic cliffs that define its shoreline. Here you’ll find options for bareboat or skippered charters, allowing every visitor to tailor their sailing experience to their comfort and skill level.
Skydiving
Skydive Empuriabrava, located in the heart of the Costa Brava, is Europe’s largest skydiving centre and a premier destination for adrenaline enthusiasts. Offering tandem jumps, accelerated freefall courses, and experienced skydiver services, Skydive Empuriabrava provides a safe and exhilarating experience for jumpers of all levels.
Hiking and climbing
Discover hidden treasures along the Costa Brava’s coastal paths and mountain trails, where each step offers breath-taking views and unforgettable encounters with nature. Whether you’re scaling cliffs or trekking along coastal paths, the region’s diverse landscapes promise unforgettable adventures.
Cycling and mountain biking
Pedal your way through the Costa Brava’s scenic countryside and charming villages, following a network of cycling routes that cater to all levels of experience. Whether you prefer leisurely rides along coastal paths or challenging mountain trails, there’s a cycling adventure waiting for you.
Seasonal highlights
The Costa Brava’s calendar is rich with events and activities that reflect the changing seasons, offering visitors unique experiences year-round. From cultural festivals and culinary delights to outdoor activities and natural wonders, each season brings its own unique highlights to discover in this vibrant and enchanting corner of Spain.
Roman soldiers at Llagostera’s Mercat Romà. Photo by David Leigh
Spring splendour
As winter fades away and the landscape bursts into bloom, spring in the Costa Brava is a time of renewal and celebration. From to lively Easter processions to colourful flower festivals, this season invites visitors to embrace the spirit of rejuvenation and new beginnings.
Summer sunshine
With its sun-drenched beaches, warm Mediterranean waters, and vibrant seaside towns, summer in the Costa Brava is a paradise for sun seekers and water lovers. From lively beach parties to tranquil sunset cruises, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the summer vibes and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of the coast. Adventure enthusiasts can also take advantage of the long days to indulge in water sports, hiking, and outdoor activities.
Autumn harvest
As the temperatures begin to cool and the leaves turn golden, autumn in the Costa Brava is a time of abundance and harvest celebrations. From grape harvesting in the vineyards to mushroom foraging in the forests, this season offers a feast for the senses with its rich culinary traditions and seasonal delicacies. Visitors can also immerse themselves in local culture and history with visits to medieval festivals, art exhibitions, and traditional markets.
Winter wonder
While the Costa Brava may not experience snowfall very often, winter in the region is still a magical time filled with festive cheer and cosy traditions. From Christmas markets and holiday concerts to local wines and hearty Catalan dishes, there’s plenty to enjoy during the winter months. You can also take advantage of the quieter season to explore the region’s natural beauty.
Which Costa Brava activities are waiting for you?
The Costa Brava is a land of contrasts, where the rush of adventure and the whisper of history coalesce into an unforgettable experience. With a wealth of activities that cater to every interest, this guide only scratches the surface of what awaits. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to its welcoming shores, the Costa Brava invites you to explore, discover, and fall in love with its many treasures.
