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Whether you go come for a weekend getaway, or spend your full summer vacation, here are 10 plans to make the most of the summer on the Costa Brava. Beyond the postcards of turquoise coves and seaside villages, the Costa Brava hides experiences for all tastes: adventures among cliffs, gastronomic routes, cultural escapes and natural corners that seem out of a fairy tale.
1. Discover hidden coves and peaceful beaches
The Costa Brava is famous for its beaches, but also because it preserves small coves where one can escape from the crowds. Places like Cala Estreta, Cala Tavallera or Cala Pedrosa offer a much more relaxed atmosphere than the more popular and crowded sandy areas. Getting there often requires a small walk, but the reward is worth it: crystal clear waters, pure nature and a tranquillity that is increasingly difficult to find during the summer months.
2. Boat rides and maritime tours
Enjoying the Costa Brava from the sea is an experience that must be lived, at least, once in a lifetime. During the summer months, kayaking excursions, paddle surfing and small boats proliferate, allowing you to discover coves and hidden caves to discover from the sea. The areas of Begur, Tamariu or the Bay of Roses are especially popular for these types of activities. If you want to become the captain of your own adventure, you can rent a boat without a license.
3. Take a gastronomic tour through the coastal towns
The Costa Brava is also a first-rate gastronomic destination. Beyond Michelin-starred restaurants - of which there are quite a few -, it's worth touring markets, taverns, and small local producers. Three must-tries: the anchovies from l'Escala, the artisan cheeses from l'Empordà, and the prawns from Palamós.
4. Visit charming medieval villages
When the sun is beating down, getting lost in the cobblestone streets of some of the most emblematic medieval towns of the Costa Brava is always a good idea. Pals, Peratallada or Begur offer a journey to the past among walls, defense towers and lively squares. In addition to the architectural interest, these towns host artisan shops, galleries and a gastronomic offer that invites you to extend your visit. They are ideal places to combine culture, history and a good post-meal conversation.
5. Sign up for an adventure activity
If you can't imagine summer without a dose of adrenaline, Costa Brava also has much to offer. If you want to discover spectacular marine bottoms, go for snorkeling or diving. But if you're more of a mountain person, you will also find ferrata routes, guided climbing routes and cliff excursions. If you prefer an activity for the whole family, many inland towns have adventure parks and zip line circuits, as well as all kinds of theme parks.
6. Explore the great natural spaces
Nature is one of the main protagonists of the Costa Brava. Two must-visit spots that will take your breath away: The Cap de Creus Natural Park, which offers landscapes almost lunar-like sculpted by the Tramuntana wind, and the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, a paradise for bird watching. Want more? Grab a notebook and note down a visit to the Medes Islands, the Gavarres massif or the Albera range.
7. A bike ride by the sea
The greenways and coastal paths have turned the Costa Brava into an ideal destination for cycle tourism enthusiasts. One of the most popular options is the Via Verda del Carrilet, which connects Girona with Sant Feliu de Guíxols through old railway tracks, fields, forests and charming villages. A great option is also the Ruta del Tren Petit, between Palamós and Palafrugell, perfect for families thanks to its flat and accessible route. If you're looking for a more challenging experience, note down the paths that cross the Montgrí Natural Park, the Gavarres or the surroundings of Begur. A sustainable, active and very photogenic alternative to discover a Costa Brava that goes far beyond the beach towel and the umbrella.
8. Treat yourself to a cultural afternoon
There's life beyond the beach. Indeed, the museums of the Costa Brava are a good refuge from the heat and the weather's inclemency: In Palamós, the Fishing Museum will allow you to get a close look at the seafaring tradition of the area and understand how one of the most important economic activities of the Catalan coast has evolved. In Figueres, the Dalí Theatre-Museum remains a must-see to delve into the surrealistic universe of the most international artist from Empordà. If you are a history enthusiast, you can visit places like the Begur castle, the monument complex of Sant Pere de Rodes or the ruins of Empuries. If you prefer contemporary art, head to Can Mario, in Palafrugell.
9. Enjoy summer festivals and events
When the good weather arrives, the cultural agenda of the Costa Brava is filled with plans. Some of the most anticipated events of the season are the summer music festivals like the Cap Roig Festival, in Calella de Palafrugell, which combines big names from national and international music with a privileged stage; the Peralada Castle Festival, a must for lovers of classical music, opera and dance; and the Sons del Món, which brings concerts to emblematic spaces of the Alt Empordà, paired with wines from the DO Empordà. To these are added more festivals, havaneras singing and local festivites that fill squares and promenades with life all summer long.
10. Look for moments of relaxation and well-being
On the Costa Brava there is also room to slow down. Complement your stay in one of our rural houses with yoga sessions, meditation and wellness treatments surrounded by nature. Now add a walk along the Ronda trails or a peaceful swim in a secluded cove. Simple experiences that remind us that, sometimes, the best summer plan can also be simply to stop and enjoy the scenery.
The Costa Brava is one of the most attractive destinations in Catalonia because it combines sea, culture, gastronomy, and nature within a few kilometers. This summer, beyond sunbathing, there are many ways to discover it from a different perspective. Are you in?
