A Stay Well Spent: A Costa Brava Itinerary, First Edition

A Sense of Place: Costa Brava Overview & What to Expect

Costa Brava unfolds along Catalonia's northeastern coastline, forming the coastal edge of the province of Girona, where small seaside towns, pine-covered cliffs, and coves trace the Mediterranean. Known for its clear waters, rugged shoreline, and a network of historic coastal paths, it has long drawn those seeking to spend time close to the sea, while remaining connected to the varied inland landscape of villages, farmland, forests, and rolling hills. We're here to show you a day-long Costa Brava itinerary that draws on our local team's perspective and follows a route from morning to evening.

Starting the Day: Coffee shops & breakfast in Palafrugell

Your morning begins in Calella de Palafrugell, a former fishing village where whitewashed houses sit close to the water, where life is closely tied to the shoreline. The historic Port Bo waterfront remains at its heart, with small rocky coves unfolding along the coast. If you are starting in the town of Palafrugell, begin with a coffee at Nareta Café or Cafè Orient in the main square. If you are already by the coast, walk over to Can Palet, a local restaurant on Carrer Calau, where you can pick up one of their freshly made smoothies. Sit on the terrace overlooking the sea and watch the first swimmers and fishing boats drift across the bay, or opt for takeaway and continue along the promenade.

Nareta Café

Cuisine:  Coffee, brunch, and light breakfast

Address: Plaça Nova, 7, 17200 Palafrugell, Girona

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Cafè Orient

Cuisine:  Czech, European, coffeehouse dining

Address: Plaça Nova, 9, 17200 Palafrugell, Girona

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Can Palet

Cuisine:  Modern Mediterranean, Catalan, seasonal cooking

Address: Carrer Calau, 12, 17210 Calella, Girona

Picking up Energy: Walking the Camí de Ronda from Calella de Palafrugell to Tamariu

Once you are ready to move on, pick up the Camí de Ronda coastal path and follow it out of Calella de Palafrugell in the direction of Tamariu. The route is easy to follow, with clear signage guiding you along one of the most well-known stretches of coastline in the region. As you walk, the path moves between shaded pine forest and more exposed sections, where the views extend out across the Mediterranean. The terrain changes frequently, passing rocky coves and elevated viewpoints before reaching the Sant Sebastià lighthouse, positioned at one of the highest points along the route. Covering roughly nine kilometres, this section is best taken at a relaxed pace, with time to stop and take in the surroundings.

Lunch Along the Way: Where to Eat in Tamariu and Llafranc

On your way to the lighthouse or back, you will likely start to feel hungry. For those carrying a picnic, Cala Pedrosa offers a quiet place to stop just off the path, right by the water. If you prefer something more substantial, continue on to Tamariu, where a small number of seafront restaurants serve traditional Catalan dishes such as fresh fish, fideuà, and paella, often preceded by a vermut, a midday drink typically served with olives or crisps. Alternatively, if you are staying closer to Calella or choose to head slightly farther, Llafranc offers a wider range of waterfront restaurants, including Marmara and La Llagosta for seafood; Casamar for a more refined take on Catalan cuisine; and Far Nomo for Japanese dishes overlooking the bay.

Marmara

Cuisine:  Contemporary tapas, Mediterranean with Asian influence

Address: Carrer de Santa Rosa, 3, 17211 Llafranc

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La Llagosta

Cuisine:  Seafood, traditional Catalan, market-fresh cooking

Address: Carrer de Francesc de Blanes, 24, 17211 Llafranc, Girona

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Casamar

Cuisine:  Catalan, modern Mediterranean, creative fine dining

Address: Carrer del Nero, 3, 17211 Llafranc, Girona

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Far Nomo

Cuisine: Japanese, sushi, izakaya-style dining 

Address: Passeig de Pau Casals, 64, 17211 Llafranc, Girona

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Afternoon by the Sea: Best Beaches in the Area

After lunch, it is time to enjoy the beach. A few options along the route:

Platja del Port Bo (Calella de Palafrugell): central and easy to access, good for a swim

Port Pelegrí (Calella de Palafrugell): slightly quieter, just along the coast

El Golfet: more secluded, set beneath cliffs, a short walk from the centre

Cala Pedrosa: a small cove reached just off the coastal path

Platja de Tamariu: a sandy bay, ideal for swimming and spending the afternoon

Aigua Xelida: a smaller cove nearby, known for clear water and snorkelling

Swim, snorkel, or simply lie by the water for a while before continuing your day.

An Evening in Begur: Things to Do, Restaurants, and Old Town Walks

As evening falls, make your way to Begur, a hilltop town just inland from the coast, known for its stone houses, narrow streets, and views stretching out toward the sea. Spend some time walking through the historic centre, where small boutiques and family-run shops line the streets. For dinner, head to Es Mos, a long-standing local favourite with a traditional approach to Catalan cooking. Here, you can sit down with a glass of wine or a cold beer alongside a selection of cured meats and pa amb tomàquet, a regional staple of toasted bread rubbed with ripe tomato, olive oil, and salt. Afterwards, stop at Enxaneta in Begur or Cucurutxu in Sa Tuna for an ice cream before heading back, a final note to end the day.

Es Mos

Cuisine: Wines, Iberian cured meats, and local products

Address: Carrer de Bonaventura Carreras, 9, 17255 Begur, Girona

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Enxaneta

Cuisine: Artisanal gelato

Address: Carrer Pi i Ralló, 9, 17255 Begur, Girona

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Cucurutxu

Cuisine:  Gelato 

Address: Avinguda Garbi, 2, 17255 Sa Tuna, Girona

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Final Notes: How to Get Around Costa Brava and Plan Your Stay

Costa Brava is easiest to explore by car, giving you the most flexibility to move between towns, beaches, and walking routes. In July and August, traffic is heavier, and parking can be more limited, but it remains the most practical option overall. Trains from Barcelona reach nearby cities, though you will need to continue by bus or taxi to reach the coast. During peak season, buses run more frequently between the main towns, and in the Palafrugell area the seasonal Julivia bus connects Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc, Tamariu, and Palafrugell. For shorter distances or a different way of getting around, you can also rent a motorbike. This itinerary is just one way to spend a day in the area, with more itineraries to come across the Spanish Coast and the destinations within our collection. If you are planning a visit, our properties in Costa Brava offer a well-situated base, placing you within easy reach of the coastline, walking paths, and nearby towns.