Along the coast, there are towns and villages with names evocative of vacations, sun and beach. Old fishing ports for some, relatively recent seaside resorts for others, all invite you to take advantage of the mild Mediterranean climate while indulging in sporting or cultural activities, which are very rich in the region—a small anthology of the most beautiful destinations on the Costa Brava.
In the far north of the Costa Brava, in the Alt Empordà comarca and on the border with France, Portbou is one of the main access routes to Spain. This typical fishing port with quiet beaches, secluded creeks and calas offers diving enthusiasts to enjoy an ideal setting and excellent sailing or kayaking infrastructure.
About thirty kilometres further south, there is a charming isolated village that has long lived alone, facing the sea. Cadaques, in the past, was a den for pirates who were looking for a place to take refuge after the attack of ships at high altitudes. The problematic access and isolation have prevented the development of mass tourism in Cadaques, which has contributed to its fame. Also, the protective presence of Salvador Dali has always ensured that Cadaques retains its charm.
Considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world by Unesco, the Bay of Rosas stretches from the Cap de Creus natural park to the Montgri massif, in addition to 45 km of beaches and 15 km of creeks. The central point of the bay, the town of Rosas, naturally gave it its name. This seaside spot attracts many European residents looking for a coastal base.
Further down, about forty kilometres from the French border, Empuriabrava is the seaside resort area dedicated to leisure tourism. Known as one of the largest residential marinas in the world. with 5,000 berths, it is a popular dream destination for water sports and skydiving enthusiasts, as it has an internationally renowned centre.
Another point of interest in the Bay of Rosas: L'Escala, which sees its population multiplied by ten in the summer. Over the years, this small fishing village has grown into a popular seaside resort. It must be said that the town offers an ideal configuration with beautiful and extensive beaches and, on the other, an unspoiled wild coast with coves and its cliffs and marshes.
L’Estartit, in the municipality of Torroella de Montgri, is the favourite spot for European divers, who are particularly attracted by the ocean floors of the Medes Islands. Lovers of old stones will probably prefer Pals, a beautiful medieval village located on Mont Aspire and surrounded by swamps. Located 5 km from the seaside resort, the historic centre conceals treasures such as the viewpoint of Pedra, the highest point to enjoy a breathtaking view of the surroundings.
Tossa de Mar has not stolen its nickname of Pearl of the Costa Brava. This characterful seaside resort charms visitors with its long and wide golden sand beach leading to a medieval castle with superbly preserved fortresses. Behind the Castillo, a 300 m long perimeter wall adorned with towers that offer a superb view of the city, as well as of the sea, hides the old town of this famous seaside resort. The medieval houses, the ruins of the Gothic Saint Vincenç church or the cobbled streets demonstrate the richness of the local cultural and architectural heritage.
Lloret de Mar is another seaside resort renowned for both its beaches, coves and its historical heritage located in the southernmost part of the Costa Brava. The town is home to the superb Santa Clotilde gardens characterized by lush vegetation overlooking the sea and pines, lime trees, poplars and cypresses bordering the alleys. Perched on a cliff, between a Boadella beach and playa Fenals watchtower and mirador, these romantic Italian gardens have nothing to envy the famous botanical garden of Blanes.