The new year has started, and this also means the start of planning our ideal summer holiday. Maybe you’ve already chosen your destination, or still searching for the right place to go? To help you make the decision, we’ll show you how beautiful Spain is with this list of the 9 most beautiful towns on the Costa Brava. Why would you travel so far if you could be in a sunny country within 2 hours? Where these charming spots can melt your heart …
Charming towns on the Costa Brava
The Costa Brava consist of 25 villages or cities, all known for its own unique charm. Think of the rice fields in Pals, the botanical garden of Calella de Palafrugell or the beautiful beaches and coves around Roses. Costa Brava is loved because of its cute fishing villages, unique landscapes, crystalline waters, beautiful beaches, but also due to the many historical monuments and impressive natural parks. In addition, there is a Mediterranean climate, which means (almost) always sun! There is a reason why so many foreign tourists visit the Costa Brava every year. Discover below the 9 most beautiful towns of the Costa Brava.
Pals
We find Pals the most charming town of the Costa Brava. Pals was built on a hill around a fort at the time. The town still has its Medieval looks and because of that, a must see for many tourists. In addition, Pals has one of the largest beaches in the region that offers visitors a fantastic long sandy beach to relax on. The town offers gastronomic and cultural events, but also an impressive natural area with dunes, marshes and rice fields.
Calella de Palafrugell
If you are looking for a beach holiday in Spain, then Calella de Palafrugell could be perfect for you. This destination also belongs to one of the most beautiful towns of the Costa Brava due to its different small coves with the perfect sand. The coves are surrounded by authentic small fishing boats who are moored here all year. Typical of this village are the beach houses built on rocks. Tourists can enjoy a relaxing beach walk called: Camino de Ronda, or pay a visit to the botanical garden (Tip: visit it during sunset).
Peratallada
Peratallada is an ideal town to enjoy the historical Spanish culture. The town is located next to Pals. Peratallada still has its preserved Medieval architecture – as one of the few towns in Spain. The village was formerly built around a castle, and hence the village consists of narrow streets, gates and bridges, and has a very authentic character. The castle, with more than 1000 years of history, is now used as a hotel. Tourists love the small cosy restaurants in the centre, and the beautiful climbing roses that bloom in the summer months.
Cadaqués
Cadaqués, also called “the white town of Dalí”, is one of the most popular and most picturesque towns of the Costa Brava. Everything is white in Cadaqués: the houses, but also the large church “Eglésia de Santa Maria”. The town is mostly attractive for the painters because they inspire their work on the unique lighting and nature. In addition, Cadaqués is a fishing and wine village with an abundance of cosy terraces overlooking the bay: Cap de Creus. Popular among tourists are the beautiful hiking trails, the Dali Museum and the beautiful wine region: Ampurdan.
Tamariu
Like Calella de Palafrugell, Tamariu as well is one of the most beautiful towns of the Costa Brava due to its pretty and relaxing beaches. On the boulevard there are a number of restaurants with good quality food, for a low price. Besides the beautiful beaches and cosy restaurants, Tamariu does not have much to offer, which is why tourists visit Tamariu to escape the bustle on the Costa Brava. It is possible to cool off in the Mediterranean, or take a walk to other coastal towns such as Llafranc or Fornells. This walk will give you beautiful views over the Costa Brava coast.
L´Escala
L’Escala belongs to one of the most beautiful towns of the Costa Brava because of its excellent beaches and typical cultural and folkloristic activities. L’Escala used to be a fishing village, and that is still visible. The village is still a source of life, especially in the catching and processing of anchovies. Tourists visit the town for its wide beaches, wooded hills and protected nature reserves. They also love the cultural festivals in the village such as the sardana, a combination of music and dance that defines the Catalan identity.
Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar, also called “the blue paradise”, is a popular town among couples and families. It is called the blue paradise because of its azure blue bay with golden sandy beaches. The village got its name because of its historic core, Villa Vella, which is located on a hilltop. It is an ancient city that offers a magnificent view over the bay and the mountains of Selva de Cadiretes. A must is to spend an evening at the golden beach, which offers a beautiful view of the historic Villa Vella, which is illuminated in a magical light. Other activities in the village that are worthwhile are a boat trip along the coast or a ride in the tourist train.
Roses
Roses is originally a fishing town, which is located just over the border of France. It belongs to one of the most beautiful villages of the Costa Brava because of its visible past. A centre that is largely in its original state, the narrow streets and a fishing port. Roses offers many nice shops, an indoor market, cafes, several nightclubs and numerous pubs. There are many sporting activities possible in Roses, such as water skiing, diving, surfing or a game of beach volleyball on the beautiful sandy beach. Furthermore, it has a water park for the children and the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls is a must to visit. Discover all about this wonderful town in our full city guide of Roses!
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Empuriabrava
Empuriabrava is the “Venice of Spain”, and is definitely one of the most beautiful towns of the whole country. The city contains 25 kilometres of navigable canals, making it the largest marina in Europe. It is a paradise coastal town with beautiful beaches that are suitable for a relaxing beach holiday. Empuriabrava offers a variety of water sports activities, as well as activities such as golf, horseback riding or parachuting. In addition, the village has a number of cosy bars, shops and boutiques. A must is a day of sailing on a boat, sailing through the canals of Empuriabrava.
With this list of towns on the Costa Brava, it might be easier to choose your next summer holiday. Is it going to be Roses, Pals, Empuriabrava or maybe all of them? Why not! This coast has so many hidden gems …