Costa Brava (in Spanish, wild coast) is located in the northeastern part of the coast of Spain - the autonomous region of Catalonia, province of Girona. Among all the diversity of the Mediterranean coast, the Costa Brava combines tourism and active recreation areas with magnificent beach resorts.
Costa Brava on the map
The region is famous for its sandy beaches, stretching 214 km from the border with France to the famous resort of Blanes.
Since the most ancient times, the inhabitants of Greece and Rome have chosen these steep and inaccessible rocky shores, with fir, pine and pine trees overgrown on them, bays with snow-white (golden) sand and pebbles, as well as picturesque bays washed by azure sea waves.
Costa Brava was the first Spanish resort to welcome tourists from Russia. Russians have chosen this region, which was facilitated by lower prices for tour packages than other destinations in Spain.
How to get to Costa Brava
For a trip to the Costa Brava, one of the three international airports in Catalonia is most convenient: Reus (8 km from the city of Tarragona), Costa Brava (12 km from Girona) and El Prat (10 km southwest from the center of Barcelona). The most popular is Barcelona airport - you can fly from Moscow in 4 hours.
Then there are various ways to get to the coast: by bus, by train (the railway track is 65 km long and allows you to get only to Blanes, then by road), or you can immediately take a rental car or hire a taxi in Barcelona.
Climate and weather of the Costa Brava
Costa Brava is the coast of Spain, with the coolest climate, distinguished by its special mildness all year round. From June to October the beach season lasts with an average summer temperature of +25...+28°C; in the winter months the temperature drops to +10°C. Not all tourists know that the Costa Brava is a resort ready to receive tourists all year round, and in addition to summer holidays on the coast, in winter you can visit the ski slopes in the Girona Pyrenees.
Beaches of the Costa Brava
The environmental friendliness and service of beach holidays is ensured by strict control by local authorities. Most beaches are marked with the Blue Flag of the European Union (an award for environmental friendliness and cleanliness). For a high level of professionalism in the organization of tourism, the beaches of Fanals and Lloret de Mar received the insignia of the Q Institute I C T E. The beaches of Calonge and Rosasa have environmental protection labels.
Resorts and activities of the Costa Brava
A large number of small resort towns on the Costa Brava attract large numbers of tourists year after year. The most famous are Blanes, Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar.
Lloret de Mar has earned its reputation as the tourist capital of the Costa Brava. There are only two beaches in the city: Lloret and Fenals Beach, but there is a water park called Water World, which is also called the “city of entertainment” due to the huge number of attractions. Tourists with children will be interested in visiting the Aqualeon mini-zoo and Marineland water park. Fans of a noisy and fun holiday will find numerous discos, night clubs and bars. Lovers of antiquity will not be left out either. The Verdakyer Cultural Center is famous for the relics of the Iberian region from 250 BC. e. Connoisseurs of active recreation can enjoy horseback riding, play golf or tennis, or get acquainted with the beauty of the underwater world by diving or snorkeling.
Tossa de Mar is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful places on the Costa Brava. Unlike Lloret de Mar, this is a more “family” and calm resort. Its decoration is the very ancient fortress of Villa Vella (in the Old Settlement lane), built in the 12th century high on the rocky shore for protection against pirates. Fans of historical excursions will be interested in: a lighthouse with a museum, several ancient churches, the ruins of an ancient Roman villa, and a historical museum is also located on the shore. The sandy beaches of the resort abut rocky shores, and sheer sea cliffs form narrow straits, beautiful bays and deep grottoes. You can admire the underwater beauty from a slowly sailing boat with a transparent bottom, and those who like active recreation can rent diving equipment or go snorkeling.
Blanes
The southernmost resort of the Costa Brava Blanes is a favorite holiday destination for tourists with children, because it is home to a water amusement park and the Marineland water park. In addition to the usual slides, in the water park you can see a zoo with sea animals and a dolphinarium. Interesting to view are the ruins of the ancient castle of San Juan, built in the 10th century, and the Church of Santa Maria in the 14th century. The largest seafood market of the Costa Brava takes place in Blanes every week, and nature lovers will be amazed by the most beautiful botanical garden in Europe.
In the north of the Costa Brava is the cozy resort of Playa de Aro. It has everything you need for a good and unforgettable holiday: magnificent beaches, a lot of excellent hotels and a huge number of restaurants.
The resort of Palamos is also worth mentioning. For many decades it was just a small coastal village, whose inhabitants fished and traded in the bark of cork trees. It received the status of a resort town only in the mid-50s of the last century, during the rapid development of tourism infrastructure.
Each town of the Costa Brava celebrates the annual feast of its patron saint - fiesta mayor. During this time of craft fairs and concerts, there are fireworks displays and attractions for children. The duration of the holiday is several days, and it ends with a parade of sparklers. In Tossa de Mar, fiesta mayo takes place from June 28 to July 1, in Blanes from July 24 to July 28, and in Lloret de Mar from August 24 to August 30.
Nine ways to make your holiday on the Costa Brava unforgettable
- Arrange a car ride along the coast in a rented car.
- Diversify your trip by traveling to France or visiting neighboring Andorra for one day.
- Fans of active recreation can get to Roses Bay and get kitesurfing lessons.
- Without missing a single evening, enjoy seafood dishes in numerous local restaurants.
- Visit the Botanical Garden in Blanes using a cute train as a means of transportation.
- Be sure to visit the breathtaking Barcelona.
- Dance all night in one of the many nightclubs of the “capital” Lloret de Mar.
- Use all your patience and endurance and climb Mount Montserrat.
- Experience the beauty of the underwater world by scuba diving in Tossa de Mar.
Popular holiday activities on the Costa Brava
Active tourists will also find something to do in Costa Brava: the resort has several water parks, there are golf courses, for fans of water sports on the coast there are more than 30 windsurfing and scuba diving centers, kayaking, canoeing and rafting along mountain rivers. Excursions on bicycles, horseback riding or walking will help diversify your holiday.
Spain is a country that is lucky both with its climate and with the presence of the sea. In fact, except for the west of the extreme northeast, all its borders pass through water areas. This is the Bay of Biscay of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. To understand their many coasts, the Spaniards came up with names for them. Verde, a green coast, stretches along the Bay of Biscay. But tourists who dream of warming up their bones by swimming in calm and warm water are more attracted to the beaches of the Mediterranean. There are many coastlines from the Pyrenees to the Strait of Gibraltar. In the south of Spain, Blanca and Azahar (White and Sugar Coasts) are famous. But Catalan resorts are considered more budget-friendly. They are called Maresme, Costa Brava and Costa Dorada. We will try to compare them with each other in this article. Many tourists do not know which of the three Catalan coasts to choose. And others think that it doesn’t matter - after all, everywhere in Spain is good. Meanwhile, these coasts are very different.
Spain: on the map
In the south of the Pyrenees, near the Mediterranean Sea, is a large autonomous province - Catalonia. Perhaps it will soon become an independent republic, who knows? But now we are interested in the coasts of Catalonia. There are only three of them. In the middle, around the capital of the region, the beautiful city of Barcelona, lies the Sea Coast (Maresme). To the north of Barcelona it stretches to the resort of Blanes. By the way, there is also a railway along the coast to this city. Further north, rocks begin - the spurs of the Pyrenees. Therefore, only buses run along the Brave Coast or, as it is otherwise called, Brave Rocks, namely between resorts. Maresme also extends south of Barcelona. The coast ends at the village of Kunit. To the south of it, to the very border of Catalonia with Valencia, stretches Dorada. The name translates as Gold Coast. In the Costa Brava, the main city is Girona, and the most popular resort is Blanes. The capital of the Gold Coast is Tarragona. And the main resort is Salou.
Costa Brava or Costa Dorada - which is better?
Let's say right away: there is no clear answer to this question. After all, many people interpret rest in different ways. Give some spacious sandy beaches, others - rocks and secluded coves. Some people love peace and tranquility, while others love the fun and excitement of youth resorts. You shouldn’t tip the scales in the dilemma “Costa Brava or Costa Dorada: which is better?” and climate indicators. This is especially true if you are going to Catalonia at the beginning or end of the tourist season. A good holiday is unthinkable without a rich excursion program. Where are there more attractions - the Brave Coast or Dorada? If you are going on vacation with children, you are interested in the safety of their bathing. And finally, the question of the price of all the pleasure also remains important. Therefore, we will compare both coasts according to different parameters. And it’s up to you to decide where to go.
Nature
For lovers of beauty, there is no question of which is better - Costa Brava or Costa Dorada. Of course, the wild and rocky Coast of the Brave completely dwarfs its southern rival in its stunning scenery. The terrain of the Costa Brava is predominantly hilly. Rocks and cliffs fall into the sea. They are covered with beautiful pine forests. The relief of the Costa Dorada is flat. It is drier here and there is less greenery. On the other hand, for those who like to wander for kilometers along the edge of the sea, the Gold Coast is more suitable. In the Costa Brava you will have to climb up and then descend into the “cala” - the bay. But the landscapes on this coast are just begging to be painted on an artist’s canvas. Towers (or their ruins) rise on the tops of coastal cliffs. And this adds additional charm to the beauty of nature.
Climate
If you want to go to a resort where it is guaranteed to be hot and your entire vacation will be without precipitation, look at the map of Catalonia. So which is better - the Costa Brava or the Costa Dorada? The very geographical location of the first coast suggests that the climate there is cooler. It will appeal to those who cannot stand the heat well. Even in the summer months there is a fresh breeze. The deep sea warms up only in June. And the season ends at the end of September. Costa Dorada puts its northern competitor in the belt when it comes to climate. This is the warmest coast of Catalonia. The mountains are barely visible in the distance, but reliably protect the resorts of the Costa Dorada from cold winds. You can fully sunbathe and swim here from the end of March to the beginning of November. But in the summer months it is very hot there. The feeling of heat is enhanced by the complete absence of wind. Small children and people suffering from cardiovascular diseases will find it uncomfortable here in the summer.
Beaches
The Costa Dorada is called the Gold Coast because mica is found in its sand. You shake your foot along the bottom, and sparkles rise into the water. Just like golden scales! When it comes to beach holidays, it is also difficult to please everyone, and it is impossible to say unequivocally which is better - Costa Brava or Costa Dorada. You definitely can't jump into the water from the cliffs on the Gold Coast. Diving there is not very interesting. In a sea without waves, surfing becomes meaningless. For all this you need to go to the Costa Brava. But on the Gold Coast there is a smooth entry into the sea. No rocks, cliffs or other troubles. The sand is fine, golden, as if created by nature specifically for sculpting castles. Costa Dorada is an ideal place for a holiday with children. And poor swimmers will like it more there too. The Costa Brava requires courage. The sea there is often rough. On the other hand, you can always find a bay that is turned so that it will be completely calm when there is a storm on other beaches. The sand on the Costa Brava is coarse, actually ground pebbles. You won't be able to mold something out of it. But this sand does not stick to the body.
Excursions and entertainment
Whether you go to the Costa Brava or the Costa Dorada, your holiday will be very eventful. There are plenty of interesting places on both coasts. But going to Catalonia and not visiting Barcelona is an unforgivable mistake. But the best way to get to the capital is from the Costa Brava. Especially if you live near Blanes, in resorts such as Lloret del Mar or Tossa. Buses run very frequently to Blanes, and from there the train will take you to Barcelona in less than an hour (and 6.15 euros). Getting from the Costa Dorada to the capital will be, if not more difficult, then definitely longer and more expensive. The one-way journey takes two hours. But vacationers on the Costa Dorda have the beautiful and ancient city of Tarragona nearby. And for entertainment - the famous Aventur amusement park near Salou.
Prices
There is an opinion that the main thing that distinguishes the Costa Brava from the Costa Dorada is the budgetary nature of the holiday. But it is not so. There is simply a very large selection of hotels on the Costa Brava. This coast is perceived by tourists from Western Europe as a continuation, and therefore there are many five-star hotels and luxury villas that are for rent. At the same time, there are also quite a few budget hotels and even hostels here. You can rent inexpensive housing in the private sector or stay at a campsite. Prices for other services depend on the “promotion” of the resort. But to an even greater extent it depends on whether it is a high season or a low one. If you choose to visit Catalonia at the end of September or the beginning of October, then you will pay less for the same services on the Costa Brava than on the Gold Coast. Holidaymakers actually have another advantage: they can travel cheaply to Andorra, where duty-free shopping provides the opportunity for successful shopping.
conclusions
Of course, you decide for yourself where it is better - on the Costa Brava or Costa Dorada. We can only summarize all of the above. Costa Brava is more suitable for young people. There is a mountainous terrain, often choppy seas, and a cooler climate. But there is a lot of entertainment, and the city of Lloret del Mar is called a youth resort. Costa Dorada is more suitable for older people or vacationers with children. The gentle sea has a gently sloping bottom, and you can sculpt Easter cakes and castles from the sand. The terrain here is flat and you won’t have the opportunity to go down and up the steps to the beach. But young people may find it a bit boring here. Apart from Park Aventur, there is no special entertainment in Salou.
Costa Brava means “coast of the brave” in Spanish. This coastline is rugged with rocky cliffs and shallow bays. There are many ancient picturesque fortresses and cities here; It's home to some of the best nightlife and Michelin-starred restaurants. Costa Brava gave the world the great Salvador Dali.
Costa Brava is the northernmost coast of Spain on the Mediterranean Sea. The beaches of the Costa Brava stretch from the city of Blanes, 60 km from Barcelona, to the border with France. Costa Brava is a year-round resort, which not all tourists know about. In winter, ski resorts that meet all European standards open in the Girona Pyrenees. And in the summer, the beaches and towns of the Costa Brava are filled with tourists from all over the world.
How to get from Barcelona to Costa Brava?
The easiest way to get to the Costa Brava from Russia is by regular or charter flights, most of which arrive in Barcelona, and very few in the capital of the Costa Brava, Girona. There are several ways to get from Barcelona to any city on the Costa Brava.
- By bus that runs from Barcelona El Prat de Llobregat Airport to any city on the Costa Brava (you can find out detailed information about the schedule and fare, as well as book a ticket online)
- By Renfe train from Barcelona-Sants train station from the center of Barcelona. To do this, you first need to get from the airport to Barcelona by Aeroexpress or electric train (for more information about trains, schedules and fares, see)
- By intercity bus from Barcelona's Northern Bus Station (Estacio de Nord), which can be reached with a transfer from the airport by train and metro. (for more information about bus schedules on the Costa Brava and ticket prices, see)
Barcelona North Bus Station Transport and food on the Costa Brava
- The most inexpensive and popular form of transport on the Costa Brava is intercity buses, which connect all the cities and villages of the coast. There are several small private companies, as well as the large carrier Safra (see the official website and Safra bus schedule)
- Intra-urban transport in the cities of the Costa Brava is poorly developed, as they are very small in size. If you wish, you can rent a bicycle or a car for independent travel along the coast.
- Meals on the Costa Brava depend on your financial capabilities and the chosen accommodation option. The cheapest way is to cook yourself if you rent an apartment or apartment. If you book a hotel, breakfast and sometimes dinner are included in the price.
- If you prefer to eat in cafes and restaurants, then the cheapest option is fast food (from 12 euros per person), followed by small local restaurants and cafes (from 18-20 euros per person, but here you can save on portions that reach gigantic size, and take one dish for two)
- the most expensive option is classic restaurants from small democratic establishments (30-40 euros per person) to Michelin star holders
Main resorts of the Costa Brava
Blanes
Blanes- the southernmost and most ancient city of the Costa Brava. Main attractions of Blanes:
- Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Santa Maria de Blanes), built in the 12th century
- The medieval castle of Sant Joan (Castel de Sant Joan) on the top of the mountain above Blanes; from here you have a magnificent view of the entire coastline, and in clear weather you can even see the outline of Barcelona on the horizon
- Botanical Garden Marimurtra (Jardi Botanic Marimurtra), where, in addition to rare species of endangered plants, you can enjoy walks through a magnificent park and recreation areas in the shade of coniferous trees
- The Sa Palomera cliff is the calling card of Blanes and the “gateway” of the Costa Brava, as it is what separates the Costa Brava from the Barcelona suburb of Costa del Maresme. Stone steps lead to the top of the cliff; in clear weather, some daredevils jump from the top of the cliff into the sea. For more relaxed holidaymakers, boats are available for rent for boat trips in the cliff area
- The Pinya de Rosa Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanico Pinya de Rosa) is the largest cactus garden in the world, which, according to experts, contains the most complete collection of plants of this species from all over the world. Particularly impressive are the gigantic flowering cacti and the unique aroma of their flowers.
Lloret da Mar
Lloret de Mar– this is the youngest resort on the entire coast. The city is contraindicated for families with children and quiet pensioners, since the noise of parties here does not stop for a minute, and cheerful students from all over Europe seem to have occupied every corner of the city.
The medieval castle on the cliff above the town is a knock-off from the 1940s. There are no significant historical buildings preserved in Lloret de Mar. Everything included in the program of historical excursions in Lloret de Mar was recreated or rebuilt in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
It is definitely worth visiting the Church of St. Roman (Iglesia de Sant Romà), the design and interior decoration of which was carried out by one of Antoni Gaudi's students
The figure of a woman on the observation deck of the embankment is a monument to a fisherman (Monumento Mujer Marinera). The left foot of the monument is polished to a shine, because according to local legend, if you make a wish, touch the left foot of the monument and look beyond the horizon, your wish will certainly come true.
The best discos in Lloret de Mar
- Aztek (Aztec)– scenery in the spirit of ancient Aztec settlements, corresponding to the show of local dancers; R&B, house and techno styles, official website www.aztekdisco.com
- Zoo the Club&Terrace— several zones, styles: Latin, house, techno, retro, website www.zootheclub.com
- Colossos– laser show, guest DJs, themed parties, various musical styles, chill-out area and swimming pool. Website www.discocolossos.com
- Hollywood– house and disco predominate, entry is often free for girls, there is face control and a dress code for some themed parties; website www.discohollywood.es
- Londoner– house, R&B, breakdancing and hip-hop; good bar and themed parties; website www.discolondoner.com
Robin Hood - only Latin (salsa, bachata, pachanga), ballroom dancing and professional shows; karaoke on weekends - St.Trop´Disco— a huge hall for 2000 people, modern equipment and special effects; DJs of local and European level, different styles, calm music prevails; website www.sttrop.com
- Tropics– famous DJs, go-go dancers, special effects, theme parties, different trends; website www.discotropics.com
- Xtra– 2 dance floors for 800 people, 3 bars, private private parties; genres: Latin, R&B, house, reggaeton, electro
Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar– the most beautiful and cozy town on the entire coast. Everything here is permeated with medieval tranquility and the measured rhythm of life of the townspeople. Tossa is ideal for a secluded romantic vacation, as well as a calm, contemplative holiday for those who are tired of the bustle of the city and life in the metropolis.
In the old town of Tossa, centered around the Villa Vella Castle (12th century), time seems to have stood still in the Middle Ages. Here you can spend hours wandering through the old narrow streets, looking at the facades of ancient houses, small taverns and bronze statues that suddenly appear from the darkness of the back streets.
In addition to numerous medieval buildings, Tossa has the beautifully preserved Roman villa of Els Ametllers, which will greatly appeal to lovers of Roman-era monuments. Modern buildings - villas and hotels - are in amazing harmony with the ancient architecture of Tossa, merging into one delightful view.
The promenade is full of small restaurants, where in the summer months it is fashionable to see real live flamenco, incomparable to what is shown at mass shows for tourists. The local cuisine is also distinguished by its authenticity: local dishes are prepared according to recipes that have been cooked by local residents for hundreds of years.
Playa de Aro
Playa d'Aro– one of the best resorts on the entire coast. This is a place where there are no big noisy hotels and organized tours; only independent tourists relax here.
Playa d'Aro is one of the best resorts on the entire Costa Brava, Spain Playa de Aro has excellent children's infrastructure: playgrounds, parks, attractions, play areas, Aquadiver Water Park and gently sloping sandy beaches, as if created for families with children. The beaches are equipped with everything you need. The coastal streets have no shortage of cafes and restaurants, and for shopping lovers, Playa de Aro has a lot of boutiques and branded clothing stores.
The city has several shopping and entertainment centers where you can find something to suit all family members - from play areas for the little ones, to sports bars and fashionable ladies' shops. International children's camps and language schools are held annually in Playa de Aro, where children from 7 to 17 years old are accepted from anywhere in the world.
Palamos
Palamos this is a fishing town, the main attraction of which is the port, and the main entertainment in the city is visiting the many fish restaurants for which Palamos is famous throughout the area. Despite the popularity of Palamos among tourists, it cannot be said that this city is imbued with a resort atmosphere. Normal daily life goes on here, and visitors blend in with the locals to experience real Spanish everyday life.
Calella de Palafrugell
Calella de Palafrugell- a resort village, popular more with Catalan families than with visiting foreigners. The village is notable for the fact that it is one of the few that retains its original appearance, not “trampled” by crowds of tourists and not succumbing to the temptation to reshape itself to please the tourism industry.
In the taverns of Palafrugell on the beach, habaneras are still performed live - ancient songs about the plight of fishermen and their wives. They serve delicious jamon combined with traditional cheese and garlic bread with olive oil and tomatoes.
Another remarkable site of Palafrugell is the “Russian castle” (Castell Cap Roig). This is an early 20th century estate that belonged to a married couple of Russian pilot Nikolai Voevodsky and Irish aristocrat Dorothy Webster. For the sake of his beloved, the governor built a real Irish castle instead of the estate, and Dorothy laid out a magnificent flowering garden around it, which still amazes the imagination with its size and thoughtful layout.
All year round, Palafrugell restaurants pamper their visitors with the most exquisite seafood dishes, from sea urchins to truly royal “niu”, which takes as long as 5 hours to prepare. Every year, Palafrugell hosts the Cap Roig and Jazz Costa Brava music festivals, which bring together the most famous jazz, rock and pop musicians in the world. Over the years, Sting, Diana Ross, Liza Minnelli and Bob Dylan have been here.
Tamariu
Tamariu is a city that, by our standards, does not even reach the level of a village: the indigenous population here is barely 300 people. Tamariu is popular with water sports enthusiasts, divers and lovers of a quiet holiday. At the top of the mountain above Tamariu there is an observation deck around the old lighthouse, which offers very picturesque views of the surrounding bays and villages.
Empuries
Empuries are the remains of the Greek colony Emporion, founded in the 1st century BC, and the Roman Emporiae, founded on the site of a Greek settlement after its conquest. Theatrical performances often take place here, recreating the life and holidays of ancient Greece and Rome. Also, fascinating historical excursions take place here at any time of the year, and the local archeology museum stores many unique artifacts of those eras.
Empuriabrava
Empuriabrava- this is the real Spanish Venice - a city built on water and the largest private yacht mooring in the world. For yacht owners, everything here is thought out to the smallest detail: the width of the canals and refueling for boats, special lifts and service stations, specialized stores and convenient parking. Even the weather here is more oriented towards yacht owners - frequent strong winds are well suited for all types of water sports, including yachting.
In this area there is no industrial production and large cities that poison the local nature; the season here begins at the end of March, the city is surrounded by a natural park in which any construction is prohibited. The main audience here is wealthy European retirees who spend all year round in Empuriabrava, going home only for the Christmas holidays.
The rest of Empuriabrave's entertainment is also aimed at the wealthy: golf courses, horse riding, tennis clubs, karting and a world-famous parachuting club.
Cadaques and Port Lligat
Cadaques is a small but very picturesque village that differs from other settlements on the Costa Brava. Due to its long isolation (Cadaqués was a very inaccessible village until the beginning of the 20th century), the town has preserved a very old dialect of the Catalan language, which is not always understandable to other residents of the region.
At the beginning of the last century, the city was discovered by the Spanish bohemia of that time, and from that moment its development as a tourist center began. At various times, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Marc Chagall, Federico Garcia Lorca, Joan Miró, the Duke of Windsor and others vacationed here. In August, Cadaqués becomes a world cultural center for several days, as an international music festival is held here, which brings together opera singers and top musicians from all over the world.
In the old part of Cadaques, the pavements are very interesting, which, unlike other cities in Spain, are lined with large sea pebbles, and not with boulders from quarries. Despite all its charm, Cadaques is not very suitable for swimmers, as frequent strong winds make the sea too rough and at times even dangerous for swimming.
In general, the surroundings of Cadaques are more reminiscent of the islands of Northern Europe than the beaches of sunny Spain. The fact is that Cadaqués is located on the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula - Cap de Creus, which is blown by all the sea winds of this region.
Port Lligat– the place where the house-museum of Salvador Dali is located. Here he spent most of his life and created his most famous works. It all started with a small house that Dali bought in this abandoned village.
Having moved here, Gala and Salvador fell in love with the local landscapes so much that they practically became recluses, leaving their shelter for a short time. Gradually they bought and renovated the surrounding houses, turning their home into an intricate, bizarre labyrinth of separate buildings. The Salvador Dali House Museum is the main and only attraction of Port Lligat.
El Port de la Selva
El Port de la Selva– the northernmost resort of the Costa Brava. It is not very popular among beach lovers due to the strong winds that characterize this resort at any time of the year. But thanks to the winds, El Port de la Selva is the most attractive place for surfers, since ideal natural conditions have been created for them.
Rosas
Rosas– translated from Spanish as “city of roses”, it is located on the very border of Spain with Farncia. Roses is quite a comfortable city to visit, since, unlike neighboring settlements, it is reliably sheltered from the cold northern winds by the Pyrenees ridge.
Here you can see the ruins of the old fortress Ciutadella de Roses, destroyed by Napoleon's troops. Not far from the city there are two more ancient fortresses: Trinidad (Castell de la Trinitat) and Bufalaranya (Castillo de Bufalaranya), of interest to lovers of medieval buildings. Half an hour from the city there is the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà nature reserve, in which is home to rare species of birds and animals.
Among the entertainment options in Rosas, you can offer the Aqua Brava Water Park, which is not inferior in its infrastructure to the best water parks on the coast. The beaches of Roses are equipped with everything necessary for recreation for children and adults, including water sports for every taste.
For gourmets, there are numerous fish restaurants and the Michelin-starred El Bulli. Nightlife in Roses is represented by the famous Pacha club throughout the area and other smaller entertainment venues.
Girona
Girona- the capital of the Costa Brava, the Catalans call it Girona. Over its long history, it has experienced many tragic pages, as it was in a very advantageous position - at the intersection of trade routes from Europe to Africa. Each new conqueror considered it his duty to take control of it, having first ruined it to the ground.
Main attractions of Girona
Monastery of St. Peter Galligans (Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants)- Benedictine monastery from the 12th century, currently occupied by the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia and Girona
Jewish Quarter El Kahl (El barrio judío de El Kahl)- a district of wealthy moneylenders and Jewish merchants of medieval Girona. It had one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe. The El-Kal community made a significant contribution to the financing of Columbus's expeditions to the lands of the New World.
At the end of the 14th century, several severe Jewish pogroms took place throughout Europe, and especially in Spain, with the beginning of the campaign to expel Jews from cities. The majority of the quarter's population was forced to flee outside the city to escape the brutal massacre.
The rulers of Girona distributed the empty houses to poor townspeople who did not have enough funds to rebuild their new homes. Thanks to this, the Jewish Quarter of Girona has reached us almost in its original form.
Houses on the Onyar River (Las casas del Oñar)- This is a 17th-century building on the site of a destroyed fortress wall. The houses overhanging the water are built on the foundations of an old fortress. The townspeople still live in them.
Arab Baths of Girona- These are Moorish-style buildings that date back to the 12th century, but have not been used for their intended purpose since the 13th century. Currently restored and of artistic value as a monument of the early Middle Ages.
Iberian village (Poblado Iberico)– an archaeological museum at the excavation site of an old Iberian settlement, in which household items, weapons, ceramics and other items used from pre-antique times of the Costa Brava are exhibited.
Church of Saint Felix (Iglesia de San Felix)- a 12th-century Gothic church on the outskirts of Girona, in which the relics of Saints Philip and Narcissus, the first Christian martyrs executed by the Romans in Girona, rest.
Girona Cathedral. A majestic staircase of 90 steps leads to the Cathedral. According to local beliefs, each step up this staircase grants forgiveness of one sin. In terms of the beauty of the interior decoration and the size of the nave, the Girona Cathedral surpasses most Catholic churches in Spain and Europe. Also inside the cathedral is a large tomb of the rulers of Barcelona.
Lombardy Church (Iglesia Lombard) in fact bears the name of St. Nicholas, and is nicknamed Lombardy because it was built in a style characteristic of the churches of the Lombardy region in Italy. The church was built at the medieval monastery cemetery, of which only a small necropolis remains today.
Girona Art Museum (Museu d’Art de Girona) located in the Bishop's Palace, built in the 10th century. The museum's exposition consists of 18 exhibition halls and includes works of art from the 10th-20th centuries, including sculptures, paintings, icons, wood carvings, and unique handwritten books.
Eiffel Bridge (Puente Eiffel)- a bridge over the Onyar River, on which the famous author of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the French engineer Gustav Eiffel, worked. The bridge has a rather unusual appearance and is clearly visible from many parts of the city.
Girona fortress wall (La muralla de la ciudad de Girona)– the remains of an old fortress wall built by the Romans to protect the Via Augusta trade route from raids by bandits and robbers. There is a walking path along the fortress wall, which offers beautiful views of the old city.
Lion statue in Girona (de león en Girona) is a small sculpture of a lion climbing to the top of a column near St. Felix's Cathedral. No one knows why the figure was nicknamed a lion, because it is made in a characteristic mythical medieval style, and could just as well represent a wolf, a dog or any other animal. It is believed that if you kiss the Girona lion on the lower back, all your wishes will come true. I must say that the lion hangs quite high and the kiss is not easy. However, the fifth point of the sculpture has been polished by the lips of tourists for many years.
Figueres and the Salvador Dali Museum
Figueres is the hometown of Salvador Dali, where he spent his childhood. As a sign of gratitude to his small homeland, at the end of his life, Dali expressed a desire to donate some of his works to the city, for which he personally designed a museum opened in the building of the former city theater. The museum ranks second in Spain in terms of the number of visitors per year.
The extensive exhibition of the museum includes not only artistic paintings, but also sculptures, furniture, toys and stucco moldings, sketches, installations, and forged sculptures. Various kinds of optical illusions and much more from the rich heritage of the brilliant artist.
A tour of the museum takes at least 5-6 hours and arouses admiration even among people far from the world of art. The museum is also open at night; you can view the museum’s opening hours and purchase a ticket.
Pubol Castle
Pubol Castle or Gala-Dalí Castle (Spanish: Castillo de Púbol or Castillo Gala-Dalí, cat. Castell de Púbol or Castell Gala-Dalí) is an ancient castle of the 11th century, which Salvador Dali purchased as a gift to his adored wife Gala. At the time of purchase, the castle was a rather pitiful sight, since it had been in an abandoned state for a long time and required serious investments for repairs.
Dali rebuilt it in his unique style and gave it to his wife. It is noteworthy that the castle was not conceived as a family nest, but as the sole possession of Gala, in which she received guests only by prior invitation, including Salvador Dali himself. Currently, the castle retains the appearance of its famous owners. It contains an extensive exhibition of works by Salvador Dali.
Medieval cities of Besalu and Rupit
Besalu is a small medieval town in the mountains 32 km from Girona. The main buildings here date back to the 8th-10th centuries, and since then time seems to have stood still on the streets of the city. If you want to see a real city of the early Middle Ages, untouched by civilization, you definitely need to come to Besala. The city can be reached by regular buses from Girona and Barcelona.
Rupit- another medieval settlement in the mountains of the Girona Pyrenees, which was formerly a fortress built at the crossroads of the most important Roman trade routes. During the Inquisition, many residents of Rupit died at the stake, since in the Middle Ages it was considered a city of witches.
Today Rupit is interesting primarily for the views from the height of 800 meters at which the city is located, as well as for local delicacies: cheeses, jamon and excellent wine.
Shopping on the Costa Brava
40 minutes from Barcelona is located shopping village La Roca Village– a whole city of outlets and brand stores of famous European brands, from the most affordable to premium goods.
In the villages and cities of Catalonia there is a special information center La Roca Village, which is ready to provide any necessary information about the operation of shops, payment methods, the procedure for obtaining a tax free service, transport links with the regions and other information necessary for visiting the village.
There is also a developed network of additional services, from personal transfers to the possibility of delivering your purchases from different shops in the village to the location you specify. La Roca Village employs experienced stylists who are ready to help you if necessary (an order for a stylist's services must be made at least 48 hours before visiting the village).
10 must-do things on the Costa Brava
- Lose yourself at a night disco in Lloret de Mar
- Walk through the old streets of Tossa
- See 150 different species of cacti at the Botanical Gardens of Blanes
- Listen to sad habanera songs in the taverns of Palafugel
- Kiss the Girona lion below the back and make a wish
- Taste the real salty gale on Cap de Creu
- Get a brain break from Dali's brilliant works at the Figueres Museum
- Touch the rough stones of Emporion and feel their thousand-year age
- Imagine yourself as a resident of the 13th century on the old streets of Besalu
- Be sure to stop by Barcelona, which is only 2 hours away by train (you can read in detail about the sights of Barcelona; you can read about transport, food and shopping in Barcelona
Most Russian-speaking tourists prefer to holiday in Spain at the resorts of the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada. But these two tourist regions are seriously different from each other, as they offer completely different holidays.
Holidays in the Costa Brava will be more enjoyable for those who cannot sit still. Museums, natural views, architectural monuments, proximity to Barcelona’s attractions - you can’t do it all in a week!
Costa Dorada, on the contrary, is aimed at the “lazy” tourist and young parents. The latter will definitely like the gentle entrance to the sea and the proximity of one of the largest amusement parks in the world, Port Aventura.
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Comparison of pros and cons
| Advantages of the Costa Brava | Advantages of Costa Dorada |
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Location of coasts on the map
Costa Brava
Main resorts:
The Costa Brava (meaning “wild rocky coast” in Spanish) is part of the Balearic Sea coast north of Barcelona. Officially, its borders start from the city of Blanes and end at the Spanish-French border.
The only “own” airport of the Costa Brava is in Girona, but 98% of tourists fly to Barcelona and get to the resorts using public transport or transfers.
Costa Dorada
Costa Dorada is located in the province of Tarragona, in the northeastern part of Spain. The "Golden Coast", as this coast is often called because of the golden color of the sand, stretches from Tarragona to Barcelona.
Main resorts:
Climatic features
Costa Brava
Lloret, Blanes and Tossa De Mar are always a couple of degrees cooler. It is influenced by the mountains and the cold current that comes here from Gibraltar. The water takes a little longer to warm up, so the swimming season begins only at the end of June and ends at the end of September.
Majestic cliffs, densely covered with mighty pines and firs, secluded bays and snow-white beaches. You won’t find anything like this in other regions, so we recommend staying in the north for lovers of beautiful views and hiking.
Costa Dorada
Costa Dorada has a slightly milder and warmer climate. Thanks to its southern location, it receives less rain from the Pyrenees. The swimming season here starts earlier and ends a little later. Therefore, in June and October it is better to relax in Salou or Tarragona.
Since the entrance to the sea is shallow, the water also warms up much better than in the resorts of the Costa Brava. And the sand here is finer, so it sticks better and kids like it. There is so much entertainment here that neither kids nor lovers of active recreation and thrills will be bored.
The resort infrastructure is growing and improving every year. There are many more hotels with animation and food that our tourist is used to. The same applies to nightclubs, noisy discos and entertainment centers.
Major resorts
Costa Brava
Perhaps the brightest and busiest resort in the region is the former trading port, now a paradise for vacationers -. Nightclubs and discos for every taste, British bars, beach attractions and noisy party life - everything is created for a carefree youth holiday.
An excellent vacation spot is. A 3-kilometer golden beach, picturesque bays, medieval buildings, botanical gardens and wonderful nature create an atmosphere of comfort. Also, trains to Barcelona run constantly from here.
From the northern resorts it is a stone's throw to the southern coast of France. By renting a car, you can easily reach Nice and the Principality of Monaco in 6 hours. And good transport links to Barcelona will give you the opportunity to get to know this beautiful city and its attractions.
Costa Dorada
Tarragona Cathedral is a majestic building built in the 12th century. In the temple you can see sculptures of the 12 apostles, Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. The cathedral is active, so in addition to its architecture, it is also notable for the fact that it allows you to plunge into the local religion.
Excursions to the Roman Amphitheater, to the castles of Vilavortuni, Miravet, Siurana and others will not only be educational, but also very interesting for both children and adults.
The main place of entertainment and an outstanding attraction of the entire Spanish coast is considered to be a real city of attractions, large-scale colorful shows, celebration and joy.
Why is the Costa Dorada more expensive than the Costa Brava?
There are several reasons for slightly higher prices:
- More hotel chains offering meals
- Higher demand with the same supply
- Weather
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Costa Brava: where it is located on the map of Spain, which cities
Most tourists who decide to relax in Spain choose the Costa Brava. They think, and some are even sure, that this is a city and a resort. In fact, this is a coastline that is 200 kilometers long. And it is on this coast that the ancient beautiful cities are located: Blanes, Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar. And this is where tourists stay when they come here. Where do they come? Do you know where Costa Brava is on the map in Spain? We invite you to take a look at this place and then you will understand that this place is truly magical and worth coming here on vacation.
A little geography
And so, Costa Brava is a coast, and some say it is a strip. This miracle is located in the northeast of Catalonia, in the province of Girona. Actually, it’s about 60 kilometers from here to Barcelona, and the Costa Brava borders on France and the border is natural mountains with beautiful landscapes and picturesque paintings. You can also find ski resorts here in winter.
Video about Costa Brava
If you have not yet visited the coast, then watch a beautiful video that shows all the beauty of the 200-kilometer-long coastline. In the video you will see the cities, look at the best beaches in the country and experience the holiday in such a way that you will want to immediately go here.
Climate and weather of the Costa Brava
This place is one of the three most visited places in the country by tourists. But in general, Costa Brava is the coldest place in the country, if we take the average temperature for the year.
The climate here is mild and stable. After all, this is the Mediterranean Sea and there are almost no unpleasant surprises here. In summer, when the holiday season is in full swing, the air temperature is always above +30 degrees.
July and August are the hottest months. During these months the temperature can easily rise to +35 degrees.
The winter months are the coldest. During the day the temperature almost never rises above +10, and at night it can drop to +2 +4. The rainiest month is November; at the end of autumn there are 15-18 days of rain. And the amount of precipitation reaches 120 millimeters.
Map of Spain from Costa Brava
Look directly on the map. Where is the Costa Brava and what cities are located on it.
Map of the Costa Brava with cities and resorts
And now we offer you a new map of the Costa Brava. The map shows cities and resorts located along the entire coast. You will see how far Barcelona is from the first city on the coast, where the border with France is and how far Andorra is.
