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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| Flaws | Flaws |
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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
There are so many wonderful towns and villages on the Costa Brava that choosing just one to go on holiday can sometimes be very difficult. So here's a selection of our favorites. This will help you decide where you want to go and what you want to see during your stay. Many of these cities are close to each other - you will have time to visit several even in one day. It's worth it!
5. Blanes
The former fishing village of Blanes should definitely be on your list. Magnificent beaches, rocky coves, beautiful churches, a charming old town, a pleasant promenade, impressive monuments and attractions and a huge variety of restaurants and bars. It also has one of the few still operating fishing ports on the Costa Brava. The relaxed atmosphere is an ideal place for a family holiday, which, by the way, has even received official recognition due to the quality of services and amenities provided for children on the beach.
The coastal town of L'Escala offers a wide cultural program, traditional festivals, nature reserves and, of course, beautiful beaches. Roses Bay is its main beach area - a beautiful bay with calm waters surrounded by mountains. L'Escala is also famous for the cute statue of the Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry on the embankment.
The main cultural attraction and asset of the city is the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia, where you can see the remains of a Greek trading port from the time of the beginning of Western civilization and the Roman forum, which was the center of the ancient citadel. At one of the city's beaches, Moll Grec, you can even swim next to ancient Greek and Roman ruins. In L'Escala you can enjoy a truly amazing combination of culture and beach holiday!
Map
On the map below you can find all the Costa Brava towns mentioned in our list. From Blanes in the south, said to be the beginning of the Costa Brava, to Cadaqués further north, but worth a visit if only for its rich heritage, including Dali's house.
When buying a tour to Spain for the first time, many first-time tourists are puzzled - where to go to the sea in Spain? Most often they are offered inexpensive tours to the Costa Brava. Let's see which resorts are located in the Costa Brava and what features they have holidays in Costa Brava.
Costa Brava means “wild, rocky coast” and, in fact, geographically, the Costa Brava coast is considered to be the part of the Mediterranean coast in the northeast of Blanes and up to the very border with, and from Barcelona to Blanes the coast is called Costa del Maresme.
However, travel agencies have long secretly included more southern (and less wildly rocky:)) resorts such as Calella, Pineda de Mar, Malgrat de Mar, etc. in the Costa Brava. Well, let’s not break traditions and include them in the review.
Costa Brava Map
In the photo: map of the Costa Brava and Costa del MaresmeCalella (Calella) – an area of rational recreation
In the photo: tourists love the wide beaches in Calella, Spain Playa de Aro - the rising star of the Costa Brava
In the photo: tourists are increasingly choosing Playa d'Aro in Spain for their holidays Spanish resort Playa de Aro (Platja d'Aro) is becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination in Catalonia. And it’s not surprising - very quickly the fishing village turned into a picturesque tourist center.
Playa de Aro and its surroundings have everything you need for excellent beach, sports and excursion tourism: the clearest azure sea, a two-kilometer strip of beaches and excellent trekking routes, city entertainment and colorful ancient monuments.
The only problem in Playa d'Aro is that it is inconvenient for tourists to get to Barcelona on their own.
Peaceful holiday in Roses
In the photo: Roses on the Costa Brava is not yet covered by Russian tourism Resort town Roses practically unknown to the Russian tourism industry. This quiet and sunny abode is for wealthy European pensioners and lovers of a sedentary multi-month holiday at sea. Do you want to go on holiday to Roses? Go there on your own, especially since
Costa Brava.
Costa Brava is rightfully considered one of the most picturesque places on the Spanish coast. The resort covers the north-eastern coast of Catalonia, and stretches from the city of Blanes to the French border for 162 km. The coast here is indented with small coves, and sheer cliffs stretch for 80 miles along the coast, and since the construction of ports here was difficult, the nature here remained in its original form.
Sharp rocks here are interspersed with beautiful semicircular bays with small beaches. The air here is not only pleasant, but also healthy, which is facilitated by pine forests. The local coast is cool compared to other Spanish resorts, which attracts tourists here in the summer who do not want to sweat from the excessive heat.
Costa Brava It is notable for the fact that it was here that the first stream of Russian tourists went, and usually a tour package here costs less than to other parts of Spain.
You can choose a good hotel. Choose the number of stars, price, dates and choose what you like.
How to get to Costa Brava.
Airplane.
Most often, tourists choose to fly here to Barcelona, but international airports are also located in Gerona and Reus. The flight from Moscow lasts about four hours.
You can find plane tickets. Enter Barcelona and select the desired date for the desired dates.
By bus from Barcelona you can get to any coastal resort, in addition, there is a railway line to Blanes (65 km).
Naturally, you can get anywhere by taxi. In order to get there to the right place, you can rent a car, which will cost less than a taxi, and will also expand your freedom of action. You can find the best option using this one.
Cities and resorts of the Costa Brava.
Being on this coast, it is unforgivable not to visit the surrounding attractions and see the real Spain. First of all, naturally, Barcelona.
(Barcelona) .
A city that everyone, young and old, has heard of, the capital of Catalonia, with a rich historical and cultural heritage. The local architecture amazes even seasoned tourists, such as the works of Gaudi and the ancient Gothic Quarter. You can learn more about this famous city in the article about Barcelona.
(Lloret de Mar).
The tourist capital of the coast, located 65 km from Barcelona. Any tourist with any requirements will find something to his liking. Nature lovers will appreciate the beautiful Mediterranean landscapes; fans of antiquities will see here the ruins of the very ancient city of Loredo, in the city center, the monastery of St. Cristina, built in the 14th century.
Fans of a party holiday will find excellent water parks here (Water World water park and the very popular Marineland water park), bars, clubs, discos, music halls; those who want to engage in water sports will also not be offended. Children will love the Aqualeon mini-zoo.
TossadeMar(Tossa de Mar) .
Located 12 kilometers north of Lloret de Mar. Thanks to the amazing surrounding nature, it is considered the pearl of the Costa Brava, and not to be unfounded, the famous Chagall was inspired by the beauty of the local landscapes, as evidenced by his works in the local museum.
The resort is considered more relaxed and suitable for family holidays.
The ruins of the powerful Villa Vella fortress, built during the times of the Iberians and Romans to protect against pirates, remind us of ancient history here.
(Cadaques) .
A small tourist town in the north of the coast, famous for the Perro-Mura Art Center, where you can see paintings by the great Salvador Dali.
The local embankment will delight you with cozy fish restaurants and shops.
(Blanes) .
Located 60 kilometers from Barcelona. In a short time, a small fishing village has turned into a modern resort with well-developed infrastructure. The beaches here are quite flat, which is convenient for families with small children. Tired of doing nothing on the beach, you can visit the best Botanical Garden in Europe, with three thousand species of plants, visit the ruins of the San Juan Castle built in the 11th century or a medieval church.
In addition, you can visit the beautiful Marineland water park, where you will be shown a show with dolphins and fur seals, and seafood lovers can visit the largest fish market on this coast.
Roses ).
It is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches framed by the rocky foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains, and the best water park in the Costa Brava. The town is favored by kite and windsurfers thanks to the winds that are very suitable for this hobby.
Empordà (Alt Emporda).
A historical area made famous by Salvador Dali. Tourists can visit here the museum and the house where the great artist lived and worked.
The monuments of ancient and medieval Catalonia harmoniously fit into the beautiful landscapes.
Every city on the coast celebrates fiesta mayor, dedicated to the patron saint, and since the Spaniards know how to celebrate and do it on a grand scale, it is worth visiting this event if you find yourself on vacation at this time. The holiday usually lasts several days with fairs, fireworks, concerts, and entertainment for children.
Beaches of the Costa Brava.
All beaches of the resort are municipal, equipped, with rental of sun loungers and umbrellas. In Lloret de Mar, the longest one and a half kilometer sandy beach is located right in the city center, there are also quieter, but no less clean and comfortable beaches Fenals And Santa Cristina .
The central dark sand beach of Tossa de Mar is famous for its vibrant life, beach bars and restaurants. Those who like a more relaxing holiday prefer the beach Kodolar .
In the town of Roses, tourists will enjoy the beach Almadrava, repeatedly awarded the Blue Flag, located next to the reserve Cape Creus. There is a quiet, calm beach here. La Perola, perfect for a family holiday.
L'Estartit will delight vacationers with a four-kilometer beach Pals, surrounded by pine trees, and a nature reserve beach Montgo .
Sand beach San Francesc , at the resort, is very flat, which will please not only families with small children, but also those who simply cannot swim.
Sights and excursions of the Costa Brava.
. The main attraction of the coast.
MonasteryMontserrat (Monasterio de Montserrat).
The famous monastery of Benedictine monks, built in the 11th century on the top of the mountain. A local celebrity is the sculpture of St. Mary, made of wood. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists flock to the monastery to see the sculpture and the monastery itself. Here you can listen to the boys' choir, where José Carreras once sang.
You can get here by cable car or by the recently opened rack railway.
Located in the city of Tossa de Mar.
Emporion. Ruins of the most ancient Greek city in Spain.
. Located in Figueres. There are no guides in the museum, because the great artist wished so. Fans of his talent can visit the Gala Dali castle, which he gave to his beloved, and the house museum in Cadaques.
Located near the coastal town of L "Estartit - divers and lovers of sea walks flock here. Here you can get acquainted with the rich Mediterranean underwater world with scuba diving or just ride on a glass bottom boat. The flora and fauna of these six islands is so diverse that it surprises even ichthyologists .
National parks Garrotxa, Creus, L "Albera, Montseny, Empora. The most picturesque places for lovers of virgin nature. In Garrotxa you can admire several extinct volcanoes.
Diving center in the city of L'Estartit. There is also a marine reserve near the Medes Islands.
Climate of the Costa Brava.
The resort coast is relatively cool, the average monthly temperature does not exceed 28 o C, and the water temperature in summer is usually 21-23 o C.
Costa Brava is a wide strip of Mediterranean coastline that geographically occupies the north of Spain.
Costa Brava is located in the northeast of Catalonia (province of Girona), part of the Spanish Kingdom.
The territory of the Costa Brava stretches from the border with France to the resort town of Blanes for 210 km.
On the Mediterranean coast of Spain's Costa Brava there are often cliffs and cliffs interspersed with picturesque coves and bays. The landscape is complemented by the greenery of thickets of Pyrenean pines, fir and pine trees. Nature reserves occupy 30% of the Costa Brava. Cap de Creus is a natural park with an area of 140 square meters. km, which is located in the eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula and has maritime and land zones. The air of the Costa Brava is filled with the aroma of pine and the smell of the Mediterranean Sea.
Costa Brava is considered the coolest coast in Spain. In summer the average air temperature on the Costa Brava it is + 27 C, and the water is + 23 C.
Summer holidays here will appeal to those who do not like the summer heat.
Beach season on the Costa Brava lasts from the beginning of June to the end of October.
Winter is mild with an average air temperature of up to + 14 C.
Costa Brava translates as wild, rocky coast. It is possible that with its exoticism it began to attract the attention of numerous tourists from all over the world.
It was the Costa Brava that marked the beginning of the tourism boom in Spain. Europeans began to actively visit the Costa Brava since 1960. Costa Brava is the first resort area in Spanish Catalonia to welcome Russian tourists. Tours to this region are cheaper than to other resorts in the country.
In Catalonia, there are 3 airports of international importance in the cities of Girona, Barcelona, and Reus.
Most often, travelers choose Barcelona Airport (4 hours flight from Moscow). Along the Costa Brava there is a 70 km railway line to Blanes.
The capital of the province is the city of Girona. The mystical city of Girona enchants its guests with its many attractions. In the vicinity of Girona in the Pyrenees, 5 ski resorts open in winter, and in summer tourists are delighted by Garrotxa, a volcanic zone reserve. Girona proudly displays its architectural landmarks: the Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter.
Resorts Costa Brava
The beaches of the Costa Brava are white sand and pebbles, and Lloret de Mar is famous for its pure sandy beaches. Municipal beaches in Costa Brava are free. Umbrellas and sunbeds are available for a fee.
Most northern resort Costa Brava - Portbou.
Blanes is the most southern resort Costa Brava, which is 59 km from Barcelona. The beaches of Blanes with a gentle entrance to the sea are perfect for families with small children. Blanes has a luxurious Botanical Garden and a fish market.
Most famous resorts of the Costa Brava from north to south: Portbou, Roses, Empuria Brava, Figueres, Palamos, Playa de Aro, Sagaro, Santa Cristina de Aro, Sant Feliu de Guixols, Tossa de Mar, Lloret de -Mar, Blanes.
Choose the best tour on the Costa Brava among all the offers of tour operators.
Resort Lloret de Mar
Lloret de Mar (Spanish: Lloret de Mar) is considered the best youth resort and tourist capital of the Costa Brava. The seaside resort of Lloret de Mar boasts two sandy beaches: Lloret and Fenale Beach. The beaches offer all types of water activities. The nightlife in the center of Lloret de Mar fascinates with foam parties, flamenco shows, the sound of music, the lighting effects of bars and cozy cafes where young people have fun until the morning. The resort of Lloret de Mar is ideal not only for active youth recreation, but also for families with children.
Hotels in Lloret de Mar:
Rigat Park & Spa Hotel 5*; Hotel Rosamar Maxim – Adults Only (+18) 4*.
For young people: H TOP Palm Beach & SPA 3*
Aparthotel Costa Encantada 4*; Hotel Guitart Gold Central Park Aqua Resort 4*; Hotel Surf Mar 4*.
Sights of Lloret de Mar attract thousands of tourists every year:
- The Gardens of Saint Clotilde are an architectural and park ensemble on a steep cliff in the form of terraces;
- Museum of the Sea (19th century building);
- Water amusement park Water World;
- Museum "Cat House";
- Marineland water park;
- Verdakyer Cultural Center;
- Mini-zoo "Aqualeon".
Lloret de Mar resort on the Costa Brava.
Figueres Resort
Figueres is the capital of the Catalan district of Alt Empordà. Figueres is the birthplace of Salvador Dali.
Salvador Dali (May 11, 1904 – January 23, 1989) was a Spanish representative of surrealism in painting, graphic artist, sculptor, writer and director.
Attractions of the Figueres resort:
- The Dali Theater-Museum (Teatro-Museo Dali) was built on the site of the city theater of the 40s of the 19th century, which burned down in 1939. Dalí first exhibited his work in the Figueres theater in 1919 at the age of 15. Perhaps that is why Salvador Dali enlisted the idea in the 60s of the 20th century to create his own museum as a theater. Construction lasted 14 years. It was opened on September 28, 1974. Of particular pride are the “Wind Palace” Hall and the “Mae West Face” illusion room with a red sofa in the shape of lips;
- The Empordà Museum is a collection of archeology from the area and a chronological overview of art. A special place in the collection is given to Catalan painting of the 19th and 20th centuries;
- Castle of Sant Ferran. Construction of the castle began in 1743 and lasted 13 years, and finishing work took even longer. The fortress of Sant Ferran became the location for the filming of the film "Perfume";
- The Toy Museum in Figueres is a collection of 4,500 Catalan toys.
The work of Salvador Dali is very unusual and popular all over the world.
In 2014 alone, the Dali Theater-Museum in Figueres was visited by more than 300 thousand tourists from Russia.
For connoisseurs of the surreal art of Salvador Dali, there are two more places in the Costa Brava associated with the name of the artist:
- The town of Cadaques is famous for Dali's summer house, and now the house-museum of Salvador Dali with a garden in the form of an intricate labyrinth, with a restored workshop and library;
- The Gala Dali Castle in the village of Pubol was presented by the famous artist to his Russian wife and muse in 1968. Among its innovative exhibits are the Gala throne, a fountain with Wagner heads, elephants on thin legs, and a collection of Gala dresses. Gala Dali Castle (12th century) is now open to fans of the extravagant artist from March 15 to December 31. Paid entrance.
Resort Tossa de Mar
The resort of Tossa de Mar is famous for the Vila Velha fortress.
Vila Velha is the most beautiful attraction not only of the Costa Brava, but of the entire Spanish Catalonia. The Vila Velha fortress is a piece of the Old Town that rises above the resort of Tossa de Mar and extends far into the sea.
The Tower of the Moors in the Vila Velha fortress is a landmark of the entire resort town. From the observation deck you can take excellent views of Tossa de Mar. At the foot of the fortress there is a ridge of rocky cliffs similar to its bastions, in which rich modern villas flaunt.
The Tossa de Mar Lighthouse Museum has been guiding sailors since 1917.
At the bottom of the New Town there is a large beach, and on the promenade you can admire the statue of Minerva.
Hotels in Tossa de Mar
For a relaxing, respectable holiday: Gran Hotel Reymar & Spa 4* Superior
For a family holiday with children: Golden Bahia de Tossa & Spa 4* Superior
Costa Brava resorts surprise tourists with a variety of world attractions, cheaper prices for holidays, excellent nature, secluded beaches in bays and the gentle Mediterranean Sea.
Costa Brava resorts especially attract tourists due to their proximity to Barcelona, where they can make an unforgettable experience.
