Things to Do in Costa Brava

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Things to Do in Costa Brava | BFM Travels

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Plan your Costa Brava holiday with the best beaches, towns, attractions, day trips and travel tips for UK travellers with BFM Travels.

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Introduction

Costa Brava has long been a favourite with UK travellers because it offers far more than a simple fly-and-flop beach break. Stretching along Catalonia’s north-eastern coastline, this part of Spain combines golden bays, pine-backed coves, lively resorts, elegant seaside towns, medieval villages and easy access to culture-rich cities. It suits families looking for reliable sunshine, couples wanting scenic coastal walks and long lunches, and friends searching for beach clubs, watersports and evenings out.

What makes the region especially appealing is its variety. You can spend one day exploring a historic old quarter, the next relaxing on a Blue Flag beach, and another heading inland for vineyards, markets or hilltop villages. This guide brings together the best things to do in Costa Brava, along with practical planning advice, internal links and ideas to help you shape a memorable holiday with confidence.

Top 20 Things To Do

1. Explore Tossa de Mar Old Town

Description: Tossa de Mar’s walled old town, Vila Vella, is one of the Costa Brava’s most recognisable sights, with stone lanes, sea views and historic towers above the beach.

Why visit: It blends history, scenery and beach time in one easy stop.

Who it suits: Couples, families, photographers and first-time visitors.

Best time to visit: Morning or early evening in spring, summer or early autumn.

Approximate visit duration: 2 to 4 hours.

Helpful visitor tips: Wear comfortable shoes for uneven stone streets and stay for sunset if you want the most atmospheric views.

2. Relax on Platja de Aro

Description: Platja d’Aro offers a broad sandy beach backed by shops, restaurants and a lively resort atmosphere.

Why visit: It is ideal if you want a classic Costa Brava beach day with plenty nearby.

Who it suits: Families, groups and travellers who like convenience.

Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn.

Approximate visit duration: Half day or full day.

Helpful visitor tips: Arrive earlier in peak summer for the best spot and combine your beach time with an evening stroll through town.

3. Walk the Camí de Ronda Coastal Path

Description: This historic coastal path links beaches, cliffs and resort towns, giving you some of the best sea views in the region.

Why visit: It is one of the best ways to experience the Costa Brava beyond the main resorts.

Who it suits: Active travellers, couples and keen walkers.

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn, or early mornings in summer.

Approximate visit duration: 1 to 5 hours depending on route.

Helpful visitor tips: Choose a shorter section if travelling with children and take water, sun cream and supportive footwear.

4. Visit Cadaqués

Description: Cadaqués is a whitewashed seaside town known for its artistic heritage, harbour views and relaxed charm.

Why visit: It feels stylish, distinctive and different from the busier beach resorts.

Who it suits: Couples, culture lovers and day trippers.

Best time to visit: Spring, early summer and September.

Approximate visit duration: Half day or full day.

Helpful visitor tips: Roads can be winding, so allow extra travel time and explore on foot once you arrive.

5. Discover the Dalí Triangle

Description: The region is closely linked to Salvador Dalí, with key sites in Figueres, Portlligat and Púbol.

Why visit: It adds a strong cultural layer to a beach holiday.

Who it suits: Art lovers, adults and older children.

Best time to visit: Year round.

Approximate visit duration: Full day for multiple sites.

Helpful visitor tips: Check official attraction guidance before travelling and pair Figueres with a meal in a nearby town.

6. Spend a Day in Begur

Description: Begur combines a hilltop setting, elegant streets and access to beautiful coves nearby.

Why visit: It offers a more refined Costa Brava feel with excellent scenery.

Who it suits: Couples, food lovers and relaxed luxury travellers.

Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn.

Approximate visit duration: Half day or full day.

Helpful visitor tips: Combine the town with nearby beaches such as Sa Riera or Aiguablava for a balanced day.

7. Enjoy Aiguablava Beach

Description: Aiguablava is a small, scenic bay with clear water and a more polished atmosphere than some larger resort beaches.

Why visit: It is one of the Costa Brava’s prettiest beach settings.

Who it suits: Couples, swimmers and families with older children.

Best time to visit: June to September.

Approximate visit duration: 2 hours to full day.

Helpful visitor tips: Go early in summer and pack light if parking further away.

8. Explore Girona Old Town

Description: Girona offers colourful riverside houses, medieval lanes, city walls and a cathedral that make it one of the best inland excursions from the coast.

Why visit: It is perfect for a culture-rich break from the beach.

Who it suits: Couples, history lovers and city-break fans.

Best time to visit: Year round, especially spring and autumn.

Approximate visit duration: Half day or full day.

Helpful visitor tips: Start early to enjoy the old quarter before it gets busier and leave time for a riverside lunch.

9. Visit Lloret de Mar for Resort Energy

Description: Lloret de Mar is one of the best-known resorts on the Costa Brava, with beaches, nightlife and a busy holiday atmosphere.

Why visit: It suits travellers who want action, choice and easy entertainment.

Who it suits: Friends, younger adults and families staying nearby.

Best time to visit: Summer for nightlife, shoulder season for a calmer stay.

Approximate visit duration: Half day, full day or evening out.

Helpful visitor tips: Choose your area carefully if you prefer quieter evenings.

10. Snorkel or Dive near the Medes Islands

Description: The Medes Islands marine reserve is one of the region’s standout spots for underwater scenery.

Why visit: It offers a different side of the Costa Brava, especially for active travellers.

Who it suits: Divers, snorkellers and adventurous couples.

Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn.

Approximate visit duration: Half day.

Helpful visitor tips: Use reputable local operators and check sea conditions before booking.

11. Wander Through Pals

Description: Pals is a beautifully preserved medieval village inland from the coast.

Why visit: It gives you a quieter, more traditional side of Catalonia.

Who it suits: Couples, photographers and culture-focused travellers.

Best time to visit: Year round.

Approximate visit duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Helpful visitor tips: Combine it with Begur or a nearby beach for a full day out.

12. Take a Boat Trip Along the Coast

Description: Coastal boat trips reveal hidden coves, cliff views and resort towns from the water.

Why visit: The coastline looks especially dramatic from the sea.

Who it suits: Families, couples and first-time visitors.

Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn.

Approximate visit duration: 1 to 4 hours.

Helpful visitor tips: Morning sailings are often calmer and more comfortable in hot weather.

13. Visit the Botanical Gardens at Cap Roig

Description: These gardens combine Mediterranean planting with superb sea views.

Why visit: It is a peaceful alternative to a beach day.

Who it suits: Couples, gardeners and older travellers.

Best time to visit: Spring and early summer.

Approximate visit duration: 1.5 to 3 hours.

Helpful visitor tips: Bring water and a hat, as many paths are exposed to the sun.

14. Explore Calella de Palafrugell

Description: This postcard-worthy fishing village is known for whitewashed houses, small coves and a refined seaside feel.

Why visit: It is one of the most photogenic places on the coast.

Who it suits: Couples, food lovers and relaxed beachgoers.

Best time to visit: May to September.

Approximate visit duration: Half day or full day.

Helpful visitor tips: Stay into the evening for a quieter atmosphere and dinner by the water.

15. Discover Empúries

Description: Empúries is an archaeological site where Greek and Roman remains sit close to the sea.

Why visit: It combines history with a beautiful coastal setting.

Who it suits: History lovers, adults and curious older children.

Best time to visit: Spring, autumn and cooler summer mornings.

Approximate visit duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Helpful visitor tips: Pair the visit with nearby L’Escala for lunch or beach time.

16. Spend Time in Llafranc

Description: Llafranc is a smart seaside town with a pleasant promenade and easy-going atmosphere.

Why visit: It is ideal for a polished beach day without the biggest crowds.

Who it suits: Couples, mature travellers and families.

Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn.

Approximate visit duration: Half day or full day.

Helpful visitor tips: Walk to the lighthouse area if you want wider coastal views.

17. Try Watersports in Roses

Description: Roses is a broad bay destination popular for beach activities and watersports.

Why visit: It suits travellers who want active days by the sea.

Who it suits: Families with teens, groups and active holidaymakers.

Best time to visit: Summer and warm shoulder months.

Approximate visit duration: Half day or full day.

Helpful visitor tips: Book activities with established providers and check wind conditions if planning paddleboarding or sailing.

18. Visit the Sant Sebastià Lighthouse Area

Description: This viewpoint above the coast delivers sweeping panoramas over sea and shoreline.

Why visit: It is one of the best scenic stops in the region.

Who it suits: Couples, walkers and photographers.

Best time to visit: Clear mornings or sunset.

Approximate visit duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Helpful visitor tips: Combine with Llafranc or Calella de Palafrugell for a scenic day.

19. Browse a Local Market

Description: Weekly markets across Costa Brava towns offer produce, clothing, souvenirs and local atmosphere.

Why visit: It is a simple way to experience everyday life and shop for gifts.

Who it suits: Everyone, especially self-catering visitors.

Best time to visit: Morning.

Approximate visit duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Helpful visitor tips: Carry cash as some smaller stalls may not accept cards.

20. Enjoy a Long Seafront Dinner

Description: One of the most rewarding Costa Brava experiences is simply settling in for a leisurely dinner by the sea.

Why visit: It captures the region’s relaxed holiday rhythm and food culture.

Who it suits: Couples, groups and food-focused travellers.

Best time to visit: Warm evenings from late spring to early autumn.

Approximate visit duration: 1.5 to 3 hours.

Helpful visitor tips: Reserve ahead in popular towns during peak season and choose local seafood or rice dishes for a more regional feel.

Best Beaches

The best beaches in Costa Brava depend on the kind of holiday you want. Platja d’Aro and Roses are practical choices for families thanks to their size and facilities, especially if you are also comparing broader Family Holidays ideas. Aiguablava is ideal for scenic swimming and a more polished atmosphere. Sa Tuna and Tamariu suit travellers who prefer smaller coves, while the beaches around Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc are excellent for combining seaside relaxation with attractive town settings. If beach time is central to your trip, it is worth comparing areas carefully on our Costa Brava Holidays page and reading the Beach Holiday Guide before booking.

Food & Drink Experiences

Costa Brava rewards travellers who make time for food. Expect seafood, rice dishes, grilled fish, tapas and Catalan specialities rather than one single resort style of dining. Look out for suquet de peix, fideuà, anchovies from L’Escala, crema catalana and seasonal market produce. Seafront restaurants are ideal for atmosphere, but inland villages often deliver some of the most memorable meals. Food markets and weekly town markets are useful for self-catering stays, picnics and a more local feel.

Shopping

For shopping, Platja d’Aro is one of the strongest all-round options thanks to its mix of fashion, holiday essentials and evening buzz. Girona is better for a city-style shopping day with independent shops and larger brands, while weekly markets across the coast are useful for gifts, beachwear and local produce. In smaller towns, shopping is more about boutiques, artisan goods and food rather than major retail centres. If you enjoy mixing coastal time with urban exploring, our City Breaks page offers more inspiration for adding a city stay to your holiday.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Costa Brava ranges from relaxed cocktails by the sea to late resort bars and clubs. Lloret de Mar is the best-known choice for energetic evenings, while Platja d’Aro offers a lively but broader mix of bars, restaurants and late-night venues. Couples often prefer the more polished evening atmosphere in Begur, Calella de Palafrugell or Cadaqués, where the focus is on dining, wine and waterfront strolls rather than big nights out.

Day Trips

Excellent Costa Brava day trips include Girona for culture and architecture, Figueres for Dalí, Pals and Peratallada for medieval charm, and Cadaqués for a scenic coastal outing. If you are building a wider Spain holiday, you could also combine the coast with time in Barcelona or continue your planning with 3 Days in Barcelona. Travellers comparing broader regional options may also want to see Spain Holidays and Best Hotels in Spain. For a tailored shortlist of destinations, hotel styles and trip ideas, try the BFM Travel Planner.

Suggested 3-Day Mini Itinerary

Day 1

Morning: Arrive and settle into your resort area, then head to the beach.
Afternoon: Explore Tossa de Mar old town or Platja d’Aro promenade.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxed seafront dinner and sunset walk.

Day 2

Morning: Walk a scenic section of the Camí de Ronda.
Afternoon: Spend time at Aiguablava, Llafranc or Calella de Palafrugell.
Evening: Drinks in Begur or a quiet harbour town.

Day 3

Morning: Take a day trip to Girona or Figueres.
Afternoon: Browse shops or a local market and pick up food gifts.
Evening: Finish with a final seafood dinner and plan your next Spain break.

Money Saving Tips

• Travel in late spring or early autumn for better value and fewer crowds.
• Mix resort days with free beaches, markets and coastal walks.
• Stay slightly outside the busiest hotspots if you plan to hire a car.
• Choose lunch menus or set menus in towns rather than only seafront dinner spots.
• Compare accommodation areas on Best Hotels in Costa Brava before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Costa Brava good for families?

Yes. Many areas have sandy beaches, family-friendly resorts, boat trips and easy day trips that work well for children. You can also compare resort styles on our Family Holidays page.

Which part of Costa Brava is best for couples?

Begur, Cadaqués, Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc are especially appealing for couples seeking scenery, dining and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Do I need a car in Costa Brava?

Not always, but a car can be very useful if you want to explore smaller coves, inland villages and multiple resort areas at your own pace.

What is Costa Brava best known for?

It is best known for its rugged coastline, attractive beaches, charming towns, Catalan food and mix of resort convenience with scenic beauty.

When is the best time to visit Costa Brava?

Late spring to early autumn is best for beach weather, while spring and early autumn are especially good for sightseeing and walking.

Is Costa Brava only for beach holidays?

No. It also suits travellers interested in culture, food, walking, boating, art and inland village day trips. If you want a mix of coast and culture, take a look at City Breaks for more ideas.

Which resort is liveliest for nightlife?

Lloret de Mar is usually the best-known nightlife base, while Platja d’Aro also offers lively evenings with a wider mix of venues.

Are there good beaches for swimming?

Yes. Aiguablava, Roses, Platja d’Aro, Llafranc and several smaller coves are popular choices for swimming and relaxing by the sea.

Can I combine Costa Brava with Barcelona?

Yes. Many UK travellers combine a coastal stay with time in Barcelona for sightseeing, shopping and a city break extension.

Internal Link Suggestions

• Costa Brava Holidays
• Best Hotels in Costa Brava
• 3 Days in Barcelona
• Beach Holiday Guide
• Spain Holidays
• Barcelona Holidays
• City Break Guide

Image ALT Suggestions

• Coastal view over Costa Brava cliffs and turquoise sea
• Tossa de Mar old town walls above the beach
• Whitewashed houses and harbour in Cadaqués
• Camí de Ronda coastal path with Mediterranean views
• Aiguablava beach with clear blue water in summer
• Colourful riverside houses in Girona old town
• Seafront promenade in Calella de Palafrugell at sunset
• Medieval stone streets in Pals village
• Boats anchored in a Costa Brava cove
• Seafood lunch on a Costa Brava waterfront terrace

Final Summary

Costa Brava is one of the most rewarding holiday regions in Spain for travellers who want more than a standard resort break. You can mix beaches with old towns, scenic walks, local food, family-friendly activities and memorable day trips, all within a relatively compact area. Whether you want a lively base, a romantic coastal village or a flexible family holiday, there is plenty here to shape a trip that feels both easy and distinctive. Before booking, it is worth comparing areas on Costa Brava Holidays and accommodation options on Best Hotels in Costa Brava.