Mediterranean climate. Spanish tapas. Catalan culture.
If you haven’t visited Spain's Costa Brava yet, what in the world are you waiting for?
This coastal region of northeastern Spain has it all: dazzling beaches with luxe hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, centuries-old ruins, and quirky roadside attractions balanced with museums showcasing the world of Dalí and more.
Let this be your guide to planning a Costa Brava visit in 2024.
Image Credit: Getty Images, KavalenkavaVolha. Image Location: Girona, Catalonia, Spain
Where is Costa Brava?
The Costa Brava is Spain’s northeastern coastline, extending roughly from Blanes near Barcelona up to the town of Portbou at the French border. The major city on the Costa Brava is Girona, which is also the name of the province.
Why is Costa Brava so famous?
The Costa Brava is a Spanish vacation spot famous for its beaches. There are hundreds of beaches and coves to sunbathe on, swim in, and sneak off to, not to mention everything from luxury resorts that celebs frequent to slow-paced villages lining the shore.
Image Credit: Fundació Gala–Salvador Dalí. Location: Salvador Dalí House, Portlligat, Costa Brava, Spain
Is Costa Brava worth going to?
The Costa Brava is definitely worth going to, regardless of whether you’re a total beach bum or someone who hates the way sand feels. Beyond the Costa Brava’s beaches lie medieval ruins, cultural museums dedicated to artists like Salvador Dalí, annual festivals like Carnival and ÍTACA, and miles upon miles of mountain trails to hike.
How many days in Costa Brava is enough?
If you really wanted to, you could do a single overnight from Barcelona to the Costa Brava, Spain, and get your fill of a medieval city like Girona plus time at the beach. A long weekend in a single beach town is a great way to relax while a 5 to 10-day trip offers enough time to hit multiple beaches, hike through the national parks, and explore some of the more off-the-beaten-path villages.
Image Credit: Getty Images, xavierarnau. Image Location: Cadaques, Costa Brava, Spain
Can I get to Costa Brava from Barcelona?
The main train station in Costa Brava is Girona, Spain, an inland medieval town worth a visit despite being an hour from the beach. Barcelona Sants to Girona gets you to the region; from there, you can take trains and buses to beach towns along the Costa Brava like Roses and Begur.
What Costa Brava hotels should I stay at?
If you’re going to plan a trip based on Costa Brava hotels, put Hotel Cala del Pi at the top of the list. This five-star, adults-only hotel on Platja d’Aro will woo you with its spa, wine cellar, and sea-view suites. For families staying near Begur, Hotel Aigua Blava has a kids' playground, multiple sports facilities on-site, and fully equipped apartments. For a cheaper stay at Costa Brava hotels near France, Hostal Alberg has a bunk and breakfast not far from Platja del Port.
Image Credit and Location: Hotel Aigua Blava, Begur, Costa Brava, Spain
☀️ Your Costa Brava vacation forecast ☀️
Costa Brava weather reports read like a dream: sunshine on most days that end in -y.
Naturally, the best time to visit if you want to frolic in maximum sunshine and heat is the summer months, with July and August being both the busiest and the hottest months. You’re looking at average highs at 84℉ and lows at 63℉.
But the Costa Brava has the absolute privilege of an ideal Mediterranean climate, so even when your folks back home are carving pumpkins or walking under April showers, you could be swimming in the sea with highs in the low 70℉s. And for a winter retreat to Spain? You might not be able to swim but the sun is still shining to make the temps around the 40℉s mark feel bearable.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Eloi_Omella. Image Location: Besalù, Catalonia, Spain
Pass on the platja? 10 non-beachy things to do in Costa Brava
- Rock to the ÍTACA music and culture festival between April and July.
- Swap the paella for mar i muntanya, a meat and seafood stew-like dish served with rice.
- Visit the Salvador Dalí House in Portlligat, the Dalí Theatre–Museum in Figueres, and the Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol.
- Take a self-guided tour of Girona’s Arab baths.
- Hike or mountain bike through natural parks near the coast and in the interior.
- Take the kids to a waterpark in Palafolls.
- See exotic species and exceptionally large butterflies at Empuriabrava’s Butterfly Park.
- Watch locals build a human tower in Girona.
- Wander with a date through the Museum of Erotic Sculptures' open-air sculpture park.
- Seek out the dozens of medieval castles and fortresses lining the landscape.
Read more: 12 unmissable day trips from Barcelona by train
Image Credit: Fundació Gala–Salvador Dalí. Image Location: Dalí Theatre–Museum, Figueres, Costa Brava, Spain
To the beach?
Let’s get your Spanish beach getaway off to a smooth start. Download the Trainline app and purchase your train tickets from a Spanish city to Costa Brava. Also check out our articles on the best beaches on the Costa Brava and how to get to the Costa Brava without a car.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Carol Yepes. Image Location: Port de la Selva, Costa Brava, Spain