Getting Oriented
The Costa Brava is Catalunya's answer to Southern Spain's Costa del Sol. This picturesque northern stretch of coastline extends from the French border to the town of Blanes, with the city of Girona as its main hub. Along the coast, you'll find plenty of rugged coves featuring turquoise-blue water, medieval towns, natural parks, vineyards, and beaches. In addition, the famous surrealist Salvador Dalí left his mark on the Costa Brava, as he hails from the village of Figueres.
Active Excursions
Explore the coast with an active excursion or two. Kayak along the picturesque coves or e-bike through the countryside. For a blend of adventure and luxury, consider a yacht tour along the Costa Brava.
Kayak Excursion on the Costa Brava
The scenic Costa Brava is an idyllic place filled with hidden coves, caves, and headlands—many only accessible by water. You can reach these areas on a Costa Brave kayaking excursion. After getting fitted with your kayak and equipment, you'll enjoy a quick practice lesson, then head out into the sea to enjoy the serene waters, picturesque coastline, and unbeatable scenery. Read More
Yacht Cruise on the Costa Brava
Add a bit of luxury to your trip and enjoy a yacht cruise along the Costa Brava. You'll start at the Palamos Port and join your skipper on board, helping to raise the sail and setting off along the Natural Reserve of Castell-Illes Formigues-Cap Roig. Help steer the boat and drop anchor in picturesque coves to swim in crystal-clear waters. Read More
E-Bike Tour in the Catalan Countryside
Enjoy exploring the Catalan countryside via e-bike, a handy way to cover a lot of ground without breaking too much of a sweat. After getting acquainted with your bike in the small town of Gualta, you'll head out into the area's famed Baix Empordà region. You'll pedal 18 miles (29 km) through medieval villages and farmland and along rural trails. Your guide is happy to share the local history with you and lead you to some of the most scenic and culturally significant spots. Read More
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Villages & Vineyards
Although the Costa Brava is known for its idyllic coast, it's worth your time to head inland for a day trip. Visit the colorful city of Girona, taste grape varietals in the Empordà Wine Region, or visit the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, along with a few other charming villages.
Girona & Wine Tasting in the Empordà Region
Enjoy a day trip to the medieval city of Girona and the vineyards of the Empordà region. Start in Girona and walk through the old town's cobbled streets, stopping to visit sites like the city's Gothic cathedral and Jewish heritage center of Bonastruc Sa Porta. Then, head into the wine region, visiting a small wine producer. Some of the vineyards have been in the area since the 5th century BCE. Enjoy tastes of classic varietals like tempranillo, syrah, and grenache. Read More
Costa Brava Villages: Cadaqués, Figueres, Begur & Palafrugell
The numerous charming villages and idyllic beaches of the Costa Brava are what makes the region so special. Spend some time hopping from village to village, stopping to enjoy a beach or two along the way. Some suggestions include picturesque Cadaqués with the Cap de Creus Natural Park nearby, Figueres featuring the Dalí Theatre-Museum, Begur with its historic appeal, and Palafrugell, home to the Cap Roig Botanical Gardens. Read More
Day Trip All About Dalí
Spend the day learning about the life of Salvador Dalí, the famous surrealist artist who was born and raised on the Costa Brava. Enjoy exploring the landscape, culture, and politics that helped shape and inspire Dalí's world-renown art and lifestyle. Highlights of the day include the Dalí House Museum in Port Lligat, the town of Cadaqués, and the Dalí Museum in Figueres, plus a delicious traditional lunch. Read More
How to Craft the Perfect Costa Brava Itinerary
If you're planning to visit Barcelona, the Costa Brava is a natural addition to your itinerary. Give yourself one week in Spain if you'd like to get the most out of your time in this region. But the Costa Brava also fits nicely into other Spanish itineraries, particularly when combining Barcelona with Madrid and/or Valencia. If you'd like to explore the country from north to south and also see places like Bilbao, Rioja, Seville, and Granada, for example, plan for at least two weeks in Spain.
Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following itineraries that include experiences in the Costa Brava: