Costa Brava - where medieval castles stand proudly against the backdrop of bangin' beaches, and the nightlife buzzes with the excitement of a season finale cliffhanger. Whether you're sipping sangria in a quaint seaside taverna, dancing under the stars in a beachside fiesta, or exploring hidden coves that whisper tales of pirates and lost treasures, Costa Brava is the plot twist your holiday story has been craving. So, come for the sun-drenched days, stay for the unexpected adventures, and leave with memories that are more vibrant than that Hawaiian shirt that you probably should have left at home.
What are the best beaches in Costa Brava?
Costa Brava is not short of a beach or two. Long sandy stretches, romantic secluded coves - you name it, this Spanish Costa's got it. And, as the beach experts we are, we've got a list of our faves - someone had to try them all, right? Here's our top 10!
Cala Pola: This cove is so family-friendly, it practically comes with a nanny. Think of it as the Disney World of snorkelling spots – minus the long lines!
Who's it for? The kiddo squad and mermaid wannabes.
Platja de Castell: Untouched and free from the clutches of commercialism, it's like the Jon Snow of beaches – honourable, wild, and has a great backstory.
Who's it for? The eco-warriors and time travellers.
Cala Aiguablava: With water so clear you can count your toe rings, this beach is the Beyoncé of coves – fierce, flawless, and a total queen.
Who's it for? Lovebirds on a quest for the perfect selfie backdrop.
Platja de Pals: Stretching longer than a Monday morning, this beach is the ultimate playground for volleyball champs and sandcastle architects.
Who's it for? The active crew and history-hopping gangs.
Cala Sa Conca: It's the VIP lounge of beaches, minus the velvet rope. Bring a book, or just your best contemplative look.
Who's it for? Solitude seekers and sun worshipers.
Platja d’Aro: This beach is the life of the party, and it's got more vibes than Coachella. Shop, sip, and salsa your way down the promenade.
Who's it for? The social butterflies and retail therapists.
Cala Montjoi: A pebbly piece of paradise for those who like their beach days with a side of scuba. It's as serene as a monk on meditation day.
Who's it for? The underwater adventurers and zen masters.
Platja de Llafranc: This beach is as chic as a French Riviera postcard, with a side of Catalan charm. It's where Gatsby would beach, darling.
Who's it for? The sophisticated sunbathers and cultural connoisseurs.
Platja Fonda: Hidden behind a staircase that's a StairMaster challenge, this beach is the reward for your leg day.
Who's it for? The fit fam and those who like their beaches earned, not given.
Cala Futadera: The 'Cala of the 300 steps' is like the final level in a video game – a hidden gem that's worth every step.
Who's it for? The intrepid explorers and secret-spot collectors.
Looking for a hotel that's a bit of you? Well, you're in the right place. From family faves with everything but the kitchen sink to those that would definitely feature on Location, Location, Location because... location. Here are a few of the best:
Santa Susanna Resort: A kiddie paradise with a buffet that's like a treasure chest of endless noms, and a pool scene buzzing with more energy than a Saturday morning cartoon marathon.
Rosamar Garden Resort: Splash into a world where water slides twist like liquorice, gardens flourish in a riot of colour, and the family fun meter cranks up to eleven.
Guitart Central Park Aqua Resort: With a symphony of pools that sparkle like a disco ball and entertainment that turns every night into a festival, this resort is your non-stop ticket to Partyville.
Blue Sea Montevista Hawai: It's a chill-out session wrapped in a sun-lounger, with a side of poolside escapades and a buffet that's like a round-the-world ticket for your taste buds.
Mercury Hotel: Dive into a vibe as cool as retro sunglasses, with activities that'll have you buzzing from dawn till dusk and hospitality that feels like a warm hug... with cocktails.
Popular Costa Brava hotels
Stunning Costa Brava resorts
Weather in Costa Brava
JAN
13°C
FEB
15°C
MAR
16°C
APR
18°C
MAY
21°C
JUN
24°C
JUL
27°C
AUG
27°C
SEP
25°C
OCT
20°C
NOV
16°C
DEC
13°C
The weather in Costa Brava? It's like Mother Nature's favourite playlist – mostly sunny hits with a few clouds to keep it cool, and temperatures that sizzle up to a toasty 30°C in the peak of summer. If you're looking to bask in the glory of the sun, aim for the sweet spot between June and September when the Costa Brava weather is all about the sunny days and tan-topping temps. But hey, if you're more of a 'spring fling' or 'autumn amour', you'll find the temps dipping to a mild 18-22°C, perfect for those leisurely strolls along the beach or exploring medieval towns without breaking a sweat. So, pack your bags according to the season's fashion – whether it's swimwear for the summer sizzle or a light jacket for the cooler, breezy evenings - just don't forget your sun cream (or your flip-flops for that matter)
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Costa Brava?
It takes about 2.5 hours to fly to Costa Brava from the UK.
What’s the time difference between the UK and Costa Brava?
Costa Brava is 1 hour ahead of the time in the UK.
What currency do they use in Costa Brava?
The official currency of Costa Brava is the Euro.
What language do they speak in Costa Brava?
The official language spoken in Costa Brava is Spanish.
Water World Lloret
Dive into Water World Lloret, where the slides are as thrilling as a season finale cliffhanger and the river rapids have more twists than a telenovela. Got kiddos? They'll conquer Children's Island like tiny pirates in search of treasure. And for the wave warriors and pool paddlers, your aquatic playground awaits. But hey, if you're more of a lounge lizard, snag a sunbed and bask in the glory like you're on the cover of "Sunbathing Weekly." And when the tummy rumbles hit, hit up the on-site diner for a burger that's juicier than the latest gossip. Remember, no Costa Brava holiday is Instagram-official without a splash here!
Castillo de Tossa de Mar
Perched like a crown atop Tossa de Mar, the Castillo is not just a castle, it's a VIP pass to the best views in town. Whether you're hiking up like a reality show challenge or taking the chill train, the top is where you get to lord over the Med Sea with a panorama that'll make your camera weep with joy. And the price for this royal experience? Free, darling. So after you've dipped your toes in the sea, take a wander through these ruins – it's like stepping into a history book, but way cooler.
House Salvador Dali
Hop on a bus or grab a taxi to the seaside abode of the moustachioed master of surrealism, Salvador Dali. This museum-house is like stepping into a painting that decided to get real. It's not just an art lover's daydream – it's a full-on feast for the eyes with sea views that'll have you swooning and a vibe that's as eccentric as Dali's own 'stache. So book that tour, and let's get artsy in the quirkiest corner of Costa Brava.
Balloon Ride
Why stroll when you can soar? Take to the skies with Globus Emporda's balloon rides and live your best influencer life, floating up to 1300m where the views are hashtag-worthy, and the beaches, mountains, and islands look like they've been sprinkled by a Photoshop fairy. Sure, starting at €160, it's a splurge, but can you really put a price on floating like a cloud's VIP guest? This is the memory-maker, the ultimate sky-high selfie spot, and a treat that'll have your holiday vibes soaring. Literally.
What events can I go to in Costa Brava?
Get your groove on at the Lloret de Mar Jazz Festival, where the sax is sultrier than the summer sun and the vibes swing harder than a pendulum in a clock shop. It's a toe-tapping, hip-swaying shindig that'll jazz up your June like a Gatsby party!
July in Girona isn't just hot, it's artsy-hot with the Street Art Festival. The city's walls become canvases, and the streets are alive with more colours than a unicorn's dream. It's an open-air gallery where your senses get a front-row seat to creativity.
Stomp into August at Palafrugell's Wine Festival, where the grapes are ripe for the squishing and the wine flows like gossip. It's a feet-first plunge into tradition with a side of tipsy, and you're all invited to the grape bash of the season.
September in Cadaqués is a surreal affair, with the Salvador Dali Parade. Expect moustaches, melting clocks, and a parade that's as wonderfully weird as Dali's own artwork. It's a walking, talking art show, and yes, it's as trippy as it sounds.
As October skies darken, the stars of Begur's Opera Nights shine bright. It's an open-air serenade where the arias are as crisp as autumn air, and the high notes hit higher than the moon. Bring a shawl, a love for drama, and let the music sweep you off your feet.
December transforms Blanes into a winter wonderland with Christmas Markets that sparkle brighter than a tinsel explosion. It's a festive spree of twinkling lights, mulled wine, and enough holiday cheer to power Santa's sleigh. Get ready to jingle all the way!
What's the nightlife like in Costa Brava?
When the sun clocks out in Costa Brava, the nightlife clocks in, and let us tell you, it's not your grandma's bingo night. The moonlit coast transforms into a playground for night owls, where the beats drop as hard as the day's last beach volleyball match and the cocktails flowww. Whether you're in the mood for a chill cocktail under the stars in Blanes or a dance floor that tests the limits of your energy drink in Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava's nightlife is the glittering cherry on top of your holiday sundae. Here are a few places to visit:
The Tipsy Turtle in Lloret de Mar: Grab a beachfront stool here and let the mixologists dazzle you with their shaker skills.
Mojito's Retro Bar in Tossa de Mar: This joint is a blast from the past with a soundtrack to match.
Sunset Lounge in Blanes: Perched on a rooftop, this is where the sky's nightly colour show competes with the cocktails for your attention, and often, it's a spectacular tie.
Club Tropicana in Platja d'Aro: Don your neon and step into a scene straight out of the '80s – it's all big beats, bigger hair, and a night that's as vibrant as a neon glow stick.
Bassline Boogie in Calella: When the bass drops here, it's seismic. The sound system's legendary, the crowd's electric, and sleep is something you can do when you're back home.
What's the food and drink like in Costa Brava?
The cuisine of the Costa Brava incorporates traditional Spanish food with a bit of local flair. Look out for ‘mar i munyanya’, or ‘sea and mountain’, a dish that combines seafood with land produce – think surf ‘n’ turf with a Mediterranean twist. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on ‘crema catalana’ either; it’s this region’s version of a crème brûlée. And, if you fancy a traditional Spanish tipple, look out for sangria or locally-made wine on the drinks menus. Take a trip to one of these restaurants for a meal to remember:
El Celler de Can Roca in Girona: This is not just a meal; it's a three-Michelin-starred journey through the avant-garde of cuisine.
La Blava in Cadaqués: Tucked away in a cove, La Blava serves seafood so fresh, it practically introduces itself.
Vista Bella in Roses: With a name that promises beautiful views, this spot delivers a sensory double whammy – a feast for the eyes and the stomach.
Tragamar in Palafrugell: Where the rice dishes are so good, they could negotiate world peace. Sit beachside and let the paella do the talking.
Can Sophia in Platja d'Aro: This hidden gem is like the indie darling of restaurants – intimate, charming, and with a menu that's as thoughtful as a handwritten love letter.
Places to visit
Village of Pals
This isn't just a village; it's a medieval blockbuster set, minus the CGI. Imagine strolling through streets that zigzag like an old-school Tetris game, where the buildings are dressed in stones older than your family tree. It's got towers playing peek-a-boo with the clouds and Gothic windows that wink at you with centuries-old charm. And the air? It's like Mother Nature mixed pine with a dash of history and baked it into a perfume. Here, the local dishes sizzle and pop with stories, and every bite feels like a plot twist. As the sun dips, it drapes Pals in a golden cloak fit for a king, turning the whole place into a living, breathing, Instagrammable moment from the days of yore.
Gardens of Santa Clotilde
The Gardens of Santa Clotilde in Lloret de Mar are like the secret garden of your childhood dreams, but with a VIP, adults-only vibe. Picture this: you're wandering through a maze of greenery that's more manicured than a celebrity's eyebrows, with every hedge trimmed to geometric perfection. It's a Renaissance throwback party, and you're on the guest list, mingling with statues that pose better than influencers and fountains that gush with the enthusiasm of a standing ovation. Perched on a cliff with the Mediterranean playing backdrop, these gardens offer a tranquility that's as rare as a quiet corner in a theme park. It's the kind of place where you half expect a poet to pop out from behind a bush, scribbling verses inspired by the sheer romance of it all. So take a stroll, take a breath, and let the Gardens of Santa Clotilde make you feel and warm and zen inside.
Tossa de Mar Old Town
Tossa de Mar's Old Town is not just old, it's epic old, like it's been marinating in history and charm for centuries, just waiting for you to take a bite. This is the kind of place where the cobblestones are storytellers, each one spilling medieval gossip as you clack over them. The ancient walls stand guard like bouncers at an exclusive club, and trust me, you're on the list. Wander through the Vila Vella with its tight-knit alleys and you'll feel like you're in a live-action game of Dungeons & Dragons, minus the dragons, plus a whole lot of picturesque. And the lighthouse? It's the cherry on top, beaming out over the Costa Brava like a beacon of Insta-worthy views.
Key facts about Costa Brava
Flight Time
2.5 hrs
Time Difference
+1 hr
Currency
Euro
Language
Spanish
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Costa Brava?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Costa Brava?
The Catalonia region charges a sustainable tourism tax on all overnight stays which will be payable on arrival in the hotel:
5-star hotels: €2.25 per person, per night
4-star hotels: €1.10 per person, per night
Apartments, Villas and others: €0.65 per person, per night
Will Covid-19 affect my holiday to Costa Brava?
We are currently closely following the Covid-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Costa Brava on the FCO website.
