Rocky coastline with pine trees and blue ocean
Rocky coastline with sparkling ocean waves under a clear sky
Costa Brava neon signage
a body of water surrounded by hills and trees
a view of the ocean from the top of a hill
Photo by Ilia on Unsplash

Holiday in Costa Brava

Beach in Spain — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇪🇸

Country

Spain

Type

Beach

Best time to travel

May–June, September–October

Budget/day

75–130 €

Getting there from Germany

Flight to Barcelona or Girona, then rental car. Girona is reachable by high-speed train (AVE) from Barcelona in 38 minutes.

About Costa Brava

The Costa Brava in northeastern Catalonia stretches from Blanes to the French border and is much more than a typical beach destination: rugged rocky coastlines, hidden coves with crystal-clear water, medieval villages, and the artistic legacy of Salvador Dalí make it one of the most fascinating coastal regions in Europe. The Teatre-Museu Dali in Figueres is the most visited museum in Spain after the Prado — a surrealist total work of art that Dali himself considered his greatest work. In Cadaqués, the picturesque fishing village that inspired Dali throughout his life, stands his home Port Lligat (reservation required). The combination of Mediterranean light, bizarre rock formations, and deep blue sea is immediately understood here. Tossa de Mar delights with its medieval fortress Vila Vella right above the beach — one of the few fortified old towns on the Mediterranean. The Cami de Ronda, a historic coastal path, connects the coves and villages along the entire coast and offers spectacular views of hidden calas where one can descend to swim. Medieval villages like Pals, Peratallada, and Besalú in the hinterland surprise with Romanesque bridges, Jewish quarters, and excellent Catalan cuisine. The region is known for its Michelin-starred restaurants — foremost among them El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, repeatedly voted the best restaurant in the world. The best travel time is from May to October, with September particularly recommended for its warm sea and fewer guests.

Beach
90
Safety
85
Food
80
Relaxation
80
Families
80

Top 5 highlights in Costa Brava

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Cadaqués & Portlligat

The white fishing village was Dalí's chosen home – his house-museum and Cap de Creus are worth a visit.

2

Tossa de Mar

The medieval fortress Vila Vella towers over a picturesque bay and offers the iconic Costa Brava postcard view.

3

Camí de Ronda

The historic coastal hiking trail connects coves and fishing villages – the most beautiful sections are between Calella and Llafranc.

4

Dalí Triangle

The Dalí Museum in Figueres, his house in Portlligat, and the castle in Púbol form the 'Dalí Triangle' of surrealism pilgrims.

5

Illes Medes

The underwater world of the marine protected area off L'Estartit is among the best diving spots in the western Mediterranean.

Hotels in Costa Brava

Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.

Über 700.000 Hotels
Kostenlose Stornierung
Bestpreis-Garantie
Hotels in Costa Brava vergleichen

* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Costa Brava

Recommended travel time

May–June, September–October

Summer

Warm, 25–30 °C, sunny with Tramuntana wind

Winter

Mild, 6–14 °C, Tramuntana brings clear light

How much does a holiday in Costa Brava cost?

Average costs per person per day

🎒

Budget

40–60 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

🏨

Mid-range

75–130 €

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

🌟

Luxury

180–400 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

Book a package holiday to Costa Brava

Compare thousands of package holidays to Costa Brava and find the best deals with flight & hotel.

Compare package holidays now

5 travel tips for Costa Brava

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

Exploring the Costa Brava by kayak is the best way to discover the hidden coves.

Cadaqués is overcrowded in July/August – May/June or September are ideal.

The Dalí Museum in Figueres is the most visited museum in Spain after the Prado – buy tickets in advance.

The Camí de Ronda can be done in stages – the sections near Begur and Calella de Palafrugell are the most beautiful.

Try Suquet de Peix, the typical fish stew of the Costa Brava, in one of the old fishing villages.

Food & drink in Costa Brava

These specialties you must try!

Suquet de Peix
Arròs Negre (black rice)
Gambes de Palamós
Cim i Tomba (tuna ragout)
Crema Catalana
Ratafia (herbal liqueur)
Suitable for:CoastDalíCovesHikingDivingFishing villagesCataloniaNature

Ready for Costa Brava?

Plan your Costa Brava holiday now with our free tools.

All destinations in SpainAll destinations in Europe