Costa Brava
Costa Brava is the northernmost stretch of Spain’s Mediterranean coast, a popular region for beach, sports and sightseeing tourism. Its beaches with coarse sand, rocky slopes and pine groves are especially appreciated by those who can’t stand the heat of Benidorm or Tarragona. The Costa Brava boasts world-famous museums associated with local native Salvador Dali, interesting diving routes, an abundance of fish and unusual hiking and biking trails.
Video: Costa Brava
Contents- Costa Brava weather
- History of the Rocky Coast
- Geography of the region
Comarques de Costa Brava - Natural parks and botanical gardens
- Archaeological sites of Costa Brava
Attractions in the region - Museums
- Active holidays in Costa Brava
- Beaches of Costa Brava
Events on the Rocky Coast - Where to stay
- Cafes and restaurants
- Shopping
- How to get there
Costa Brava weather
The hottest months on the Costa Brava are July and August, but even then temperatures do not exceed +28 °C. There is not much precipitation on the coast. Most of the resorts operate from May to September, offering maximum entertainment, but you can find interesting offers for excursions and sports vacations on the Costa Brava and in the low season.
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History of the Rocky Coast
The coast north of Barcelona has seen the change of many cultures, from the ancient Iberians, Greeks and Romans to the Catalans and Castilians. Traces of the presence of these peoples are reflected in the archaeological and architectural monuments of the region. The very name of the tourist area is of recent origin. For the first time the phrase Costa Brava, or Rocky Coast, appeared in 1908 in a newspaper article, but it remained unclaimed for a long time.
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Although the rocky beaches are located near the popular French Côte d’Azur, they were developed late, only in the 1960s, when Catalonia was hit by a tourism boom. When building hotels and laying infrastructure initially focused on guests from neighboring France, and later – from Northern Europe: they ideally suited not too hot climate of the northern part of Catalonia. The calculation turned out to be correct: vacation in Spain was cheaper than in France, besides, the Cote d’Azur turned out to be too overpopulated. The situation has remained the same in our time: prices on the Costa Brava are relatively low, and the service meets international standards.
.Geography of the region
Costa Brava is not an administrative concept, so the information about the length of the Rocky Coast is most contradictory. According to the general statement, the Costa Brava includes three comarcas of the province of Girona with a coastline of 162 km, but some Catalans expand the size of the region to 250 km at the expense of two more comarcas.
One third of the entire territory of the province of Girona is recognized as protected land. These include marine areas, the coast, and the surrounding hills and mountains. The region is home to Lake Banyoles, the largest lake in Catalonia and a favorite picnic and fishing spot. The lake is fed by rainwater and underground rivers, and there are hydrogen sulphide springs nearby. The lake became world famous after it hosted the canoeing competitions during the Olympic Games in Barcelona. There is an 8-kilometer walking trail around Banyoles, passing traditional fishing villages and Neolithic sites.
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The mountainous part of the Costa Brava is low: the Cadiertes massif, for example, barely reaches a height of 500 meters. There are convenient biking and hiking trails through suspension bridges. The Gavarres massif is also popular among sportsmen, famous for its variety of flora and fauna and mountain biker trails. It was here that the dolmen “Cave of Dinah” was discovered – a 4.5 thousand year old burial site hidden by granite slabs. Ancient graves have also been found in the Albera Mountains: dolmens and menhirs, and a Turtle Breeding Center has also been opened in the town of Garriguella.
.Comarques de Costa Brava
The Alt Emporda combines the plains near Figueres and the eastern ends of the Pyrenees. The Bay of Roses in the basin of the Muga and Fluvia rivers is known for its marshes. At the point where the Muga flows into the sea, in a marshy part of the coast, is the local twin of Venice, the town of Empuriabrava, all riddled with canals. The Comarca occupies Cape Creus, which is traversed by a tourist motor train, the easternmost point of mainland Spain.
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In the center of the Costa Brava – comarca Baix Emporda with an archipelago of 7 islands Medes opposite the town of L’Estartita. On the largest of them, Meda Gran, in the XV century the knightly order of the Holy Sepulchre built a castle, for 100 years pirates purposefully attacked it until finally destroyed. Then the ruins were rebuilt and a secure prison was set up on the islands, and during the Napoleonic Wars the complex was used again as a fortress. Another attraction of the island is the lighthouse of 1866, which is no longer in operation due to the construction of a new, automatic lighthouse. The rest of the islands are rocks sticking out of the water, with underwater caves and underwater meadows formed by posidonia. The southern part of the Costa Brava – comarca Selva with the largest resort in the region, Lloret de Mar. The provincial capital, Girona, lies 30 km from the sea, and is more of historical and art historical interest than beach and entertainment.
.Natural parks and botanical gardens
The wild bird sanctuary is based on the Aiguamolle Swamp. Cape Creus, with its fantastically shaped rocks, ideal diving conditions and intricate paths, became a nature park in 1998. The Montseny Park is interesting for its changing landscapes. The Marimurtra Botanical Garden in Blanes has 4 hectares with 3 themed zones – Mediterranean, temperate and subtropical. Another garden, the Piña de Rosa, is famous for its collections of cacti and succulents. The Butterfly Park was created specifically for insect observation in Castelló d’Empúriese. In fact, it is a giant greenhouse, which, in addition to butterflies, contains exotic animals – turtles and iguanas – and plants, forming a single ecosystem. The park is open from late March to early November, and admission with free photography costs 7-9 euros.
.Archaeological monuments of the Costa Brava
In addition to megalithic monuments, features of ancient Greek and Roman presence have been found on the Costa Brava. Near the village of Sant Marti d’Empuriez, the ruins of the ancient Greek colony of Empuriez, founded in 575 B.C. In Tossa de Mare, the villa of Els Ametllers with rich floor mosaics from the 4th century has been preserved. Excavations are still going on, you can see the fruits of the archeologists’ labors free of charge, having previously stocked up on water and sunscreen. Greek and Roman antiquities attract tourists to the town of L’Escala. The citadel of Roses is an example of the interaction of eras, when on the ancient foundations of the IV century BC grew medieval fortifications, completed in Modern times.
.Attractions of the region
The towns and villages of the Costa Brava have preserved signs of medieval buildings, and in Tossa de Mare, at the edge of the municipal beach, the 12th-century castle, the only medieval structure in Catalonia to have survived pirate raids and clashes with the Castilians without damage, has been completely preserved. Lush Mediterranean pines grow between its crenellated walls and elaborate tower system. Access is free, with €3 charged only for a tour of the town’s museum with works by Chagall and Claude Monet. Near Lloret de Mara, the attention of tourists is attracted by the “Castle on the Beach” – a modern attempt to recreate the principles of medieval architecture. The building, half hidden by thickets, was built after the war for an industrialist from Girona. It is still in private hands, so you can’t get inside. Another unusual attraction is the modernist cemetery, which is more like a park.
.The historic part of Begur is in colonial style, with an 11th century castle partially preserved in the town. A 13th-century Romanesque tower can be seen in Llanse, while in Roses there is a non-standard lighthouse in the form of a round tower. Twentieth century architecture is widely represented in Cadaqués and Tossa de Mare, where cottages were built by Catalans who became rich in America.
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One of the most interesting Catholic attractions of the Costa Brava is the Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes in the municipality of El Port de la Selva, founded in the 7th century and later completed in Romanesque style. Named after the relics of St. Peter buried somewhere in the vicinity, the monastery was emptied at the end of the XVIII century. Now it is being reconstructed, but is open to the public. The complex of buildings made of rough stone with fine decorations is overgrown with vines, it sells souvenirs, gives piano concerts, in a small museum tell about the history and architectural features of Sant Pere de Rodesa. You can see the ensemble for 4.5 euros from Tuesday to Sunday. Nearby, on Mount Verdera, you can see the ruins of a castle with an excellent panoramic view.
.The most beautiful church of Lloret de Mara – San Roma, colorful and cheerful reminiscent of Thai temples. Here you can also see the Castle of St. John – a copy of the medieval building, created in modern times. You’ll have to work hard to climb up to it, but the views from the top are excellent. St. Mary’s Church in Cadaqués is famous for its ancient organ, baroque altar and guitar concerts. It was built in the 16th century on the foundations of a medieval church destroyed by pirates. Of architectural interest is the Gothic church of St. Peter in Begur, the 10th century church of St. Sylvester in Llanse.
.Museums
The names of Salvador Dali, Joan Miró, and Pablo Picasso are associated with the Costa Brava. There are about 50 museums in the region, many of them of world importance. In addition to ethnographic, archaeological, historical, artistic, thematic collections of objects related to the sea, fishing, children’s toys are available in the region.
.Dali House Museum in Port Lligat
In 1 km from Cadaqués, in the fishing village of Port Lligat, Salvador Dalí began his family life. Affluent relatives were strongly opposed to his marriage to a divorced lady, so they literally kicked him out of the house with nothing. The artist managed to scrape together the money to buy a dilapidated fisherman’s cottage. With the growth of prosperity Dali bought neighboring houses and connected them to each other. The result was unimaginable from an architectural point of view, no similar construction, which is easily recognizable by the characteristic white eggs on the roof. The Dalí House Museum is open from 9.30 to 21 hours in high season, admission costs 8-11 euros. The museum is not open from January to early February.
.Dali Museum in Figueres
One of the most important museums for the Costa Brava and Spain is the Dalí Theater-Museum in Figueres. It has been associated with the artist’s name since 1918, when the debutant exhibited his paintings in the ruins of the city’s theater. The walls of the building are covered with rhythmic volumetric decoration in the form of loaves of bread and giant eggs. The collection includes Dali’s own works and paintings he acquired, ranging from El Greco to the artist’s contemporaries. Under the dome of the building is a crypt with his body. A ticket costs 14 euros for adults and 10 euros for young and elderly visitors.
.Château de Pubol
The 11th-century Château de Pubol has become famous thanks to its last owner. It was purchased by the Dali family in the 1970s, which is why it is still called Château Gala-Dali. At the time of purchase, the complex was in a state of disrepair, but this is what attracted the artist who later became the Marquis de Poubol. Gala, Dali’s favorite wife, is buried here. Salvador was going to live out his last years here, but the castle was seriously damaged in a fire and the artist was forced to move to Figueres. The museum in the building has been open since 1996, the tourist season lasts from March 15 to New Year’s Eve from 10 to 20 hours, in the low season the weekend – Monday. The administration managed to keep the premises intact, only the first floor apartments have been rebuilt, where the gift store is located. In addition to the lord’s house, visitors are shown a working church and the remains of the fortress wall. The ticket costs €8 for adults and €6 for students and pensioners over 65.
.Active vacations on the Costa Brava
Conditions for training climbers have been created at the Aire Libre center in Tossa de Mare. In addition, here you can rappel on a 100-meter rope, which is held on blocks, archery, orienteering, soccer, basketball, mini-golf. In addition to hiking and cycling routes of varying difficulty, guests of the Costa Brava will be offered horseback riding. In Begur for a 3-hour ride on horseback past ancient castles will ask about 50 euros. In Roses, there are go-kart tracks and a club for fans of petanque, a Catalan folk pastime.
.Дайвинг-центры
Half of all diving centers in Catalonia are concentrated on the Costa Brava: tourists are attracted by the rich world of marine life and complex bottom topography. Optimal conditions for beginners are created in Tossa de Mare. Popular islands Medes, but since it is a reserve, there are restrictions – no more than 400 dives per day. Diving on the Costa Brava is cheaper than on the French coast, and the level of service is not lower. In order to attract not only beginner divers, but also professionals, it is planned to build artificial underwater tracks, not inferior in beauty to the landscapes of the Red Sea or the Caribbean Sea.
.Water parks
Water activities on the Costa Brava are available during the summer season. The Aquabrava water park, located on the outskirts of Roses, on Cape Creus, with 19 rides, 5 bars and restaurants and a spacious park area, is popular. Children will like the pirate and tropical island, lovers of quiet rest – swimming pools and “lazy river”, extremists – slides with elements of free fall like “Kamikaze”. The complex is open from June to mid-September, the cost of a day’s stay – 30 euros for adults, 19 euros – for children under 120 cm and pensioners from 65 years old.
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The Marineland water park is located in Palafols. In addition to water entertainment, it offers dolphin shows and birds – cockatoos, ar, toucans. The institution is open from mid-May to September, the ticket costs from 10 to 28 euros depending on the age of the visitor.
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On the outskirts of Lloret de Mara is Water World water park, you can get there by free bus, every half hour departing from the bus station (with a break for siesta). There are more than 20 slides, pools for extreme and relaxing recreation, islands, an artificial lake for kids, and an 80-meter tower for bungee jumping. A visit will cost 33 euros, 19 euros for concessionaires.
. The Aquadiver in Plagja d’Aro offers 19 attractions, from the children’s pool to the Water Fall, a 100-meter indoor tube with giant speeds. The water park is open from June through mid-September from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for 15-26.5 euros a day..Amusement parks on the Costa Brava
Near Lloret de Mara, Gnomopark is open with Arbre Aventura, an outdoor activity zone. Guests will be offered 7 routes with obstacle courses located at a height of up to 8 meters, mini-golf, playgrounds for children, picnic areas. The cost is 6-23 euros for 1 route. Sould Park amusement park was built in the same town, oriented to children 3-12 years old. For them there are trampolines, bouncy castles, areas for safaris and battles with pirates. The park is open mostly in the evenings, from 5pm; on weekends and holidays it opens from 11-12pm, depending on the time of year. Each of the 14 attractions is charged separately, with tickets costing about 2 euros.
.The locality of Masos de Pals presents the Bosc dels Impossibles amusement park, a rope town in a dense forest with 5 routes and 50 obstacles. The park is closed in January and February, but during the peak season it is open until 1am on Wednesdays, so that the routes can be climbed under artificial light. A ticket for all routes costs 33 euros, for individual sections from 3 euros.
.Beaches of the Costa Brava
Almost all major beaches offer water activities, from banana rides to canoeing and fishing. Due to the terrain not all areas of the coast are accessible to people with disabilities – for people with limited mobility is suitable Portichol near the archaeological site of Escorion, Gran in Cadaqués, Rastrel near the city promenade Roses with a promenade, cafes and stores. Conditions for kitesurfing are created on the beach of San Pere Pescador. Spectacular backdrops for photos can be found on the rocky beach of Cadaques, in the bay of Taballera and Montjoi Bay with gray sand at Cape Creus. Estreta Bay is notable for its rocky bottom and the fact that you have to wade through smugglers’ trails. Señor Ramon beach is famous for having the clearest water in the whole province. Nudists prefer to rest on La Boadella near Lloret de Mar or in Murtra Bay near Roses, which can only be accessed by sea.
.Events on the Rocky Coast
The towns on the Costa Brava host many classical music festivals throughout the year. For example, in Peralada Castle you can attend the International Music Festival in July and August, while guitar and flamenco festivals take place throughout the province from late July to early September. The medieval castle Comte de Valltordera, an hour’s drive from Barcelona, hosts jousting tournaments, dinners, costume balls and then free dancing in the garden during the season.
Where to stay
In total, there are about 800 hotels and hostels on the Costa Brava, not counting private apartments and rural houses at some distance from the sea. In addition to payment, all establishments charge a tourist fee of 0.5-2.5 euros per day per person, depending on the municipality. For children under 16 years of age the fee does not apply. Among the popular Costa Brava hotels are Parador “Aiguablava” near Begur, standing in a pine forest, 4-star Delfin in Tossa de Mare from 5000 rubles. per night, Hotel Trias in Palamos for 9000 rubles. per room.
.Cafes and restaurants
Anchovy, shrimp, rice, bean and apple dishes are popular on the Rocky Coast. In total, there are around 2,500 restaurants, bars and cafes on the Costa Brava. A unique skill is demonstrated by the chefs of the restaurant “El Bulli” in Cala Montjo. “El Cheller de Roca” in Girona is one of the top five restaurants in the world. The province has 14 restaurants honored with a total of 20 Michelin stars.
.The Costa Brava hosts gastronomic festivals, such as Pumpkin and Garlic Day, which is celebrated in autumn in Banyoles, and in Llanza in early June they organize a traditional sea festival, when the range of fish dishes increases dramatically in the menus of restaurants.
.Shopping
From June to September there is a direct Shopping Express bus from Barcelona and Lloret de Mara to the La Roca Village outlet, where international and Spanish brands – 130 in total – are represented. Souvenirs are best bought at markets, which are open until lunchtime, often only on certain days, or in small stores, with Sunday afternoon off, sometimes stretching into Monday lunchtime. In Begur and Castelló d’Empuríes, art can be bought at fairs during the summer months. Excellent Costa Brava fish markets operate in Blanes and in Roses.
.How to get there
Until recently, the bulk of tourists got to the Costa Brava through Barcelona International Airport, which receives flights from all over the world. Now part of the load has taken on Girona – its airport, the hub for the company-locoster Ryanair, is located 12 kilometers from the city. The Russian low-cost carrier Pobeda flies to Girona from Moscow. There are bus and rail connections between Barcelona, Girona and other cities in the region. In particular, high-speed trains from Barcelona to Girona depart every hour. The harbors of the coastal towns host yachts and cruise ships, and a ferry runs between Tossa de Mar and Calella.
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