Costa Brava Travel Guide - Free Web & App

Your ultimate guide to Costa Brava. Discover top landmarks, proposed trips, and local tips. Free on the web or via the Evendo companion app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Costa Brava
Costa Brava photo 2
Costa Brava photo 3
All photos

Costa Brava, Spain: explore Catalan coves, medieval villages, Dalí heritage, coastal walks, seafood and beaches from Blanes to Portbou year-round.

A Mediterranean Coast with Many Faces

Costa Brava stretches along north-eastern Catalonia from Blanes towards Portbou, where the Mediterranean meets the foothills of the Pyrenees and the French border. Its name, meaning “Wild Coast”, reflects a shoreline shaped by rocky headlands, pine-fringed coves, sandy bays and small fishing harbours. The coast is not a single continuous resort but a varied succession of seaside towns, protected landscapes and historic settlements, with Girona providing an important inland gateway.
Read more about Costa Brava

Landscapes, Villages and Heritage

The southern coast around Blanes and Lloret de Mar combines beaches, botanical gardens and established holiday infrastructure, while the central section includes the fishing towns of Tossa de Mar, L’Estartit and L’Escala. Further north, the Cap de Creus peninsula offers a more rugged environment of wind-sculpted rock, sparse vegetation and far-reaching sea views. Inland, medieval villages such as Pals, Peratallada and Monells preserve stone architecture, while Cadaqués and Portlligat are closely associated with the artist Salvador Dalí.

Food, Nature and Outdoor Travel

The Costa Brava is recognised for Catalan cooking, seafood, rice dishes, local produce and wines from the Empordà. Visitors can walk sections of the historic Camí de Ronda coastal paths, explore the Medes Islands area by boat or snorkelling excursion where permitted, visit archaeological remains at Empúries, or discover wetlands in the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà. Its appeal lies in the contrast between lively beach resorts, quiet coves, agricultural landscapes and culturally important towns, all within a region where summer conditions can be considerably busier than the rest of the year.

When is the best time to visit Costa Brava?

Best: May–June, October · 23–29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1748
February1746
March1943
April2039
May (best)2334
June (best)2928
July3226
August3226
September2931
October (best)2539
November2045
December1747

Getting to and around Costa Brava

How to get there

Barcelona-El Prat and Girona-Costa Brava airports are the principal air gateways for visitors, although Girona Airport’s services vary by season. High-speed trains serve Girona and Figueres, while conventional rail links follow the coast as far as towns including Blanes, and regional buses connect larger settlements with many resort areas. The AP-7 motorway and the N-II provide important north–south road access, with local roads branching towards coastal towns and the Cap de Creus peninsula. France is accessible via the northern border near Portbou and La Jonquera. Check current transport services before travelling, particularly outside the main summer season.

Transportation

A car is useful for combining coastal towns, inland villages and protected landscapes, but narrow roads, summer congestion and limited parking can complicate visits to small coves and historic centres. Regional buses connect many larger settlements, while rail is most useful on the southern and central coastal corridor rather than in the far north. Walking is an excellent way to explore sections of the Camí de Ronda, though the paths are not one continuous, uniformly easy trail. Cycling is possible on roads and established routes, and boat excursions operate from several harbours, subject to weather, conservation rules and seasonal availability.

Best attractions in Costa Brava

The Costa Brava’s attractions range from developed seaside resorts to protected coastline and ancient sites. Blanes is known for its Marimurtra and Pinya de Rosa botanical gardens, while Tossa de Mar combines a sandy bay with the walled Vila Vella. Around L’Estartit, the Montgrí coast and Medes Islands area offer opportunities for boat trips and marine observation, subject to local rules. The Greek and Roman remains at Empúries provide an important cultural counterpoint to the beaches. In the north, Cadaqués, Portlligat and Cap de Creus are linked to Salvador Dalí and a stark, rocky landscape. Aiguamolls de l’Empordà protects wetlands important for birdlife, while inland Pals, Peratallada, Monells and Castelló d’Empúries reveal the stone architecture and agricultural heritage of the Empordà.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Costa Brava

The Costa Brava’s defining landmarks are often natural rather than monumental. Cap de Creus forms a rugged northern peninsula where wind and sea have shaped unusual rock landscapes, while the Medes Islands stand offshore from L’Estartit as a prominent marine landmark. The walled Vila Vella of Tossa de Mar rises above the coast, enclosing a historic settlement beside the town beach. At Empúries, Greek and Roman archaeological remains mark the region’s ancient Mediterranean connections. The Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres lies inland but is an important cultural landmark for the wider Costa Brava region, complemented by Dalí’s former home at Portlligat. The wetlands of Aiguamolls de l’Empordà and the Montgrí massif further demonstrate the geographical range of the destination.

Show more landmarks

Explore Costa Brava on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Costa Brava

Food on the Costa Brava reflects both Mediterranean coastal life and the agricultural traditions of Catalonia’s Empordà hinterland. Seafood, shellfish, fish stews, rice dishes, vegetables, olive oil and seasonal produce are central to local cooking, while the region’s markets and food shops provide opportunities to discover cheeses, cured products, sweets and Empordà wines. Palamós is particularly associated with its fishing port and prawns, although seafood is served across many coastal towns. L’Escala is known for traditional anchovy production, and inland villages offer restaurants and informal dining rooted in local produce. In smaller coves and protected areas, options may be limited, so visitors often eat in nearby towns such as Cadaqués, Begur, L’Escala, Roses or Sant Feliu de Guíxols rather than expecting facilities beside every beach.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Costa Brava

Evening life varies sharply along the Costa Brava. Larger resorts such as Lloret de Mar, Platja d’Aro, Roses and L’Estartit have the widest selection of bars and late-night entertainment, particularly during the summer season. In towns including Tossa de Mar, Cadaqués, Palamós and Sant Feliu de Guíxols, evenings are more commonly spent in harbour-side cafés, traditional bars, wine venues and restaurants, with activity concentrated around promenades and old quarters rather than large nightlife districts. Inland villages and protected landscapes are notably quieter, with village bars and occasional cultural programming providing the main evening atmosphere. Seasonal opening patterns are significant, so visitors should expect a more subdued experience outside the principal holiday months.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Costa Brava

Evening life varies sharply along the Costa Brava. Larger resorts such as Lloret de Mar, Platja d’Aro, Roses and L’Estartit have the widest selection of bars and late-night entertainment, particularly during the summer season. In towns including Tossa de Mar, Cadaqués, Palamós and Sant Feliu de Guíxols, evenings are more commonly spent in harbour-side cafés, traditional bars, wine venues and restaurants, with activity concentrated around promenades and old quarters rather than large nightlife districts. Inland villages and protected landscapes are notably quieter, with village bars and occasional cultural programming providing the main evening atmosphere. Seasonal opening patterns are significant, so visitors should expect a more subdued experience outside the principal holiday months.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Costa Brava

Shopping on the Costa Brava is concentrated in its towns rather than at isolated beaches or protected landscapes. Resort centres provide everyday shops, beach equipment and seasonal retail, while Girona and Figueres offer the broadest general shopping choices for the wider region. Visitors looking for regional products can explore food shops, market stalls and farm-related businesses selling Empordà wine, olive oil, preserved foods, cheeses, sweets and L’Escala anchovies. Ceramics, artwork and small craft goods are available in some historic villages and coastal towns, although stock and opening patterns vary. Markets are held in many municipalities on particular days, but schedules change, so they should be checked locally. In rural areas, carry essential supplies from larger settlements rather than relying on a shop near a natural attraction.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Costa Brava, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Costa Brava essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the euro (EUR). Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, transport hubs and established restaurants, while smaller cafés, market stalls, beach services and rural businesses may prefer cash or have minimum-spend policies. Cash machines are common in towns but less dependable in remote coastal areas and small villages, so carrying a modest reserve is sensible when travelling around the Cap de Creus, inland Empordà or smaller coves. Visitors should check whether their bank applies foreign-transaction fees and choose euro payments rather than dynamic currency conversion where offered.
Safety
Summer heat, strong sun and dehydration are important considerations, especially on exposed coastal paths and beaches. Camí de Ronda sections can be rocky, steep or slippery, and cliff edges should be treated cautiously. Sea conditions may change quickly, so visitors should follow local swimming information and avoid entering the water in unsuitable conditions. Keep valuables secure in busy resort areas and do not leave belongings visible in parked vehicles. In protected landscapes, stay on permitted routes, observe signs and avoid disturbing birds, marine life and dune vegetation. Driving requires particular care on narrow coastal and village roads.
Emergency Situations
Call 112 for police, fire or medical emergencies anywhere in Spain; the service can coordinate the appropriate response. Give the operator the nearest town, road, beach, trail marker or visible landmark, and state whether the incident involves cliffs, the sea or a remote path. Mobile coverage can be inconsistent in secluded coves and parts of Cap de Creus, so do not rely solely on a phone for navigation. For non-urgent medical needs, ask accommodation staff or a local pharmacy about the nearest healthcare service. Travel insurance with medical and activity cover is prudent for organised water or outdoor activities.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect Catalan and Spanish customs, local residents and the character of working fishing villages; Catalan and Spanish are both widely used. Do follow signs and local instructions in natural parks, keep dogs under control where permitted, and take litter away from beaches and trails. Do not climb barriers, enter restricted archaeological areas or approach nesting birds and marine wildlife. Avoid blocking narrow village streets or private access points when parking. Beach and coastal access rules can vary by municipality, so do not assume that camping, fires, fishing, swimming or launching watercraft is permitted everywhere.
Local Tips
Base yourself in a larger town such as Girona, Blanes, Palamós, Roses or Figueres when public transport and services are priorities, or choose a smaller coastal village for closer access to particular sections of shoreline. The northern coast is generally more rewarding when explored slowly, as roads and viewpoints are widely spread. Visit archaeological and historic sites early in the day during hot periods, and consider spring or autumn for walking and village visits. Coastal paths, beaches and resort centres can feel very different outside the high summer season, when some seasonal services reduce their hours.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHola[oh-lah]
GoodbyeAdiós[ah-dyohs]
YesSí[see]
NoNo[noh]
Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada[por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
Thank youGracias[grah-thyas]
Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento[pehr-dohn/loh syehn-toh]
How are you?¿Cómo estás?[koh-moh ehs-tahs]
Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?[byen. ee too]
Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?[ah-blahs een-glehs]
I don't understandNo entiendo[noh ehn-tyen-doh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver la carta, por favor[meh goo-stah-ree-ah vehr lah kahr-tah, por fah-vor]
I don't eat meatNo como carne[noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
Cheers!¡Salud![sah-lood]
I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor[kee-syeh-rah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!¡Ayuda![ah-yoo-dah]
Go away!¡Vete![veh-teh]
Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía![yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico![yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
I'm lostEstoy perdido[ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
I'm illEstoy enfermo[ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...[meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando[soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?[kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
That's too expensiveEs demasiado caro[ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?[pweh-dehs bah-har ehl pree-thyo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?¿Qué hora es?[keh oh-rah ehs]
It's one o'clockEs la una[ehs lah oo-nah]
Half past (10)Y media (10)[ee meh-dee-ah (dee-ehs)]
MorningMañana[mah-nyah-nah]
AfternoonTarde[tahr-deh]
EveningNoche[noh-cheh]
YesterdayAyer[ah-yehr]
TodayHoy[oy]
TomorrowMañana[mah-nyah-nah]
1Uno[oo-noh]
2Dos[dohs]
3Tres[trehs]
4Cuatro[kwah-troh]
5Cinco[theen-koh]
6Seis[says]
7Siete[syeh-teh]
8Ocho[oh-choh]
9Nueve[nweh-veh]
10Diez[dyehth]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?[dohn-deh ehs-tah]
What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?[kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?[pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?[kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksy-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ....)[oon bee-yeh-teh (ah ....)]

History of Costa Brava

Coastal Landscapes and Early Settlement

The Costa Brava’s present form reflects long geological and coastal processes that produced rocky peninsulas, sheltered bays and varied lowland plains. Human settlement followed the coast’s natural harbours and fertile hinterland. Iberian communities occupied fortified sites before Greek traders established the colony of Emporion, at present-day Empúries, in the sixth century BC. Roman Emporiae later developed nearby, linking the region to wider Mediterranean commerce. The surviving archaeological site at Empúries records the meeting of Iberian, Greek and Roman cultures and remains one of the clearest windows onto the ancient history of the Catalan coast.

Medieval Towns and Catalan Power

During the medieval period, settlement expanded around castles, monasteries, agricultural estates and small ports. The Empordà plain became a productive rural zone, while fortified places such as Pals and Peratallada developed defensive and administrative importance. Coastal towns were exposed to maritime trade as well as piracy, encouraging the construction of walls and towers. Tossa de Mar’s Vila Vella, enclosed by medieval walls above the sea, is one of the most recognisable surviving examples of this defensive coastal heritage. Romanesque churches, stone villages and old agricultural landscapes continue to reflect the region’s medieval structure.

Fishing, Farming and Maritime Life

For centuries, communities along the Costa Brava combined fishing with farming, seafaring and small-scale trade. Harbours such as Cadaqués, L’Escala, Palamós and Sant Feliu de Guíxols supported maritime economies, while inland villages depended on cereals, vines, olives and livestock. The coastline’s difficult terrain limited large-scale industrial development in many places, preserving distinctive fishing settlements and rural architecture. Local food traditions grew from this relationship between sea and land, including fish-based cooking, rice dishes, preserved products and Empordà wines. The region’s historic ports and fishermen’s quarters still provide visible evidence of this working coast.

Artists, Writers and the Modern Coast

From the late nineteenth century, the Costa Brava attracted artists, writers and travellers drawn by its light, landscapes and traditional settlements. Salvador Dalí’s connections with Cadaqués and Portlligat gave the northern coast a particularly strong association with modern art, while painters and writers also worked in towns including Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Tourism expanded significantly during the twentieth century, especially after improved roads and the growth of European holidays. Resorts developed hotels, apartments and beaches, although many historic villages and less accessible coves retained their older character.

Conservation and Coastal Management

The expansion of tourism brought employment and infrastructure but also placed pressure on beaches, water, habitats and undeveloped land. In response, several areas gained stronger environmental protection, including Cap de Creus Natural Park, Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park and the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park. These designations protect combinations of coastline, wetlands, islands, farmland and marine environments rather than a single uniform landscape. Contemporary travel along the Costa Brava therefore takes place within a landscape shaped by both intensive seaside development and continuing efforts to manage biodiversity, heritage and public access.

Costa Brava in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities in Costa Brava

The towns and cities of Costa Brava, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Neighbouring destination travel guides

The closest destinations to Costa Brava, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Catalonia
More of the region

Explore more of Catalonia

Discover Catalonia: A vibrant blend of culture, nature, and cuisine in northeastern Spain, from Gaudí’s masterpieces to the scenic Costa Brava and Pyrenees mountains.

Explore Catalonia
Spain
More of the country

Explore more of Spain

Discover Spain: A vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes, where every city offers a unique adventure and unforgettable experiences.

Explore Spain
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Costa Brava, Spain

Discover Costa Brava like never before with Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Evendo is your comprehensive, free travel guide to Costa Brava, Spain. Discover top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with rich local insights and easy navigation.

  • History and travel essentials for Costa Brava
  • Curated local tips to experience the destination like a local
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Planning a trip to Costa Brava, Spain? Look no further! Evendo is the ultimate travel guide that ensures you make the most out of your visit. From the stunning beaches of Tossa de Mar to the historic charm of Girona, Evendo has got you covered. Explore famous landmarks like the Salvador Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat and the medieval town of Pals. With detailed information on top attractions, landmarks, and the best local restaurants such as El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, you will never miss out on anything.

Evendo offers a rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location. Whether you want to visit the beautiful Cap de Creus Natural Park or enjoy a night out at one of the vibrant bars in Lloret de Mar, planning and organizing your trip has never been easier. The app also allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly, providing a seamless travel experience.

With features like the history of Costa Brava, travel essentials, and curated local advice, Evendo ensures you get the most out of your visit. The app's easy navigation and 'Near me' feature make exploring the destination effortless, letting you experience Costa Brava like a local. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.