Costa Brava Guide

Avinyonet - Avinyonet de Puigventos is an oasis of quietness very near Figueres (Dali Museum) and the French border. It is an ideal base for visiting the area (golf courses, museums, historic monuments and the best Costa Brava beaches). Luxurious and unusual is Hotel Mas Pau, surrounded by splendid gardens ...

Banyoles - 17 km up the freeway from Girona is the lakeside town of Banyoles, site of the 1992 Olympic rowing events. (If you're not in a rush to get to the lake, turn off the freeway at the signs for Palol, with its ruined castle and a fortified precinct, on this attractive alternate route to Banyoles.) ...

Begur - Begur is a town with a profound historical personality, the fruit of an intense existence. In the shelter of its medieval castle, coral divers, fishermen, “Indians” (wealthy emigrants returning from Spain’s West colonies) and cork workers have written brilliant pages of a story ...

Besalu - Besalu is an attractive small town about 20 km west of Figueres. Besalu was designated as Spain's historical national property in 1966. The most striking feature is the roman bridge (12 century) across the Fluvia which was constructed on existing rocks in the riverbed and has an unusual angular ...

Cadaques - The last resort on the Costa Brava before the French border, Cadaques is reached by a small winding road, twisting over the mountains from Roses, the nearest major center. Scenically, Cadaques is a knockout: crystal-blue water, fishing boats on the sandy beaches, old whitewashed houses, narrow ...

Calella de Palafrugell - Calella de Palafrugell is well known for the traditional architecture of its Voltes (archways) and for its traditional sings-songs at which Havaneres (sea shanties) are accompanied by cremat (coffee flamed with rum). A festival of havaneres is held in ...

Calonge - Calonge is situated on the Costa Brava, and has two main areas: Calonge, inland, and Sant Antoni, by the sea. Outstanding in the town are its Medieval castle (12th-13th centuries), Sant Martí Church and Càlcul Street. It dates back to prehistoric times, as can be seen from the dolmens ...

Camos - A few kilometres south of Banyoles, the village of Camós has a population of 600 and is surrounded by scattered farmhouses and hamlets. The Romanesque church of Santa Magdalena stands in the ...

Figueres - In the heart of Catalonia, Figueres once played a role in Spanish history. Philip V wed Maria Luisa of Savoy here in 1701 in the church of San Pedro, thereby paving the way for the War of the Spanish Succession. But that historical fact is nearly forgotten today: The town is better known as the ...

Girona City - The city of Girona has much to see in the way of a Cathedral, art & archaeology and an ancient Jewish quarter (El Call). The River Onyar divides the city from west to eat, most visitors spend their time on the east side in the old medieval part of the city. The Rambla, the main shopping ...

L'Escala - At the southern end of the Gulf or Roses is L’Escala, a seafaring town and long-established fishing port, specialising in red fish (sardines, herrings etc.) and salted anchovies. There are many typical restaurants. Along the coast are tourist developments, such a Cala Riells, with a ...

L'Estartit - L'Estartit is most outstanding for its interesting landscapes and stunning natural beauty, with views over the bay, the Medes Islands and the surrounding protected countryside. Within the village, special mention should be made of the fishing harbour and the Passeig del Molinet seafront promenade. ...

La Bisbal d'Emporda - La Bisbal d’Emporda is the chief town of the Baix Emporda region; it is a busy market town serving the whole comarca. For centuries it has been a pottery manufacturing town and still boasts a school of pottery and numerous workshops. It was formerly a domain of the bishops of Girona (hence ...

Llafranc - Llafranc (2 km north of Calella de Palafrugell) is one of three coastal towns belonging to the municipality of Palafrugell. The combination of a very good summer climate and excellent beaches is exploited for both domestic and international tourism. Llafranc has retained a more traditional look ...

Llanars - If we follow upstream the flow of river Ter we reach the village of Llanars 2 km from Camprodon. The beautiful Romanesque parish church of Sant Esteve presides over this lovely village; Espinalba and Faitus also belong to it. By walking around we can see the contrast between the oldest part, with ...

Llanca - Located in Alt Empordà, only 160 km away from Barcelona, and 15 km away from the border with France, the village of Llançá has become a popular holiday destination for those seeking peace and quiet. The town is also remarkable because of its historic-artistic heritage, of which ...

Lloret de Mar - On the most southerly part of the Costa Brava, lies the town of Lloret de Mar. With a deep seaside tradition, today it is one of the largest tourist centres on Girona's sea front. Beaches and coves with clear water combine with an interesting historic centre and a wide range of accommodation and ...

Mollo - Mollo links Camprodon valley with France through the old pass of Coll d’Ares. From that point there is a wonderful view of the neighbouring country. Fabert and Espinavell hamlets are annexed to the village of Mollo. In these two villages every 13th of October the traditional and popular tria ...

Palafrugell - Located in the middle of the coast of Girona, the village of Palafrugell has an additional appeal: the archipelago of Islas Formigues, highly recommended for scuba diving. The town of Palafrufell offers the visitor three routes: the "Route of Joseph Pla" (a distinguished writer born in ...

Palamos - Palamos is situated at the eastern end of the wide bay that bears its name. On a headland overlooking the busy port for fishing, trade and pleasure boats, which was founded in 1279 by the King Peter II “the Great”, stands the old quarter, with its still medieval layout. The modern ...

Palau Saverdera - Palau Saverdera is a small traditional Catalan village in Girona Province a couple of miles from Roses and Cadaques. It has a resident population of under 1,000 people, yet boasts several exceptional restaurants. El Bulli, recently voted as the World's Top Restaurant, is just 15 minutes ...

Pals - The municipality of Pals is made up of 2 areas, the three-and-a-half kilometre beach of Pals, ideal for water sports and the inland restored medieval village of Pals. You have the chance to play other sports such as golf, tennis and so on. Here the visitor will find a ...

Peralada - Peralada is another important fortified precinct with several noteworthy buildings. The main attraction is the impressive castle of the Rocaberti family which stands in the midst of a large park. The castle is now the site for the luxurious Casino of Peralada, with roulette, blackjack, baccarat, ...

Peratallada - The village of Peratallada is found just at the point of contact between the Gavarres hills and the lands of the plain of the Baix Emporda, to the left of the Grossa stream. The village, which was declared a historic-artistic monument is one of the most important centres in Catalonia, with regard ...

Platja d'Aro - Platja d'Aro is the most touristic and commercial complex on the Costa Brava. Platja d'Aro is located in an enchanting spot in the heart of the Costa Brava, next to a beach of golden sand, plentiful in small heavenly creeks which will undoubtedly delight those who enjoy nature and fishing. ...

Puigcerda - The capital of the Cerdanaya is Puigcerda, a town founded in 1117 which has become the area's main commercial hub and which boasts a wide array of services and facilities. Puigcerda's pond was one of the first sites in Catalonia and Spain where ice-skating became a truly popular pastime, ...

Regencos - Regencos is a small medieval stone village a couple of miles from Begur, Tamariu and Llafranc in Girona ...

Ribes de Freser - Ribes de Freser, (912 m), a town of 2300 inhabitants, is the administrative and economical centre of the Valley that gives its name (formerly called Valle Petrariense). It is placed in the confluence of three rivers: River Rigard, River Segadell and River Freser, which give to the town its ...

Roses - Once the oldest town in Catalonia (Rhode), Roses is a living museum mapped out by the traces of the passing ages, and as a privileged place that was lodged deeply in the affections of the many cultures who once inhabited its past. Adorned by a wide and varied range of artistic and historical ...

Roses Citadel - A walk around the Citadel is essential for anyone visiting Roses. Declared a historical-artistic complex in 1961, Roses Citadel contains vestiges of various periods and occupations. The military fortification, with its monumental Sea Gate, is a Renaissance-style enclosure of 131.480 m2 built in ...

S'Agaro - The residential area of S'Agaro stands on a rocky headland between Platja d'Aro and Sant Feliu. Development began in 1924 on private initiative and the original plans, by Rafael Maso, were extended in 1940 by Francesc Folguera in the same refined, classical noucentista style. Photo Source: Hotel ...

Sant Antoni de Calonge - Sant Antoni de Calonge is a lovely village with a medieval layout crowding around the castle of the Dukes of Sessa, which was built in the 12 Century. It has many remarkable old buildings. The old maritime part, Sant Antoni de Calonge, has developed considerably through tourism along the beach ...

Sant Feliu de Guixols - Sant Feliu de Guixols is an eminently Mediterranean town situated at the heart of the Costa Brava and surrounded by hills with woods of pine and holm oak, wich has become an important holiday resort offering visitors a wide range of services. All year round Sant Feliu has an intense commercial ...

Sant Pere Pescador - Sant Pere Pescador (12km north of L'Escala) is surrounded by natural spaces of wonderful landscape and natural interest and crossed by the River Fluvia. It has the benefit of a sandy 7km long beach. The first reference to the town dates from 974 when it was owned by the monastery of Sant Pere de ...

Setcases - The last spot of Camprodon valley is Setcases. Setcases is a small picturesque village, whose origins date back to the year 965. It is located at an altitude of 1,270 meters, in the confluence of the river Ter with the torrent of Vall-llobre, at the most northern part of the valley and at the foot ...

Tamariu - Tamariu is situated 4km north of Llafranc in a tranquil and secluded bay of the Costa Brava. It's name comes from the presence of many Tamarind trees along the promenade. Tamariu is typical of the many small coves set amongst rugged pine covered cliffs cascading down to meet the crystal clear ...

Torroella de Montgri - Torroella de Montgri and l'Estartit are two centres of population of the same town with the most variety on the Costa Brava. On the coast you can enjoy the endless sandy beach, and miles and miles of totally unspoilt rocky coastline, with beautiful little corners and coves, with pine groves that ...

Tossa de Mar - It will be difficult for you to find a place such as Tossa de Mar, which gathers in perfect harmony thick woods suitable for long walks, with pine trees by the seaside or hanging onto the cliffs, and quiet secluded beaches caressed by a transparent blue sea, with waves breaking against the ...

Viladrau - Viladrau is located in a beautiful area in the county of Osona, on the northern face of the Montseny mountain range. Guided walking routes and other environmental, literary, historical activities are on offer together with a school of ...