Costa Brava boasts top-notch gastronomy, an array of cultural attractions and amazing natural wonders. Families, couples and groups of all ages can enjoy their dream holiday here. Whether you’re an avid Game of Thrones fan, in search of a top-notch water park or even partial to a glass (or bottle) of Spanish wine, we’ve listed what we think are the best things to do in Costa Brava.
Sant Marti, Girona | As seen in Game of Thrones
Renowned for its enchanting Gothic architecture and ancient city walls, the Medieval city of Girona provided the perfect film set for the TV series Game of Thrones. Making this one of the most exciting things to do in Costa Brava for die-hard fans. Book yourself onto a guided walking tour and be dazzled by Girona’s top GoT filming sites which posed as Braavos, Oldtown and Kings Landing. Highlights include the Santa Maria Cathedral and Girona’s famed Arab Baths.
Wine plays a huge part in the Catalonia culture and rightly so – the DO Empordà Wine Route is home to 50 of Spain’s oldest wineries. Why not explore the wine region on an electronic bike tour. Marvel at quaint medieval villages and of course, swathes of centuries-old vineyards. You can even stop for wine-tasting at a traditional Empordà winery.
The Cap de Creus National Park is the first conservation area to encompass both land and sea. So, take a combined snorkelling and hiking trip with expert marine biologists (the tour starts in Cadaqués) and you’ll witness the sheer diversity of flora and fauna that exists there.
Both novice and more experienced divers flock to the Costa Brava for the excellent PADI diving schools and bounty of underwater life, found in its natural parks. Cala Culip, in the coves of Cap de Creus, is one of the best beaches for marvelling at shipwrecks. While the Medes Islands, off Estartit, are known for their caves and wealth of coral.
For a sophisticated sail, book a boat trip with Catamarans Sensation. You’ll hop on board at Fenals Beach in the seafaring town of Lloret de Mar, and a welcoming crew will treat you to breathtaking coastal scenery as you float towards Tossa de Mar. There’s a BBQ and the chance to snorkel en route. Or simply kick back and bask in the Mediterranean sun. Families receive 50% discount for children.
The water parks in Costa Brava are perfect for families, and there are three key parks to choose from – AquaDiver in Patja D’Aro, AquaBrava in Roses and Water World in Lloret de Mar. Wave pools, river rapids, family-friendly dining and plenty of green space all feature. They cater for children of all ages – from babies and tots to thrill-seeking tweens and teens.
For an extra special holiday experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the famed Pyrenees. This sky-scraping mountain range reaches heights of over 3,400 metres and as you float into the clouds, you’ll marvel at the peaks of Montserrat and of course, the vertiginous Pyrenees. Not only this, you get to toast your experience with a special Cava brunch.
Some folk claim Torroella de Montgrí is Costa Brava’s ‘Town of Music’. And we’d agree – with a history of musical chapels, royal festivals and an adopted French Ars Nova style, this charming town brims with musical heritage. See everything from philharmonic orchestras to classical singers at the Torroella de Montgri Music Festival in August. Check out its cultural calendar for other musical events throughout the year.
One of the most thrilling things to do in Costa Brava, adrenaline-seekers will be able to satisfy their adventure cravings at Costa Brava Parc d’Aventura. With two parks, in Platja d’Aro and Els Masos de Pals, expect everything from zip-lines and climbing walls to canyoning and caving. They offer plenty of group activities for bachelor and hen parties too.
La Garrotxa National ParkCosta Brava’s spectacular La Garrotxa, a protected Natural Park, plays home to some 40 dormant volcanoes and in the heart of this volcanic zone is the highly-acclaimed Can Xel restaurant, acclaimed for their famed ‘Cuina Volcànica’ (volcanic cuisine). It’s made using fresh produce which thrives in the area’s rich, fertile soil and is certainly something to tell your friends about.
Sometimes, just walking around the beautiful villages and towns of a country can give you so much more of a glimpse into how the locals live. Soak up the lifestyle and the culture of Costa Brava by visiting some of their most beautiful towns and villages. From historic gems to beachside villages, Costa Brava offers so many experiences that you wouldn’t get if you just stayed in the same place your whole trip. So, get out there and explore!
Now, this was just the list of what we think are the best things to do in Costa Brava. We’d love to know if you think anything else should belong on this list! We’re always eager to learn more about the destinations we have properties in – and we know Costa Brava has got a lot going on! Let us know in the comments.
Interested in finding a place to stay in Costa Brava? We’ve also got a long list of villas in the area, from places that are close to a beach to those that are a little more secluded.
Costa Brava holidays – everything you need to know
Most beautiful towns and villages in Costa Brava
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