Things to do in Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is the coast of Girona province, running from Blanes, 60 km northeast of Barcelona, to the French border. The journalist Ferran Agulló coined the name in 1908. Brava means rugged, and the cliffs and coves agree.

How the coast is laid out

The coast changes pace as it runs north.

• South. Blanes, Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar are the resorts nearest Barcelona.
• Centre. Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Palamós, Palafrugell and Begur mix working harbours with small coves.
• North. L'Estartit faces the Medes Islands, Roses has a wide bay, and Cadaqués lies by Cap de Creus.
• Inland. Girona stands back from the sea, about an hour from Palamós by bus.

What the coast is known for

• Dalí. His Theatre-Museum in Figueres opened in 1974. His house is at Portlligat near Cadaqués, and the castle of Púbol is a third site.
• Diving and snorkelling. The Medes Islands, seven islets off L'Estartit, have been protected since 1983.
• Cap de Creus. A natural park at the easternmost point of mainland Spain, swept by the tramontana wind.
• Greek ruins. Empúries, at L'Escala, began as a Greek colony in 575 BC.
• Wine and monasteries. Empordà vineyards lie around Peralada. Sant Pere de Rodes, a Romanesque monastery about 500 m up, looks over the coast.

Dalí tours are the backbone of the offer here. They run from eight to eleven hours, as small groups or privately.

Practical

• Weather. Winter highs stay near 13C, and July highs reach about 29C. The sea is warmest in August.
• Wind. The tramontana, a strong north wind, sweeps Cap de Creus and can make the sea rough.
• Getting there. The two gateways are Girona-Costa Brava airport and Barcelona airport.
• Diving. Every Medes dive is guided, needs a permit through an authorised dive centre and starts with a conservation briefing.
• Walking. The GR 92 footpath follows the shore for long stretches, in day-long stages.
• Booking. The Dalí day tours usually cancel free up to 24 hours before the start.