The Costa Brava is the stretch of Mediterranean coastline along the northeast of Catalonia, in the province of Girona, Spain. Its name means "wild coast", and the landscape lives up to it: rugged cliffs drop to the sea, and between headlands lie beaches and small coves of clear water.
What the coast offers
- Cliffs and coves: much of the shoreline is craggy, so walking the coastal paths gives views over the water and access to quieter, more secluded inlets.
- Clear water: the sea here is known for its clarity, which suits swimming, snorkelling and simply sitting by the shore.
- Fishing villages: the coast is dotted with towns that grew up around the harbour, with whitewashed houses and narrow streets running down to the water.
Towns worth a visit
Two places stand out. Cadaqués is a white village set on a bay, whose streets and harbour have long drawn artists; the painter Salvador Dalí lived and worked in the area, and his presence still shapes the local appeal. Tossa de Mar pairs a sandy beach with an old walled town on the headland, where the streets climb past the old fortifications and open onto sea views.
Planning a visit
The Costa Brava suits a slower kind of trip: a few days moving between villages, stopping at beaches and taking the coastal walks. Girona, the provincial capital, lies inland and makes a natural base for exploring the region. The coast is best approached by car or bus, since many of the smaller coves and villages are spread out along winding roads.
