Introduction:
Whether you're looking to enjoy the many fantastic beaches, or the areas vibrant and exciting nightlife, which earned Costa Brava the nickname, "the wild coast," you're sure to find something for every type of holiday in Costa Brava.
Type of holidays:
Costa Brava has earned its reputation for being a laid-back piece of paradise.
With many relatively new golf courses, such as PGA de Catalunya, Empordà, Pals and Torremirona just to name a few, it is quickly becoming a golfer's perfect holiday destination.
There are also many historical sites and plenty of family-orientated activities, so there's really something for everyone.
Main holiday season:
The weather is best from May through October, the main summer season. Many tours and attractions close down after this as well. July and August can be extremely crowded, though, with tourists looking to enjoy the fantastic weather.
Popular excursions:
There are many different types of tours and excursions available. Through all-inclusive agencies, tourists can try a unique tour every day of their holiday.
Being situated so close to Barcelona allows Costa Brava visitors to take a city tour, which hits all the major attractions in one day.
The Dali's World tour is a must for culture vultures, which not only includes the famous painter's home, but also his birthplace and the Theatre Museum.
Scheduling a Dolphin Encounter is another must for many people. This excursion provides tourists with information on the animals before allowing them to swim with the dolphins and have their picture taken.
BreakGuides Day Tours offers a unique opportunity to walk the countryside from one hotel to another then to relax every evening with no worries about luggage. It will be sent ahead of you!
Another excellent tour company is Velabrava in Roses. There is even an excursion which provides transportation to the Sunday morning Tordera Market and a guide to lead guests through their bargaining experience.
Popular sports and activities:
There are many different outings that are geared toward letting the tourist sit back and enjoy the show.
The Medieval Knight show at the Castle Valltordera is one of these. Horsemanship, jousting, sword fighting and flamenco dancing are all on display while guests enjoy a three-course meal.
Some find a fun day at Tim and Kat Jewellery, where visitors are allowed to create their own take-home pieces from silver, stones and pearls.
For the active tourist, scuba diving opportunities such as Euro Divers Spain on the edge of the Cap de Creus cannot be missed. Calypso Diving International in L'Estartit is another popular company.
There is also an excellent family water park, Water World, in Lloret de Mar, which shuts down in October.
To be in the Costa Brava area and not visit the Dali Museum-House, either on your own or as part of a guided tour, will mean seriously missing out.
Nature lovers will enjoy the Jardi Botanic de Cap Roig and Marimurtra Botanical Gardens.
Beaches:
Costa Brava has a great many beaches. Platja de Castell is one that seems to have avoided tourist development, while Platja de Pals is the complete opposite, offering families and young people activities and sports. Beware that parts of this beach are nudist, though.
Cap de Creus has an untouched feel, being part of a nature reserve. Platja de Llafranc, on the other hand, is considered "cosmopolitan" and very trendy.
A great option for families is Platja de Tamariu since the beach, promenade and many restaurants are located so close together.
Platja de Canadell is a favourite with the locals
Nightlife:
There's plenty of nightlife to be enjoyed in Costa Brava.
Alcatraz International Bar, for example, will put tourists right at home. El Pirata Bar, on the other hand, is a local favourite.
The Saratoga entertains children while parents relax, while the Cafe de la Habana provides adult-only live music and an excellent drink menu.
Ancla Hotel offers amazing all-inclusive value, especially for younger travellers interested in the area's nightlife.
There are around 70 different discos and dance clubs in the area. Rockefeller's and Bumper's are two of them. Dancing can also be found in bars such as Carpes de Begur.
Casino Lloret and Casino Castell de Peralada are two of many gambling venues. Other places such as the Costa Brava Blanes Theatre, the Principal Theatre and the Sant Domènec Theatre host regular concerts and shows.
Most popular hotels/resorts:
Each accommodation in the Costa Brava area has unique features that make it special.
Anabel Hotel is only a short walk from the old town and is ideal for families, while the Blaumar Hotel has beautiful views and a distinctly older clientele. Santa Anna Hotel is a great option for travellers with a budget in mind.
The family-run Florida Hotel boasts a spa atop their hotel.
Families will enjoy hotels such as Rosamar Maritim and Golden Bahia de Tossa, both of which are conveniently located.
The Costa Brava Hotel is known for making children welcome in the organised activities.
Location is a great feature of the Oasis Hotel, surrounded by cobbled streets and very close to the beach. Bell Repos Hotel provides easy access to the beach as well. Cap d'Or is located right on the beach.