The Costa Brava in Spain has something for everyone: a blend of wild nature, historic villages, idyllic beaches and timeless Mediterranean charm. And while it does get a lot quieter after summer, it’s still worth your visit all year around. It’s the perfect escape to slow down and unwind, indulging yourself in a region full of contrasts. As I’m living in Barcelona, I often escape to the Costa Brava and over the years I have discovered some true hidden gems that I cannot wait to share with you. This Costa Brava Spain guide covers coastal villages, the best beaches the Costa Brava has to offer, Costa Brava boutique hotels, and the region’s best restaurants—culinary delights you simply can’t miss. A charming region that truly stands apart and an absolute must-visit!
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Why the Costa Brava belongs on your list
The Costa Brava region in Spain is an easy slow-travel escape – about 1.5 hours from Barcelona and stretches all its way up to the France border. It’s known for its famous, picturesque beaches, idyllic Spanish villages and of course: the Spanish cuisine (did anyone say Paella?). It really does have all the elements for a dream getaway.
And while it’s one of the most popular Spanish areas to visit during peak season, outside of summertime brings an attractive opportunity for slowing down.
» Read more about why Spain is fantastic to visit in autumn
Must visit Coastal Villages & Where to eat in the Costa Brava (culinary delights)
Here, you don’t just stop at one destination: Costa Brava invites you to discover the full beauty of the region. Depending on the length of your stay, you can shape your own travel but we recommend keeping these coastal villages in mind.
Tossa de Mar: History with a sea view
Tossa de Mar is a much-loved seaside town in the heart of Costa Brava, known for its history and charm. It’s one of the region’s most popular destinations and for myself, it has the power to instantly put me in that holiday mood.
Tossa de Mar is directly located at the sea and while you’re relaxing on the beach, history is always in view, and it’s spectacular. The Vila Vella, Tossa’s medieval walled old town, sits on a rocky hill at the end of the beach. It used to serve as a defense against pirate attacks, but today it’s the town’s most iconic sight with its cobbled streets, watchtowers and beautifully preserved architecture.
During summer, the beach will be crowded but don’t let this stop you from going. Tossa de Mar is especially attractive because it combines the beach with history, art and food. While there are many restaurants alongside the boulevard with a sea view, I would actually recommend you to discover the little town behind and its culinary delights. Just take any of the narrow streets up from the boulevard and you find yourself in a maze of cute alleys, little squares & bodegas.
Espai, one of the favorite restaurants in Costa Brava
Once you’re here, make your way to restaurant Espai. After strolling through the lively little streets, you take one corner and suddenly find yourself in a quieter spot. I’m not sure why, but most travelers seem to stick close to the beach, which makes this restaurant a hidden gem I just can’t keep to myself.
Espai is a beautifully located restaurant that combines food and art, with bright white walls in the style of a true Mediterranean building. Just around the corner, there is a small church which adds even more to the charm of this restaurant. And the food? Simply amazing. Step inside to find more art, an open kitchen and the friendliest staff. It’s truly one of my favorites!
Calella de Palafrugell: A poetic fishing town
Calella de Palafrugell feels like a living postcard, and it might just be my favorite coastal town on the Costa Brava. Smaller than many of the other villages in the region, it managed to keep its authenticity as a traditional fishing town. Yes, you’ll find some trendy spots such as Margarita (which I highly recommend), but overall, the atmosphere is relaxed, local and as I like to call it: poetic.
When you arrive for a day trip in Calella de Palafrugell, before going to the beach, I would recommend going to Mediterrani Hotel for a café con leche (or whatever you prefer). The hotel sits slightly uphill, giving a breathtaking view over the sea, the little bay and all the boats spread across the clear blue water. For me, it’s the little things that matter and having a coffee at this beautiful spot brings me so much happiness. Nothing rushed, but simply enjoying the moment.
After my coffee, I walk down to the little beach just below the hotel, but not before taking some pictures first. The view of the sparkling, clear water with little boats bobbing up and down, instantly gives you that idyllic holiday feeling. Bring a beach towel and a parasol, find a spot and get comfortable, because you’ll want to stay here all day. The water is crystal clear and if you’re into snorkeling, this is the perfect place. For lunch, head to Margarita or any of the other small, locally run restaurants by the water in the Costa Brava and enjoy fresh fish or traditional Catalan dishes.
Yes, this little coastal town should definitely be on your radar when traveling Costa Brava.
Tamariu: A Bay that feels Hidden
Saving this beauty of a spot for last. But should be instantly added to your travel wish list. The road towards Tamariu is already magical, as this coastal village is nestled in a bay down a hill. To reach this village, you drive downhill until suddenly the bay and turquoise water appear below you. Take it from me that I’m not the only one who feels this way, but just the drive to Tamariu makes it worth your visit.
Around Calella de Palafrugell and Tamariu you’ll find some of the best beaches of the Costa Brava – clear water, sheltered coves and great snorkelling. Tamariu has one main beach, but if you walk a little further, you’ll find a smaller bay connected to it. Get there early to secure a spot and drift away on a beach that truly feels like a hidden gem. Bring water shoes if you’re up for a bit of adventure, as you can climb over the rocks and take a short hike. I ended up on a wide rocky plateau beneath pine trees, overlooking the sea which made the place feel even more magical. And just like anywhere on the Costa Brava, the view of little boats bobbing in the turquoise water is something you never get tired of.
One of my favorite local restaurants in Costa Brava
After a few hours of swimming and sunbathing, head to one of the local restaurants at the bay for lunch. I went to El Palanquí and I started with a chilled rosé and a plate of melon with jamón, the perfect refreshment after a morning by the sea. But the paella was unforgettable, you must taste it for yourself when you visit Tamariu.
Where to stay: Costa Brava Boutique Hotels
These Costa Brava boutique hotels blend heritage, design and quiet – the perfect bases for exploring Costa Brava in Spain at your own pace.
Can Mascort Eco Hotel (Palafrugell)
Located in the centre of Palafrugell (♥ a village near Callela de Palafrugell but further inland), you find a 300-years old building turned into a healthy eco hotel: Can Mascort Eco Hotel. The owners renovated this old house and pharmacy into a boutique hotel for travellers to enjoy natural, healthy well-being. The house is absolutely stunning, as you step inside, a grand staircase spirals upward. You are welcomed by one of the owners, who take their time to make sure you feel at home. The rooms are light and spacious, and its kitchen is in an old laboratory, where they used to prepare medicines. This house has always been a home dedicated to health and wellness and its history makes your stay even more memorable.
- Amenities: 15 spacious rooms, eco apothecary selling natural local products, caldarium (a space with a hot bath for relaxation and tranquility), a small rooftop with a view over Palafrugell
- Location: In the centre of Palafrugell, Costa Brava
- Rates: Depending on the season, starts at €150 per night
Es Portal (near Pals)
Es Portal is a boutique hotel with views over a magnificent landscape and close to the medieval town of Pals. The building is a completely refurbished 16th century farmhouse, which has preserved its original architectural features: a blend of contemporary sophistication and historical charm. Es Portal is situated in nature and it’s the perfect slow, intimate getaway. Especially because it houses 9 adults-only rooms, a grand garden and an exclusive swimming pool.
But that’s not all, their gastronomic restaurant specializes in rice from the region, fish from the best markets of Costa Brava and local meat. Es Portal has a charm of its own and the history is profound!
- Amenities: 9 adults-only rooms, 10.000 square meters of garden, an exclusive swimming pool, gastronomic pleasures
- Location: Near Pals, Costa Brava
- Rates: Depending on the season, starts at €150 per night
Casa Nereta (Cadaqués)
Located in the north of Costa Brava lies Cadaqués: a small, picturesque coastal town famous for its whitewashed houses. Here you’ll find Casa Nereta, a concept hotel that combines unique comforts with good food & drinks, music, wellness and design.
Expect cool weekend vibes with DJ sessions throughout the summer, natural wine tastings and weekly yoga sessions. Casa Nereta loves to host all kinds of events! Don’t miss their boutique, curated with care, featuring books, magazines, jewelry and sustainable beauty brands.
And the rooms? They are modern, yet retain their Spanish charm, creating the perfect balance between contemporary design and local character (one of the reasons this is one of my favorite hotels in the Costa Brava).
- Amenities: Events throughout summer, multiple room options, specialty coffee, design
- Location: Cadaqués, Costa Brava
- Rates: Starts at €205 per night
Best time to visit (and why shoulder season wins)
Costa Brava in Spain comes alive in the summer months, from June until the end of September, the beaches are crowded, restaurants are full and the atmosphere is vibrant. Outside of this peak season, things slow down noticeably. Many restaurants and hotels close, so it’s important to plan ahead. But if you ask me, traveling during low season has its own magic. The crowds are gone and the Spanish culture feels even more authentic, but there’s one thing that truly makes it more than worth it: the hiking.
In this region you can find some of the most stunning coastal trails along cliffs, coves and forests. But in summer with temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius (or more), these coastal walks can be exhausting and simply, not enjoyable. But in spring, autumn or even winter, with clear blue skies, fresh air and a little bit of sun, these hikes are a blast and give you a sense of having the Mediterranean all to yourself.
Costa Brava Magic
Fell in love with Costa Brava yet? I know the feeling. This coastal region has a way of drawing you back again and again, that’s her magic. Which corner of Costa Brava Spain is calling you first – Tossa de Mar, Calella de Palafrugell or Tamariu? Share your favorites in the comments for our next update.
FAQ about the Costa Brava Spain
Drive ~1.5 hours (up to 3 hours depending where you’re going), or take the train (Barcelona Sants → Girona) or local bus / taxi to the coast.
For the best beaches in the Costa Brava: I suggest: June – September. For hiking / slow travel: Spring and Autumn – cooler and quieter.
Around Tamariu and Calella de Palafrugell you’ll find the best beaches Costa Brava offers: small coves, clear water and excellent snorkelling. Platja de Belladona and Cala de Cap Roig are hidden gems worth discovering.
Can Mascort (eco heritage), Es Portal (gastronomy & calm), Casa Nereta (design / events) are some of my favorite hotels in the Costa Brava.
Casa Nun in Cadaqués, Espai in Tossa de Mar, Margarita in Calella de Palafrugell, El Palanquí in Tamariu, Restaurant Can Roquet and Clara in Begur are among the best restaurants Costa Brava offers for authentic Catalan cuisine.
DON’T MISS THIS
It’s impossible to cover everything of the Costa Brava in one go, but I didn’t want to keep these gems from you.
- Hidden Beaches: Beyond the coastal villages, discover Platja de Belladona, Cala de Cap Roig or Platja de Fornells – quieter spots among the best beaches Costa Brava keeps secret.
- Antiques & Ceramics: Driving through the Costa Brava region, you’ll pass tons of ceramic and antique stores. Each worth a quick stop if you love discovering unique and local treasures.
- Mas Sorrer is an open-area venue with a true mediterranean vibe – think fine dining, cocktails and live music. Check their website for upcoming events when you’re in the area.
And there’s still so much more, which I’ll cover in my next articles about Costa Brava. If you’d like to stay posted, sign up to our newsletter and don’t miss a thing.
Before you visit the Costa Brava
During summer, the Costa Brava is one of Spain’s most visited regions. Take some of these tips into account:
- Plan your reservations for restaurants ahead
- Arrive early to secure a parking spot at the busier beaches & villages
- Dinner time in Spain hits different: try to have dinner after 20:00h, but a true local wont have dinner until 21:00h / 22:00h
- Get yourself some water shoes and water goggles for pebble beaches and snorkeling
- Or adjust to our slow travel motto and travel off season.
Read more articles of travels through Spain:
- Best Hidden Villages of Mallorca: 7 Enchanting Escapes for a Refined Island Getaway
- 48 Hours in Valencia: Your boutique guide to Spain’s most stylish city
- Beach Clubs Ibiza: The best spots to chill in style
- Discover our full Mallorca Guide
- 8 hidden gems in Madrid from a local
- Read my full Barcelona guide: Barcelona what to do: The complete local’s guide
Meet Anniek Fleur, originally from the Netherlands but now calling Barcelona home for the past three years. Working remotely as a freelancer, she’s mastered the art of slow travel—finding happiness in small moments like connecting with locals over coffee, discovering hidden architectural gems, and wandering through neighborhoods where tourists rarely go. Whether she’s exploring the Costa Brava’s coastal villages, planning adventures to Hawaii and Cape Town, or preparing for a three-month Paris stay, Anniek’s stories are all about slowing down and savoring the journey.
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