Costa Brava Holidays

Q: Which area should I stay in on the Costa Brava?

It only takes an hour and a half to drive between Blanes at the south end of the coast to Portbou at the French border, so don’t worry too much about where to stay. No matter where you are, you’ll be within easy reach of the best attractions and sights on the Costa Brava. If you want lazy beachfront days and long party nights, Lloret de Mar and Calella have the best nightlife. If you’re travelling with kids, you might prefer to stay towards Platja d’Aro or Roses, which are close to some really fun water parks.

Q: What’s the nightlife like in Costa Brava?

It depends on where you go. Places like Lloret de Mar and Calella are really lively, while other places like Begur are much quieter and more relaxed. The Costa Brava caters just as much for families as it does for 20-somethings. People visit the Costa Brava for a huge number of reasons. Some enjoy the party atmosphere and check out the clubs, and others just unwind and chill out in the summer sun.

Q: Is the Costa Brava family-friendly?

Yes! The Costa Brava is excellently set up for families with kids of all ages. That’s because there’s a really wide range of different things to do. There are beaches, nature, old villages, pretty towns, shopping opportunities, water parks, and loads more. You can do something different every day, so the little ones won't get bored. The Costa Brava enjoys nice weather most of the year too. So you won’t have to worry too much about planning rainy day activities.

Q: What are the top historic sites on the Costa Brava?

If you want to take a peek into Spanish history, you really can’t go wrong with the Costa Brava. Probably one of the most important historic sites here is the Girona Cathedral. Why? Because it transports you through a whopping 700 years of history in just one building. Construction started in the 11th century, but it wasn’t finished until the 1700s. Just looking at the cathedral, you can see how things changed over time, moving from classic Romanesque styles to Gothic architectural design.

Q: When is it best to visit the Costa Brava?

For classic beach holidays, the best time to visit is during the hotter months of June, July and August. May and September are also warm, and you’ll avoid the summer crowds.

Q: Where are the best beaches on the Costa Brava?

Great beaches can be found in or near every one of the Costa Brava’s towns. But if you want to see what the ‘Wild Coast’ is really all about, Tossa de Mar is a good spot. There’s a beach here called Cala Giverola that’s exactly what you’d expect from this part of Spain. It's wild and rugged with pine tree forests and really blue waters. You’ll usually find smaller, wilder secluded coves around the rocky headlands, and more accessible, family-friendly beaches around the larger Costa Brava towns and resorts.

Q: What is the cuisine like on the Costa Brava?

Catalan history and culture are deeply entwined in the region’s cuisine. Dishes such as paella and fish dominate, while French influences are found in seasonings and flavours.

Q: When is the cheapest time to visit the Costa Brava?

June to September is the most popular time to visit the Costa Brava so, if you travel outside of this period, you may be able to find some super bargains. April, May, and October can be good for a low-cost break, and the weather is usually still pretty warm. If you really wanted to visit at the cheapest time of year, consider travelling over the winter months. Temperatures at this time reach about 15°C max. While it may not be sunbathing weather, there’s still lots to do in the old medieval towns.

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Culture and sun by the coast

Costa Brava might mean 'wild coast’, but there’s nothing crazy about picking this dreamy, beach-filled sunspot for a holiday. The region lies in the northeast of Catalonia in Spain, right up to the French border. Traditional Catalan influences run throughout, making Costa Brava holidays an enticing mix of rich culture – its picturesque coastline has provided inspiration for generations of painters and thinkers over the centuries – and classic sun-and-sea pursuits.

First and foremost the Costa Brava is all about relaxing, and its sandy beaches are a huge draw. Days can be spent simply enjoying the sunshine, eating tapas and sipping Spanish wine by the sea, while adventure-seekers can get to know what lies beneath the ocean, too – the Costa Brava is celebrated for its marine life, and divers are spoilt for choice when it comes to spotting sealife.

Not all holidays to Costa Brava need to just zone in on the beach, though. The cities of Girona and Barcelona are an easy drive away, both of which are enticing destinations in their own right. In Girona, spend a day in Figueres discovering the life and works of Salvador Dali, the eccentric surrealist painter who lived and died there, or potter around Barcelona’s many world-class museums and galleries.

All resorts in Costa Brava

Altafulla

Begur

Blanes

Calella

from

£372 pp

Calonge

Miami Platja

Palafrugell

Palamos

Pineda de Mar

from

£358 pp

Platja d'Aro

from

£537 pp

Platja de la Pineda

Roses

from

£814 pp

San Feliu de Guixols

Santa Susanna

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£355 pp

Tossa de Mar

from

£339 pp

Explore our map of Costa Brava

Best things to do Top tips Food & Drink Nightlife Places To Visit Shopping

Salvador Dali’s legacy
Surrealist painter Salvador Dali was born, and died, in Figueres, here in Costa Brava. Admire some of his best work in the zany, Dali-designed Teatro Museo.
Cathedral of Girona
There are cathedrals, and then there is the Placa de la Catedral. This towering Gothic building dates back to the 5th century – learn all about it in the museum.
Jardin Botanico Marmurta
With more than 4,000 plant species, this extraordinary botanical garden by the sea is well worth a trip. Admire the exotic specimens or simply enjoy the panoramic coastal views.

Enjoy 7 nights in Costa Brava from

£277 pp

View Costa Brava holidays

Average weather in Costa Brava

January
13°C
4 days of rain
February
13°C
4 days of rain
March
15°C
6 days of rain
April
17°C
6 days of rain
May
21°C
7 days of rain
June
26°C
4 days of rain
July
28°C
3 days of rain
August
28°C
3 days of rain
September
25°C
5 days of rain
October
21°C
5 days of rain
November
17°C
6 days of rain
December
14°C
3 days of rain

Exciting tours and activities in Costa Brava

From priority access for attractions, to day trips to historic sites, here’s our must see activities in Costa Brava

Full-day Barcelona highlights tour from Costa Brava
Full-day Barcelona highlights tour from Costa Brava
9 reviews
With so many things to see and do in Barcelona, this highlights tour is just the ticket. Your jam-packed day calls by the stunning Sagrada Family basilica and the modernist architecture of Sant Pau. An in-depth guided tour of all the sights is complete with visits to the city's standout viewpoints, and free time to explore on your own.
Free cancellation
from £45 pp
Book now
Barcelona On Your Own
Barcelona On Your Own
23 reviews
Get a carte blanche to explore Barcelona any which way you like. We'll take care of the travel bit, ferrying you to and from the city centre for a DIY day of sightseeing. The Catalonian capital has a little something for everyone, whether you want to tick off the top landmarks, or spend the day browsing boutique shops.
Free cancellation
from £32 pp
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Flamenco Show La Masia Tordera
Flamenco Show La Masia Tordera
4 reviews
Seeing a Flamenco show is one of those special Spanish experiences. Set in a beautifully restored 18th century finca, this evening of Andalusian entertainment will wow audiences of all ages. If you choose the dinner option, you'll sit down to a classic Catalan dinner, then the show starts - complete with all-inclusive wine and water - so get ready for clacking heels on stage, Spanish guitars and shouts of olé ringing through the night.
Free cancellation
from £38 pp
Book now
Exclusive Collioure Day Trip with Free Time
Exclusive Collioure Day Trip with Free Time
Fancy a trip across the border into France? On this full day tour, you'll venture to the charming town of Collioure. This place isn't just a treat for those who love history and culture, it's also a shopper's paradise.We'll pick you up and take the scenic coastal route, La Corniche, straight to the French border. Once we cross into France, we'll head straight for Collioure, a quaint fishing village split by two bays. It's famous for its medieval walls, striking Notre-Dame-des-Anges church, and impressive Royal Castle. It's also a hotspot for art lovers, with the Museum of Modern Art and the House of Fauvism offering a peek into the town's artistic legacy.Make sure to check out the local market – it's an experience in itself. Stroll through Le Moré, the heart of the old fishing district, where a maze of cobblestone alleys awaits. The area is bustling with small shops, eateries, art galleries, and even a winery where you can sample local wines. Not to mention the outdoor cafes where you can just sit back and enjoy the views.
Free cancellation
from £47 pp
Book now
Girona Art Museum entrance tickets
Girona Art Museum entrance tickets
Visit the Girona Art Museum and admire serval collections from the Bishopric of Girona
Free cancellation
from £5 pp
Book now
Combo ticket to Girona Art Museum, Sant Feliu Basilica, and Girona Cathedral
Combo ticket to Girona Art Museum, Sant Feliu Basilica, and Girona Cathedral
1 review
Visit the Girona Art Museum, Sant Feliu Basilica, and Girona Cathedral with a combo ticket
Free cancellation
from £10 pp
Book now
Museum of Cinema Girona entrance
Museum of Cinema Girona entrance
Enjoy a visit to the Museum of Cinema Girona
Free cancellation
from £6 pp
Book now
Anchovy factory museum entrance with audioguide and tasting
Anchovy factory museum entrance with audioguide and tasting
Visit the Anchovy factory museum including audioguide and tasting
Free cancellation
from £6 pp
Book now

all tours and experiences are provided by

Why book with us?

Find out more

Easy ways to pay
Spread the cost, paying in instalments as often as you like up to 28 days before you travel
Freedom to change
Change your holiday online with low change fees up to 28 days before departure
Refund guarantee
Cancel up to 60 days before you travel and get your deposit back as credit
Thousands of hotels
Discover Europe's most loved hotels in the best beach and city locations
Great offers & discounts
Unbeatable prices, free child places, plus other discounts and deals
Flexible flights
Flight times to suit you from airports across the UK
Extras included
Our beach holidays include a 23kg bag and transfers
Holiday better
We offer a selection of certified sustainable hotels for better holiday choices
Best price guarantee
We’ll beat the price if you find the same holiday cheaper elsewhere
Low deposit
Book your holiday with a deposit of just £60 per person
Easy ways to pay
Spread the cost, paying in instalments as often as you like up to 28 days before you travel
Freedom to change
Change your holiday online with low change fees up to 28 days before departure
Refund guarantee
Cancel up to 60 days before you travel and get your deposit back as credit
Thousands of hotels
Discover Europe's most loved hotels in the best beach and city locations
Great offers & discounts
Unbeatable prices, free child places, plus other discounts and deals
Flexible flights
Flight times to suit you from airports across the UK
Extras included
Our beach holidays include a 23kg bag and transfers
Holiday better
We offer a selection of certified sustainable hotels for better holiday choices
Best price guarantee
We’ll beat the price if you find the same holiday cheaper elsewhere
Low deposit
Book your holiday with a deposit of just £60 per person
Easy ways to pay
Spread the cost, paying in instalments as often as you like up to 28 days before you travel
Freedom to change
Change your holiday online with low change fees up to 28 days before departure
Refund guarantee
Cancel up to 60 days before you travel and get your deposit back as credit
Thousands of hotels
Discover Europe's most loved hotels in the best beach and city locations
Great offers & discounts
Unbeatable prices, free child places, plus other discounts and deals
Flexible flights
Flight times to suit you from airports across the UK

Your Costa Brava questions, answered

What language is spoken on the Costa Brava?What is the cuisine like on the Costa Brava?Where are the best beaches on the Costa Brava?When is it best to visit the Costa Brava?What’s the nightlife like in Costa Brava?Which area should I stay in on the Costa Brava?Is the Costa Brava family-friendly?When is the cheapest time to visit the Costa Brava?What are the top historic sites on the Costa Brava?

Here in Spain’s Catalonia region, Catalan is the Costa Brava’s native tongue. But many locals are fluent in Spanish, and often French and English, too.

Enjoy 7 nights in Costa Brava from

£277 pp

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