Compare Costa Brava holidays

Costa Brava holidays blend old and new

The modern and traditional go about their lives happily hand-in-hand on the Costa Brava.

Picturesque fishing villages cling to the rocky shoreline, their crumbling fishermen’s houses and narrow lanes giving them an old-world charm. Modern, all-inclusive Costa Brava holidays are easy to find in resorts such as Blanes and Lloret de Mar, while upmarket hotels, spas and golf courses provide luxury Costa Brava holidays by the (gold-plated) bucket load.

Postcard-worthy towns such as Tossa de Mar and La Pineda tread a very tricky line, managing to be popular tourist holiday destinations with a range of amenities without sacrificing their traditional appeal.

Both are firm favourites for those in search of cheap holidays to the Costa Brava in 2020.

Away from the coast

A Costa Brava holiday doesn’t have to mean sandy toes.

Girona, the regional capital, is a vibrant little city with a beautiful medieval centre, great shopping and authentic tucked-away tapas bars.

In the north of the Costa Brava, the Gulf of Roses harbours an important nature reserve.

For a taste of the ultra-modern, visit the flashy marina of Empuriabrava, where you’ll find gleaming superyachts, bars, restaurants and a buzzing nightlife scene. 

Medieval charm

The Costa Brava is also up to its neck in history and culture.

Roman archaeological sites, imposing castles and walled medieval towns such as Begur, Peratallada and Tossa de Mar are woven into the scenery.

And if you didn’t know much about Salvador Dalí before you visit the Costa Brava, you certainly will before you leave. It’s the birthplace of Spain’s most famous artist; his home in the beautiful and bohemian village of Cadaqués has been preserved for all to visit. There is also a museum dedicated to his life and works among the quaint little jumble of houses of Figueres.

The Costa Brava is a year-round holiday destination, with almost guaranteed sunshine most months.

July and August are peak season, during which Girona Airport groans under the weight of flights, and hotels the length and breadth of the coast fill up. To find the best 2020 Costa Brava holiday deals the general advice is to book early!

The sea and coastline are the Costa Brava’s crowning glories. There are lively Blue Flag beaches where the seas buzz with watercraft and the bordering promenades hum with people. Then there are the quiet deserted coves, perfect for family picnics or whiling away the afternoon with a book.

Girona

History abounds in the beautiful walled city of Girona, whose medieval core is threaded by the Onyar River.

You can spend a pleasant day wandering through the lanes of the labyrinthine old quarter. Visit the Arab baths, cathedral and museums, and spend the afternoon shopping and the evening sampling local tapas.

Cadaqués

Islanded at the bottom of a long winding road, the unspoiled, bohemian town of Cadaqués, famed for hosting the home of Salvador Dalí, clings to small coves lapped by turquoise seas.

With its crumbly whitewashed houses, narrow lanes, sandy beaches and bobbing fishing boats, it’s nigh on impossible not to be charmed by Cadaqués.

Beaches and coves

It would be impossible to pick out just one, so we’re not going to try.

For long stretches of glorious soft sand, try Platja d’Aro, Platja de Pals, Lloret de Mar, Roses, Empuriabrava or L’Estartit. If you’d rather seek out quiet and romantic coves then head to Begur, Palafrugell, El Canadell, Cala Pedrosa, Els Canyers or Cala El Golfet.

Tossa de Mar

This popular resort is as picturesque as they come, with its maze of cobbled streets and towering medieval walls.

There is also a joyous atmosphere (probably something to do with the gorgeous setting and the fact that many people here are on holiday), huge beaches, a pretty fishing fleet, lots of shopping to be done and excellent restaurants, cafes and bars.

Dalí Triangle

The entire landscape of the Costa Brava inspired the famous surrealist painter. However, there are three top spots that Dalí devotees – or anyone with even a passing interest in art – should visit.

Number one is his home in quaint little Port Lligat, adjacent to Cadaqués, which has been converted into a museum. Number two is a castle, which also functions as a museum, in the medieval town of Púbol, which he bought for his wife Gala. Number three is Dalí’s birthplace, Figueres, another charming little fishing port. Here you’ll find the main theatre-museum dedicated to the acclaimed artist.

Costa Brava events

Girona Flower Festival; spring (usually in May):

Girona’s narrow old streets flush with colour as hundreds of blooms are crafted into elaborate displays. This is when the already camera-friendly city it as its most photogenic.

Cantada de Habaneras in Palafrugell; July:

One of the region’s most spectacular events, this musical event pays homage to its fishing ancestry. Fishermen sing habarneras (Cuban songs) from a stage erected at sea. The event attracts tens of thousands who crowd onto the beach and boats.

City festivals:

Each town has its own patron saint and each year week-long festivals are held in their honour. Dates vary from town to town so chances are your holiday will coincide with one. These events are steeped in tradition, and typically feature dancing, human pyramids, fire-running and a giant papier mâché sardine-burying ritual (honestly).