Costa Brava Travel Guide: Curated Picks for Where to Stay, Eat, and Tan, Plus Insider Tips

View over wooded hills framed by bougainvillea and a stone wall

Nestled along Catalonia's northeastern coast, Costa Brava presents a breathtaking landscape. Its rugged cliffs and sun-drenched shores, against the backdrop of quaint seaside villages, redefine the essence of immersive travel. For those seeking a slower pace, Costa Brava unveils itself as a retreat where time seems to stop, inviting travellers to appreciate life's simpler joys.

Overhead view of a plate of salad with radicchio and cutlery on a table
Whitewashed houses with balconies and orange trees

Walking along the coast reveals scenes of everyday life. In Cadaqués, queues form outside Joia, a beloved spot for uniquely flavoured ice cream that seems to captivate us all. Meanwhile, Sundays in Cadaqués feel like a celebration of community, with villagers partaking in the age-old tradition of free sardines—a gesture that fosters connections and a sense of belonging. With the aroma of fresh sardines wafting through the air, drinks flowing freely, and the lively strains of local music filling the streets, everyone finds a spot to sit and savour each delightful bite. Costa Brava embodies the essence of Mediterranean living. It's about simple yet delicious food, cherishing real moments, basking in the warmth of the sun wherever we can, and embracing life in its fullest simplicity. This, indeed, is the soul of the Mediterranean.

Smartphone showing the cover of the Costa Brava travel guide
Smartphone showing a page of the Costa Brava travel guide on a yellow background
Smartphone showing the wine page of the Costa Brava travel guide

Hotels, Beaches, Restaurants, and Wineries

Introducing our downloadable Costa Travel Guide—a carefully curated resource for travellers seeking a simpler experience. Picture yourself strolling along the cobblestone streets of ancient villages, where the scent of citrus blossoms fills the air and colourful bougainvillea adorn whitewashed walls. In the heart of Costa Brava, every corner exudes simple yet unique charm, drawing visitors back year after year.

Our guide celebrates the slow travel movement—a tribute to the true essence of life's simple moments. Within its pages, discover secluded beaches where turquoise waters gently kiss the shore, cosy cafes, diverse restaurants, and a range of accommodations from countryside villas to boutique hotels in the city centre. We have also written about several stays in the region: Can Bassa in Madremanya, Casa Talaia and Casa Nereta in Cadaqués, and La Bionda in Begur.

Costa Brava isn't just a picturesque coastline—it's a culinary paradise. Indulge in the region's gastronomic delights, from freshly caught seafood grilled to perfection to hearty Catalan stews bursting with flavour. And no visit to Costa Brava is complete without exploring the renowned Empordà wine region. From small, natural wineries to more traditional establishments, or even wineries where you can stay overnight for the full experience, the options are endless.

White hotel facade with green shutters above a garden
Shelf of wine bottles above a table with a lamp and a bowl of oranges

We were drawn in by the simplicity of this Spanish coastline destination. It brought back memories of the uncomplicated vacations we used to enjoy with family or friends. While infused with a touch of modernity, the destination retains the true essence of a vacation. We fell in love with this northeastern region, brimming with beautiful hidden corners, gems, charming smaller hotels, breathtaking secluded coves, and much more.

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