Our5 essentials

Colourful splendour

There is so much to see in this former medieval city that you will not know where to start…You absolutely should not miss the visit to the cathedral which stands in the heart of the city and its Gothic archway 23 metres high (the largest in the world, no less!). Your entry ticket will also enable you to access the basilica and the museum for 2 exhibitions, which are worth the detour! A word of advice, remember to request the audio-guide which is included in the price of a ticket.

Then, take the alleyways of the Old Quarter which lead you towards the medieval walls, for the start of a spectacular rampart walk. Open your eyes wide as the panorama is incredible! End this excursion by a relaxing interlude in the Arab baths If you are unable to bathe, you will be able to visit this structure, which dates back to 1194, and notably the octagonal pool which has not been subject to the vicissitudes of time.

In the footsteps of Dalí

Are you ready for an exceptional trip in the out-of-place world of the Spanish artist? Go to the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, the town of Salvador Dalí’s birth. This imposing red building, topped by giant eggs, is as much impressive as intriguing. This château, housing Dalí’s works, has become a must-see meeting place for art enthusiasts, or indeed for art novices.

We recommend that you pre-order your ticket to avoid the long queues. Once inside the château there is no set order for your visit, everyone moves about at their own pace in the various rooms, admiring the paintings, sculptures, photographs and collages, which are both magic and psychedelic…One slight reservation: there are few explanations about the works on show…therefore, as such, you should give free reign to your imagination!

Head for the Caribbean

If you dream of a heavenly setting, the Costa Brava beaches promise you times of relaxation and escapism, within the warm and crystalline waters. Between the cliffs, you will discover a multitude of inlets surrounded by greenery and accessible either by sea, or via the footpaths which have been laid out.

Amongst our top 3, discover the Cala El Golfet beach, located at the foot of the Cap Roig gardens. This little piece of heaven, far from the city, offers you an idyllic landscape amidst the rocks and greenery. The Illa Roja beach is without doubt one of the best known owing to the impressive red rock, which has washed up on the sand. Lovers of naturism should be aware that part of this beach is dedicated to the practice. In the village of Cadaqués, put your towel down on one of the rocky beaches of the bay, opposite the fishing boats, and surrounded by the highly typical white-painted houses.

Picture-postcard landscapes

It is impossible to pass through the Costa Brava without cutting across this rampart walk of more than 140 km linking Portbou to Blanes, which was previously used by both preachers and smugglers. Nowadays this footpath, entirely set aside for pedestrians, offers you a tremendous route overlooking the shores of the Spanish coast. Multiple entrances to the path enable you to make the most of a day’s walking or a week-long hike.

Some parts have been laid out with seating areas and shelter from the sunshine. In particular, do not delay in satisfying your curiosity by contemplating the superb properties running along the rocks. Below the pathway, you will discover numerous wild, but accessible, inlets. so do not forget to carry your mask and snorkel for a snorkelling interlude.

You are spoilt for choice

You cannot leave the Costa Brava without enjoying one of the numerous specialities of the area. Start by enjoying some tapas whilst sipping a glass of sangria: Iberian ham, baby squid, anchovies, tortilla flat bread, pan con tomate (Spanish tomato toast)…You must try all of it! For a delicious meal comprising a typical regional dish, order paella with cuttlefish ink or a fideuà (seafood paella cooked with pasta instead of rice), a famous fishermen’s recipe comprised of vermicelli, aïoli (garlic and olive oil) and prawns. What a delight!

Do not overlook dessert! Meet at the Rose-covered market, by the fresh fruit stalls for a feast of churros in a cornet (known as xurros in Catalan), accompanied by highly creamy hot chocolate.

The small +

In the sunshine

On the Costa Brava there is no chance of getting cold or the rain streaming down galore! with an average annual temperature of 17°C and 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, the heat and the warm weather are always on hand!

The Costa Brava it’s:

200historicsites
199heavenlybeaches
256kilometresof coastline

And if this were your nextBest holiday memory?