12 Must-Visit Towns in Costa Brava: Which One Will Steal Your Heart?

1. Cadaqués: A Seaside Wonder

Cadaqués is loacted across the Costa Brava in the province of Girona. Here, you’ll find some of the best beaches in Costa Brava. They’re the epitome of Mediterranean beauty and boast crystal-blue waters – perfect for snorkeling. 

One of the main attractions of Cadaqués is the house turned museum of the renowned artist Salvador Dalí. Inside, you can dive into the eccentric world of Spain’s most adored artists and even some original pieces. 

Getting to Cadaqués is relatively easy and is an adventure in itself. You can discover the coastal roads by buses and shuttles from major cities like Barcelona and Girona. Hiring a car from one of these cities is also a great option. From Barcelona, the ride takes two and a half hours.

2. Pals: Stepping Back in Time

Next on the list is the medieval town of Pals, located in Catalonia’s heart. Although this town is landlocked, don’t let this put you off. Visiting is like time-traveling right back to the Middle Ages and for that reason.

When we visited this year, we were blown away by the well-preserved middle architecture and rustic buildings, still with their traditional shutters in place. The main attraction, and our favorite part of Pals, has to be the watch tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Breathtaking! 

If you’re hiring a car and driving, Pals takes around one and a half hours from Barcelona. We absolutely love the Spanish countryside and thoroughly enjoyed the Catalonian landscapes that change quite drastically along the way. There’s also the option to take a train from Barcelona followed by a short bus ride. 

3. Girona: History and Beauty

Apart from Barcelona, Girona is one of Catalonia’s most well-known places. In the past decade, Game of Thrones has really put Girona on the map due to some of the popular series being filmed there. If you’re a GoT fan, you’ll recognize Girona from the sixth season, where the city of Braavos was filmed. 

When we visited last year, we could completely see why this city was chosen for Game of Thrones. Its imposing city walls date back to Roman times and offer incredible views to match. Strolling through the Jewish Quarter was like stepping back into the medieval period. It was such a remarkable atmosphere and experience. The cherry on top for us was the Gothic Cathedral, which creates such an incredible skyline for the city.

Girona is really easy to get to from Barcelona by train or by car, with the AP-7 highway connecting the two cities. The Girona-Costa Brava Airport also provides convenient international access, making it an ideal stop on your journey through Catalonia.

4. Begur: A Blend of Beaches and History

Begur is one of our all-time favorite beach towns. What makes this town so unique is its strong Cuban influence. We noticed this influence in some of the architecture, which owes its origins to returning emigrants who made their fortunes in the Caribbean.

Alongside that, Begur boasts several stunning beaches, like Sa Riera and Aiguablava. And if you think it couldn’t get even better, perched atop a hill is the medieval castle of Begur. The panoramic views here were incredible and a must-see for all.

Reaching Begur is accessible by car, approximately 2 hours from Barcelona. The nearest major airport is Girona-Costa Brava; from there, a scenic drive or public transportation options are available.

5. Calella de Palafrugell: A Traditional Village

Calella de Palafrugell is a traditional village filled with cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings. When we visited this year, we were blown away by how this somewhat touristy town has managed to keep its traditional fishing charm. Along its beaches, we saw plenty of fishing boats along the shore and even more bobbing on the horizon.

Calella de Palafrugell is also renowned for its stunning coves and beaches, such as Platja de Canadell and Llafranc. We spent a whole day in Llafranc enjoying the crystal-clear waters and incredible landscapes.

Accessing Calella de Palafrugell is convenient, with Girona-Costa Brava Airport being the nearest major airport. From Girona, a drive or bus journey takes you along the highway, allowing time for soaking up the Catalonian landscapes. 

6. L’Escala: Paradise for Seafood Lovers

If you’re a seafood lover like us, this next town on our list is one to pay attention to. L’Escala boasts a rich maritime heritage and, for that reason, offers some of the best seafood in Costa Brava. The town is particularly famed for its anchovies, which are a must-try for all travelers.

Along with the incredible food, we were also blown away by L’Escala’s beautiful beaches, such as Riells and Montgó. These are the epitome of the Mediterranean, with golden sands and turquoise waters, where we had plenty of fun snorkeling for a few hours.

L’Escala is easily accessible by car, approximately a 2-hour drive from Barcelona. The nearest major airport is Girona-Costa Brava, which is a pleasant drive away from the town. 

7. Blanes: The Gateway to Costa Brava

Blanes is a Mediterranean beauty renowned for its Marimurtra Botanical Garden, which has been around since 1920. We were impressed by the many species and plants we saw in the gardens, which overlook the sea. 

However, our favorite part of Blanes was actually its old town. Among the historical architecture, plenty of cafés and terraces slowly lead you to the medieval Castle of Sant Joan.

Blanes is a beach town near Barcelona. It only takes around one hour to drive there by car. Train and bus services also connect Blanes to Barcelona and other Costa Brava towns.

8. Tossa de Mar: A Coastal Fortress Town

Tossa de Mar is renowned for its fortress, Vila Vella, which dates back to the 12th century. This medieval beauty offers spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The cobblestone streets in the center felt like stepping back in time. This labyrinth of whitewashed buildings and colorful bougainvilleas is perfect for aimless wandering. Tossa de Mar also offers some wonderful beaches, with our favorite being Platja Gran, which is ideal for sunbathing.

Tossa de Mar is easy to reach from Girona. Girona Airport is the nearest international gateway. From there, you can take a nice drive or bus ride, which will take around 45 minutes.

9. Roses: Sun, Sea, and History

Another great beach town on the Costa Brava is one with a beautiful name: Roses. You’ll be thrilled to know this town is just as pretty as it sounds. We were blown away by beaches such as Playa de la Punta and Almadrava Beach, thanks to their crystal-blue waters and rugged backdrops.

And it doesn’t end there. In the heart of Roses is the Ciutadella, an ancient fortress with roots dating back to the 4th century BC. Like most fortresses in Spain, Ciutadella offers incredible panoramic views.

Getting to Roses is really easy from both Girona and Barcelona. From Girona, it takes around one hour by car, and there are regular buses available. If you’re coming from Barcelona, it’s about a two-hour drive, and there are also bus options that can take you directly to Roses.

10. Figueres: Following Dalí’s Footsteps

Figueres is the birthplace of one of Spain’s most renowned artists, Salvador Dalí. Nowadays, this town stands as a testament to the late artist and his incredible legacy.

One of Figuere’s main attractions is the Dalí Theatre-Museum, which allows you to enter Dalí’s eccentric mind. From melting clocks to whimsical sculptures – there’s so much to discover inside. 

Figueres is easily accessible from Barcelona. The high-speed train offers a comfortable and convenient journey that takes less than an hour.

11. Besalú: A Trip to the Middle Ages

Besalú is one of the most enchanting towns on the Costa Brava, offering a true journey back into the Middle Ages. If you’re fascinated by ancient history, this town is a must-visit. From the iconic medieval bridge, Pont Vell, to the well-preserved Jewish baths, this charming town has so much to explore and experience.

Reaching Besalú is easy, with Girona being the closest major city. You can take a direct bus or drive from Girona, which takes about 30 minutes. Regular bus services connect the two, making it convenient to visit this medieval town whether you’re driving or using public transport.

12. Peralada: Wine and Castles

Peralada is a town that beautifully blends medieval charm with refined entertainment. Its main attraction is the Peralada Castle, a historic fortress dating back to the 14th century.

Peralada is also famous for its rich wine culture, with vineyards surrounding the town. The Perelada Winery is well-known for producing high-quality wines, and wine lovers can enjoy an immersive experience at the Peralada Wine Spa & Golf Resort, where guests can indulge in wine-based spa treatments and gourmet dining.

In the summer, Peralada comes alive with the Peralada Festival, a prestigious music and performing arts event often featuring wine tastings and culinary experiences. It is a cultural highlight in Spain.

Reaching Peralada from Girona Airport is straightforward and convenient. The town is about a 45-minute drive, and you can either rent a car for a scenic journey through the Catalan countryside or take a bus from Girona. The bus routes are well-connected, offering a comfortable and picturesque trip to Peralada.