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Flights to Costa Brava: Fall in love with the Catalan coast
Have you planned your next beach holiday yet? It's hard to find anywhere more exciting than Costa Brava. This gorgeous stretch of coastline has something for everyone, from broad sandy beaches where families can relax to tiny secluded rocky coves that reward dedicated hikers. Throw in some great food and a hearty dose of cultural attractions, and you're in for a holiday you'll never forget.
Costa Brava holidays: What to know before you go
A popular choice for beach holidays, Costa Brava runs for 125 miles from the border with France. It's known for its wide variety of destinations. In this stretch of coastline, you'll find everything from tourist towns with all-inclusive resorts to traditional fishing villages where wild boars roam the streets. With a quieter, more sophisticated vibe than Benidorm or Costa del Sol, this is an excellent choice for a chilled-out beach break.
With a quieter, more sophisticated vibe than Benidorm or Costa del Sol, this is an excellent choice for a chilled-out beach break.
Costa Brava at a glance
Flight duration: 2 hours from London to Girona
Main airport: Girona (GRO), but Costa Brava is also easily accessible from Barcelona (BCN).
Population: Most Costa Brava towns have a population of under 20,000.
Language: Catalan and Spanish. Catalan is more commonly spoken by locals on the streets.
Currency: Euro
Socket type: Type C (European standard)
Time zone: CET (GMT+1)
Where to stay in Costa Brava
One of the joys of Costa Brava is the diversity of its towns. You'll have a very different experience, depending on where you stay, so be sure to do your research before booking a hotel in Costa Brava. Consider transportation, too, especially if you're not renting a car. There are very few trains in Costa Brava, so you may have to rely on buses. The towns in the southern part of the coast, such as Lloret de Mar and Blanes, have better connections than those in the north.
Costa Brava destinations for families
If you're planning a family holiday in Costa Brava, think carefully. Many towns have steep steps leading down to the beaches. Steer clear of these and look for resorts with wide, sandy beaches that are easily accessible. In the northern part of the coast, the town of Roses is extremely popular with French families. It sits on the beautiful Cap de Creus peninsula and has fabulous beaches. Further south, Lloret de Mar and Blanes have child-friendly beaches and flat, walkable streets.
Costa Brava destinations for couples
There are lots of charming, romantic towns in Costa Brava, ideal for a getaway with your partner. The medieval architecture and cobbled streets of Begur or Pals are ideal for strolling hand-in-hand, while Tossa de Mar's spectacular castle is the perfect backdrop for a date. Further north, the traditional fishing village of Cadaqués has a wonderfully romantic air, with lots of waterfront restaurants where you can dine.
Things to do in Costa Brava
How will you spend your holiday in Costa Brava? Some people just want to relax on the beach, while others want to combine it with a city break to Barcelona or Girona. When planning your trip, keep in mind that the sea is swimmable from early June until early October, although some brave souls still enjoy dips throughout the year.
The best things to do in Costa Brava
Follow the Camí de Ronda coastal hiking path. The full route runs the length of the Catalan coast, but many people enjoy walking just a short section for a day trip. This is one of the best ways to discover hidden coves along the coast.
Visit Salvador Dalí's house in Cadaqués. The surrealist painter left a remarkable, eccentric collection of knick-knacks ranging from giant egg sculptures to a stuffed polar bear clutching a rugby ball.
Enjoy water sports along the coast. Costa Brava is a great place for sea kayaking, snorkelling and even scuba diving. A day trip to the Medes Islands will let you see some of the most beautiful scenery in the area.
Day trips from Costa Brava
The city of Girona is ideal for a day out. Wander the streets of its historic Jewish Quarter and admire the beautiful views of the River Onyar.
No trip to the area would be complete without a visit to Barcelona. This world-famous city needs no introduction. Be sure to visit the Sagrada Familia and marvel at the architectural genius of Antoni Gaudí.
If you want a longer day trip, head south to Tarragona. Culture vultures will enjoy the ancient Roman Colosseum in this historic city, while families can try the thrills and spills of PortAventura theme park.
Stop dreaming and start packing! Browse our selection of deals on hotels, flights and packages for Costa Brava getaways and choose your favourite. Plan your epic beach break today.
FAQs about Costa Brava holidays
Q: What are the best months to visit Costa Brava?
A: July and August are the busiest months. You'll have great weather, but there are crowds to contend with. You may prefer to visit in May and June or September and October. The warm, sunny weather lasts until the early autumn, and the Mediterranean is often still swimmable throughout September.
Q: Which area of Costa Brava to stay in?
A: That depends on what you're into. If you want a lively vibe, try Blanes, Lloret de Mar or Roses. Blanes and Roses are also good choices for families, as they have broad, sandy beaches that are easily accessible from the centre of town. Head to Cadaqués for a cultural experience. For beautiful old architecture, try Tossa de Mar or Pals.
Q: Is there anything to do in Costa Brava?
A: There are endless things to do around Costa Brava. Relax on the beach, hike the coastal path or enjoy the local seafood. People on the lookout for a cultural experience will enjoy the area, too. Visit Salvador Dalí's old house in Cadaqués for a unique, remarkable glimpse into the mind of one of the 20th century's greatest artists. If you somehow do get bored, hop on a bus for a day trip to Barcelona or Girona.
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