I thought Spain’s beaches couldn’t surprise me anymore. Then I hit the Costa Brava, and holy moly, was I wrong! The moment I saw those wild orange cliffs plunging into the bluest water at Tossa de Mar, with an actual medieval castle just chilling on top, I knew this wasn’t your regular beach spot.
Let me show you the most beautiful places in Costa Brava that completely blew my mind. From the tiny white town of Cadaqués (where Salvador Dalí used to hang out, because of course he did) to those ridiculous beaches that look like someone upgraded the Mediterranean, this coast is something else. Here are 12 spots that proved why this slice of Spain is pure magic.
Picture-Perfect Places to Visit in Costa Brava
Looking to explore Costa Brava’s most beautiful places? From the stunning beaches of Tossa de Mar to the charming streets of Cadaqués, Costa Brava is packed with stunning scenery. Stroll through the historic town of Pals, marvel at the natural beauty of Cap de Creus, or explore the vibrant culture of Girona. Discover the tranquil allure of Begur, the artistic legacy of Figueres, or the breathtaking views from Sa Riera. Whether you’re into beaches, history, or coastal charm, here are 12 of Costa Brava’s most breathtaking spots!
1. Baix Empordà
You can’t talk about authentic Costa Brava without mentioning Baix Empordà – honestly, this region feels like someone took the best parts of Tuscany and gave them a Mediterranean makeover. The stone villages here are ridiculously photogenic, especially Pals and Peratallada, where I spent way too much time just wandering around taking photos of every single archway.
The cycling here is actually incredible if you’re into that sort of thing. There are tons of routes connecting these medieval villages, and you’ll ride through sunflower fields and rice paddies that’ll make you forget you’re in Spain. I rented a bike in Pals last summer and ended up doing a 20-kilometer loop that took me past at least four different villages.
Food-wise, this place is nuts. The local restaurants serve some of the best black rice (arroz negre) I’ve had anywhere in Spain, and they use ingredients that come from literally right outside their doors. The Empordà wines are pretty special too – way more interesting than the typical stuff you get in tourist areas. Best time to visit is definitely May through October when everything’s open and the countryside is green.
2. Begur
Begur is one of those places where you’ll actually want to put your phone away and just soak everything in. The hilltop castle gives you these insane panoramic views – I could see all the way to the Pyrenees on a clear day. But honestly, the beaches are what’ll blow your mind.
Aiguablava and Sa Tuna are absolutely gorgeous, with crystal-clear water that’s perfect for snorkeling. Platja Fonda is completely wild and unspoiled – you have to hike down a pretty steep path to get there, but it’s worth every step. The town itself has this cool Cuban connection from the 19th century when locals made fortunes in the Caribbean and came back to build these amazing colonial mansions.
There’s a coastal bus service that runs between Begur and the beaches from May to mid-September, which is super handy since parking can be a nightmare after 11 AM in summer. I’d recommend staying overnight if you can – the evening atmosphere when the day-trippers leave is magical. Pro tip: try the seafood at any of the restaurants overlooking Sa Tuna cove.
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3. Cadaqués
Cadaqués feels like the end of the world in the best possible way. Getting there involves this winding mountain road that keeps most casual tourists away, which means you get to experience the place Salvador Dalí fell in love with without fighting massive crowds.
The Dalí House Museum in Port Lligat is absolutely bonkers – exactly what you’d expect from the guy who painted melting clocks. Tickets cost around €19 in 2025, and you definitely need to book ahead because they limit visitor numbers. The house is this maze-like structure filled with the weirdest stuff you can imagine, including a stuffed polar bear and eggs all over the roof.
The town itself is pure white-washed Mediterranean charm. I spent hours just wandering the narrow streets, stopping for coffee at tiny cafes where locals were playing cards. Cap de Creus Natural Park is right next door with these otherworldly rock formations that look like they’re from another planet. The sunsets here are legitimately some of the best I’ve seen anywhere in Europe.
4. Calella de Palafrugell
This place perfectly captures what Costa Brava used to be like before mass tourism hit. Calella de Palafrugell still feels like a real fishing village, just one with really good restaurants and crystal-clear water. The Camí de Ronda coastal path is perfect for morning walks – you’ll discover hidden coves and get views that’ll have you reaching for your camera every few minutes.
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The botanical gardens at Cap Roig are spectacular, especially during their summer music festival when they host big-name international acts. I caught a concert there last July and it was surreal listening to jazz while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean. The traditional Havaneres festival in July is something else too – sea shanties and flaming rum drinks on the beach.
What I love most about Calella is how they’ve managed to keep it authentic. Sure, there are tourists, but you’ll still see local fishermen working on their boats in the morning. The seafood restaurants set tables right on the beach in summer, and honestly, eating grilled fish with your feet in the sand doesn’t get old. Just book ahead for dinner – the good spots fill up fast.
5. Castelló d’Empúries
If you want to see what Costa Brava offers beyond beaches, Castelló d’Empúries is your answer. This medieval gem was actually the capital of the County of Empúries back in the day, and walking through it feels like time travel. The Basilica of Santa Maria is massive and impressive – locals call it the “Cathedral of the Empordà” and it’s easy to see why.
The Jewish quarter is fascinating if you’re into history. I spent a good hour just exploring the narrow streets and trying to imagine what life was like here 800 years ago. The Ecomuseu-Farinera shows how flour was traditionally made, and it’s way more interesting than it sounds.
Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park is just minutes away – perfect for birdwatching if that’s your thing. I saw flamingos there in September, which was unexpected and awesome. The town is only about 10 minutes from Empuriabrava (where you can try skydiving if you’re feeling adventurous), making it a great base for exploring the northern Costa Brava. Spring and fall are ideal for visiting when the weather’s perfect for walking around.
6. Girona
Girona is where Game of Thrones meets incredible food, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite cities in all of Spain. The medieval old town is ridiculously photogenic – those colorful houses along the Onyar River are Instagram gold, and crossing the Eiffel Bridge never gets old.
The Cathedral is mind-blowing with the world’s widest Gothic nave (tickets are €7.50 in 2025 and totally worth it). El Call, the Jewish Quarter, is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval Jewish neighborhoods. I could spend hours just wandering those narrow streets. And yes, you’ll recognize a bunch of spots from GOT if you’re a fan.
But let’s talk food – Girona is a serious gastronomic destination. El Celler de Can Roca might be the most famous, but there are incredible restaurants all over the city. I had one of the best meals of my life at a tiny place in the old town for like €25. The city works perfectly as a day trip from Barcelona (40 minutes by train), but I’d recommend staying overnight to really experience the evening atmosphere when the day-trippers leave.
7. Lloret de Mar
Look, Lloret de Mar gets a bad rap for being touristy and party-heavy, but honestly, it’s actually pretty great if you know what to expect. The beaches are legitimately beautiful – Lloret Beach and Fenals Beach have that perfect golden sand and clear blue water you see in postcards. I’ve been snorkeling here and the underwater visibility is excellent.
Santa Clotilde Gardens are these gorgeous Italian-style terraced gardens overlooking the sea. The Maritime Museum is surprisingly good too, with interactive exhibits that actually make the area’s seafaring history interesting. When night falls, the beach clubs and bars come alive – it’s not my scene every night, but it’s pretty fun if you’re in the mood to party.
The Castle of Sant Joan gives you incredible sunset views after a day at the beach. I climbed up there around 7 PM in August and the view over the coast was absolutely spectacular. Pro tip: visit in September when the weather’s still warm but the crazy summer crowds have thinned out. You’ll get a much better feel for what makes this place special beyond just the nightlife scene.
8. Monells
Monells is like stepping into a medieval fairy tale, except without any of the crowds you’d expect. This tiny stone village centers around Plaça Jaume I, which is probably one of the most perfectly preserved medieval squares in Catalonia. I sat there for an hour one evening just watching the light change on the stone walls – it was incredibly peaceful.
The whole village is basically one big photo opportunity. Every single street and archway looks like it belongs in a movie, which is probably why they’ve actually filmed stuff here. Thursday mornings have a small local market that’s worth timing your visit around. The restaurants surrounding the main square serve traditional Catalan cuisine in settings that haven’t changed in centuries.
What’s amazing about Monells is how quiet it is. Unlike some of the coastal towns that get packed with tourists, this place maintains its authentic village atmosphere. I visited in October and literally heard nothing but birds singing and church bells. It’s the perfect base for exploring the surrounding Baix Empordà region, and you can easily drive to several other medieval villages in the same day.
9. Pals
Pals is basically Game of Thrones in real life. The medieval stone streets wind up to the Torre de les Hores (Tower of the Hours), which gives you 360-degree views that are absolutely insane – mountains, countryside, and the Mediterranean all in one panorama. I climbed up there just before sunset and could see for miles in every direction.
The historic quarter is a photographer’s dream. Seriously, I filled up an entire memory card just walking around for two hours. The stone archways, flower-covered balconies, and cobblestone streets are ridiculously picturesque. Plaça Major and the Gothic Church of Sant Pere are definite highlights.
Platja de Pals is a short drive away – this gorgeous stretch of golden sand backed by dunes. The area produces some of the best rice in Spain, so definitely try the seafood paella at any of the beach restaurants. I had an incredible meal at a place right on the sand where I could watch the waves while eating. The combination of medieval history and beautiful beaches makes Pals one of those places where you could easily spend a couple of days without getting bored.
10. Peratallada
If there’s one place in Costa Brava that defines romantic, it’s Peratallada. This fortified village glows like honey in the evening light – I’ve never seen stone architecture look so warm and inviting. The name literally means “carved stone,” which perfectly describes how every building seems to emerge naturally from the golden sandstone.
The defensive walls, castle, and moat are incredibly well-preserved. Walking through here feels like you’re in your own medieval romance movie. I visited during golden hour and the way the setting sun hit those ancient walls was absolutely magical. The village has several outstanding restaurants housed in centuries-old stone buildings with intimate courtyards perfect for candlelit dinners.
Don’t miss the Castle-Palace and the Romanesque Church of Sant Esteve, both of which give you great insights into the area’s history. The whole place is tiny – you can see everything in a couple of hours – but it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger over dinner and drinks. Spring and early fall are perfect for visiting when the weather’s comfortable for walking around and the lighting is incredible for photos.
11. Púbol
Púbol is pure Salvador Dalí madness in the form of the Gala Dalí Castle Museum, one of the most extravagant love gifts in history. Dalí bought this medieval castle and completely transformed it for his wife and muse, Gala. Walking through it feels like entering Dalí’s brain – stuffed horses, elephant sculptures, and surrealist touches mixed with medieval architecture.
The contrast between this quiet little village and the artistic insanity inside the castle is incredible. I spent about three hours exploring both the castle and the surrounding streets. Gala’s designer dresses are on display along with Dalí’s artwork and the quirkiest decorative elements you can imagine. The garden has these bizarre elephant sculptures that are both beautiful and completely weird.
What’s cool about Púbol is that it’s not overrun with tourists like some of the other Dalí sites. You can actually take your time and appreciate the art without being rushed. The castle museum ticket costs around €12 in 2025, and it’s absolutely worth it if you have any interest in Dalí or just want to see something completely unique. The village itself is charming to walk around after your museum visit.
12. Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar combines everything that’s great about Costa Brava in one incredible package. The Vila Vella (Old Town) is the only remaining fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast, and those 14th-century walls rising above perfect turquoise water create one of the most spectacular sights in all of Spain.
The beaches here are fantastic – crystal-clear water that’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling. I followed the coastal path to Cala Pola and discovered this hidden cove that felt completely private. The Chapel of Mare de Déu de Gràcia gives you incredible views if you’re up for the hike. Ava Gardner called this place “paradise” when she filmed here in 1951, and honestly, I get it.
The medieval streets are packed with seafood restaurants serving incredibly fresh fish. I had an amazing meal at a place with tables literally on the beach – eating grilled sea bass while watching the sunset hit those ancient castle walls was unforgettable. The Municipal Museum inside the old walls gives you good context about the area’s history. Entry to the castle area is €5 in 2025, and the views from the top are absolutely worth it. This is one of those places that somehow manages to be both historically significant and perfectly set up for beach relaxation.
