Costa Brava Areas
Alt Empordà (Inland)
This part of the region includes the whole area surrounding the city. One of it's cultural gems is the most extensive museum to be dedicated to the work of Dali. The TEATRO MUSEO DE SALVADOR DALÍ is located in the artist's hometown, Figueres.
Moving further north towards the Albera boundary of the region, we find interesting towns such as Espolla, Vilamalla, Cabanes, Navata, Darnius. Perelada particularly stands out with its medieval centre and castle, in which the well known and loved summer festivals are held.
As well as enjoying the natural and artistic beauty of this area, sporting visitors can also take advantage of some of the best golf courses in Europe, for example in Torremirona or Peralada.
Baix Empordà
The Baix Empordà area is situated inland in the South central area of the region and surrounds the capital, La Bisbal d'Empordà.
It is in this part of the region where you can experience the true essence of the Medieval legacy of the Costa Brava. Passing through some of the villages, one might think that time had stopped 600 years ago, coming across buildings and monuments that have stayed intact to this day.
This area is made up of towns such as La Bisbal de l’Empordà, Monells, Cruïlles, Corçà, Castell d’empordà, Forallac, Peratallada, Palau Sator, Ullastret, Torrent, Rupià, Celrà, Flaçà, Parlavà, Ultramort, Vilopriu, La Tallada, Colomers, Vergès, Torruella de Montgrí, Bordils and Cervià de Ter. Here you'll also find the town Púbol in the borough of La Pera, which is home to the CASA-MUSEO CASTILLO GALA-DALÍ, a building which demonstrates Dali's creative genius, chanelled through his adoration for his muse, which lead him to become the most eminent surrealist painter of all time.
Central Coast
Located in the central area of beaches on the Costa Brava, ranging from the perfectly preserved ecosystem of the natural park of the Medes Islands which is a divers paradise with more than 50 dive centres nearby, to the beautiful sandly beaches and coastal towns of L'Estartit, Sa Punta, Aiguafreda, Sa Tuna, Begur, Fornells, Aiguablava, Tamariu, Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc.
The villages in the interior of the area – Pals, Montras, Regencós i Palagrugell will satisfy anyone wishing to visit medieval buildings. The ancient hilltop village of Pals has been substantially restored to maintain all of it's Gothic charm and from the Josep Pla viewpoint, visitors have uninterrupted views of the surrounding countryside including the wonderful farms – MASÍAS – which dot the landscape with valuable buildings dating back to the feudal times which define the character of the regions inhabitants from the fifteenth century on. From here, you can also see the Empordà and the Medes Islands.
Girona
Girona includes the capital of this Privince and the surrounding areas. The city itself has all of the charm and activity of a big city, but without the crowds! As well as providing tourists with a vast selection of shops and restaurants, the historical center is a must see. The Cathedral is famously recognised as having the widest Gothic nave in the world and is one of the finest specimens of Gothic architecture in Spain. The Jewish Quarter or Call is one of the best preserved in Europe and is a major tourist attraction. The reconstructed city wall provides visitors the opportunity to walk around the old city from an elevated vantage point.
North Coast
The rugged landscape which forms the North Coast has been crafted and formed over centuries by the “Tramontana”, the infamous northern wind of polar origin stamping it's strong and beautiful personality on the many coves, cliffs and beaches.
The coastal villages of this area, such as Port Bou, Llançà, Port de la Selva and Cadaqués and tourist must sees. In Cadaquez you can visit the small fisherman's house wich served as a home and studio to the genious of Dalí – CASA-MUSEU SALVADOR DALÍ. With tiny hidden coves and beaches accessible only on foot and the crystal clear waters which are perfect for snorkaling, you will find yourself torn between total relaxation or the urge to visit the many medieval towns such as Palau Savardera or the monumental and magnificent Romanesque monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes
Roses Bay
With a visit to the remains of the Greek city “Emporion”, you can peruse the ruins which transport you back 2500 years to what was once the hub of Southern European trade during the Greek and Roman empires.
In this strategically important area demarcated by Roses Bay, the original settlers were attracted by the same beautiful golden beaches and the sparkling Costa Brava sea which tempt visitors to this day. Also within this area is the Empuribrava port, notable for its 23km of canals, making it the biggest navegable marina in the world.
Only a few kilometres away from Roses you'll find the culinary mecca which is El Bulli. Many would consider this project of world famous chef extraordinaire FERRAN ADRIÀ to be the best restaurant on the planet.
The most unmissable towns are, amongst others, Roses, Castelló d’empuries, Empuriabrava, Sant Pere Pescador and L’Escala, all surrounded by picturesque beaches.
South Coast
On the Southern part of the coast enchanting cliffs and coves blend with long golden beaches starting from the vilage of Palamós all the way up the coast through Sant Antoni de Calonge, Platja d’Aro, Sant Feliu de Guixols and Tossa de Mar or, a little way inland, Calonge, Santa Cristina d’Aro and Castell d’Aro
In any of the numerous bars and restaurants in the area, you can savour take the opportunity to sample the pleasures of Costa Brava cuisine, including the delicious Mediterranean red prawn, also known as the Palamós prawn.
Just a few kilometres from the beach is the PGA Catalunya golf course, a 36 hole course based on a project conceived by some of Europe's top golfers.