Costa Brava Travel Guide
The Costa Brava is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain due to its beaches, historic sights, cultural heritage and vibrant cities and towns.
The Costa Brava is located in north-eastern Spain, it's a coastal region of Catalonia, which has a population of over 7 million people. Catalonia's capital is Barcelona and there are two official languages, Spanish and Catalan.
Barcelona has everything you could wish for, treasures like Sagrada Familia and the colourful Parc Güell created by the renowned Spanish architect Gaudi. The Gothic Quarter's enchanting labyrinth of atmospheric streets, churches, and historical buildings will captivate you. Plus, there's a bountiful choice of tapas bars to tempt your taste buds. Stroll along Las Ramblas and visit the wonderful food market La Boqueria. Other top places to visit in Costa Brava include Girona, famous for its vibrant Jewish Quarter and Cathedral, the Dali Museum in Figueres and Montserrat, the location of the 10th Century Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria. If you’re staying in the town of Roses and want to explore the Pyrenees, you can easily do so by train and enjoy the stunning mountain views.
We've outlined some useful information below which may help you when planning your next holiday to Costa Brava.
Time Zone & Currency
Spain is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year. The currency in Spain is the Euro.
Weather In Costa Brava
The Costa Brava enjoys a standard Mediterranean climate. Expect it to be hot and dry during the summer months and mild during the winter.
Reading For Your Trip To Costa Brava
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Homage to Barcelona by Colm Toibin
Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell
Best time to go to Costa Brava
The Costa Brava is known for its sunny coastline and beautiful climate that brings heat and the sun to the region all year-round. In spring and autumn, days are generally warm and sunny with temperatures of around 20 degrees with cool breezes, making it an ideal time for sightseeing as well as relaxing without the high heat of peak summer.
Top Tourist Attractions In Costa Brava
Food & Drink In Costa Brava
A wide range of international and Spanish style food is available on the Costa Brava, but do make sure you try some of the food local to the Catalonia region. Basics include pa amb tomàquet, which is simply bread or toast smeared with tomato, salted and drizzled with olive oil. Fish is also eaten widely in this seaside region. For dessert you can have a regional favourite, crema Catalana ; a Spanish custard very similar to a creme brulee. Among many superb wines produced in Catalonia is the sparkling and refreshing Cava, which you can try during one of your included excursions on this holiday.
Costa Brava Travel Guide FAQs
Can you give a brief history of Costa Brava?
Similar to other parts of the country, the Costa Brava region was under the control of the Romans, and you can still see some of their original structures in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. Then the Moors ruled between the 8th and 15th century. During the 19th century, Barcelona became the centre for the resurgence of Catalan nationalism known as the Renaixenca. A Catalan Republic was proclaimed in 1931, but after the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) when General Franco's fascist regime took over the country, Catalan nationalism and its movement was oppressed. After the death of Franco in 1975, Catalonia regained its autonomy, but even today there is still contention around achieving full independence from Spain. The name Costa Brava means 'wild or 'rough coast' was coined by the journalist Ferran Agullo i Vidal in 1908. Artists like Dali, who was from the Costa Brava town of Figures, and Picasso, whose formative years were spent in Barcelona, helped to give the region a more bohemian reputation. In the 1950s, the Spanish government recognised that the Costa Brava had great potential as a destination for the growing 'package holiday tourists.' Barcelona hosted the 1992 Olympics, which helped to further signify the end of fascism in Spain and highlight the modern transformation of the Catalonia capital.
I have walking difficulties, is a holiday on the Costa Brava suitable?
Generally, the areas around the hotels on the Costa Brava is well suited for those with walking difficulties, with wide, open, flat promenades and most facilities such as the beach being located a short walk away from the hotel. However, the excursions involve periods of walking, and Girona, Montserrat and Barcelona do have some cobbled streets and hilly areas. Therefore, a reasonable degree of health and mobility is required. For all our tours we have an activity level guide to help you decide which holiday suits you best. For specific advice regarding our Costa Brava holidays and to discuss any special needs, please contact us directly and we will be happy to assist.
Is the Costa Brava a good holiday destination?
The Costa Brava is an ideal holiday destination if you are looking to combine a relaxing stay on the beach with experiencing the culture and sights of Catalonia. From the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona and smaller historical towns like Girona and Figures, the Costa Brava has it all.
Useful Links
- For up-to-date information regarding entry into Spain please see: www.dfa.ie
- Official Spanish Tourism Board: www.spain.info
