Costa Brava: Discover beautiful excursions and hidden places

The Costa Brava, known for its dramatic coastlines and idyllic beaches, attracts countless sunseekers and night owls every year. But away from the hotel complexes and party hotspots, Spain's northeastern coastline boasts numerous hidden paradises that are far less crowded.

The name Costa Brava , which translates as "wild coast," was coined by the writer Ferran Agulló. And while the name may not quite fit the concrete blocks of overcrowded tourist hotspots like Lloret de Mar, you can still find this wild beauty in the quieter, more remote corners of the approximately 220-kilometer-long coastline.

Those who venture off the beaten track here, where the sea meets the majestic foothills of the Pyrenees, will be rewarded with the region's authentic side: historic hiking trails, pristine beaches, and charming villages. Reisereporter presents eleven destinations that will whisk you away to less touristy parts of the Costa Brava.

One of the best ways to experience the wild beauty of the Costa Brava is the Cami de Ronda – a scenic hiking trail that stretches along the entire coast. Originally intended as a coastal patrol trail, the path takes hikers past stunning cliffs, small coves, and rugged beaches.

The Cami de Ronda connects countless remote villages on the Costa Brava, offering spectacular views of the azure sea and the steep cliffs along the way. A particularly worthwhile section is between Llafranc and Calella de Palafrugell, where the trail winds through pine forests and past secluded coves like Cala Pedrosa and Cala de Sant Francesc. The hiking trail is well-marked and offers a true adventure where you can enjoy not only the coast but also the tranquility and seclusion of the region—perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle.

A hike along the Cami de Ronde is also a journey through the region's history. In many sections, you can discover the remains of old watchtowers and fishermen's houses, which preserve the region's historic charm.

The Cami de Ronda hiking trail leads along the Costa Brava – spectacular views included.

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Picturesque Cadaqués attracts visitors with its whitewashed houses, small fishing boats, and artistic flair. Away from the usual tourist crowds, you can stroll through the narrow, uneven cobblestone streets, visit galleries and studios, admire the elaborate Baroque altar in the Esglesia de Santa Maria, and enjoy the sea view from one of the cozy cafés.

The former fishing village is famous for being the place where Spanish painter Salvador Dalí spent a large part of his life. Those interested in learning more about him can walk from Cadaqués Bay to the Dalí House in Portlligat, northeast of the town center, where Dalí lived with his wife. Like the artist's works, the house is thoroughly surreal in design, with uneven windows, dead-end streets, and sculptures in the garden. But beware: Even though Cadaqués is off the beaten track, the small museum is packed with people during peak season, and it can get crowded.

The former fishing village of Cadaqués lies in a bay on the Cap de Creus peninsula.

Source: IMAGO/blickwinkel

The Cap de Creus Natural Park is a true hiking paradise. The area is an extension of the Pyrenees and is characterized by a rugged coastal landscape, bizarre rock formations, small coves with crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. The peninsula is home to several rare and protected animal and plant species, including endangered birds of prey and seabirds.

The park is particularly popular with hikers who enjoy exploring the numerous, well-marked trails through pristine nature. Due to the uneven terrain, hiking boots are recommended. A highlight is the hike to the Cap de Creus lighthouse, which, at approximately 80 meters above sea level, offers incredible views of the coast and the nearby mountains. The view is similarly spectacular from the San Pere de Rodes Monastery, a Benedictine monastery with an unusual stylistic mix of Arabic, French, and Lombard elements, and a fascinating history.

Rugged rocks characterize the landscape in the Cap de Creus Natural Park.

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If you're looking for a beach away from the tourist crowds, Platja de Castell is the perfect place. This long, fine sandy beach is located in a natural bay right off the Camí de Ronda. The crystal-clear water makes it ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Surrounded by pine forests and rocky coves, this sandy beach has retained its pristine charm. No high-rise buildings, no large hotels—just nature and clear water. Especially during the week, there's a good chance you'll be able to jump into the water here without being disturbed.

The Platja de Castell is one of the few undeveloped and natural bays on the Costa Brava.

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The village of Peratallada is one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Spain, enchanting with its almost fairytale atmosphere, yet remains relatively quiet compared to other towns on the Costa Brava. The narrow, cobbled streets, sunny squares, and well-preserved medieval buildings create a special atmosphere.

The Plaça dels Esquiladors and Plaça Major squares, with their old stone houses with Gothic elements, are particularly popular with photographers. The village's landmark, the keep (Torre del Homenaje), towers above the low houses. It belongs to Peratallada Castle, built between the 11th and 14th centuries. The town is surrounded by a city wall and a moat carved directly into the rock. A visit here feels like stepping back in time—ideal for anyone wanting to discover authentic Spain.

Narrow streets and stone buildings: Peratallada is a medieval village straight out of a picture book.

Source: IMAGO/Wirestock

The Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Nature Reserve is a vast wetland area ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers. More than 300 species of birds live here, nesting undisturbed in this tranquil setting. Families can also explore the 4,866-hectare nature reserve in a relaxed manner along signposted trails with viewpoints and towers – on their own or as part of a guided tour.

Those who opt for a kayak tour can explore the area's hidden waterways, guided by trained bird experts, and experience the flora and fauna up close. Boat tours are especially beautiful at sunset, when the golden light drifts over the water and the wildlife becomes active.

Numerous bird species can be observed in the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Nature Reserve.

Source: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire

Girona, just a short drive from the coast, is one of Spain's best-preserved medieval cities. Its old town, with its cobbled streets, cathedral, and picturesque bridges over the Onyar River, is particularly charming. Although Girona is not entirely unknown, it offers a noticeably quieter atmosphere compared to the tourist hotspots of the Costa Brava.

At the highest point in the city stands the Cathedral of Santa Maria, an imposing monument with the second-largest nave in the world. It offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Incidentally, several scenes from the series "Game of Thrones" were filmed on the wide staircase leading up to the cathedral.

A stroll through the winding streets of El Cal, one of the oldest and largest historic Jewish quarters in Europe, is also worth a visit. The Arab baths and the remains of the city walls, some of which date back to Roman times, are also worth seeing. Or you can stroll along the banks of the old town, lined with colorful house facades. Several bridges, including the orange-red Eiffel Bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, connect the old town with the modern part of Girona.

Girona is also called the “city of four rivers” – one of them separates the old town from the modern city.

Source: IMAGO/Depositphotos

8. Pals – a journey back in time to the Middle Ages

Surrounded by rice fields, the medieval village of Pals sits perched on a hill and delights with its narrow cobblestone streets, well-preserved city walls and stunning views over the region dotted with olive trees and cacti.

In the historic old town, with its sandstone houses, time seems to have stood still. Climbing plants and flowers add splashes of color between the stone walls. In the narrow alleys, you'll find many craft shops and cozy restaurants serving regional specialties and dishes made with arroz de pals—regional rice.

Particularly worth seeing is the Romanesque tower Torre de les Hores, the only remaining remnant of a medieval castle, from which you have a fantastic view.

Pals, with its medieval sandstone houses, is one of the most beautiful small towns in the hinterland of the Costa Brava.

Source: IMAGO/Depositphotos

The ruins of Empúries are among the most important archaeological sites in the country. Located directly on the coast, they combine Greek and Roman history with a stunning backdrop of pine forests and sandy beaches. The Greeks established the important trading post of Emporion on this site in the 6th century BC. Later, during Roman times, Emporion became the starting point for the Roman conquest of the Iberian Peninsula.

Visitors can explore the remains of city walls, temples, cisterns, and a marketplace. Particularly impressive are the well-preserved floor mosaics in the Roman houses and a statue of the god Asclepius, considered a symbol of the site. The original statue can be viewed in the museum attached to the park, along with everyday objects and works of art made of bronze, marble, and ceramics.

After a tour of the ruins and a visit to the museum, you can stroll down to the beach, as Empúries is located directly on the sea. Above the ruins rises the village of Sant Martí d'Empúries, which, with its well-preserved medieval town center, is a sight in its own right.

In the ruins of Empúries, visitors wander through Greek and Roman history.

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The Empordà wine-growing region, which stretches along the Costa Brava, is one of Spain's lesser-known regions. While many tourists explore the region's beaches and cities, the hinterland, with its rolling hills, ancient vines, and charming wineries, remains a hidden gem for connoisseurs.

The winemaking tradition in Empordà dates back over 2,000 years – Greek traders brought vines with them as early as 600 BC. Today, it is primarily small, family-run bodegas that produce their wines using traditional methods but with a modern touch. The region is particularly known for its full-bodied red wines, often made from Garnacha and Carignan grapes, as well as for fresh white wines and the famous sweet Garnatxa de l'Empordà.

Many of the wineries offer guided tours where you can stroll through the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and, of course, taste the wines. A special experience is a wine tasting in the bodegas around Peralada or Garriguella, where you can savor the taste of the Costa Brava in your glass amidst olive groves and old stone buildings.

Tip: If you want to immerse yourself even more deeply in the culture, you can take a guided e-bike tour through the sun-drenched vineyards. This is a sustainable way to explore the Mediterranean landscape – and you can sample the wines in a relaxed manner without having to worry about driving.

Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the foothills of the Pyrenees, the wine-growing regions of the Empordà extend.

Source: imago images/YAY Images

Despite its fishing tradition and tourism development, Palamós has retained an authentic charm. The town is especially known for its red prawns (Gambas de Palamós) – a delicacy you should definitely try in one of the harbor restaurants. Those interested in learning more about the history of fishing can visit the Fishing Museum (Museu de la Pesca) and take a guided tour of the harbor, where you can watch the fishermen at work.

Away from the bustling harbor, Palamós beckons with pristine beaches and hidden coves. Particularly beautiful is Cala S'Alguer, a small bay with turquoise waters surrounded by pine trees and old fishermen's huts. Those who want to explore further can follow the Camí de Ronda to the charming coastal town of Calella de Palafrugell.

Fishermen's houses line the bay of Cala S'Alguer near Palamós.

Source: IMAGO/Zoonar

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