The Mediterranean meets the Iberian Peninsula on the dramatic frontier stretching north from Barcelona. The Costa Brava is defined by its steep cliffsides peppered with hidden caves and coves between long sandy beaches. A holiday hotspot for many, destinations include medieval villages with complete turreted walls and quaint fishing villages that have been fertile grounds of inspiration for artists. While some travelers visit to sunbathe, you’ll maximize your experience in the Costa Brava by engaging in adventurous activities.
Whatever level of activity you’re craving, the Costa Brava offers a plethora of adventures to get your adrenaline flowing.
1. Walk the Camí de Ronda
Also known as the GR-92, the Camí de Ronda is a hiking path that travels over 500km along the Catalan coast, spanning from Portbou to Blanes. Some individuals take weeks to hike this epic route, completing it in approximately ten stages, while many others use the trail for day hikes, setting their sights on the calas, or small rocky coves, to escape the summer crowds for a refreshing swim. The route follows the coast and occasionally veers into the mountains near Begur, continuing down a long beach along the Bay of Roses.
Best section to walk on the Camí de Ronda: For those who enjoy a mix of seaside villages, hop on the GR-92 at Calella de Palafrugell, starting at the Cap Roig botanical gardens, and follow the trail through the coastal villages including Llafranc until you reach Tamariu. This one-way hike is about 9km and allows time for a return walk or bus transfer through Palafrugell.
Local tip: Follow the red and white trail markers to stay on the GR-92. At times, the trail may veer away from the coast, so checking the map for alternate coastal paths is beneficial before rejoining the GR-92 further along.
2. Get Paddling
When summer is in full swing, exploring Costa Brava by kayak or paddleboard is an unparalleled adventure. Glide through the crystal-clear waters while examining rock stacks and hidden caves nestled beneath the cliffs. This is an excellent way to discover new calas, where you might tie up for a refreshing swim.
Best place to kayak on the Costa Brava: Launching from Tossa de Mar, you can paddle between fascinating rock formations and explore caves on the way to Cala Bona, a charming cove featuring a restaurant open during the summer months.
Planning tip: Note that sea conditions vary along the coast, but there are ample tour guides available to lead you if you prefer not to paddle solo.
3. Cycle Beyond the Coast
While the beauty of Costa Brava’s seaside is undeniable, there is significantly more to this region of Catalonia than just the coastline. Discover apple orchards, vineyards, castles, monasteries, and medieval architecture along the sprawling array of bike trails. Climbers can enjoy the hills around Begur or follow the old railway line, La Ruta del Tren Petit, near Palamos. Among the most popular areas for cyclists is the Parc Natural de Aigüamolls, a marshy nature reserve offering leisurely trails and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Best place to cycle on the Costa Brava: For stunning Mediterranean vistas, complete the popular 40km route from Girona to San Feliu de Guíxols. This route marks the second half of an even longer journey extending from Girona into the volcanic region of La Garrotxa.
Local tip: Public transport services like the Teisa Bici-Bus, equipped with a trailer for bicycles, make it easy to travel around Catalonia, linking Olot to Sant Feliu de Guíxols via Girona.
4. Face Your Fears on the Via Ferrata
A via ferrata differs from standard rock climbing; this fixed route allows climbers to clip into a metal cable, ensuring safety as they navigate the rock wall. Typically found in mountainous areas, the Costa Brava offers suitable options for beginners. In Sant Feliu de Guíxuls, the Cala del Molí presents a cliff-hugging coastal route, the only one in Europe directly on the sea. Couples will find it a unique experience among vibrant birdlife. Please note, part of the route closes during the nesting season, and an exit point is available mid-route.
How to do the via ferrata on the Costa Brava: If you have experience with via ferratas, gear is available for rental from local outfitters in Sant Feliu de Guíxuls. For those less experienced, consider joining a guided group, such as Aventura Experience, with one of the original builders as a guide.
Planning tip: Opt for evening climbs to avoid the midday heat, and enjoy a day at the nearby beaches of Palamos or Platja d’Aro before your adventure.
5. Go Underwater
Although the Mediterranean is often overlooked as a prime diving destination due to less colorful sea life compared to tropical oceans, this historic sea boasts rich maritime heritage. On the Costa Brava, where waters are exceptionally clear, divers and snorkelers can glimpse the underwater world. Encounter varied sea bream, squid, and even the occasional octopus among the rock beds and Posidonia meadows. Suitable spots include beaches and calas like Sa Tuna, where buildings run right to the coastal edge, or the Cap de Creus, famous for its unusual rock formations that continue beneath the surface.
Best place to dive or snorkel on the Costa Brava: Illes Medes consists of seven islands and serves as a protected nature reserve just offshore from L’Estartit, where vibrant corals and marine life abound, alongside intriguing caves. Snorkelers can access these islands via boat tours.
Local tip: The best snorkeling areas are often just off rocky coves, so water shoes can enhance your footing and provide traction on slippery rocks.
