Costa Brava, Spain

The ruggedly beautiful Costa Brava holiday coast stretches for 100 miles (160km) along the shores of Catalonia in Spain's north-eastern corner, from Port Bou on the Franco-Spanish border to Tossa del Mar, just north of Barcelona.



The coast is filled with high-rise resort developments and modern marinas catering to package tourists, but retains enough green hillsides and lonely, wild cliffs, coves and caves to belie its reputation as one of Europe's busiest holiday destinations.



Holidaymakers revel in the hidden delights of the craggy coastline, many venturing out in boats to discover deserted coves scented with pine and citrus trees, fragrant herbs and bright flowers. International resorts and marinas lie in close proximity to relatively unspoilt fishing villages and towns bearing evidence of the area's rich history with ancient castles and fortifications. Offshore divers revel in the abundance of wrecks to explore in the crystalline waters, while seemingly endless sunshine pours down on stretches of sandy or shingle beach.



The untouched natural areas and fishing industry have also resulted in making a holiday here a gastronomic treat. Seafood reigns supreme, from sardines to delicious lobster, but specialities also include local wild game, like boar, duck and rabbit, which can all be washed down with a variety of wines produced from the vineyards that clothe the hillsides.

Resorts

See our separate guides to the following Costa Brava holiday resorts: Roses, Lloret de Mar, L'Estartit, Tossa de Mar and Blanes

Attractions

Garrotxa Nature Reserve

Visiting dormant volcanoes is not one of the typical things to do in Spain; however, for those who take the time the experience offers stunning scenery and a one-of-a-kind experience. Sandwiched between the Pyrenees and Costa Brava, the region of Garroxta is home to a multitude of prehistoric volcanoes as well as many castles and country houses. Visitors wanting to experience more of Spain than the quintessential beach and city breaks should head to Garrotxa Nature Reserve, just outside of Girona, to experience a land of amazing and rugged landscapes, fire and ash. The volcanoes in this area formed over 11,000 years ago and the region is unique to Europe. Visitors can walk, hike or horse ride along any number of tracks and trails in the reserve and enjoy a land of stark contrasts.

The Medes Islands

Situated scarcely a mile from the beach of the popular resort town of L'Estartit on the Costa Brava, the protected Medes Islands have been dubbed 'heaven for divers'. The little archipelago of seven islets and a few reefs form one of the most important and rich marine reserves in the Mediterranean. The millions of fish and thousands of animal and plant species that inhabit the shallows, crevices and submarine caves at the base of the island cliffs are a delight to behold for divers of all levels, whether splashing with a snorkel or descending to the depths in scuba gear. Visitors can take glass-bottomed boat trips around the islands departing hourly in season from L'Estartit, or arrange a fully equipped diving trip though one of the numerous tourist diving centres in the resort town.