The most beautiful towns and villages on the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is one of the most renowned places on the Spanish coast. A legacy of Greco-Roman civilisation and the home to acclaimed artist, Salvador Dalí, this enclave is one of the best places in Spain to relax and discover the essence of the Mediterranean. The Costa Brava is a place to feel enchanted. A place to be leisurely savoured, to lose oneself among the dreamy coves and to admire the beautiful mountains that make up the Empordà region. With its more than 200 kilometre-long coastline, this place exudes magic wherever one looks. And much of this charm is to be found in those places that comprise the list of the most beautiful towns and villages on the Costa Brava.

Visiting the most breathtaking towns and villages on the Costa Brava is an unique experience as many of these places still conserve the authentic natural environment of old fishing villages. A sea of whitewashed homes that captivate upon first sight. Fresh produce and local gastronomy also rank highly among its attractions. Not to mention the winding narrow medieval streets and sunsets that will leave anyone breathless. The following itinerary will travel to eight of the Costa Brava’s most enchanting towns and villages.

Best towns and villages on the Costa Brava: Mediterranean and medieval beauty

Cadaqués, Catalonia’s most beautiful town

At the top of the list for Spain’s most beautiful towns and villages sits Cadaqués, the pearl of the Mediterranean. Indeed, the famed painter, Salvador Dalí considered it one of the most beautiful in the world. And it is easy to see why. In this picturesque fishing village, the cobbled streets meander until melting into the turquoise blue sea. Its little white homes brightly contrast against the landscape of the Cap de Creus Nature Park. What’s more, this park has numerous accessible hiking trails that lead to the many idyllic inlets.

The cosy village beach is ideal for relaxing to the splashing sounds of waves. A fifteen-minute walk to Port Ligat, a neighbouring village of Cadaqués, is a great way to enjoy some light activity. There one can visit Dalí’s former home and enjoy a magnificent seafood dinner by the sea.

Peratallada, medieval heritage

It may come as a surprise to find an inland village on this list about the Costa Brava coastline, but there is an exception. Peratallada demands a visit for many reasons. The first for it being considered one of Spain’s best conserved medieval village. The second is because its imposing town walls and stone-covered streets have earned it a designated Historic-Artistic site. The church of Sant Esteve, the Virgen’s gateway and the Homenaje watchtower are some of the sites not to be missed. Roca Road, with its little stone houses covered in vines, and Esquiladors Square are the icing on the cake to a pleasant tour through Spain’s medieval past.

Calella de Palafrugell, Mediterranean charm

Although it may not be the easiest name to remember, Calella de Palafrugell is a wonder not easily forgotten. Its old town quarter is among the quaintest to be found in the area with its whitewashed flower-adorned homes, narrow streets and the porticos once used as a refuge by fishermen. The Voltes and Gravina streets are perfect for losing oneself in the essence of this village, still retaining its own identity. The beaches at Port Bo, Canadell and Platgeta are highly recommended for anyone looking to meditate upon the Mediterranean shore.

L’Escala, land of ancient civilisations

Apart from its stunning landscapes, L’Escala also stands out for its ancient ruins of Empúries. These archaeological sites pertain to ancient Greek and Roman settlements, many of which were founded in this area. Here the Roman forum, remains of temples, mosaics and sculptures are still conserved. The esplanade at L’Escala is an ideal spot to admire the gorgeous sunsets and try a famous anchovy tapas in one of the restaurants.

Tossa de Mar, medieval essence

Another one of Spain’s most splendid medieval towns can be found on the shores of the Costa Brava. In fact, from Gran beach, the monumental stone castle overlooking the coast can be seen. The postcard-perfect Catalonian town of Tossa de Mar is an ideal destination for anyone wanting to relax on the sand and discover the medieval heritage of the Vella quarter of this town

Begur, the forbidden fruit of pirates

Many have been captivated by Begur’s undisputed beauty. This magnificent place also became the obsession of pirates in the sixteenth century. Its tall stone watchtowers are a testament to this fact. Begur is also known for its old manor houses of those local inhabitants who had made their fortunes in the Americas, mostly in Cuba.

The rows of white houses that blanket the area descend to Sa Tuna, the local cove, forming an astonishing landscape in which the turquoise blue of the sea fuses with the intense green of the flora surrounding the village. Some of the Ronda trekking trails spanning the length of the Costa Brava start from this village.

Torroella de Montgrí, undiscovered monumental beauty

One of the lesser-known towns on the Costa Brava. Torroella de Montgrí dazzles with its majestic stone buildings and its location in the Montgrí Natural Park, a beautiful natural landscape presided over by the Montgrí Castle. This thirteenth-century castle was constructed by order of Jaume II in order to protect themselves from the attacks of the County of Empúries. In the old historic quarter, there are architectonic wonders to be viewed such as the Gothic church of Sant Genís, the Solterra palace, the convent of the Agustinos and, at its heart, the Vila square.

Tamariu, in the heart of nature

If there is a town capable of completely eliminating stress from the first minute, it is Tamariu. A true haven of peace surrounded by nature. An emblematic village on the Costa Brava by any standards, Tamariu stands out for its strong seafaring tradition, with picturesque fishing boats resting on the sand and its delicious rice, seafood and fresh fish dishes served right on the beach.

Some of the best hidden coves on the Costa Brava, like Aigua Xelida and Aigua Dolça, are to be found in the surroundings of this beautiful setting. These two small coves with crystal-clear waters are located in an exquisite natural environment. The local beaches of Palangui and Dofi are also noteworthy spots on the map well worth a visit.