Things to Do in Costa Brava

Choose from 5 Fun Things to Do in Costa Brava

Pals

Surrounded by walls and marked with winding cobblestone streets, medieval Pals still has many of its aged stone arches, walkways, and balconies. A Romanesque tower dates back to the 11th century, while the Mirador del Pedró provides a lookout over the sea and surrounding Catalonian landscape dotted with citrus groves and rice fields.

The Basics

The historical village of Pals ranks among the most picturesque destinations on Spain’s Costa Brava. Many travelers visit the town on a day trip from Barcelona, with itineraries that often include Girona, Peratallada, and the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell. Tours of the village nearly always include a visit to the Torre de las Hores (Tower of Hours) clock tower, as well as insight into the area’s medieval history.

Things to Know Before You Go

Pals is a must-see for history buffs, couples, and travelers looking for a break from Barcelona.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially if you plan to visit the beach.

How to Get There

Because the nearest train station to Pals is in Girona, the easiest way to get to Pals from Barcelona is either to take a train to Girona and a bus to Pals or to take a bus directly from Barcelona to Pals. Another option is to rent a car and make the 90-minute drive yourself.

When to Get There

For warm beach-worthy weather without the summer crowds, head to Pals during the spring or autumn shoulder seasons. Plan to visit during the annual rice sowing or rice harvest festivals for a deeper cultural experience.

A Day at the Beach

Though Pals is not on the coast, it is close to one of the best beaches on the Costa Brava. During the summer months, head down to Platja Gran de Pals, a crescent-shaped stretch of sand lined with pine trees, to cool off in the waters of the Mediterranean.

Pals, Costa Brava, Spain

From $ 208

Port Aventura Park

This is a serious theme park, Spain's biggest and baddest, with a collection of wild rides - like Dragon Khan and Furios Baco, both clocking in at well over 100kph (65mph) - that will keep thrill junkies coming back for more. Port Aventura is the flagship park, divided into several "lands," such as the Wild West, Mexico, and China, with themed shows, restaurants, and gift shops. Though it could keep a family busy all day (or week), that's just the beginning.

In addition to Port Aventura, you could also visit several other parks - Port Aventura Aquatic Park, with dolphin shows and water slides; the Beach club, right on the Caribbean; and Golf PortAventura, with three premium golf courses. Savvy travelers can find packages that include several parks, special shows, and even discounts on hotels.

Practical Info

The closest airport to Port Aventura Park is Tarragona's Reus Airport (REU), with just handful of year-round direct flights to major European cities from April through September. It's about 15 minutes by bus or taxi between the airport and the park.

Renfe trains stop at the Port Aventura station, right at the park, while the AVE line's Camp de Tarragona station has regular bus service to the park. There are several hotels right next to Port Aventura, catering to park goers.

Avinguda de l'Alcalde Pere Molas, Vilaseca, Spain

Open Mar - Sept, 10am - 7pm or later in the summer

Adults: €26 - 44, Children: €22 - 52

From $ 75

Cap de Creus

Cap de Creus is a peninsula in the far northeast of Catalonia, not far from the French border. Covering 73 square miles, it is the easternmost point of Spain and is now a protected national park. Salvador Dali, who was born in the nearby city of Figueres, painted the cape in “The Persistence of Memory” and built a home in Port Lligat. While Cap de Creus contains the largest uninhabited area in the Spanish Mediterranean, it does have a number of small towns, the most well-known of which is Cadaques.

Cap de Creus is generally quite rocky and dry, but is also home to more than 800 species of plans, as well as rare species of sea birds that are close to extinction. Hikers will enjoy a variety of trekking routes around the cape and visitors should be sure to visit the Sant Pere de Rodes, an 11th century monastery with great views of Cap de Creus.

Practical Info

The closest airports to Cap de Creus are in Girona (an hour away) and Barcelona (two and a half hours). From the Girona bus station, visitors can take a bus to Cadaques Mondays through Fridays or take the train to Figueres and from there, a taxi or bus to Cadaques. Access to the cape is unrestricted and information point are available in towns such as Cadaques, llanca, El Port de la Selva and Roses.

Cadaques, Girona, Spain 17489, Spain

From $ 159

Ruins of Empuries

Combine your beach excursion with exploration of the distant past by paying a visit to the ruins of Empuries. Founded in 575 BC by Greek colonists, it was later occupied by Romans before it was ultimately abandoned given its exposed coastal location. Today it remains as the only settlement in Iberia that displays remains from both the Greeks and the Romans.

Among its ruins, which are only partially excavated, you can tour the amphitheater, old factory, basilica, exquisite Roman floor mosaics, and the foundations of former Greek houses. There’s also on onsite museum, where you can learn more about the excavations, and check out artifacts such as ceramics, utensils, mosaics and other items. Between the history, the views, and the beach and seaside cafes just steps away, you’ll be happy you made the effort to visit this unique corner of Costa Brava.

Practical Info

Entrance to the ruins comes with an audio tour. Empuries is best reached by car, though buses travel to neighboring villages such as L’Escala, from where the ruins can be reached by an ample coastal walk. Note entrance is free the last Tuesday of the month from October through June, and that it closes on Mondays during wintertime.

Carrer de J. Puig i Cadafalch, s/n, L’Escala, Costa Brava, Spain 17130, Spain

Oct1-Nov15: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm; Nov16-Feb15: Tues-Sun 10am-5pm; Feb16-May31: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm; June1-Sept31: Mon-Sun 10am-8pm

General: €5; Reduced: €4; Children under 8: free

From $ 97

Palafrugell

Built above 12 kilometers (8 miles) of beautiful beaches paved with soft, golden sand, the medieval town of Palafrugell has long been a port of some importance. Until recently, it was also the region's top producer of cork, for popping off fine Spanish wines.

Today, the windy, winsome spot is a popular resort town, though it remains a real city beyond the quaint tourist quarter. Palafrugell is best known for its impressive coastline, which can be explored in yachts, kayaks, or on foot. But culture lovers and adventurous foodies will also enjoy the city's famed markets, selling fresh seafood (sea urchin is a local specialty), produce, and inexpensive eats made with the same - don't miss the famous night market. La Cuina de les Festes, the city's Spring Festival, is known for its gastronomic delights.

There are several other festivals held here throughout the year, as well museums, botanical gardens, and other attractions to keep you busy between tanning sessions.

Practical Info

Unfortunately, there's no train service to Palafrugell, but you can get direct buses from Barcelona, and from here to the less developed beaches of Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc.

The actual city of Palafrugell is located about four kilometers from the coast, where the tourist quarter - including most hotels and other amusements - are located. There's regular bus service, and of course taxis, that can take you between the two parts of town.

C-66, Palafrugell, Spain

Free

From $ 208