What to visit in Spain Costa Brava. Costa Brava beach, Catalonia

Nature has given these places amazing beauty - Dali himself was inspired by the seascapes, and thousands of vacationers call this resort one of best places Mediterranean. The three most famous tourist centers are located on the coast - Lloret de Mar, Blanes and Tossa de Mar.

The main activity on the Costa Brava is a beach holiday. There are always a lot of young people here who prefer active entertainment, but if you don’t like windsurfing and discos, go to the picturesque medieval castles or get acquainted with the work and life of Salvador Dali.

Sightseeing Costa Brava

In terms of cultural and historical history, the coast is of considerable interest. Here, great attention is paid to the legacy of Salvador Dali: there is both an official museum (Figueres, Gala-Salvador Dali Square, 5) and the house of the great surrealist. It is located in Port Lligat, near the town of Cadaques - where the artist was inspired by the amazingly beautiful seascapes.

You should definitely go to Besala - a castle town that preserves the spirit of the early Middle Ages. Stone bridge, lowered gates, narrow streets and characteristic architectural style: you will learn what life was like for the townspeople here 6-7 centuries ago. You can also get acquainted with the troubled past of these places by visiting the Castle of Sant Joan, located on a high mountain. From the 11th to the 18th centuries, they held defenses against enemies from the sea, and today there is an amazing view of the sea panorama and the resort of Lloret de Mar spread out below. Entrance prices range from 3 to 5 euros.

The Clotilde Gardens are another must-see attraction: the picturesque complex is located on the mountainside, and its main promenade gently leads you down to the sea. If you have time, visit the Girona Cathedral, built in 1312. It has a wonderful museum with rare exhibits from the early Middle Ages, for example, the tapestry “The Creation of the World” (11th century).

Beach holidays on the Costa Brava in 2020

The best time for a beach holiday on the Costa Brava is from May to October. The natural beaches are predominantly pebble; all the sand was brought here in the 1960s, when the coastal resorts began to gain popularity.

Entry into the sea in these places is not very smooth. When going on vacation with children, check out our list best beaches this resort area - this will help make your vacation comfortable and safe.

The best beaches of the resort

• Lloret de Mar, the beach of the same name in the resort town (1.5 km). Popular not only because of its cleanliness and location, but also because of its gentle slope into the sea. There are a lot of tourists and expensive rental of umbrellas and sunbeds (in 2020 - 10 euros). But you can lie on towels for free.

• Fenals(Lloret de Mar). Awarded the EU Blue Flag, clean, with a sharp drop in depth. There are much fewer people: if you want a more or less calm environment, come here.
• Sa Abanel(Blanes). Good for everyone, including the length - 3 km. The only drawback: the summer months jellyfish may appear.

• Almadrava(Roses). One of the best and most picturesque beaches, which borders the Cape Creus National Park. Fine golden sand, natural protection from the winds, several cafes and boat rentals: everything you need for a good beach holiday.
• La Perola(Roses). One of the calmest beaches, ideal for a family holiday. There are almost no waves, but there is clean sand and crystal clear water. Awarded the Blue Flag.

What to see and do on the Costa Brava

Holidays on the Costa Brava are very popular among young people. But also for those who like more relaxing holiday there will be plenty to do here. The main thing is to decide on a suitable resort: fortunately, 200 kilometers of coastline can offer a good choice.

You definitely need to get there:

• Chocolate factory in Girona. She runs a zoo: a good opportunity to please your sweet tooth and see with your own eyes how the bars are made.
• Lake Banyoles. Lakes in Spain are a rarity: Banyoles, for example, is considered the second largest, although it has an area of ​​only two kilometers. The forests on the coast are very picturesque, and the nearby La Carpa restaurant will delight you with fresh fish dishes.

• Empuriabrava area. This resort area is otherwise called “Spanish Venice”: instead of streets there are canals, and instead of cars there are boats and boats. In general, if you have time, go for it, you won’t regret it.

Costa Brava is a coastal region in the Spanish province. The name literally translates as “wild” or “rough shore.” But this does not take away from its charm; the region is distinguished by its natural, untouched beauty. For those who want to enjoy an idyllic holiday in , it is useful to find out what a holiday on the Costa Brava 2020 is like - prices, entertainment, attractions.

The history of the Costa Brava goes hand in hand since the time of the Iberians, the first inhabitants of these lands, both inland and coastal. Then the Romans came, and with them Geronda, or Girona, was born.

The first mention of inhabitants in this area dates back to 2500 BC. e. in the Pinell area, where Neolithic tombs have been found. Megalithic monuments such as dolmens have also been discovered in the area.

In the 4th-5th centuries AD. e. Christianity appeared here, and by 715 the province became a victim of Muslim conquest. However, Muslim dominance in this area was very weak, and in the 9th century, Charlemagne took control of power in the region.

Very important events for the history of the Costa Brava are the constant attacks of pirates, which is why the remains of guard fortresses have been preserved along the entire coast.
The Costa Brava's reputation as a holiday destination in Catalonia began in the 1950s, when the national government developed a development plan for the region. In recent decades, tourism has overtaken fishing as one of the main sources of economic prosperity for the region.

Geography and climate

Costa Brava is part of the Mediterranean coast of Catalonia, located north of. It's endless miles of sandy beaches and sunshine. The coastal landscape is marked by steep cliffs, picturesque bays, between which fishing villages and small towns are scattered.

Costa Brava on the map:

Those planning a visit here will enjoy a typical Mediterranean climate.

1. Obviously, summer is the time for beach lovers to come as the season reaches its peak. The weather is hot, with temperatures often approaching 30°C. But the proximity of the sea leaves its mark, moderating the heat with a fresh wind. July and especially August attract huge crowds of tourists, so those who do not like the bustle are better off choosing secluded beaches in Calella de Palafrugell, Begur or Cadaques.
2. The spring months are good for those looking to sunbathe, sightsee and walk along coastal paths.
3. In September you can combine a relaxing beach holiday with sightseeing tours. The days are still warm, air and sea temperatures average 25°C, and most tourists are leaving.
4. In late autumn and winter the weather can be changeable. Warm days suddenly give way to cold ones. The hurricane tramontana wind blowing from the mountains is especially unpleasant, which is something tourists planning to visit the coast in the autumn-winter season need to know.

Holidays

In addition to the common Spanish and Catalan holidays, the Costa Brava has developed its own interesting traditions that attract thousands of tourists:

1. The medieval festival Terra de Trobadors in Castel d'Empuri takes place in early September. The market operates in the created surroundings of the Middle Ages, where you can meet a blacksmith, carpenter, potter and even a witch, as well as buy confectionery, oils, wines, herbs and much more. All this takes place accompanied by magnificent shows with troubadours, poor people, thieves, princesses, and soldiers.
2. Habanera concert in Calella de la Palafrugell. The origins of the habanera lie in the melodic Indian folk music brought to Catalonia by sailors in the 19th century. At first, sailors sang it spontaneously, then professionals and amateurs began to perform publicly. In 1967, the first concert was organized in Calella de la Palafrugell, which then turned the place into the capital of habanera.
3. International fireworks competition. Held throughout the coast at the end of July for a week. The place where the tradition began is the city of Blanes, where the first fireworks display took place on July 26, 1906. This is an incredibly beautiful sight from the water if you order a boat and go out to sea. Festivals were suspended only during civil war in Spain .

Blanes. Fireworks competition

How to get there

The first thing you need to do is fly from Barcelona or Girona. The low-cost airline Pobeda flies to Girona at very attractive prices - from 8 thousand rubles in both directions. There are buses from Girona to the Costa Brava - on average 20-25 minutes depending on the direction. There are many regular flights to Barcelona every day, and also charter flights during the high season. Ticket price - from 12 thousand rubles with a transfer. More expensive, 15-17 thousand rubles, direct flights.

1. There are no direct trains from El Prat Airport to Costa Brava. First, you need to take the Renfe train from Terminal 2 on line R2 to Barcelona Sants Station, and then change to the train to Blanes. The railway line runs along the entire coast through resort towns. If your final destination is Lloret de Mar or Tossa de Mar, you need to make another bus transfer. He walks right up to the train. Travel time to the farthest point will take about 2 hours. A ticket will cost 6-8 euros from Barcelona.
2. Bus. It is useful to know that a direct bus to Lloret de Mar stops near the airport exit. You can get there for 13 euros, but the disadvantage of this method is the small number of flights. From Barcelona, ​​from the Nord bus station, buses run more often, and you have to pay up to 11 euros for the journey.
3. A taxi ride will cost from 95 to 120 euros.
4. Car enthusiasts can rent a car directly at the airport, preferably from Evropcar or Sixt. If you do this online in advance, discounts are available. A car is especially convenient for those who will not only relax on the beach, but intend to travel around cozy and colorful Catalan villages in the surrounding area, remote beaches, and local attractions.
5. Lovers of sea walks can take a boat ride. The most popular route is Blanes - Lloret de Mar - Tossa de Mar with pick-up and drop-off in any city. The pier is located right on the beach. Ticket price is 10-13 euros. Discounts for children. Children under 3 years old are free.

Passenger boat in Tossa de Mar

Transport for travel while staying on the Costa Brava is the same - trains and buses. The bus station in Lloret de Mar is connected by bus routes to all nearby cities. The ticket can be purchased on the bus or at the ticket office at the bus station. The cost depends on the distance. For example, to Blanes and Tossa de Mar - about 2 euros.

Connection

Mobile communications are served by three major operators - Movistar, Orange, Vodafone. Buying a local SIM card for tourists will be unnecessary if they plan to spend 1-2 weeks on the Costa Brava. Calls to Russia are expensive. When your stay is longer, or you need to make a lot of calls to Spanish numbers, then you can purchase a SIM card with a minimum of services. Price approximately 8-10 euros.

Long-distance communication is available in street machines. You can pay with cards and coins.

For all Internet services there are special offices - Locutorio. There you can make a call, go online from your computer, or print a document.

Hotels have free WiFi almost everywhere. However, the connection in the rooms is usually poor. A stable signal is only in the lobbies.

Excursions

The excursion program on the Costa Brava is wide and varied. Where to go and what to see depends entirely on the tourist. The guides' suggestions cover historical and natural attractions. In every town you can find your own excursion routes or explore the surrounding area.

1. Besalu. The exceptional medieval architecture has made this city one of the most visited in Catalonia. On many tourist avenues you can see his Pont Vella - Old Bridge with typical arches and tower. In fact, this is a national historical and artistic complex. The old Jewish quarter, synagogue and baths connect with the monastery of San Pere and the churches of San Vicenza and San Martí, reminiscent of a time when the Jewish and Christian communities lived in harmony.
2. Dali Triangle. These are the names of attractions associated with the name of the brilliant artist. The first is the Dali Theater-Museum, designed by the master himself. There is a huge collection of his paintings and jewelry. In Port Lligat, near Cadaques, there is the artist’s workshop and house - an amazing building containing Dali’s personal belongings and reflecting his unique inner world. Third memorial place— House-museum of the Gala Dali Castle in Pubol, which the artist gave to his muse, and where she is now buried.
3. Oix and Beget are worth a visit simply for the tranquility of the highland landscape with magnificent cliffs and oak forests. Fortunately, such places still exist. These are tiny villages that are far from modern world, but closely connected with nature, silence, history and traditions. Lovers of Romanesque architecture will find excellent examples here - the church and remains of a castle in Oix, and in Beget - the church of San Cristòfol, inside which the famous wooden carvings are one of the most beautiful in all of Catalonia.
4. The Costa Brava has magnificent Botanical Gardens that combine the beauty of plants with panoramic views of the sea. In Lloret de Mar, the Gardens of Santa Clotilde will surprise you with a wide variety of plants and a lack of flowers. There, in the mansion, there is a collection of paintings, tapestries, miniature boats and Catalan ceramics. In Blanes, Marimurtra is an impressive collection of plants from all over the world. The botanical gardens of Pinya de Rosa contain tropical plants adapted to the Mediterranean climate.
5. Santa Pau. A town with real medieval charm, located in the heart of the natural volcanic park of La Garrotxa. Old city centered around a 13th-14th century fortress.

Besalu

Vacation with children

Costa Brava is a great place to relax with your family. First of all, these are the beaches. Although you need to be careful with small children, as the descent into the water is quite steep.
The preferred location for families with children is the city of Blanes. There are beaches with calm waters, and there is even a summer club for children, which organizes activities for the little ones.

The Costa Brava has several water parks known for their safety, comfort and quality.

There will be something for families of all ages to do.

1. Aquabrava Park in Roses with leisure pools and artificial rivers to simulate the most adventurous and attractive river runs.
2. Not far from the center of Lloret de Mar is Water World, the best water park in east coast Spain and one of the largest in Europe. There, visitors will find water slides, wave pools and a Jacuzzi. The park is open during the summer season from 22.05 to 17.09. Family tickets can be purchased which cost €85 and are valid for 2 days.

Aquabrava

Leisure

Costa Brava is one of the centers active rest in Spain . Traditional and exotic types have been developed, suitable for both extreme sports enthusiasts and families. Here are just a few of them:

1. Diving. Almost the entire coastline is valued by divers for its natural landscapes. There are diving clubs and equipment rentals everywhere. Among the most beautiful natural landscapes you can see lobsters, octopuses, cuttlefish, moray eels, and sometimes even small barracudas. The Medes Island area is one of the most important nature reserves in the Mediterranean. Located near the town of Pals. At the bottom, the landscape is enlivened by the remains of ships. And for those who want to see the underwater world without diving into the sea, excursions on boats with a transparent bottom are offered.
2. The unique location between the sea coast and the Pyrenees has made the Costa Brava an ideal destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. Inland and along the coast there are many popular routes with varying levels of difficulty.
3. Kayaking. Kayaking can be done with the whole family. This The best way get into small coves and caves along the coast. In addition to kayaking, if desired, they will teach you how to swim on a board with an oar.
4. Costa Brava is famous for its variety of fish and seafood. Anchovies from L'Escala, shrimp from Palamos, blue fish from Sant Feliu de Guixols. Why not try catching fish yourself on the offered tours?
5. Bay of Roses - favorite place for surfers all over the world. The climate, wind and natural orientation of the bay make this place ideal for lovers aquatic species sports World and European windsurfing championships are held here.

Kayaking on the Costa Brava

Where to stay

There are so many wonderful towns and villages on the Costa Brava that it is difficult to choose where to live. Available everywhere widest choice hotels, hostels, apartments of any cost and comfort - average price 50-60 euros per night. You can find it much cheaper and more expensive. Those traveling in July and August should make sure to book in advance to get the best deal.

1. Pals is known as one of the most charming towns on the coast. Situated on top of a hill, it was built around a fortress and has retained its medieval appearance. The surrounding area of ​​the city is simply breathtaking with pristine beaches, dunes, wetlands and rice fields. Several gastronomic and cultural events are held there throughout the year.
2. Tossa de Mar is that rare city where you can enjoy the Mediterranean waves in the surroundings medieval history. The medieval fortress of the old town is a unique and picturesque sight. The main city beach is dotted with colorful boats and sunbathing people. There are a large number of fish and seafood restaurants around.
3. Cadaques. This one White City inspired Salvador Dali, who grew up in the area. Today it has a sophisticated bohemian atmosphere, a vibrant cultural life with festive events throughout the year. In the old town, tourists will be greeted by a maze of cobbled streets, bright white buildings and blue details. And on the shore there are beach coves natural park Cabo de Creus, where you can swim in crystal clear waters or take a walk with stunning panoramic views.
4. Blanes. The first city on the Costa Brava and the largest. This is a place for a family holiday, especially with children. There are numerous hotels and hostels available to tourists. Blanes is the capital of fireworks week in late July and early August.
5. Lloret de Mar is suitable for young people who want to have fun at its many discos. In addition, there are two excellent beaches, a water park and two botanical gardens nearby.
6. Begur has some of the best beaches on the Costa Brava - quiet, with clear water, surrounded by picturesque cliffs and pine trees.

Tossa de Mar

Shopping

While on the Costa Brava, you can go shopping to Barcelona and Girona, but there are also local towns wonderful places for shopping. These are the big ones shopping centers, and small shops. One of the most popular places— La Roca Village, a whole shopping town with outlets where branded goods are sold at attractive prices. From Lloret de Mar there are two buses leaving there every day at 9-00 and at 14-00. The same bus takes you back. You have 2 hours for shopping. There is a multilingual guide-stylist on the bus. The cost of the tour is 18 euros for adults and 9 euros for children under 11 years old. Tickets can be purchased at the bus station or on the bus.

La Roca Village

What to bring from your trip

• Figueres, a place associated with Dalí, offers reproductions of his major works and other souvenirs.
• the towns of La Bisbal d'Empordà, Quart and Breda are popular centers for purchasing handicrafts;
• In terms of food, the excellent cold cuts at Olot market and the delicious anchovies at L'Escala are a must.
• The most famous brands of local wines are from l’Empordà.

Cuisine Costa Brava

The food on the Costa Brava is very tasty and plentiful. You can get by on a small budget by buying tapas, pizza and sandwiches, but a full meal won't cost much more. The cuisine here is based on freshly caught seafood. Inexpensive restaurants and cafes are located along the entire coast. For those living in Blanes, we can recommend Fonda Can Setmanes, a family-run business tucked away on a small street in the city center. The highlight of the place is the three-course menu and dessert - all from home cooking. And the most best price— 10 euros on weekdays, including bread, wine and water; 15 euros on holidays and weekends. Those with a sweet tooth will definitely love the Catalan pastries at Pastisseria Serra in Palafrugell.

What to try:

• paella is especially delicious in Tossa de Mar, as is lobster rice;
• pescaditos - small fried fish that melt in your mouth;
• Fideuà is a traditional Catalan dish similar to paella, but with noodles instead of rice. Everything is cooked in fish broth with seafood;
• In summer, gazpacho is good - a chilled light soup of tomatoes, onions, cucumber and olive oil;
• fried shrimp and squid rings;
• for dessert - Crema catalana, reminiscent of creme brulee.

Fideuà

What to take with you

1. Smartphone with area maps. There are ones that work without the Internet;
2. Medicines that are vital. In Spain they are often sold under different names
3. Beach towel. Hotels often don't issue them. If you have one, take another sun umbrella. This way you can save money. You will have to pay 15 euros per day for a sunbed and umbrella on the beach;
4. Sunscreen.

Safety

Spain is not a high-risk region, but caution will do no harm to tourists.

1. You should not carry documents or large sums of money with you. Place them in the hotel safe and make a photocopy of your passport.
2. It is mandatory to follow the traffic rules for pedestrians. In addition to personal safety, a violation can result in material losses - a fine of up to 200 euros.
3. It is better to visit the beaches in the morning before 11-00 and after 16-00. This will ensure a tan without burns.
4. On the Costa Brava, beaches for swimming are dangerous due to the steep slope, and in the sea there are jellyfish that can cause burns.

Costa Brava is one of the main tourist destinations in the world with unforgettable landscapes, dream beaches, renowned gastronomy and friendly people. Millions of tourists choose it every year for their holidays.

Here are some reviews about Costa Brava:

The “Rough Coast”, “Coast of the Brave” or Costa Brava extends 162 km from the city of Blanes to the French border along Mediterranean Sea in the province of Girona in northeastern Catalonia. The picturesque coastline, indented by rocky bays, is recognized as one of the best tourist regions in Spain, rich in magnificent natural and man-made attractions.

Costa Brava resorts have all the advantages of modern resorts, such as:

• developed tourism infrastructure
• excellent condition of the beaches
• opportunities for diving, parasailing, windsurfing, snorkeling and other outdoor activities
• many entertainment options for young people
• water parks, zoos, dolphinariums
• an abundance of museums, medieval fortresses and monasteries, places associated with the work of world famous artists

Resorts and beautiful places of the Costa Brava on the map:

Costa Brava's seaside resorts can be called universal, as they suit people with a wide variety of needs and interests.

Top 30 resorts and beautiful places of the Costa Brava

1. Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar - small resort town 90 km from Barcelona, ​​famous for its ancient origins, perfectly preserved historical center, wonderful beaches, medieval fortress on the shore. Flat sandy areas coastline alternate with rocky cliffs and small bays, forming a picturesque landscape.

For centuries, Tossa de Mar flourished due to winemaking and the production of stoppers for sealing wine bottles. After a relatively short period of oblivion, at the beginning of the 20th century, it was revived as a popular resort, favored by bohemians from different countries Europe. In the 50s of the last century, the filming of the film “Pandora and the Flying Dutchman” with Ava Gardner took place in Tossa de Mar. leading role, which aroused interest in the city among tourists. The Pandora statue is one of the main attractions of Tossa.

Why you should visit:

• Tossa de Mar is one of the most tranquil and romantic resorts on the Costa Brava.
• The city is interesting both for beach lovers and art lovers.
• On the coast of Tossa de Mar there are many places of interest for divers and snorkelers.
• From Tossa de Mar you can easily reach other towns and villages on the Costa Brava.

(Lloret de Mar) is considered the capital and center of youth recreation on the Costa Brava. The city has more than ten excellent sandy beaches.

Popular attractions include the Beach Castle, San Juan Castle, Santa Clotilde Gardens, Saint Roman Church, Cat's House Museum, Casa Cabanas, Archaeological Museum, Fisherman's Wife sculpture, Modernist Cemetery, City Hall, Casa Garriga and others.

Why you should visit:

• Lloret de Mar is popular among beach lovers, active entertainment, noisy parties and nightclubs.
• The city has a lot of ancient architectural structures and museums with interesting exhibitions.
• Lloret de Mar has a water park, a casino, a bungee jumping tower, and a children's water town.
• The city often hosts festivals.

One of the places worth visiting while relaxing in the resorts of the Costa Brava is Girona - the capital of the province of the same name. The oldest city in Spain is located on the banks of the Onyar River. On the right is the historical center of Girona, on the left are the modern areas.

The main attractions of the city are concentrated in the historical part, which is called Barry Vel. Worthy of attention Cathedral XI century, the Church of St. Felix, Arab baths, the monastery of Sant Pere de Galligans, where the exhibition of the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia is located, the Jewish quarter of El Cal, the Church of the Sacred Heart.

Why you should visit:

• Girona is a beautiful city that deserves close attention.
• The city has many magnificent parks and gardens.
• Experienced travelers recommend exploring Girona from the fortress wall, from which you can see best views to the city and surrounding area.
• In Girona, it is worth checking out the bridges over the river. The colorful houses on the shore of the Old Town make an equally interesting impression.

The port city and resort of Blanes, which has earned the honorary status of Gateway to the Costa Brava, is located in the western part of the coast, 60 km from Barcelona. In addition to its magnificent sandy beaches, the city is famous for its medieval architectural structures and beautiful parks.

Why you should visit:

• Blanes is a fairly large tourist center of the Costa Brava, but at the same time a calm and quiet city, where it is especially pleasant to relax with your family.
• The city has many restaurants, snack bars, cafes and bars with good cuisine.
• Fans of active recreation in Blanes are provided with water sports centers, sports grounds, football fields, stadiums, and swimming pools for swimming in cold seasons.
• There are kindergartens and schools for Russian-speaking children in the city.
• There is a water park not far from the city.

(Pals) - tiny old City in the Baix Empordà area, deserves special attention from lovers of medieval architecture. The narrow cobbled streets of the historical center are home to a large number of colorful buildings made of yellow stone.

The main attractions are the Church of St. Peter, the museum, the castle, the fortress walls, the Ramone Tower, and the ancient cemetery.

Why you should visit:

• Pals is recognized as one of the most colorful examples of medieval architecture.
• Pals' restaurants and cafés offer dishes from the Baix Empordà region.
• Pals is an ideal place for lovers of quiet walks away from the popular tourist routes.

(Cadaqués) is a small resort town on Cap de Creus, surrounded by mountains, which gained particular popularity thanks to Salvador Dali. Here is his house-museum, where the eminent artist lived until his death in 1982.

In Cadaqués, it is worth seeing the Church of Santa Maria, the embankment, and the House of Cats.

Why you should visit:

• Cadaques attracts with the special beauty of its streets lined with neat snow-white houses and ancient architecture.
• The city has well-maintained beaches.
• You can go diving and windsurfing.

The city of Roses or Roses is located in the bay of the same name near the border with France. Roses is suitable for family and active holidays.

Residents and guests of the city have excellent beaches and many sports clubs offering kiting, rafting, diving, windsurfing. There are golf and football fields, sports grounds, and tennis courts.

Why you should visit:

• Roses - very beautiful city, surrounded by mountains.
• Roses is one of the oldest towns on the coast, where many architectural structures from past centuries have been preserved.
• There is a water park in the vicinity of the city.
• The city celebrates Fisherman's Day.
• There is a fish market where the fresh catch of local fishermen is sold.

While relaxing in the resorts of the Costa Brava, it is worth going to Empuriabrava, which is often called the Spanish Venice. The city was built on the shores of the Bay of Roses in the 60-70s of the last century.

The main feature of Empuriabrava is the many canals that divide the city into districts and serve as unique streets and highways.

Why you should visit:

• Empuriabrava is recognized as one of the most beautiful modern cities in Spain.
• The total length of the beaches is 7 km.
• Sailing competitions are often held in Empuriabrava.
• Empuriabrava is located in one of the most beautiful natural parks in Spain.

9. Playa d'Aro

Playa d'Aro lies away from popular destinations mass tourism. Respectable tourists from Europe and the USA relax here. The city has many restaurants and cafes, boutiques of branded clothing, shoes, accessories, perfumes and cosmetics. There is a large outlet at the exit.

Tourists have access to well-equipped beaches, children's centers with play areas, a chain of shops, Entertainment Center for adults. Playa d'Aro is ideal for families of wealthy people.

Why you should visit:

• Playa d'Aro can be called an island of calm and comfort in a long series of resorts designed for mass recreation.
• In the outskirts of the city there is a riding club where you can go horseback riding with your children.
• There is a language school in Playa d'Aro.
• Playa d'Aro is one of the most beautiful resorts on the Costa Brava.

(Calella de Palafrugell) is a small fishing town on one of the most beautiful sections of the Costa Brava, indented by a large number of small rocky coves.

The city flows in terraces along the slopes of the mountains with a series of picturesque snow-white houses, above which rises a castle surrounded by a luxurious botanical garden. Vacationers can enjoy beautiful sandy beaches, calm, clear seas, and observation decks with amazing views.

Why you should visit:

• Calella de Palafrugell is one of the most colorful resorts on the Costa Brava.
• The city has many interesting places to walk.
• You can go diving and snorkeling in the bays near the coastal cliffs.
• Calella de Palafrugell hosts enchanting festivals and celebrations.

(Llafranc) - a small village in the bay of the same name next to Calella de Palafrugell, charms with its calm and serenity. There's a good one here sand beach, promenade, yacht port.

Why you should visit:

• Llafranc - perfect place for a quiet, relaxed holiday. There are no crowds of tourists here, but the infrastructure necessary for recreation is present.
• In August, Llafranc celebrates the Night of the Habaneros.
• You can go diving and snorkeling near the rocks.

(Figueres) - hometown Salvador Dali, is located on the border with France, 138 km from Barcelona. Among the main attractions of Figueres is the Dali Theater-Museum, where the artist found his last refuge, Church of St. Peter, Sant Ferran Castle, Ampurdan Museum, Toy Museum of Catalonia, Tramontana Wind Monument.

Why you should visit:

• Figueres is of great interest to Dali fans. A large number of places in the city are inextricably linked with the name of the surrealist, who made a significant contribution to its development.
• Figueres is a beautiful city with an ancient history.
• In restaurants, bars and cafes you can taste dishes, snacks, and wines from one of the richest wine regions in Spain.

(L’Escala) is a small port city on the shores of the Bay of Roses, 40 km from Girona, combines the features of medieval and modern city, fishing village and an agricultural settlement, rich in colorful traditions and customs. Tourist infrastructure is developed.

Just a kilometer from La Escala lies the ancient Greek Emporion. Sights worth visiting include St. Peter's Church and the Anchovy and Salt Museum, a magnificent structure that was used as salt warehouses.

Why you should visit:

• La Escala is located on an amazingly beautiful stretch of the Costa Brava.
• The city is attractive for family holidays.
• La Escala has several excellent beaches.
• There is an opportunity to go diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing.

(Empúries) - the ruins of an ancient Greek colony in the territory of Sant Martí d'Empúries in the municipality of La Escala, is one of the most worthy places, where you should go while relaxing on the Costa Brava. Colony founded in the middle of the first millennium BC. e., existed until the 16th century.

Why you should visit:

• Emporion is one of the most impressive evidence of ancient life on the Iberian Peninsula.
• Emporion was an important strategic point from where the conquest of the peninsula by the Roman Empire began.
• Ruin ancient city Worth a visit with school-aged children.
• There is a nice sandy beach near the settlement.

The small resort town of Begur, in the vicinity of which lies the picturesque Sa Tuna Bay, is famous for its wonderful sandy beaches and medieval buildings.

The main attractions of Begur, located on several hills near the sea, are the ruins medieval fortress, St. Peter's Church, colonial-style mansions built by local residents who emigrated to Latin America.

Why you should visit:

• Begur - a good place for a relaxing holiday.
• The best beach in the city is located in Sa Tuna Bay. There are conditions for people with disabilities, parking, restaurants, showers, changing cabins.
• Begur and Sa Tuna are located in one of the most picturesque areas of the Costa Brava.
• At the beginning of autumn, a habanera festival is held in Begur, dedicated to local residents who have returned from a long and dangerous journey to Cuba.

16. L'Estartit

L’Estartit is a small resort in the central part of the Costa Brava with equipped sandy beaches and developed tourist infrastructure. There are only two large hotels in the city; vacationers mostly prefer to stay in apartments. There are few Russian tourists in L’Estartit.

Why you should visit:

• L'Estartit is an excellent resort for families. There are children's and sports grounds, long walking areas.
• The beach in the bay is suitable for families with small children. The sand is fine and soft, the descent into the water is very gentle and long, the water is clean, warm and transparent.
• The waters of L'Estartit, together with the seven rocky Medas islands off the coast, have been declared a National Marine Reserve of Catalonia.
• There are hiking trails along the rocks in the vicinity of L'Estartit for hiking enthusiasts.

(Calella) is a popular resort on the Costa del Maresme, the southern part of the Costa Brava, located 56 km from Barcelona. small town with a developed tourist infrastructure and rich historical heritage Suitable for lovers of beach, excursion and active recreation. Here you can stroll along beautiful tiled streets, see the ruins of ancient buildings, and admire ancient and modern architecture.

Residents and guests of the city have a three-kilometer strip of equipped sandy beaches at their disposal. Those who love solitude will find small beaches in rocky bays.

Why you should visit:

• Calella is located half an hour from Barcelona, ​​which can be reached by bus, train, or rented car.
• Calella is a city with a rich past, which is reflected in its architecture.
• The city's beaches are regularly awarded the Blue Flag.
• Calella often hosts colorful festivals dedicated to the city's patron saints and important historical events.

(Pineda de Mar) - one of the most popular resorts Costa Brava is located on a stretch of coastline called Costa del Maresme, 60 km from Barcelona.

The city is famous for its abundance of historical and natural attractions, excellent tourist infrastructure, and gorgeous sandy beaches.

Why you should visit:

• Pineda de Mar is recognized as one of the most developed tourist centers Costa Brava, where there is a huge number of hotels, apartments, hostels, villas to accommodate city guests.
• Most of the historical attractions are concentrated in the Old Town.
• Pineda de Mar conquers beautiful architecture and an abundance of shady parks.
• The city has sports complexes and a water sports center.

(Santa Susanna) is a small resort town on the eight coastal hills of the Costa del Maresme, located about 50 km from Barcelona.

The city is divided into historical and resort parts. In the first you can see houses from the 15th-16th centuries and a medieval tower. In the second there are many low-rise hotels, apartments, and villas. The sandy beaches are equipped with play complexes and inflatable water attractions for children.

Why you should visit:

• The resort of Santa Susanna is suitable for families with small children.
• The resort is located in one of the most beautiful places on the coast.
• Among the places worth visiting are the Castle of Sant Rates, where all kinds of cultural events are held.
• Santa Susanna - great option budget holiday.

The resort town of Malgrat de Mar is located 60 km from Barcelona, ​​neighboring the cities of Pineda de Mar, Calella, Santa Susanna, on the border of the Costa Brava and Costa del Maresme. Malgrat de Mar is suitable for sightseeing and beach holidays.

Stretches along the coast resort area with long sandy beaches and beach hotels, villas, apartments. Behind it are the Old Town and the residential sector. In the vicinity of the resort there is a dolphinarium and a magnificent botanical garden.

Why you should visit:

• Malgrat de Mar is a great place to find a relatively inexpensive hotel.
• There are many places in the city worth visiting. Among them are the Church of St. Nicholas, the city council building, the Cooperative Library in an old mansion, and the Vidua de San Cala tower.
• There is a water park in the vicinity of Malgrat de Mar.

(Palamos) - the largest sea ​​port Catalonia and one of best resorts Costa Brava, located in the northern part of the Badia de Palamos bay, 45 km from Girona. Palamos is suitable for beach and sightseeing holidays.

In the Old Town, it is worth seeing the Cathedral of Santa Maria in the Gothic style, recognized as the hallmark of Palamos, the Fisheries Museum with a unique exhibition, the Archaeological and historical Museum with a rich collection of exhibits.

Why you should visit:

• Palamos is located major port, where in addition to fishing and transport vessels, you can see a huge number of luxury yachts.
• Fishing is considered one of the most popular entertainments for tourists.
• The city has many sports clubs offering a variety of leisure activities, including diving, surfing, and snorkeling.

(Portbou) - small quiet resort near the French border. The city lies on the shore of a small bay surrounded by hills.

There are few attractions, but Portbou is attractive due to its ancient architecture. There is a pebble beach. There are not too many tourists; mostly the French prefer to relax here.

Why you should visit:

• Portbou is a good place for those who like a relaxing holiday. There are no crowds of tourists here.
• The resort is famous for its ideal ecology.
• In the vicinity of the resort there are several observation platforms offering amazing views.

(Llansá) is a small, tranquil resort surrounded by green hills in the northern part of the Costa Brava, 15 km from the border with France. One of the most inconspicuous corners of the coast will appeal to lovers of a quiet, relaxed holiday and families with small children.

The ancient city charms with its neat low-rise buildings, clean cobbled streets, and well-maintained beaches.

Why you should visit:

• Llansa is located in an extremely picturesque location.
• The city has noteworthy historical and architectural sights - the Baroque Church of St. Vincent, a 10th-century chapel, and the Watercolor Museum.
• In the vicinity of the city there is a picturesque natural park.

(Puerto de la Selva) - a resort in Cap Gros Bay, near National Park Cap de Creus (Cape Creus). In the city it is worth visiting the Church of St. Mary of the Snows, the chapel of San Baldiri Taballera, the Church of St. Helena, the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes on Mount Verdera, and the ruins of the castle of San Salvador de Verdera.

Why you should visit:

• Port de la Selva is a great place for a family holiday.
• The city has a well-developed tourism infrastructure.
• Many interesting sights.

(Cap de Creus) is located in the extreme eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. A giant rock formation, immersed in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, forms many bizarre bays. The fierce Tramontana wind, along with the sun and sea, gave the rocks the most incredible shapes.

Why you should visit:

• Cap de Creus Park is one of the most beautiful places on the Iberian Peninsula.
• The national park is famous for its diversity of endemic vegetation.
• The waters are home to a huge number of marine fauna - from fish and shellfish to leatherback turtles.

The small resort town of Sant Feliu de Guíxols, 33 km from Girona, is a good choice for those who would like to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Catalan countryside. Tourists are delighted with beautiful beaches, the Old Town with narrow streets and neat houses, on the ground floors of which there are numerous cafeterias, shops, souvenir shops, and bakeries fragrant with baked goods.

Close to the historical center there is an area of ​​luxurious villas surrounded by wonderful gardens, and a little further there are modern neighborhoods with multi-storey residential buildings.

Why you should visit:

• In Sant Feliu de Guixols, beach holidays are successfully combined with excursions to historical places, shopping, and walks in forested mountains.
• The resort is suitable for families with small children.
• Sant Feliu de Guixols has an extremely calm and friendly atmosphere.

(S'Agaró) - fashionable resort Costa Brava, 100 km from Barcelona, ​​is known for its excellent infrastructure, a large number of luxury hotels and entertainment venues. It is in Sagaro that the summer residence of the Spanish royal family is located.

Among worthy of attention attractions: the Camis de Rondo embankment, created with the participation of Raphael Maso, a student of Gaudi, the elite hotel Hostal De La Gavina, the temple of S'Agaro.

Why you should visit:

• Sagaro is one of the most beautiful resort villages on the coast.
• The resort is famous for its magnificent beaches.
• S'Agaro has many restaurants offering excellent cuisine.

(Calonge) - picturesque resort 42 km from Girona and 120 km from Barcelona, ​​surrounded on one side by old vineyards and on the other by forests.

IN historical center The city is worth seeing the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria Mar, Calonge Castle, which combines many architectural styles, the Bay of Creek, the Valentine Tower or the Tower of Vigilance.

Why you should visit:

• Calonge combines conditions for family, active and excursion holidays.
• From Kalongi you can easily reach other resorts on the Costa Brava.
• There are many sports clubs in the city.

(Tamariu) is a tiny resort town in the municipality of Palafrugell, attracting lovers of secluded relaxation. It is no less comfortable for vacationers with children. The resort is a settlement on the slopes of mountains overgrown with pine trees. There are two good beaches.

Why you should visit:

• Tamariu is located in an extremely picturesque place among the mountains.
• There are no crowds of tourists.
• Music and folklore festivals are held in Tamariu.

(Peratallada) - another one Small town near the walls of a huge castle, a unique example of medieval town planning. Population: about 500 people. All residential and public buildings are made of cut stone. Towers, arched openings, narrow rocky streets, ancient lanterns on walls densely overgrown with ivy, immerse you in the atmosphere of medieval legends.

Peratallada has a well-developed tourist infrastructure. Bars and restaurants are open transport connection with the main centers of Catalonia.

Why you should visit:

• Peratallada is one of the the most beautiful cities peace.
• The city has repeatedly filmed films based on historical subjects.
• Peratallada hosts colorful medieval festivals.

Conclusion

When vacationing in the resorts of the Costa Brava, you should use every opportunity to make your vacation as rich as possible with vivid impressions. You can travel along the coast by bus, train or rented car.

• What to choose for a vacation for an active young couple: Blanes, Empuriabrava, Roses, Pineda de Mar, S'Agaro
• What to choose for a holiday with children: Tossa de Mar, Blanes, L'Estartit, La Escala, Pineda de Mar, Santa Susanna
• What to choose for relaxation for older people: Portbou, Palamos, Pineda de Mar, Llansa, Tossa de Mar
• What to choose for a pure beach holiday: Sant Feliu de Guixols, Tamariu, Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc
• What to choose for inexpensive holiday: L'Estartit, Portbou, Llafranc
• What to choose for entertainment and parties: Lloret de Mar, Empuriabrava
• What to choose for a holiday with a minimum of tourists: Portbou, Tamariu

Costa Brava is a Spanish tourist region in the northeast of Catalonia. It occupies 162 km of Mediterranean coastline from the city of Blanes to the French border. The current well-maintained coastline cannot be called a “wild coast.” Another translation of Costa Brava is much closer to reality – “rocky coast”.

Beach holidays in Costa Brava

Compared to other Spanish resort regions, the climate of the Costa Brava is cooler. The swimming season here begins at the end of June, but in July-August there is no sweltering heat. The cities that are most famous as resorts are Lloret de Mar, Blanes And Tossa de Mar.

The capital of the Costa Brava tourist region is the city of Lloret de Mar. Lloret de Mar is the central beach of the resort of the same name. The peculiarity of this 1.5 km long sandy, busy beach is its gentle descent into the water, quite rare for the beaches of the Costa Brava. Another city beach, Fenals, despite the Blue Flag, cannot boast of this. But there are significantly fewer people here than in Lloret de Mar.

The largest beach in Blanes is Sa Abanel, 3 km long. For families with children, however, the awarded Blue Flag the sandy beach of Cala Sant Francesc for the same reason as the presence of a gentle slope into the sea. There is another beach in Blanes - Santa Anna, which is only 75 m long. It is always sparsely crowded, but it is chosen by German women sunbathing topless.

In Tossa de Mar, the main one is the beach of the same name with the corresponding infrastructure. There are much fewer people on the beaches of Es Codolar and Mar Menuda, which can be recommended to those who do not like crowds and bustle.

There are many other beaches worthy of attention on the Costa Brava, including those located outside settlements, which are available to tourists who rent cars.

Sights of Lloret de Mar

A beach holiday at one of the resorts in this region can be diversified by visiting numerous historical and cultural attractions in the region.

Castle fortress Castell de Sant Joan was built in the 11th century. The defensive structure was used for its intended purpose until the 18th century.

Castle of Sant Joan

The fortress stands on the top of a cliff, so the climb on foot is quite tedious. True, those who climb are rewarded with a magnificent panorama of the city and the sea. However, you can also get there by car or bicycle.

From April to October the castle is open from 10–13 and 17–19. But from November to March there are few tourists, and Sant Joan is open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The ticket costs 3 EUR.

Sculpture of Donna Marinera

In 1966, as part of the celebration of the 1000th anniversary of Lloret de Mar, a two-meter bronze statue appeared on the rock of Cala Banys bay. Escultura de Donna Mariner.

Sculpture of Donna Mariner (Escultura de Donna Mariner)

The sculpture by Ernesto Maragala depicts a woman accompanying her lover on a voyage. Donna Marinera fell in love not only with tourists, but also with residents of the city, and became one of its symbols. The townspeople even claim that if you look in the same direction and touch the foot of the sculpture, your wish will come true.

Address: Lloret de Mar, Carrer Josep Tarradellas i Joan, 5-7.

Church of San Roma

At first glance at the building built back in the 16th century.

A certain dissonance is striking between the elegant mosaic decor of the domes and the harsh wall with loopholes.

Church of San Roma The fact is that, in addition to its main function, the church often served as a refuge for from pirate raids that were frequent in those days. It could only be reached by a drawbridge across a wide and deep ditch around the walls. They remained unchanged, but the church itself was rebuilt and reconstructed several times. The church suffered significant damage during the civil war.

Address: Placa de l’Esglesia, 2. You can get to the church by city bus No. C-35.

Jardins de Santa Clotilde named after the young wife of the Marquis Roviralta, who died early and was the namesake of the saint. The gardens, founded in 1919, occupy 24 thousand m2 on a cliff in the prestigious Fenals area of ​​the city. Architect Nicolau Rubier i Tuduri was guided by examples of Florentine parks of the Renaissance. Observant tourists who visited Florence recognize in the gardens borrowed elements from the Borghese and Medici villas and the Boboli gardens. Sculptures, fountains, ponds and grottoes are harmoniously built into the natural landscape.

Gardens of Santa Clotilde

The park is open daily, except Mondays, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in high season, and until 5 p.m. in low season. You need to pay 5 EUR for entry.

At the entrance to the city from Blanes, in pine forest, located Gnomo Park.

Gnomo Park

Of course, this park with fairy-tale characters is aimed primarily at children. For them there are carousels, slides, swings, trampolines, mini-pools, and a zoo corner. Familiar homemade cartoons are shown on a huge screen. Schoolchildren, and adults too, can take part in overcoming obstacles located in the trees on the rope courses of another park - Arbre Aventura Park.

The Gnome Park is open daily from 11 a.m. from July to September 11. In June there is a day off on Mondays, and the rest of the year the park is open only on weekends. A ticket, depending on the attractions, costs 10.8 or 14.5 EUR. The cost of a ticket to the children's playground is 8.8 EUR, and to the tracks rope park– from 6 to 23 EUR.

Along with people, Lloret de Mar is home to many cats. They are filled with self-esteem: after all, there is a museum dedicated to them in the city. Casa de los gatos is located on the central promenade, near the Church of San Roma. The museum was opened in 2002 by a Russian immigrant and lover of these independent and cute animals, Vera Novoselova. On the three floors of the mansion you can see more than six thousand images of cats - ceramic, wooden, porcelain, silver. The paintings on the walls and household items are also specialized.

The cat's position in the city is very strong. Every year in March, the city hosts the festival “Catalonia - the birthplace of the Moon Cat,” organized by the mayor’s office and the Cat Museum. The festive procession is led by the feline royal couple.

Casa de los gatos address: Carrer Sant Albert, 10. Opening hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., ticket price: 3 EUR.

Water World – a park of diverse water activities different levels of difficulty. Among the extreme ones are the 260-meter X-treme Mountain with steep turns and jumps, the Kamikaze descent and the 80-meter bungee jumping (a stretchable inertial rubber rope for jumping). On the territory of the children's island there are shallow pools with low slides.

From the main resort towns of the Costa Brava you can go to the water park free buses. They depart every half hour from 9 to 11 and from 16 to 18 hours.

The water park is open from May to October from 10 to 18 (in July - until 19) hours. The entrance ticket costs 33 EUR, for children from 80 to 120 cm tall – 19 EUR, below 80 cm – free. You can also buy a family ticket for 85 EUR, or a combined ticket to Water World and Aquadiver water park in Playa d'Aro for 95 EUR.

Cemetery sculptures

At first glance, the presence of such a specific object on the list of attractions is surprising. But the city cemetery next to the bus station can easily be called a museum of modernist architecture. In the XVIII–XIX centuries. The residents of Lloret de Mar, who succeeded in America and returned back, built themselves not only villas, but also family crypts and mausoleums. Their orders were carried out by eminent masters, including followers of Gaudi. Just like in a sculpture museum, the plaque indicates the author and features of the work, and in three languages ​​- Catalan, Spanish and English.

Objects associated with Salvador Dali

The cultural attractions of the Costa Brava region are mainly associated with the life and work of the famous shocking surrealist artist Salvador Dali.

The city of Figueres is the birthplace of one of the founders of surrealism, the artist Salvador Dali. His museum, officially called the theater-museum, operates in Figueres. Facade Teatro-Museo Dalí looks more than original (to match the work and life of Dali): a medieval castle painted in bright red with dozens of huge chicken eggs on the roof. Bumps of bread are interspersed into the walls. The extravagant and shocking Dali fetishized bread and eggs.

Salvador Dali Museum (Teatro-Museo Dalí)

The artist took an active part in the creation of his museum. He had childhood memories of his first exhibited works with the dilapidated building of the old city theater. However, the Madrid Directorate of Fine Arts agreed to finance the creation of the museum only on the condition that the artist’s original paintings were transferred to it, which Dali refused for a long time. The artist also invested his own funds in the creation of the museum.

Fans of Dali's work can see in the exhibition more than four thousand works of art created by him. In addition to paintings, these are sculptures, photographs, engravings and even jewelry.

The most famous exhibit is the illusion painting “Nude Gala Looking at the Sea.” From a distance of 20 m, Dali’s wife depicted on the canvas turns into a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. The photo below shows the famous room of Hollywood actress Mae West with eye paintings, a prow fireplace and a lip sofa.

According to his will, Dali is buried in the museum's crypt.

Address: Gala-Salvador Dalí Square, 5. Start of work, depending on tourist season, ranges from 9 to 10:30, and ends from 18 to 20 hours. The entrance ticket costs 14 EUR. Visitors are admitted in groups of up to 8 people every 10 minutes.

Dali House Museum

In the 30s of the last century, Dali and Gala (“swallow” - that’s how he called his wife Elena Dyakonova) purchased a fishing house in Port Lligat Bay near the town of Cadaques. Over the following decades, they gradually bought up unsightly neighboring buildings and turned them into a single multi-level surreal labyrinth house. It is easily identified by the huge egg on the roof.

The house-museum is not as shocking as the theater-museum in Figueres. What is memorable here are numerous stuffed animals and birds, cages for cicadas in the bedroom, a pool in the shape of a phallus and a sofa in the shape of a woman’s lips in the gazebo next to it.

In the summer, or rather, from June 15 to September 15, the house-museum can be visited at 9:30–21, in other months – at 10:30–18. One month a year, namely from January 11 to February 11, the museum is closed. Similar to the museum-theater in Figueres, visitors enter every 10 minutes in groups of no more than 8 people. Entrance ticket price – 11 EUR.

Gala Dali Castle

Castell Gala-Dalí or – castle of the 11th century. in the village of Púbol in the province of Girona. In 1968, Salvador Dali fulfilled his promise to his wife in his youth to give him a castle.

After acquiring the dilapidated castle, it was restored, preserving, at Dali’s request, some of the destroyed fragments. Architectural ensemble The castle consists of a manor-palace, a functioning parish church and adjacent outbuildings. The main facade of the castle has retained most of the architectural details in the Gothic and Renaissance styles. These are arches, windows, reliefs, portals.

Gala Dali Castle (Castell de Púbol)

It is interesting that Gala, having thanked him for the gift, set a strict condition for her husband to come to the castle only with her written permission. Oddly enough, the artist prone to masochism happily agreed. In general, the relationship between Dali and Gala was very peculiar...

In the attic there is a permanent exhibition of hundreds of luxurious Gala outfits, not only from Pierre Cardin and Christian Dior, but also created by Dali himself.

The entire interior of the castle with wall paintings, pseudo-three-dimensional visual illusions, sculptures, and antiques was created by Dali. One of the optical illusions depicted a seemingly very long alley with a statue installed at its end. In the Armorial Hall, Dali even provided a throne for Gala with sculptures of lions lying on either side of it, but it was completed after her death. Seated on it, Dali received visitors in last years life.

In the last years of her life, Gala spent the summer months in the castle. In 1982 she died here and was buried in the crypt of the church. After this, Dali, who began to develop Parkinsonism, lived in seclusion in the castle for two years, but in 1984 he almost died in a fire. From the hospital he moved to the theater-museum in Figueres, where he spent the rest of his days.

Curated by the Gala-Salvador Dali Foundation, the castle is open to visitors from March 15 to December 31, every day except Monday, from 10:30 to 20:00. Ticket price – 8 EUR. Bus stop Flaca is 2 km from the castle.

Other attractions of the Costa Brava

Marineland located near the city of Blanes - the largest in the tourist region of the Costa Brava. In addition to the water park itself, it is also a marine zoo and a dolphinarium. The water park's attractions are very diverse and are designed for both family holiday with children and for extreme sports enthusiasts. They are provided with: sliding on the Boomerang inflatable ring, the Tornado whirlpool, the Kamikaze sheer descent, and the descent through the Black Hole tunnel. For those who like to swim and sunbathe, there are three swimming pools without slides, and for children and teenagers there are moderate slopes and slides.

Waterpark "Marineland"

The dolphin show can be seen at 12:30 and 17:00, and the sea lion show at 12:00 and 16:30. Penguins are fed at 10:45 a.m. and other birds at 5 p.m.

The water park is open during the warm season - from mid-May to September, at 10:30–17:30–19 hours. As with Water World, free buses run to the Marineland water park from the main resort towns of the Costa Brava. Ticket prices are 26 EUR for an adult, 16 for children 5–10 years old, and 8 EUR for children 3–4 years old.

Fortress of Vila Velha

Medieval fortress Vila Vella, rising on a cliff above the city of Tossa de Mar, was built in the 12th century. to protect the city from pirates. Initially, the fortress had 7 towers. Later, instead of one of the towers, a lighthouse was built, which has survived to this day. It has Observation deck. In the XV–XVI centuries. Inside the fortress there were about a hundred residential houses and a church. In some of them people still live, in others there are restaurants.

In one of the three surviving towers there is a museum of works by artists who have ever worked in Tossa de Mar. Among them are Marc Chagall (“The Heavenly Violinist”) and Claude Monet. Even the cannons were preserved in the fortress.

There are buses from other Costa Brava resorts to Tossa de Mar. The town itself is very small, so finding the castle is easy. It can be visited for free. A fee of 3 EUR is charged for visiting the museum or lighthouse.

Jardín Botánica Marimutra on a mountain near Blanes was founded at the beginning of the 20th century. German botanist Karl Faust. The name Mar i Murtra - "sea and myrtle" - is too modest for the diverse vegetation of the garden, which also includes palm trees, cacti, yuccas, hydrangeas, fuchsias, pines, bamboo and jasmine. In total, more than four thousand trees and shrubs of three climatic zones– tropical, Mediterranean and temperate.

Botanical Garden of Marimurtra

Address in Blanes: Passeig de Carles Faust, 9. From Plaça de Catalunya to the botanical garden there are buses OPEN buses TOUR, the schedule of which can be viewed on the post next to the stop. Travel time is only 15 minutes. The botanical garden, depending on the time of year, opens at 9–10 a.m. and closes at 5–8 p.m. Admission ticket costs 4 EUR.

Pinya de Rosa– a tropical botanical garden located between the cities of Blanes and Lloret de Mar. In the middle of the 20th century. The idea of ​​the cactus lover Don Fernando de Carat Riviera was realized by the architect Raymond Durand. More than seven thousand species of tropical flora grow everywhere, and the collections of cacti, agave, aloe, yucca and prickly pear are among the best in the world. The name of one of the species of prickly pear (a type of cactus) gave the name to the entire garden. It is often called cactus.

Botanical Garden of Pinya de Rosa

As with the Marimurtra garden, OPEN TOUR tourist buses run to the cactus garden, located 2 km from Blanes, from Plaça de Catalunya, which will take tourists in the same 15 minutes. The Pinya de Rosa garden can be visited from 9 am to 6–8 pm. You have to pay 4 EUR for entry.

Archipelago Illes Medes consists of six seemingly inconspicuous islands a mile off the coast of the small resort town of l’Estartit. However, their underwater flora and fauna is so diverse that the islands have been declared a marine reserve. The underwater world in the area of ​​the islands is very beautiful and is considered a paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts.

Medes Islands

Ordinary tourists can also admire the beauty of the underwater world from the Nautilus pleasure boats with a transparent bottom cruising to the islands from L’Estartit.

And on the beaches of the islands they have a variety of sea activities at their disposal - scooters, the Fly Fish attraction (an inflatable mattress in the shape of a huge fish towed by a boat), surfing, renting a kayak or yacht.

Conclusion

As you can see, the Costa Brava tourist region is not deprived of attractions. This review does not include interesting objects of the city, which are covered in a separate article on the site.

The most important and popular attractions of the Costa Brava - photo reports and video reviews, descriptions and reviews, opening hours and prices.

Don’t forget to determine the best time of year for sightseeing in the Costa Brava and get the most out of your viewing experience.

Costa Brava – resort region in Spain, earning the title of one of the most popular in the country. Tourists come here from all over the world to get unforgettable pleasure from the local nature, culture and, of course, attractions.

You can start your trip along the coast with museums: there are a huge number of them, but the most interesting is the famous Salvador Dali Museum, which is located in the city of Figueres. The museum was opened in September 1974 - its exhibition embodies the creativity and personality of the extraordinary surrealist artist. Another interesting museum- this is a cat museum, unique place, where a unique collection of exhibits is presented in six halls - 6,000 objects from around the world related to cats.

On the coast, on the top of the mountain, there is another attraction of the Costa Brava - the castle of San Joan, one of ancient buildings in this part of Spain. A slightly younger, but still quite valuable building is the Catalan-Gothic church of Sant Roma in Lloret de Mar, built in 1522.

If the topic afterlife Don't scare you away, you can head to a rather dark spot on the Costa Brava - the modernist cemetery of Lloret de Mar, which is filled with amazing architecture and beautiful sculptures. This place is imbued with a peaceful silence and is not actually scary.

If you are a fan natural monuments and simply picturesque places, then you can safely go to the gnome park located in Blanes. Children will especially like it here because of the abundance of attractions and entertainment, and parents will be pleased to sit in the shade of the thick, fresh crown of trees and relax after a long walk.

Another naturalistic attraction is the Gardens of Santa Clotilde in the Fenals area, lying on a picturesque slope. From here you have a unique view of the Mediterranean Sea. The park was opened in the 20th century - its structure was designed by a famous architect.

Salvador Dali Museum

Business card and the pride of Spain - Salvador Dali. His museum is a beautiful fairy tale and a puzzle rolled into one. It is best to set aside a whole day to visit it to leisurely enjoy the great works of art of Maestro Dali.

Castle of Sant Joan

If you are spending your holidays on the Costa Brava, it is definitely worth a visit beautiful castle Sant Joan. You can not only stroll around its surroundings, but also look into the museum dedicated to the castle. In it you can not get acquainted with the history of Sant Joan, but also take a break from the heat.

Cemetery of Lloret de Mar

If you love beautiful and unusual sights, then you can safely go to the Lloret de Mar cemetery. Luxurious crypts and mausoleums of the nineteenth century, designed in Art Nouveau style. Shady alleys and silence around will give you indescribable emotions from a walk around Lloret de Mar.

Cat Museum in Lloret de Mar

If you are crazy about all representatives of the cat family, you should definitely visit the cat museum in Lloret da Mar. This place contains more than 6 thousand different exhibits from all over the world. This museum will be interesting to visit not only for adults, but also for children. You will be especially lucky if you get to the grand festival “Catalonia, the birthplace of the Moon Cat”.

Park of the Dwarves in Lloret de Mar

A great place to relax with the whole family. The Gnome Park will give its little visitors an unforgettable experience. It seems like it has all the fun kids dream of. Adults can also join in the fun with their children.

Gardens of Saint Clotilde

One of the most beautiful places on the Costa Brava - Gardens of Santa Clotilde. A magnificent example of Italian landscape. Many small fountains, statues surrounded by greenery, shady alleys and much more. An amazing landmark of Spain, which has been perfectly preserved to this day.

Church of San Roma

Extraordinary beautiful church San Roma awaits its visitors and tourists in the Costa Brava. This is a unique landmark that has been rebuilt and reconstructed many times, thanks to which it now combines all kinds of architectural styles. On the territory of San Roma you can not only enjoy the beauty of architecture, but also have a good rest.