Costa Brava holidays

Best hotels in Costa Brava

The sun-soaked Costas are some of the top destinations for those looking for Spain holidays, and the Costa Brava is no different. Between the shimmering beaches with honey-coloured sands are quaint villages, historic towns and fun-filled waterparks that the whole family will love. With such a high concentration of natural and cultural attractions to explore, you'll never be short of things to do; is it any wonder it’s still one of the top places for Brits to head for some fun in the sun?

There's everything from thrilling banana boat rides to local museums packed with history, and water parks the kids will love; the choice is yours. Whether you’re booking your holidays to Costa Brava to experience the world-class nightlife of its seaside resorts, or to explore its Modernist or medieval architecture, this region has it all.

Things to do

Explore the beautiful city of Girona and see its magnificent cathedral and medieval quarter during your Costa Brava holiday. Admire the colourful buildings reflected in the waters of the Riu Onyar, see Girona’s other impressive Gothic and Romanesque landmarks, and dine in style at one of the city’s upmarket restaurants.

Love art? Check out the Portlligat Museum-House in Port Lligat, which was once the home and workplace of Salvador Dalí, one of the country's most celebrated artists. This impressive building, overlooking the sea, became a museum shortly after Dalí's death in 1982 and exhibits many of his best works.

Another place worth putting on your Costa Brava holidays places to see list is the medieval village of Besalú about a 35-minute journey from Girona, which is known for its wonderful Romanesque bridge.

Step away from the popular beaches and energetic bars and you’ll find honey-coloured buildings and a genuine, traditional Spanish atmosphere that gives you a glimpse into life in this welcoming Mediterranean destination. Back at the beach it’s sandcastle time, water sports galore, and theme parks that are the perfect family day out in the sun. Costa Brava holidays are still one of our favourites at any time of the year, and we know you love this destination as much as we do.

For more ideas, read our inspiring blog post 👉 Costa Brava: Beyond The Beaches.

Attractions

From historical Roman ruins, picturesque medieval villages, and theme parks that are purpose-built to maximise some family fun in the sun, holidays to Costa Brava introduce you to a wealth of attractions. Art lovers will make a beeline for Dali’s home just outside Cadaqués, where you’ll even find a seven-foot-tall stuffed bear in the entrance, and a wacky garden filled with treasures, sculptures, and artefacts to amaze and delight.

Close to the seaside town of L’Escala you’ll discover a Greco/Roman complex complete with pillars, walkways and surprisingly well-preserved remains. This is one of the most important archaeological sites in Spain and well worth a visit. Costa Brava holidays give you a chance to discover the attractions of Catalonia, one of Spain’s most unique and interesting regions.

Family Fun

From superb beaches that are perfect for sandcastle competitions, paddling, and having fun in the sun to purpose-built theme parks, the Costa Brava is a very family-friendly destination. However, while the slides, rides, and splash pools of the aqua parks are great there’s also plenty of natural wonders to discover as a family. Head close to the French border and you’ll find the Cap de Creus National Park, a wonderful spot if your family is into hiking, camping and exploring the mountains of Spain.

Entertainment

Costa Brava holidays are popular with groups of mates, who head here for the exceptional nightlife and fantastic bars, clubs and party scene that livens up the region every summer. There’s also a surprising range of nightlife on offer, too, from smooth jazz and Euro-House to Blues, classical, and lounge music, every taste is catered for on a Costa Brava holiday.

Check out La Lluna in Begur, indulge in a cremat (black coffee fortified with rum and spices) on the terrace in Can Gelpi, or party hard in Lloret de Mar all summer long.

Towns and Cities

You’ll find incredible medieval towns and villages tumbling down hills to the coast, or ultra-sophisticated cities filled with museums and art galleries right across the region. One of the prettiest medieval towns is Begur, with golden houses, cobbled streets, and very little in the way of crowds, even during the height of summer.

For party lovers the top city destination has to be Lloret de Mar, the capital of having a good time on the Costa, with 24/7 nightlife and affordable hotels. Leave the car behind and wander the tiny alleyways and cobbled squares of Peratallada, or spend the weekend in the city of Girona.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Calella | Lloret de Mar | Malgrat de Mar

8-28°C

The Costa Brava enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate, with long, very warm summers and mild, rainy winters. Daytime temperatures usually peak in the upper 20s °C by July and August, when it rarely falls below 18°C at night. So if you’re looking for almost guaranteed beach weather, book your Costa Brava holidays from around late June to early September. However, if you’re eager to explore the coast and avoid the crowds, visit in Spring or Autumn, when temperatures are perfect for leisurely strolls and a bit of exploring.

View live forecast

Approximately two hours

It’s one hour ahead of GMT/UK time. Fly to Girona Airport, which is 28km from Lloret de Mar.

Types of holidays in Costa Brava

Map of Costa Brava

Costa Brava is best for...

Beach lovers: Soak up the Mediterranean sun at any of the resorts along the coast. Tossa de Mar is home to two beaches with Blue Flag status.

Families: Enjoy an action-packed day at Marineland Catalunya or take an excursion and explore the nearby cities of Barcelona and Girona.

Nightlife: The resorts on the Costa Brava all have excellent cafés and bars, but for more bright lights and late nights, head to the discos and nightclubs of Lloret de Mar.

Getting around Costa Brava

By tourist train: This destination is known for its tourist trains, a fun and easy way to get to the beach or explore the town. The trains are ideal for sightseeing in comfort, particularly if you have young kids or have difficulty walking.

By bus: For some resort-hopping or just a quicker way to get to the beach during your holidays to Costa Brava, use the area’s bus service for the cheapest and quickest method of getting around. There are also bus services running to the cities of Barcelona and Girona.

By car: If you’re a family with young children, or just want a little more independence on your Costa Brava holidays, hiring a car can be a great way to get around. You’ll find car rental firms in all major resorts and in the airports of Barcelona El Prat and Girona.

By taxi: A taxi can be handy when you’re carrying lots of heavy baggage to or from the airport, or heading back to your hotel late at night. Just remember to agree on the fare before you set off.

Fast facts for Costa Brava

Language: The language spoken in Costa Brava is mainly Catalan, but also Spanish. However, you’ll find English is spoken in many tourist-oriented venues such as hotels and theme parks. Download our handy language app or carry a phrasebook if you’d like to impress the locals with your Catalan or Spanish during your holidays to Costa Brava.

Currency: The currency used here is the Euro (€).

Local time: Costa Brava is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Girona Airport. The transfer time to Calella and Lloret de Mar is 1 hour, and to Malgrat de Mar it's 1.5 hours.

Flight time from the UK: The Costa Brava flight time is 2.5 hours.

Tourist information: Further Costa Brava tourist information can be found by visiting https://en.costabrava.org

Visa / health: Before you travel, click https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain for advice on visas and health requirements for your holiday.

Events in Costa Brava

Firework Festival: Taking place over five days throughout the last week of July, this is Catalonia's largest firework festival. It's held in the resort of Blanes and draws in tens of thousands of tourists and locals each year.

For music lovers: The region has a calendar of events and concerts throughout the year. One of the most popular is in early July when the Singing of the Havaneres takes place in Calella de Palafrugell. Huge crowds flock here to see groups sing songs brought back from the Caribbean.

Costa Brava weather

The Mediterranean climate means hot summers and plenty of sunshine, with peaks of nearly 30°C in July and August. For the perfect balance of sun and relaxation, book your holiday for late spring or autumn, when you can enjoy temperatures in the upper teens or low 20s °C. The sea is usually warm enough for comfortable swimming from around early July until the end of September, with water temperatures peaking in the mid-20s °C by August. Winters here are not quite as mild as those in the Costa del Sol, but temperatures on the coast often still reach 13°C by day in January, which is much warmer than what you’d expect in the UK.

More hotels in Costa Brava

Popular Costa Brava holiday resorts

CalellaSituated right on the stretch of Costa Brava’s golden sands is Calella, an old Spanish village that has grown into one of the region’s favourite beach resorts. Providing a beach break and much more, the palm-dotted waterfront and laid-back attitude is the perfect place to let the worries of everyday life fall away.

Lloret de MarLloret de Mar has the golden good looks of a classic Spanish beach destination, with the personality to back it up! Fun, friendly and with something new to offer every day, you could chill out on the quietest part of the beach or head into the thick of the action and try some water sports.

Malgrat de MarTake your holidays to Malgrat de Mar, a Catalan town on the popular Costa Brava. If it’s a beach holiday you want, you’ve got it; sun, sea and sand are all on offer here, thanks to a choice of beautiful beaches. You’ll find plenty to explore in the heart of town, too; wander through the cobbled streets and soak up the atmosphere at the local market, before heading up to El Castell for magnificent views out to sea.

Places similar to Costa Brava to visit

Costa BlancaEscape to the sunny shores of south eastern Spain by booking holidays to Costa Blanca. For those looking for Spain holidays, the region is one of the most popular destinations in the country, with stunning scenery, brilliant nightlife, and an endless array of cultural and natural attractions for you to explore.

Costa CalidaBoasting over 250km of stunning coastline and more than 320 days of sunshine a year, Costa Cálida is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. Nestled in the Murcia region, Costa Cálida holidays offer everything from beautiful beaches and family-friendly resorts to historic towns and unspoiled natural landscapes.

Costa TropicalGet away from it all in Costa Tropical East of the busy Costa del Sol, holidays to Costa Tropical offer fewer crowds and more charm. With no high rises in sight, this quiet coastline is your ticket to unspoiled beaches, whitewashed villages and authentic Spanish culture.

Costa del SolCosta del Sol package holidays 2026 and 2027 combine your flights and hotel in one booking, with ATOL protection included for extra peace of mind. Booking through Thomas Cook also means you can compare hotels, board basis options and travel dates in one place.

Costa DoradaOne of the few places to really qualify as a paradise on earth, Costa Dorada is the destination of choice for those seeking to combine the sea, sand and fun of traditional Spanish holidays with a slice of real Catalonian culture.The Spanish themselves come here for their breaks, attracted by the long golden sands that give the place its name, which translates as the ‘Golden Coast’.

FAQs

What is the Costa Brava known for?

The Costa Brava is known for its rugged, pine-fringed coastline, hidden coves and clear water, along with resorts like Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar and Roses, and easy access to Barcelona and Girona.

Is the Costa Brava good for families?

Yes, resorts such as Tossa de Mar and Palamós offer a mix of sandy beaches, gentle waters and family-friendly hotels, while Lloret de Mar caters well for families and groups looking for more going on in the evenings. AQUA Hotel Promenade & Spa and BLUESEA Copacabana are popular family-friendly picks along this stretch of coast.

What's the best time of year to visit the Costa Brava?

June to September delivers the warmest, most reliable weather for beach holidays, while May and October can suit those who prefer things a little quieter and don't mind cooler evenings. September tops our booking charts, followed by May and August.

How do you get to the Costa Brava from the UK?

Most holidaymakers fly into Girona-Costa Brava or Barcelona airport, both around two hours from the UK, with transfers to Costa Brava resorts typically taking 30 minutes to an hour. Manchester, Birmingham and Stansted are our most popular departure airports for the Costa Brava.

What can you do on the Costa Brava besides the beach?

Beyond the coves and beaches, the Costa Brava offers Salvador Dalí's museum in Figueres, medieval towns like Girona and Pals, and coastal walking trails along the Camí de Ronda.