Costa Brava and Dorada: practical guide

Palamós is the holiday destination that is sure to appeal to everyone. Hidden paradisiacal beaches, green and imposing nature, warm blue waters, old town, there is something for everyone.

This small coastal town has a very special connection with the marine world and everything that attracts people to it.

For example, don’t miss the famous Fishing Museum to discover all the secrets of this ancestral discipline through didactic exhibitions.

Palamós is also the ideal place to learn about diving thanks to the many companies and their qualified instructors who will be delighted to show you the Mediterranean seabed.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, head to the Explora Park to discover great rope courses for all levels, with the added bonus of a sea view. Success guaranteed for the whole family!

Famous for its medieval architecture and old town surrounded by ancient walls, the « City of a Thousand Seats » is a must if you visit the Costa Brava.

Walk along the ramparts to enjoy the best view of the city, before descending to the Rambla de la Libertat, Girona’s main artery where shops and restaurants mingle.

Also, don’t miss a visit to the Arab Baths, a mythical 12th-century place that has been remarkably spared by time.

To end the day in style, stroll along the banks of the Onyar river while admiring the view of the pretty, colourful houses.

How could you see the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada without passing through the Catalan capital, which is located just between the two stretches of coastline?

The city is known from all for its cosmopolitan and festive atmosphere, but above all for the richness brought by the famous artists who chose it to settle down like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró or Antoine Gaudí.

Between the Sagrada Familia, the Casa Batlló, the Montjuic Castle or the Picasso museum, art and history fanatics will find something to occupy their days.

Football enthusiasts, for their part, should not miss a visit to the legendary Camp Nou, located right next to the Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I. We advise you to go there at the opening to avoid the crowds.

Finally, food lovers will also find what they are looking for in the small streets full of restaurants and shops to fall in love with! Don’t miss the Boqueria market and its colourful stalls.

Thrill-seekers will find what they are looking for at PortAventura, the internationally renowned theme park on the Costa Dorada, just a few kilometres from Barcelona. Young and old alike will find their happiness in one of the park’s 6 universes: Mediterrania, Polynesia, China, Mexico City, Sesamoaventura and Far West. Between magical settings, roller coasters, mazes, water courses and attractions for the youngest, it’s impossible to get bored for a single second!

In the small municipality of Empuriabrava, live a moment of serenity and discovery in Butterfly Park, a magnificent tropical garden of 1000m², serving as a sanctuary for exotic animals. In addition to the butterflies, which are the stars of the garden, discover turtles, parrots and iguanas in an environment with an equally developed flora. A stroll that guarantees wonder and a change of scenery, nothing better during a family holiday!

Sometimes it doesn’t take much to have a magical time. Let’s head for the Botanical Gardens of Blanes, this municipality in the province of Girona, one of our favourite destinations on the Costa Brava. Marimurta’s garden has more than 4,000 species of plants and is also home to colourful parrots that will accompany you during your visit in a magical setting by the water! In the Pinya de Rosa garden, you will stroll among palm trees, cacti and other impressive tropical plants. Combine the visit of these two areas and finish in beauty with a swim in one of the heavenly creeks located just below the gardens!

A sublime little place with colourful fishermen’s houses where you can stop for an afternoon stroll along the creeks. Take advantage of the pebble beach before diving into the clear water, equipped with your mask and snorkel to discover the wonderful seabed.

Located between the cities of Lloret de Mar and Blanes, this beach and its crystal clear waters is the ideal place to spend a relaxing afternoon with the family. Surrounded by beautiful nature and separated from another beach by a few rocks, this small beach with golden sand also has the advantage of having toilets and a restaurant nearby.

Within one hour’s drive from Tarragona, La Playa Riuma is 4km long and 150 metres wide. Characterised by its dunes, which are quite rare in the region, this beach made of white fine sand and shallow waters is the ideal place to have a good time with children. The nearby facilities (showers, bar, parking) are also very convenient to spend a relaxing time.