Some places on the Costa Brava are remembered for the colour of the sea, others for their narrow streets and whitewashed houses, while some stand out for the combination of cliffs, Mediterranean forests and small coves that appear as you travel along the coast. This variety explains why talking about the most beautiful corners of the Costa Brava does not simply mean making a list of beaches: the Girona coastline brings together fishing villages, coastal paths, protected landscapes and historic sites that allow visitors to discover the Mediterranean from different perspectives.
From the streets of Cadaqués to the Vila Vella of Tossa de Mar, passing through the coves of Begur and the fishing village atmosphere of Calella de Palafrugell, each place has its own character. Some invite you to stroll at a leisurely pace, while others are perfect for combining nature, gastronomy and heritage in a single day.
If you are planning to visit several of these places, it is also worth organising your transfers between the airport and your accommodation in advance. You can book your transfer to the Costa Brava with ShuttletoSun. The shared transfer services and private transfer services, which are affordable and sustainable, allow you to travel to the Costa Brava from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Girona Airport, Reus Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Cadaqués and the Landscape of Cap de Creus
Few places represent the character of the Costa Brava as well as Cadaqués. The former fishing village retains its whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and close relationship with the sea. Its location next to the Cap de Creus Natural Park means that a visit can combine a stroll through the historic centre with the exploration of a coastal landscape characterised by rock formations and small coves.
The area is also closely associated with Salvador Dalí. In Portlligat, you can find the house that the artist turned into his home and studio, while the landscape of Cap de Creus itself was a source of inspiration for his work.
Beyond the village, it is worth taking the time to explore one of the area’s trails and see how the wind and sea have shaped this corner of the peninsula. Nature takes on a different character here from other parts of the Girona coastline, with a more rugged and rocky landscape.
Begur is another of the essential destinations when looking for the most beautiful corners of the Costa Brava. The municipality combines a town centre built around the remains of its castle with a coastline made up of small coves and beaches.
Among them are Sa Tuna, Aiguafreda, Sa Riera and Aiguablava.
The latter stands out for its sheltered bay, surrounded by pine trees and cliffs, as well as its shallow waters. It is also part of the GR-92 route, one of the coastal paths that allow visitors to explore the coastline on foot.
Begur also retains an important legacy of the so-called Indianos, local residents who emigrated to the Americas and later returned with their fortunes. Their former homes form part of the townscape and add a historical dimension to a destination that is often mainly associated with its beaches.
Calella de Palafrugell, One of the Most Photogenic Fishing Villages
If you are looking for a place where you can still sense the essence of a former fishing village, Calella de Palafrugell deserves a special mention. Its whitewashed houses, narrow streets, small beaches and former homes linked to fishing activity create a distinctive image of this stretch of coastline.
The Port Bo area is one of the most recognisable spots. The traditional houses by the sea and boats resting on the beach preserve part of the village’s fishing heritage.
From Calella, you can also walk along the coastal paths towards other parts of the coastline, enjoying small coves and the scenery around Cap Roig.
Tossa de Mar and its Vila Vella
Tossa de Mar offers one of the most recognisable historic scenes on the Costa Brava. The Vila Vella, surrounded by its ancient walls and located beside the Mediterranean, allows visitors to explore a historic site that is exceptionally integrated into the coastal landscape.
Walking through the streets within the walled enclosure leads to higher areas offering views over the bay and coastline. The presence of the walls, towers and lighthouse gives Tossa a character that differs from other destinations on the Costa Brava, where fishermen’s houses and coves tend to dominate the landscape.
The visit can be completed by the sea and with some local gastronomy. One of the traditional dishes associated with Tossa is cim i tomba, a preparation made with fish and vegetables that reflects the town’s historic connection with maritime cuisine.
Don’t forget that you can book your transfer to the Costa Brava with ShuttletoSun. The shared transfer services and private transfer services allow you to travel to the Costa Brava from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Girona Airport, Reus Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Pals and the Charm of Medieval Empordà
Not all the essential corners of the Costa Brava are directly by the sea. Pals shows that inland Empordà also preserves some of the area’s most interesting landscapes and historic sites.
Its old town retains a strong medieval character, with stone streets and heritage features such as the Torre de les Hores. From different points in the historic centre, you can admire the landscapes of Empordà, while the surrounding area is home to rice fields, wetlands and paths that reveal a more rural side of the region.
Visiting Pals also makes it possible to combine heritage and gastronomy. The rice grown in the surrounding area is part of the local culinary tradition and creates a direct connection between the agricultural landscape and the table.
A Coast to Discover Beyond Its Beaches
The most beautiful corners of the Costa Brava are not found only in its coves. They can also be discovered in the whitewashed streets of Cadaqués, the walls of Tossa de Mar, the coastal paths of Begur, the fishermen’s houses of Calella de Palafrugell and the agricultural landscape surrounding Pals.
This combination of nature, heritage, fishing traditions and gastronomy allows travellers to create a different itinerary depending on their interests. You can spend one day discovering villages, another walking along the coast, or combine both experiences as part of the same route.
If you are preparing your visit, you can book your transfer to the Costa Brava with ShuttletoSun. The shared transfer services and private transfer services allow you to travel to the Costa Brava from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Girona Airport, Reus Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station. This way, you can start your journey with your transport already organised and focus your time on discovering the landscapes, villages and hidden corners that make this coastline one of the most distinctive Mediterranean regions of Catalonia.
