Costa Brava

Costa Brava is the best itinerary to discover the magnetic regions of Catalonia and Girona. In this Iberian retreat, colors burst forth – vivid yellows, fiery reds, deep blues, and lush greens – a vibrant painter's palette come to life. Follow the traces of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalì who pass by on these shores.

From lands of unmistakable color to pristine beaches of tranquility, be enchanted by miniature fishing towns, hidden gems in the savage coves. Embrace wild scenic barren and fertile ancient volcanic lands, venture on climbing, taste wines in the vineyards, look at the starry nights while floating back to the harbor at dusk. 

And just an hour away, delve into the secrets of Barcelona, the capital of modernism, with its blend of the known and unknown awaiting your exploration.

Unleashing your Costa Brava itinerary, your launchpad awaits at Barcelona. If you find yourself with a layover in the city before your journey begins, a must-stay is Casa Bonay, a haven for cultural exchange and a sanctuary for relaxation and exploration, deeply infused with the essence of the Catalan capital. Alternatively, consider a night at Hotel Brummel for a cozy yet sophisticated experience.

For a quick and fun bite, Bar Mendizabal is your go-to spot for the absolute best bocadillos. And when it comes to iconic places in Barcelona, a must-stop for similar delights is Ultramarinos, ensuring a fixed spot on your culinary adventure.

For a more extended, traditional yet meticulously crafted lunch experience, Paco Meralgo is the perfect destination. This tapas bar defines itself as a "high tavern" of the culinary art. Choose to dine at the bar from a menu featuring montaditos, daily specials and fish sourced directly from the auction. 

If you're in the mood for a more leisurely dinner, secure a table at Bar del Pla or Dos Pebrots. In Barcelona, retiring early would be a regrettable choice, so post-dinner, seek out a spot at Farola, our favorite spot for excellent drinks and good music.

Before bidding farewell to this dynamic city and setting out for Costa Brava, make time for the architectural wonders that grace Barcelona. Palau de la Musica Catalana and Palacio de Cristal stand as testaments to the city's rich history and artistic brilliance. And, of course, a stroll through the lively atmosphere of the Universitat de Barcelona will add a touch of academic charm to your Barcelona lil tour.

Rent a car and go north, leaving the city behind driving into landscapes over naturalist frames between the sea and the mountains.

On the road, merge into the flourishing vegetation of Santa Clotilde Gardens, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. As you stroll on top of the cliff, a sensory reverie is exposed among the sea and blossom aromas. A similar romantic getaway could be found into the wilderness of the Botanical Gardens Marimurtra, where succulent plants and exotic elements reign above the water. A privileged nest to enjoy both natural and architectural heritage in a paradise of the plant world. 

Now onto some culinary escapades, all this area is the realm of the sparkling DO Cava. For lunch, try Margarita, a local restaurant in the former fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, a seaside town in Baix Empordà situated on a rocky coast. Margarita invites you to celebrate the sweet pleasures of Mediterranean life. 

When the evening approaches, discover craftsmanship reaching the tiny village of LLafranc, a secluded gem on the shore. Taste a traditional menu at Isabella’s LLafranc: mixed fried squid with pink sauce and an iced cerveza. 

Chill out on the striped sofas of Tragamar, a culinary catalan gem fronting the sea immersed in the sweet marine breeze, and try the specialties of torta de queso, gambas and  paella. Turn to visit the villages of Calella de Palafrugell, Tamariu, Begur  and explore all the catalan itineraries in terms of food and panoramas.

 Home base for your days must be El Far Hotel & Restaurant, an exceptional architectural ensemble with the best eye-ocean line. There you can sleep in a renovated lighthouse with a nautical décor: blues, whites and accents of wood and leather, as if sailing on a suspended boat. 

Wake up at sunrise, and make sure you book room 1 or 3 with the best sea view that leaves you astonished both at sunrise and sunset. 

Right after the sun rises, take your car and just 5 min away you will get to the coastal village of Tamariu and Bassa del Burro, a rocky paradisiac beach with a touch of bohemian charm. Swimming at dawn alone in the bay will be one of the most special feelings ever. 

Explore the dreamiest beaches of Costa Brava: Cala Sa Tuna and Cala S’Eixugador, both located 10 minutes by the medieval town of Begur. To avoid the crowds, make sure to get here early in the morning and you will remain amazed by the beauty of the place. For a rich quality lunch, hop on the car and drive east to Ultramar Beachclub where to spend the rest of your day while sipping a cerveza together with their famous “pending anchovies”.

In Begur don’t miss the bohemian spot of Clara, that revives the nightlife of Begur, between tiny shops and artisanal emporium. But our favorite spot to dine, halfway between Tamariu and Begur, is Toc Al Mar, a romantic window on the sea.

If you are considering staying in Begur, book at La Bionda, an intimate boutique inn with 8 rooms in its historical city center. Carefully revived by Quintana Partners Studio, the 17th-century structure merges classic design with a dedication to eco-friendliness. A singular escapade for explorers in quest of a distinctive and stirring sojourn.

Also secret hostels are always a good idea to sleep in. Take note visiting the azure Hostal Ses Negres, a familiar spot on the beach of Sa Reira, the biggest one of Begur. Or discover the joyful Hostal Sa Rascassa, hidden in Cala d' Aiguafreda. Both serve as a delightful blend of tranquility and gastronomic pleasures, nestled between the rolling countryside and the sparkling sea. 

Enter a surrealist painting of Salvador Dalì, contemplate nature, the dazzling sun brightening white mansions on the sea. 

Cadaqués is one of the most charming seaside towns in northern Catalonia, but so popular during summer that there’s a cap on the number of cars that can enter the town. So, it’s best to go out of the rush hours, early in the morning or later in the evening. 

Stay at Casa Nereta, an artist residence with a special eye for interior designs. Feel the charm and coziness of a seaside house that offers one of the most special stays in the luminous village of Cadaquès.

 Some of the best options for lunch here are set on the seafront: Batalla Taberna Marinera or  Casa Nun. Order the giant Lobster paella is a must. After lunch, let your senses guide you among the tiny streets to discover the artisanal shops dotted around, such as the paradise of colorful pottery of Céramiques Joachim Salò.

Venture a bit further to find Port Lligat, a secluded village reachable after a panoramic walk over the sea landscape of Cadaqués. Here, time has stopped and you will feel the genius vibes of a real artist and genius, entering the house museum of Salvador Dalì and his lover Muse Gala, easily spotted thanks to the giant egg that balances on a tile roof. Breathe the joyful and crazy atmosphere of the legendary parties held in the villa.

Cap off your day at sunset, stopping for a refreshing sangria and pan con tomate at Set Cadaques or at Xiringuito La Sal. To complete with a reinvigorating dinner at Es Baluard or Es Balconet : two great solutions for a typical Spanish menu offering super quality fish. To end off your day on the sweetest note, pass by Joia where you will taste one of the best ice creams ever. 

Alternatively, go with the wind after popping again in the car for a daytrip, to reach the scenic Cap de Creus, northernmost point of Costa Brava for a great aperitivo with a gorgeous view at Restaurant Cap de Creus.

Early mornings in Cadaques are priceless. Walk around the village with nobody around and pass by the best pastry shop in the village: Can Cabrisas. This gem specializes in chocolate croissants, peix de nata and traditional taps de Cadaqués, cute sugar sweets in the shape of a cork made by an original recipe from the 18th century. Paired it with a glass of sweet wine from the area called garnatxa. Usually they are eaten with rum cream, as did the Catalan sailors returning from Cuba three hundred years ago.

Take away your breakfast onto these pirate vibrations and leave the village behind to continue the adventure. Before getting to Girona, stop midway visiting Palau de Casavells and the projects of Alzueta Gallery. This space is located in the heart of the Empordà region, in an old masia, a 16th century farmhouse. Few minutes away you will find yourself in the tiny stone village of Peratallada bringing you back in time to the Middle Ages.

Follow the melodies of Game of Thrones, look up in the air cut by the wings of storks and live the magic of a gothic set while exploring the historical Medieval town of Girona, unfolds with the ancient presence of a hidden heritage, millenary stories and different cultures. Get lost in the Jewish quartier, the house-museums of old savvy figures and eclectic architects, such as Casa Maso or the Cathedral.

Go up and down around the Barri Vell, a charming historical quarter with steep stone steps leading up to the medieval walls of Passeig Arqueològic. Stop for a french-catalan twist to have a juice or fresh drink at the romantic Café Le Bistrot which spills out onto the ancient steps leading up to the former convent of Església de Sant Martí Sacosta. 

Experiment with innovative cuisine in some of the best restaurants in Europe: El Celler de Can Roca and bistrot Normal Restaurant. But don’t forget to rest. Perfect place to sleep in the heart of Girona is the boutique hotel Palau Fugit or the chic Casa Cacao, owned by the Roca family who created a boutique hotel 5 minutes away from the city center. There you will discover all the secrets about the story and process of chocolate. A sweet conclusion to your itinerary.