Camping in Costa Brava

Why we love holidays in Costa Brava

With its deeply indented coast, the Costa Brava - or, the wild coast - offers more beaches and crescent-shaped coves than any holiday could hope for. Often coupled with clusters of pretty white villas, a string of harbourside bars and a smattering of souvenir shops, the coastal resorts of the Costa Brava really are something special. But it can do big and lively too, with Platja d’Aro and Estartit particularly warm and welcoming holiday hotspots. Despite generations of tourism, lots of charm and character remains, not least in Salavdor Dali’s home village of Cadaqués.

Stretching along more than 200 kilometres of prime Mediterranean shoreline, with our parcs ideally close by, a family holiday to Costa Brava promises a memorable mix of sun-drenched beaches and cultural discoveries. There is more history here than you’d think. The region's distinctive character reveals itself in every aspect of life here – and the activities you can try are impressively varied – from spectacular diving in protected marine reserves to hiking through volcanic landscapes in the interior.

Our favourite Costa Brava beaches

Costa Brava's incredible coastline is why this place was one of the first Spanish regions on the holiday radar. And it’s why our parcs are comfortably close to the sands. Today, it still offers a remarkable diversity of beaches that cater to every taste. The long, golden stretch of Platja Gran in Estartit provides all the amenities families could want, with shallow waters perfect for young children and a lively atmosphere. For those seeking seclusion, the hidden coves around Platja d'Aro offer crystal-clear waters and dramatic rock formations that create natural swimming pools.

Blanes, known as the gateway to Costa Brava, boasts 4km of gorgeous, sandy Blue Flag beaches backed by a promenade lined with restaurants and bars. The award-winning beach at Palamós combines natural beauty with authentic charm, where you can watch fishing boats bobbing on the horizon. More adventurous beachgoers should explore the secluded Els Griells Beach near the Ter Vell Nature Reserve, where natural surroundings create a peaceful escape from busier coastal areas. Or try the perfectly formed crescent bay of Sa Tuna, wrapped in tempting restaurants.

Our favourite things to do in Costa Brava

Estartit Port

Fun days out

Explore the underwater wonders of the Medes Islands, one of Europe's most important marine reserves that has flourished after twenty years of conservation efforts. Take a boat trip from Estartit to see spectacular coral formations and marine life through glass-bottom boats or by snorkeling. Visit Water World in Lloret de Mar, where you can enjoy everything from relaxing lagoons and soothing Jacuzzis to thrilling rapids and splash-tastic Storm and X-Ttreme Mountain rides.

Experience the dramatic volcanic landscape of La Garrotxa Natural Park, Catalonia's volcano country with 40 non-active volcanoes and extensive walking routes through lush, former lava fields. Cultural enthusiasts should visit the extraordinary Teatre-Museu Dalí in Figueres, a museum designed by the surrealist artist himself, housing over 1,500 pieces of his work in a fantastical setting.

Medes Islands

Getting Active

The Costa Brava's 200-kilometre coastline offers excellent watersports opportunities, including windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking suitable for all abilities. Diving enthusiasts amongst you will appreciate the region's spectacular underwater ecosystems, particularly around protected reserves like the Medes Islands. Green routes and paths wind from beach to countryside, creating perfect conditions for cycling, trekking, and hiking adventures for all fitness levels.

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy excellent courses such as Club de Golf d'Aro, beautifully situated in a natural park lined with pine trees and featuring two large lakes. For water-based family fun, Water World in Lloret de Mar brings the fun, and the soakings, with entertainment ranging from gentle lagoons to adrenaline-pumping slides and rides.

Teatre-Museu Dalí

Cultural hotspots

Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, is home to the extraordinary Teatre-Museu Dalí, a monument to surrealism filled with the artist's provocative and dreamlike works. The medieval city of Girona is a joy. Within its walls you’ll find history at every corner, a medieval old town, castle, Cathedral and Jewish quarter, all contrasting beautifully with the colourful buildings along the Onyar River. Great food too.

The Jardi Botanic Marimurta promises both cultural and natural beauty, with its botanical collections set against views of the Costa Brava coastline. Catalonian fishing villages like Palamós offer authentic trips where you can watch fishing boats returning with their daily catch while enjoying the promenade and award-winning beaches. Join the festivities at El Focs de Blanes in July, when the night lights up with fireworks for five consecutive days.

Our favourite things to see in Costa Brava

Fortress Vila Vella and Badia de Tossa bay at summer in Tossa de Mar on Costa Brava

Historic sites

The medieval town of Tossa de Mar features narrow cobbled streets lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants, all surrounded by impressive ancient walls that offer beautiful views of the coastline.

Girona's historic centre is a joy - with its remarkably preserved medieval architecture, with its imposing city walls, ancient Jewish quarter, and Gothic cathedral creating a journey through time (and through Game of Thrones locations!) The volcanic landscape of La Garrotxa Natural Park tells the geological story of the region, with 40 dormant volcanoes and former lava fields now transformed into lush, green countryside.

Fisher boat in the harbor Palamós in Spain

Cities and towns worth seeing

Platja d'Aro combines 2km of golden beaches with small rocky coves perfect for exploring, while its wide main boulevard lined with shops and restaurants creates an ideal family-friendly atmosphere. Figueres extends beyond its Dalí connection with charming streets, lively squares, and a rich cultural scene that makes it worth exploring beyond its famous museum.

Palamós preserves its authentic Catalonian fishing village character, where you can stroll the promenade, watch fishing boats, and relax on the award-winning beach. Another resort with charm to spare is Estartit – it offers three distinct beaches to suit different preferences: the large and lively Platja Gran for families, and the secluded Els Griells Beach on the edge of the Ter Vell Nature Reserve.

La Garrotxa, Girona, Spain.

Natural wonders

The Medes Islands marine reserve, accessible by boat from Estartit, is one of Europe's most important underwater ecosystems, with vibrant coral, seaweed, and abundant marine life resulting from decades of conservation efforts. La Garrotxa Natural Park surprises visitors with its lush landscapes that began as volcanic lava fields, now offering extensive walking routes through 40 dormant volcanoes.

The Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, forming part of the Bay of Roses, has gone from malarial swampland to a wildlife lover's paradise with exceptional bird watching. The Jardi Botanic Marimurta combines horticulture with great coastal views, making it a perfect blend of natural and designed beauty.

Travelling to Costa Brava

Nearest airports

  • Girona–Costa Brava
  • Barcelona–El Prat

Nearest train stations

  • Girona Station
  • Figueres–Vilafant

Nearest ports

  • Bilbao: (6 hour drive)

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