What to see and do on the Costa Brava
The Costa Brava is a dream location, which offers numerous leisure activities for some unforgettable holidays, making it more than just virgin beaches and wild landscapes. To make sure that you don’t get lost during your first retreat to this paradise destination here are a few things to see and do on the Costa Brava in our little guide of the region’s highlights.
DALI MUSEUM – The Costa Brava was home to and conquered the heart of Salvador Dali. His artistic genius is present in diverse places around the Costa Brava, however the most well known is the Salvador Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres. Dedicated entirely to the surrealist painter, the Dali Museum houses his most famous works, as well as the artist’s tomb which lies in a crypt located in this spectacular building. Authentic Dali fans and art lovers can complete the Dali Triangle by also visiting his house by the sea in Cadaqués and the castle that he gave to his wife, Gala, situated in Púbol.
MEDES ISLANDS – The archipelagos of the Medes Islands grace the waters opposite the town of Estartit. Not only does it possess a rugged beauty, typical of the Costa Brava region, but it is also home to some of the most important marine reserves on the Mediterranean. Its crystalline waters are home to a large variety of animals and plants, and are perfect for going snorkelling or scuba diving. If you don’t fancy a dip then you can admire the sea bed on a glass-bottomed boat offering you views of the briny deep.
CAP DE CREUS – Cap de Creus, the most eastern point on the Iberian Peninsular, is a natural park, protected since 1984. Its rough and rocky coast, full of cliffs that rise from the deep waters, welcomes numerous migratory birds. Beautiful landscapes and views of the Costa Brava are on offer here and it is perfect for going hiking and snorkelling. Some of the rocks have been sculptured into shapes resembling animals such as the Eagle of Tuleda and the Lion of Cap Gros, or have been a source of artistic inspiration such as the rock of cala Culleró which was the source of inspiration for Dali’s painting, The Great Masturbator.
CASTLES AND MEDIEVAL TOWNS – The Costa Brava, inhabited since ancient times, also has a rich historic past. Land borders, many of them medieval towns, monasteries and castles prove the importance of the region during the Middle Ages. Amongst the many places worth visiting we recommend: The medieval town of Besalú, the Castle of Peralada that hosts a prestigious music festival every year, Tossa de Mar with its walls and circular towers located right on the beach, the Monastery of St. Pere de Rodes, the castles and stone houses in Pals and Peratallada, and finally the Castelló d’Empuries which holds a medieval festival every year.
There are, of course, many more things to do and see on the Costa Brava such as sunbathe, practise water sports, enjoy the tasty local food, experience the dynamic night life on offer there or spend the day with your family in one of the water parks. However, for the moment, you have something to start off with.
