Welcome to the excitement of discovering one of Old Europe’s most varied and riches areas in terms of nature, history and culture. This territory of fascinating enclaves summarizes all the beauty and exuberance that arises from the meeting of the character of the Pyrenees and the subtlety of the Mediterranean. You will not find a single valley where a hermitage or shrine cannot be found, or a single cove or inlet that does not shelter a fishing village. Discovering the traces of ancient cultures, culinary traditions or activities that highlight our hospitality is a challenge that no inquisitive spirit can pass up. To make it easier for you, we have selected possible scenic routes and the most interesting sights of Catalonia. Dare to submerge yourself in the heart of the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees.
Costa Brava Travel Routes
Summit and Plateau Route:
An itinerary divided into two routes, allowing you to tour the Cerdanya plateau and head towards spectacular summits like Tossa d’Alp, enjoying the characteristically Pyrenean scenery along the way. Both routes start at Puigcerda: the first goes to Meranges, and the second reaches La Molina and Masella ski resorts. Both have one thing in common in that way they allow you to stop by the town of Llívia and visit one of Europe’s oldest chemist’s shops.
Valley Route:
Two fascinating routes through the Girona Pyrenees: the valleys of Ribes and Camprodon. Narrow passes, sheer cliffs and the picturesque rack railway (the only one of its kind in Spain) running from Ribes de Freser to the shrine of Núria, are the major highlights of the first route. The second route, which is easier to access, includes significant Romanesque landmarks like the monasteries of Ripoll and Sant Joan de les Abadesses, the church of Sant Esteve in Llanars or the Majesty in Beget.
Volcano and Lake Route:
An itinerary of great scenic beauty, full of mystery and discovery, with experiences like the Banyoles lake or the Romanesque hermitage of Santa Maria de Porqueres, or the prehistoric caves of Serinya. The medieval village of Besalú and the basaltic crags of Castellfollit de la Roca mark the way into the Garrotxa Volcanic area, which boasts the Montsacopa volcano in Olot or the Croscat and Santa Margarida volcanoes, as well as the Fageda d’en Jorda, an extensive beech grove, in Santa Pau. Visitors can’t miss the exuberant scenery of La Vall d’en Bas, dotted with rural hamlets.
Castle Route:
Take two fascinating routes connecting various castles: the first takes you to the castles of Castell d’Aro, Calonge, Palamós, La Bisbal and Torroella de Montgrí, and to medieval villages like Pals, Peratallada, Palau-sator, Cruïlles and Monells. The second route combines the breathtaking natural beauty of the Montseny and Guilleries mountain ranges with the majesty of castles like those found in Hostalric, or the Montsoriu castle in Arbúcies, the Solterra castle in Sant Hilari Sacalm, and the castle of Anglès.
Garden Route:
This route begins in Sant Feliu de Guíxols through pine groves that stretch all the way down to the sea and continues with a visit to the old quarter of Tossa de Mar. The route takes you to three botanical gardens: Santa Clotilde, in Lloret de Mar, Marimurtra, in Blanes, and Pinya de Rosa, located between the two towns. Their location turns them into flowery balconies overlooking the blue immensity of the Mediterranean.
Cove & Inlet Route:
The coves and inlets make up the ‘gentle’ side of the Costa Brava, where the mountains and the sea come together and provide shelter for tiny fishing villages surrounded by golden sands. Inlets like those found in Begur-Sar Siera, Aiguablava and Sa Tuna- or the ones in Palafrugell-Tamariu, Llafranc and Calella- are must visits for understanding the essence of the coast of Girona. The route can be covered on foot, using the seaside promenades, or by car.
Cap de Creus Route:
A peninsula located at the north end of the Costa Brava, with a unique profile eroded by the Tramontana wind and the endless pounding of the waves, the area boasts Spain’s first combination sea-and-land natural park featuring a great variety of local fauna – especially birds – and a steppe-like vegetation. We suggest you start the tour at the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, where the park administration offices are located. There you will be shown the various options you can find within the boundaries of the park.
Cultural Route:
Following the routes through which age-old cultures reached our shores, you will discover the remains of the various civilizations that settled the area: Greek homes and Roman temples in Empúries, and the vestiges of a land that has known the Iberian, Roman, Visigoth and Carlovingian cultures.
Discover the Costa Brava and its coastline of the Empordà and Selva regions. The city of Girona is an important feature of the hinterland. Costa Brava means brave or fierce coast. Travel to the Catalan coast and you will find out why this name is given to this beautiful region of Catalonia.
Find out more about the Costa Brava sights and attractions >>
