Discover adventure in Spain’s Costa Brava

Where the Mediterranean kisses the Iberian Peninsula, the stunning Costa Brava unfolds, featuring towering cliffs dotted with hidden caves and charming sandy beaches. This beloved holiday destination boasts medieval villages with towering walls and picturesque fishing communities that have inspired countless artists. While relaxing on the beach is tempting, the true essence of Costa Brava lies in its adventurous spirit.

No matter your activity level, Costa Brava has an array of thrilling adventures waiting to elevate your excitement.

1. Hike the Camí de Ronda

Known as the GR-92, the Camí de Ronda is a stunning hiking trail that spans over 500 kilometers along the Catalan coastline, from Portbou to Blanes. While some adventurers take weeks to traverse this epic path in around 10 stages, many opt for day hikes to reach the calas, or small rocky coves, where they can enjoy a refreshing swim away from the summer crowds. The trail hugs the coast but also ventures into the mountains near Begur and stretches along the beautiful Bay of Roses.

Best section to explore on the Camí de Ronda: For those who appreciate charming seaside villages, start your journey on the GR-92 at Calella de Palafrugell, beginning at the Cap Roig botanical gardens. The trail takes you past the quaint village of Llafranc and along the coastline, ultimately leading to Tamariu. This one-way trek covers about 9 kilometers, giving you ample time to return on foot or take a bus back via Palafrugell if you start early.

Local tip: Follow the red and white trail markers to stay on the GR-92; however, be aware that the path occasionally diverges from the coast. If you'd like to see more of the shoreline, consult a map for alternate trails and you might find a way to reconnect with the GR-92 further along.

2. Get paddling

During the summer months, there's no better way to discover the Costa Brava than by kayaking or paddleboarding. Glide across the crystal-clear waters to explore striking rock formations and hidden caves along the cliffs. This is the perfect opportunity to find secluded calas where you can anchor and enjoy a refreshing swim.

Best kayaking spot on the Costa Brava: Start your adventure from Tossa de Mar, where you can navigate through fascinating rock formations and explore caves leading to Cala Bona, a lovely cove featuring a seasonal restaurant.

Planning tip: Sea conditions can differ along the coast, but numerous tour guides are available to assist you on your journey if you'd prefer not to paddle solo.

3. Cycle beyond the coast

While the stunning coastline of Costa Brava is hard to surpass, this region of Catalonia offers much more than just seaside views. Discover apple orchards, vineyards, castles, monasteries, and medieval architecture along the extensive network of cycling paths. There are plenty of hills to conquer around Begur, or you might choose to ride along the old railway line, La Ruta del Tren Petit, near Palamos. The Parc Natural de Aigüamolls, a marshy nature reserve, is particularly popular among cyclists for its easy trails and excellent birdwatching.

Best cycling route on the Costa Brava: For breathtaking Mediterranean scenery, tackle the renowned 40km trail that runs from Girona to the coast, ending in San Feliu de Guíxols. This route is actually the latter part of a longer path that stretches from Girona into the volcanic La Garrotxa region.

Local tip: Traveling around Catalonia with your bike is a breeze thanks to public transport options like the Teisa Bici-Bus, which features a trailer that accommodates up to 20 bicycles. It links the city of Olot to Sant Feliu de Guíxols via Girona.

4. Confront your fears on the via ferrata

Unlike traditional rock climbing, a via ferrata features a fixed path that lets climbers attach themselves to a metal cable for safety while navigating the rock face. These routes are typically found in high mountain areas that test your limits, but if you're a beginner, the Costa Brava has the perfect option for you. The Cala del Molí in Sant Feliu de Guíxols offers a stunning cliffside route and is the only via ferrata in Europe directly overlooking the sea. As you clip in and move from one breathtaking moment to another, you'll encounter this unique ecosystem teeming with birdlife. Note that part of the route is closed during nesting season. If you find it’s not your thing halfway through, there’s an exit point that leads back to the main trail.

How to tackle the via ferrata in Costa Brava: If you have some experience with via ferratas, you can rent equipment from Breakaway, a local outfitter in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. If you're less experienced, consider joining a guided tour with Aventura Experience, whose co-founder is the original designer of this via ferrata.

Planning tip: Opt for an evening climb to avoid the heat of the day. You can enjoy a morning at the nearby beaches of Palamos or Platja d’Aro before your adventure.

5. Explore the underwater world

While the Mediterranean may not be renowned for its vibrant marine life like tropical seas, it offers a rich maritime history. With the crystal-clear waters of Costa Brava, divers and snorkelers can discover its underwater treasures. Among the rocky seabeds and Posidonia meadows, you can encounter various species such as sea bream, squid, and even the occasional octopus. Grab a snorkel and explore the waters around beaches or calas like Sa Tuna, a quaint village with buildings right by the coast, or head to Cap de Creus, where unique rock formations create underwater caves and fascinating shapes. Tossa de Mar and L’Estartit are among the top diving spots along the coast.

Best spot for diving or snorkeling on the Costa Brava: The Illes Medes, a group of seven islands and a protected nature reserve just off the coast of L’Estartit, is the ideal location. Here, you can find colorful corals, abundant marine life, and intriguing underwater caves and tunnels. Boat tours can take snorkelers to these islands.

Local tip: The prime snorkeling areas are often found just beyond rocky coves, so bring water shoes for foot protection and better grip on slippery surfaces.

Continue planning your adventure in Spain:

Turn up the music, roll down the windows, and enjoy breathtaking views on these top road trips in Spain. Be sure to add these must-do activities in Catalonia to your itinerary. Make sure you pack everything you need with this Spain packing checklist.