Visit the Costa Brava

The sheer diversity of this rugged coastline, has made the 'Wild Coast' one of Spain's favourite holiday destinations. Vibrant resorts with beautiful sandy beaches, great entertainment and lively activities co-exist happily with unspoilt fishing villages, sheltered rocky coves and medieval castles.

Image Gallery the Costa Brava © Costa Brava Girona Tourist Board Archive, Francesc Tur

Lloret de Mar

Once a fishing village, now holiday capital of the Costa Brava and one of the Mediterranean's most popular destinations, Lloret de Mar still manages to retain a strong local personality. The resort has safe beaches and ample entertainment facilities, including Europe's largest water park and an aquatic zoo that delights the kids.

Eating & Drinking

Lloret De Mar has a vast number of restaurants and cafes, most of which are in the old town. All types of cuisine are on offer, with an emphasis on British-style and fast food but there are also a few Spanish/Catalan restaurants serving local dishes.

At night time, the centre pulsates at all hours with music bars and discos.

Entertainment

Families can enjoy water sports, go-kart track, bowling, riding stables, the Skyrider bungee capsule, trips on the mini-train, or a leisurely series of walks visiting the smaller bays along the coast and some churches and farmhouses inland.

The main beach is the focus of the resort although a second smaller,, but equally impressive beach lies west beyond a steep coastal hill.

Calella

A modern, lively resort, Calella has also been able to conserve its traditional appeal with a maze of narrow, quaint cobbled streets. The beach is considered one of the cleanest in Catalonia and is the perfect place to laze and enjoy the sun.

Eating & Drinking

Almost all restaurants cater for tourists, but more traditional choices can be found in the older part of town. There are also numerous kiosks along thelong beach at Calella which serve snacks and drinks.

Nightlife is rather lively, with many bars, restaurants and discos at the southwest end of the resort. Calella also plays host to a German-style beer festival in October.

Entertainment

Entertainment is laid on for children in the summer, and festivals are popular at night with families. The town council has a programme of sporting and cultural events for tourists, and there's also volleyball, windsurfing and canoeing whilst shoppers are well-catered for with a range of boutiques, jewellers and shoe shops as well as the commercial centre.

Santa Susanna

This resort retains much of its traditional charm with cobbled streets, ancient buildings and monuments. Along the seafront, the tree-lined promenade has a generous variety of bars and fine restaurants, although fast food outlets and cheap international cuisine is also widely available.

During the day, enjoy beach activities and exploring the old town. A lively fiesta is held in August in honour of the town's patron saint, St Susanna. Head to the seafront for bars and a couple of night clubs.

The resort has a long stretch of coarse sand with small rocky outcrops. Sun beds, parasols, water-sports are all on offer. Pedestrian subways allow access under the railway.

Santa Susanna's shops are great for beach gear and souvenirs, with some local handicraft outlets. A market sells local produce every Tuesday morning, with a craft market every afternoon in summer.

The surrounding area

Nearby Santa Cristina de Aro offers the Waterworld aquatic park and an 18 hole golf course, whilst the historical city of Girona, Costa Brava's capital, offers a host of attractions including The Arab Baths and the Cathedral.

A visit to the Montserrat Monastry is also highly recommended, as it is here that you will find the 'miracle-working' Madonna and Child statue which attracts thousands of Catalans every year.

Of course the stylish city of Barcelona is well worth a visit for anyone with a passion for architecture, football, food or shopping!