I am lucky to live a few kilometers from Barcelona, which means that the Costa Brava is not far from me. That is why during the summer I take advantage of the good weather to visit some of its most beautiful villages, which the truth is that you do not count on the fingers of one hand, but you have to resort to a pair or three of hands to avoid having the feeling that someone has been left out unfairly.
Whether for a vacation or a simple getaway, I recommend you memorize the towns that I will talk about below, since I assure you that you will leave all of them with a very good taste in your mouth. Shall we start?
Cadaques
"This is the most beautiful place in the world and sometimes you believe it." This is what Salvador Dalí said about one of the most famous towns on the Costa Brava, where he lived for many years and where today it is possible to visit the Salvador Dalí House-Museum located on Platja Portlligat.
Cadaqués has a special charm. It is a fishing town that invites you to visit each and every one of its streets, in addition to having beaches of great beauty. Of course, do not expect to find fine sand like that of the Caribbean because most of it is made of stones.
Calella de Palafrugell
It is worth traveling many kilometers to stop in Calella de Palafrugell, where one has the feeling that everything remains intact , as if the eagerness of the companies in the tourism sector had not been able to end their origins based on hotels built to foot of the beach. Today surely more than one gets a good monthly payment thanks to Airbnb, but the truth is that it is still as authentic as ever, and that is something that is always appreciated even if it is only to walk and have a drink in the middle of the morning.
Palamos
Extensive beaches and a marked fishing character are characteristics that we always associate with Palamós, which treasures such incredible corners as Cala Castell, Cala Corb, Cala Estreta or S’Alguer. In addition, we must not forget that the town is a gastronomic reference , since many people decide to visit it for its delicious prawns, which are famous throughout Catalonia.
Tossa de Mar
Just for the Castle of Tossa de Mar it is worth taking a tour of this other beautiful town on the Costa Brava. Its Vila Vella, which is the old city, has something that grabs you from the first minute, although most tourists come for its beaches, which are cold-water and cover a lot just after three steps. It preserves almost the entire perimeter that they built between the 12th and 14th centuries and that is something that must be appreciated. Normal that in 1950 " Pandora and the Flying Dutchman ", a film starring Ava Gardner and James Mason, was recorded in those parts.
Platja d’Aro
You don’t have the feeling of visiting a town when you arrive in Platja d’Aro, but the truth is that it is a municipality with few inhabitants. In summer it is full of people who not only travel for the attractiveness of its beaches, but also seek to go shopping . The main street is full of shops known all over the world and that makes for a great atmosphere. In addition, there are ice cream parlors, cocktail bars and quality restaurants, such as the famous Llevant, which is always full despite the fact that the menu costs 25 euros per head, which is not little.
Roses
If you go to France, you have to stop in Roses, where we can find a sandy beach that is not like the ones that are usually common on the Costa Brava. I say this more than anything because it does not cover the first gear, but you can walk quite a few meters without the water exceeding the height of your waist. That makes it an ideal place to go to spend the summer with children. On the other hand, and although it is not the most beautiful town on the list in my humble opinion, it concentrates coves of great beauty such as Canyelles Petites, l’Almadrava, Cap Norfeu, Punta Falconera, Jóncols and Montjoi.
L’Escala
To speak of L’Escala is to speak of a 100% seafaring town . Although tourism endangers that label, its beautiful old town and fishing tradition continue to prevail, especially when it comes to defending its well-known anchovies. Another good plan, apart from going to eat paellas, seafood and good fish, is to go scuba diving in the Medes Islands, which are quite close.
Recommended article: The best beaches and coves on the Costa Brava .