Costa Brava is full of towns worth stopping in. Some preserve old fishing districts by the Mediterranean; others surprise with walls, medieval streets, and stone houses just a few kilometers from the beach.
Among the charming towns of Costa Brava, Pals, L’Escala, L’Estartit, Begur, Calella de Palafrugell, Peratallada, and Tossa de Mar stand out. Each offers a different experience, so the best choice will depend on whether you’re looking for beaches, nature, historical heritage, gastronomy, or a quiet place from which to discover the Coast.
If you’re planning a vacation in this area, choosing a good base can also make a difference. Staying several days in places like L’Estartit, L’Escala, or Pals allows you to combine beach days with excursions to some of the most charming towns in Empordà.
Which are the most charming towns in Costa Brava?
There’s no single answer. Part of Costa Brava’s appeal lies in the variety of its localities.
You’ll find medieval towns surrounded by fields, old fishing villages, small towns facing the Mediterranean, and destinations surrounded by natural areas.
Here are some that are worth including in an itinerary.
Pals: a medieval town a few kilometers from the sea
Pals is one of those places capable of breaking the coastal image many people have of Costa Brava.
Its historic center is made up of narrow streets, arches, stone houses, and architectural elements that preserve the town’s medieval character. Strolling unhurriedly is the best way to discover it.
One of its great attractions is the combination of heritage and the Mediterranean. The historic center is separate from the beach area, allowing you to enjoy two different atmospheres during the same vacation.
It’s also a good starting point for exploring other nearby places like Begur or Peratallada.
Pals is a good option for those who want to combine:
- History and architecture
- Beach
- Gastronomy
- Excursions around Empordà.
- Charming nearby towns.
If you want to spend several days in this area, it’s important to consider accommodation in Pals and use the town as a base to explore other nearby places.
L’Escala: fishing tradition, beaches, and history
L’Escala combines sea, gastronomy, beaches, and history. It is a town deeply connected to the sea and known for its anchovies. Additionally, it has several pleasant beaches and areas for walking along the water. Very close by are Empúries, one of the most interesting historical sites in the area, and also Sant Martí d’Empúries, a small town with a lot of charm. This makes L’Escala a complete option for those who want more than just a beach during their vacation. L’Escala can be a good choice for:- Families.
- Travelers interested in gastronomy.
- People who want to combine beach and history.
- Beachside vacations.
- Excursions to various towns in Costa Brava.
If you want to stay in this area, you can check the accommodation in L’Escala available for different types of trips.
L’Estartit: nature, beach, and Medes Islands
L’Estartit is a good option for those seeking nature, beach, and outdoor activities.
It is located opposite the Medes Islands and very close to the Montgrí massif, making it an ideal destination to combine beach days with excursions and sea-related activities.
Its wide beach also makes it a very comfortable option for families.
Furthermore, its location allows for easy visits to other places in Baix Empordà such as Pals, Begur, or Torroella de Montgrí.
L’Estartit can be a good base if you are looking for:
- Beach.
- Family vacations.
- Nature.
- Water activities.
- Excursions in the area.
- A quiet stay by the sea.
You can check accommodations in L’Estartit if you prefer to stay several days in the same place and take excursions from there.
Begur: history, views, and coves
Begur is another of the most well-known towns in Costa Brava.
Its old quarter has charming streets and is dominated by the remains of its castle, from where you can enjoy great views of the surroundings.
Additionally, its coastal area features some of the most famous coves in Costa Brava, such as Sa Riera, Sa Tuna, and Aiguablava.
Calella de Palafrugell: fishing village atmosphere and small beaches
Calella de Palafrugell is one of the most representative towns of Costa Brava.
Its white houses, small beaches, and streets by the sea create a very pleasant atmosphere for strolling.
Port Bo is one of its most famous spots and one of the most typical images of this area.
It is also a good starting point for a section of the Camino de Ronda (Coastal Path) and to enjoy sea views.
It is an especially interesting option for couples, quiet getaways, and people looking for a more traditional atmosphere.
Cadaqués: white houses and unique landscapes
Cadaqués has a very special personality.
Its white houses, narrow streets, and location surrounded by natural landscape make it one of the most famous towns in Costa Brava.
Very close by is Cap de Creus, so you can combine a visit to the town with an excursion through one of Girona’s most famous natural areas.
Cadaqués is somewhat further away from other areas of Costa Brava, so it’s worth dedicating a full day to it.
Peratallada: one of the most beautiful medieval towns
Peratallada is not by the sea, but it is one of the towns most worth visiting during a Costa Brava vacation.
Its stone streets, squares, and old buildings create a very special medieval atmosphere.
Additionally, it is very close to Pals, making it easy to visit both places on the same day.
It is a good option to add some history and gastronomy to a vacation focused on beach and nature.
Tossa de Mar: walled town by the sea
Tossa de Mar stands out for its old walled quarter, known as Vila Vella.
The walls, old streets, and sea views make it one of the most recognizable towns in Costa Brava.
After exploring the historic part, you can continue the day on the beach or stroll around the surroundings.
It is a destination that perfectly combines history, sea, and a holiday atmosphere.
| Town | Ideal for | Highlights | Experience Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pals | Couples, families, and history lovers | Medieval town and nearby beach | History + beach |
| L’Escala | Families, gastronomy, and history | Beaches, Empúries, and fishing tradition | Sea + culture |
| L’Estartit | Families and nature lovers | Medes Islands, beach, and Montgrí | Sea + nature |
| Begur | Couples and cove lovers | Charming town and coves | Town + beach |
| Calella de Palafrugell | Couples and quiet getaways | White houses and small beaches | Fishing village atmosphere |
| Cadaqués | Photography, nature, and culture | White houses and Cap de Creus | Town + nature |
| Peratallada | History and gastronomy | Stone streets and houses | Medieval |
| Tossa de Mar | Families, beach, and history | Vila Vella and walls | History + beach |
Choosing the right place to stay in Costa Brava can help you make the most of your trip, especially if you want to visit several towns without changing accommodation every day. L’Estartit, L’Escala, and Pals are three good bases to combine beach, nature, history, and excursions to some of the most charming towns in the area.
| Area to Stay | Ideal for | What you can combine | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| L’Estartit | Families, nature, and beach | Pals, Begur, Torroella de Montgrí, and Medes Islands | Good base to combine beach days with excursions around Baix Empordà |
| L’Escala | Families, gastronomy, and history | Empúries, Sant Martí d’Empúries, and nearby towns | Allows combining sea, culture, and getaways without changing accommodation |
| Pals | Couples, families, and quiet getaways | Begur, Peratallada, and Pals beach | Ideal for combining medieval atmosphere, beach, and charming towns |
Itinerary for some of the most charming towns in Costa Brava
If you have several days, it’s best not to try to see everything at once.
A simple itinerary could be this:
Day 1: Pals and Peratallada
Dedicate the morning to exploring Pals and then continue to Peratallada.
Day 2: Begur and its coves
Stroll through Begur and set aside part of the day to visit some of its coves.
Day 3: L’Estartit
Enjoy the beach, the views towards the Medes Islands, and some outdoor activity.
Day 4: L’Escala, Empúries, and Sant Martí d’Empúries
Combine beach, history, and a stroll through one of the most interesting areas nearby.
Day 5: Calella de Palafrugell
Dedicate a more relaxed day to walking by the sea and exploring its small beaches.
If you have more time, you can extend the route to Cadaqués or Tossa de Mar.
Tips for visiting the towns of Costa Brava
Good planning can help you enjoy your trip much more.
In summer and other high-demand periods, it’s advisable to book accommodation in advance.
It’s also better to avoid overly packed schedules. Trying to visit too many towns in a single day can lead to spending more time driving than enjoying the trip.
A good idea is to combine a main town with an additional activity each day.
For example, you can visit Pals in the morning and spend the afternoon at the beach, or explore L’Escala and then visit Empúries.
If you’re driving, check where you can park beforehand, especially in towns with narrow streets or old quarters.
And leave some free time for spontaneity. Often, the best moments come from discovering a cove, a viewpoint, or a small town that wasn’t in the plan.
Frequently Asked Questions about Charming Towns in Costa Brava
Which are the most charming towns in Costa Brava?
Pals, Cadaqués, Begur, Calella de Palafrugell, L’Escala, L’Estartit, Peratallada, and Tossa de Mar are some of the towns most worth visiting. Each stands out for something different, from beaches and coves to history, nature, or a fishing village atmosphere.
Which towns in Costa Brava are worth visiting?
If it’s your first visit, try to combine several types of destinations. You can explore Pals or Peratallada to enjoy medieval towns, L’Escala or Calella de Palafrugell to experience the seaside atmosphere, and L’Estartit to combine beach and nature.
Which charming towns in Costa Brava are close to each other?
Pals, Begur, and Peratallada are relatively close and can be easily combined during a vacation in Baix Empordà. L’Estartit is also well-located for visiting this area, while L’Escala allows you to explore Empúries and Sant Martí d’Empúries.
Which is the best town in Costa Brava to go with children?
L’Estartit and L’Escala are two good options for families because they have beaches, activities, and several excursion possibilities. Pals can also be a good alternative if you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere.
Which are the most charming medieval towns in Costa Brava?
Pals and Peratallada are two of the most famous medieval towns in Empordà. Both preserve stone streets, old houses, and a lot of charm, and they are also close to each other.
Where to stay to explore several towns in Costa Brava?
L’Estartit, L’Escala, and Pals are three good bases for exploring different areas of Costa Brava. You can choose accommodations in L’Estartit if you prioritize beach and nature, accommodation in L’Escala if you’re looking for sea, gastronomy, and history, or accommodations in Pals if you prefer to combine a medieval atmosphere and the beach.
