5 landscapes that should be seen and experienced on the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is synonymous with luxury, gastronomy, charming villages, etc. Above all, it is famous for its spectacular Mediterranean landscapes. For an unforgettable memory, don´t just look at these landscapes, experience them.

Below, we suggest 5 essential retreats and 5 ways of discovering them.

Morning swim at Aiguablava

The Aiguablava cove is one of the most famous on the Costa Brava, its transparent waters stretch out in a palette of blues, changing with the light and depth all the way to the neighbouring Malaret cove. The Hotel Aigua Blava y el Parador de Aiguablava are on both sides of this unique place.

Our suggestion? Get up at dawn and swim from the Malaret cove to the Aiguablava cove. There is nothing like an invigorating swim when the world is still peaceful and the sea seems brand new, ready just for you.

The crossing takes around 25 minutes, after resting for a while we can swim back or walk along the path that joins the two coves. It is essential to get your strength back with a fantastic breakfast at our hotel, with views of the route we have just taken.

If you like the idea but are not fit enough, you can do it on a paddle surf, which is an option you will also love.

L’Empordanet by bike

All the essence of the Empordan landscape is found in l’Empordanet, the Catalan Tuscany, with its fields of crops, mediaeval villages, vineyards and hills with the sea in the background; a territory that seems designed for travelling by bike.

The Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa vouches that cycling is one of the most sought-after experiences, and although the network of paths is extensive and well signposted, we recommend choosing a guided route, not because of a risk of getting lost but for the pleasure of being accompanied by an expert who can interpret everything we see.

We propose an itinerary that leaves from Torrent and passes through Pals, Palau Sator, Peratallada and Sant Feliu de Boada, and which is suitable for everyone. In a little more than 20 kilometres, we see four of the most significant mediaeval villages in the area, which we will reach along rural paths.

Although the route is done in less than two hours, it is essential to do it with plenty of time and to stop along the way to enjoy the surroundings and the peace at the heart of the Empordà region.

Hiking and vias ferratas at Cadiretes

In our selection of landscapes to experience the proposal from Hotel Mas Tapiolas Country Lodge can’t be missed. Located in the Solius valley, it enjoys the privilege of being one of the departure points to visit the spectacular Carcaixells d’en Dalmau.

We are not surprised that it is one of its strengths: these granitic formations of steep bare slopes form a backbone that emerges from the Mediterranean wood and forms one of the most spectacular and unknown landscapes in the Empordà region.

The path that follows the ridge has various via ferratas of moderate difficulty, which are not suitable for people with vertigo, but they offer spectacular views of the Pyrenees, l’Ardenya, Les Gavarres and the Costa Brava.

The full, 12-kilometre route reaches the top of Montclar, which is the highest point of l’Ardenya and a de luxe viewing point.

We highly recommend doing it with a guide so as not to miss any of the surprises hidden along the route, which includes from a menhir to a cave and a chapel.

The Cap de Creus under the sea

It is the mostly recently created natural park on the Costa Brava, which can boast extensive protected maritime and land areas throughout its territory.

The landscape of steep coves, sharp rocks and vegetation adapted to extremely harsh conditions is and has been a setting that has captivated writers and painters, including the most universal Empordàn people such as Pla or Dalí.

Although typically visited on foot or by boat, the Hotel Spa Terraza in Roses propose going further and visiting it under the sea, as its spectacular seabed is a special object of protection of the park.

We particularly recommend discovering the seabed of the Gat of Cap Norfeu, a star dive for all levels where you will find incredible submarine life. From gorgonian corals to groupers, an emblem of the Costa Brava.

Music in the botanical gardens

Are our proposals too energetic? Are you looking for more relaxed experiences? The Costa Brava has various botanical gardens of great renown, which we can experience differently in the summer.

The Hotel Rigat Park & Spa in Lloret suggests discovering the gardens of Santa Clotilde – a veritable romantic garden located on a spectacular cliff over the sea, which combines pine trees, linden trees, poplars and cypresses with fountains, steps and sculptural elements, always with the sea in the background – and making your visit coincide with the music festival that is held every summer.

If you like the idea and want to do it again, the Cap Roig festival is also held in the summer in the gardens of the same name, with internationally renowned artists and unbeatable surroundings.