7 charming villages in Costa Brava that are worth visiting!

Costa Brava is characterised by its impressive cliffs, golden beaches and coves, and typical Mediterranean landscapes. But the Costa Brava is much more than that. It has beautiful villages with narrow medieval streets, each with a fascinating history. Salvador Dalí, of course, left a legacy of discoveries that can be explored one by one. Each village has its authentic charm and invites you to take your time.

The best way to discover the charming villages in Costa Brava is to drive at your own pace from place to place, stopping wherever your attention is drawn. If you are travelling from north to south, I recommend these charming villages in Costa Brava, although the list could go on.

Peratallada 

A village that feels hidden but is a gem to discover. A beautiful old town with picturesque streets surrounded by charming houses. Peratallada is located in the province of Girona in the Catalonia region of Spain. This lovely village is carved from the stone of the moat that surrounds Peratallada. The name literally means ‘carved stone’. It boasts a labyrinth of narrow streets and sunny squares where you can order a delicious Aperol Spritz with your loved one and then decide where you want to dine that evening.

What makes this town such a popular must-see place? In Peratallada, there are many galleries, restaurants, and small hotels, and the proximity to the beaches of the Costa Brava makes it a special place and a good base for exploring the Baix Empordà region. The selection of restaurants makes it a great place to come in the evening and dine ‘al fresco’ on one of the picturesque squares or charming streets.

This town has such charm that you must add it to your to-go list!

Restaurant recommendation: Leixada

Monells

This beautiful village has the character of Peratallada, but offers a completely different experience. It is a smaller village near La Bisbal d’Empordà. Its medieval background is also evident in its squares, streets and buildings. Walking through the village, you will be reminded of the Romanesque period by the remains found in the towers and the castle. This is why it has become very popular for filming and earns a place in our charming villages in Costa Brava list. If you come to visit Monells, you are guaranteed to enjoy the peace and quiet of this small, authentic town.

Restaurant recommendation: Monki in Monells

Pals

The town of Pals, located in the Baix Empordà region, is considered one of the most beautiful and charming villages in Costa Brava (Girona, Catalonia). Pals will undoubtedly be more familiar to the Dutch. It is also a popular tourist destination. Situated on a hill, it was built around a fortress and has preserved its beautiful medieval spirit, so a visit to Pals today is like a journey back in time.

Various gastronomic and cultural events are organized throughout the year, and the surroundings are impressive. Although it has no monuments or museums of great renown, the beautiful streets, walls and Gothic buildings are more than worth a visit. Let yourself be surprised by the romantic character of Pals. The lights in the evenings and the bustle of the terraces add to the summer atmosphere.

An important difference to the above villages is that Pals has a beach nearby.

Restaurant recommendation: La Grava Pals

Begur

The impressive coves and cliffs of the town of Begur, in the heart of the Baix Empordà, are a place that constantly attracts attention. It is a popular place which has so much to offer. Here you will find all you could wish for when holidaying. Beautiful crystal clear coves, first class restaurants and a place where you can walk around freely in the evenings. Coves such as Sa Riera and Sa Tuna reflect the typical feeling you see on all those idyllic postcards, with houses and boats of different colours. Begur is a place to relax and where the most important decision of the day is the choice of restaurant.

Aiguablava is one of the most beautiful coves on the Costa Brava because of its blue waters, but the famous Toc al Mar restaurant, famous for its rice and fish, makes a whole day on the coast a real pleasure. A great place for lunch!

No plans for dinner yet? After a dip in the sea, I recommend a visit to the Cap Sa Sal restaurant. This restaurant is, in a word, fantastic! The best place to enjoy the view with a blissful feeling from the warm sun, accompanied by some good dishes and a tasty cocktail to finish.

Restaurant recommendation: Cap Sa Sal Begur

Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar, is known for its dream castle overlooking the calm and transparent waters of a spectacular beach. It is also an authentic and beautiful old town with a stunning bay. Take a stroll through the narrow streets decorated with hanging flowers and find your lunch spot. There is plenty to do here. Along the Spanish coast, most people still expect tall, uninviting apartment buildings/hotels. Of course, they are still there, it’s not like they’ve suddenly disappeared, but that’s why it’s so nice to keep discovering places like this. Tossa de Mar, for example, is quite different, with highlights like the “Vila Vella”. This is the old town of Tossa de Mar. Wander through the old, beautiful streets, step into a shop or take a photo of another beautiful view. Speaking of views… At the top of the hill, there’s a very nice place, Mare Meva Tossa, where you can enjoy your ‘cerveza’ with an amazing view. I recommend staying a little longer and waiting until after sunset, as the castle is beautifully lit in the evening, creating the ultimate holiday atmosphere.

Perfect place for drinks & tapas: Mare Meva Tossa

Restaurant recommendation: Can Sophia in Hotel Granados

Peralada 

To the north-east of Figueres lies the small medieval town of Peralada, in the heart of a region dedicated to winemaking. A top spot for our wine lovers! This is a beautiful place to visit, especially in the evening. The castle is illuminated, creating a stunning effect. Here you’ll also find delightful top quality restaurants and delicious Catalan-style tapas bars. The castle (14th century) is the symbol of the town and is the former palace of the Counts of Peralada. What’s a favourite here? The wine tastings. Honestly, I would have liked to recommend a restaurant here, but I need to immerse myself in the area first. More on that later!

Sant Martí d’Empúries

A lovely village to stroll around after a long day on the beach or if you fancy a drink in the evening sun. This village has a lovely square surrounded by terraces where you can eat if you want to get out of the sun. Ideal for terrace lovers. Murmurs, the smell of tapas and the clinking of glasses. That’s what you can expect in this place in the evening. It is also a great place for people-watching. After all, we’re all secretly good at it, aren’t we? ;-). This place isn’t big, but it’s worth wandering around. The buildings are so charming and nice to see, especially with the sea just 100m away.

Restaurant recommendation: LESCULAPI

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