Top towns and villages in Costa Brava

From buzzing Barcelona to sleepy mountain villages, you won’t be short of ideas for your itinerary. Here are just a few places to get you started:  

Barcelona – the high-vibe Catalan capital combines history, architecture, and culture with busy beaches and bustling bars. Its major airport and rail links make it ideal for a weekend break or as a pitstop before continuing further afield. 

Barcelone

Tarragona – many vestiges of this ancient Roman city still remain, including a relatively intact amphitheatre that looks out over the sea, a delightful old town with narrow winding streets and squares, and a beautiful Gothic cathedral. It also has long stretches of sandy beach. 

Tarragone

Girona – the Onyar river runs through the town, with both sides flanked by colourful facades and connected by various bridges including an iconic red lattice work bridge and a traditional old stone bridge. Big enough to bustle but small enough to find your way around easily, make sure you visit the cathedral, walk along the ramparts and sup a sangria under the arcades. 

Gerone

Cadaqués – a picture-perfect harbour town that so inspired Salvador Dali that he set up home here. Azure-blue skies, whitewashed houses and fishing boats that bob on sparkling waters give the town a decidedly Mediterranean feel, and you can choose from soaking up the sun on fabulous beaches or walking around the dramatic rocky headland to Portlligat. 

cadaques

Begur and Palafrugell – these neighbouring towns lie south of Cadaqués. Begur is a pretty hilltop village slightly off the coast road which has a mediaeval castle, vibrant old town and spectacular views. Just down the road, the harbour town of Calella de Palafrugell has long sandy beaches, whitewashed houses and terracotta tiles. The coastline between the two is dotted with romantic coves, rocky creeks and clear waters, perfect for escaping the throngs on the beaches in more touristy areas. 

Begur pallafrugel

Pubol – another beautiful medieval village and another strong link to Salvador Dalí – his castle is the main attraction here and houses a collection of his wife’s glamourous dresses. 

dali

Peratallada – head inland to discover what is rightly reputed as being one of the most beautiful villages in the region. Its cobbled streets, honey-coloured stone buildings, fortress castle and flower-decked walls ooze all the charm of centuries past. 

Peratallada

Repères

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  • Krugen

    Krugen

    Seafront villa. Seaside atmosphere and area characterise this seafront property. Whether it is through the living room's picture windows, from the guestrooms or even the terrace on the garden side, you will always see the ocean.

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  • Le Domaine du Moulin

    Le Domaine du Moulin

    Refined manor with lots of character and sea view for rent. From its promontory in the middle of an area of two hectares, the Domaine du Moulin overlooks this legendary coast where earth and sea are melting into each other.

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  • Greens and Golf

    Greens and Golf

    High-end villa to rent with a heated pool. With its back to the hill, Greens and Golf offers a magnificent view of the peaceful Pays d'Auge countryside with marshlands and meadows stretching as far as the eye can see. Renovated in the style of Normandy timbered houses, this superbly decorated villa enjoys a spacious yet cosy living room and a majestic fireplace.

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  • La Villa sur l Ocean

    La Villa sur l Ocean

    La Villa sur l'Océan is situated in an outstanding location between Finistere and Cote d'Armor. This holiday villa for rent in Brittany is nestled in the moorlands on a headland near the ocean and the beaches and just a stone's throw from a charming little village.

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  • Sweet Normandy

    Sweet Normandy

    This elegant villa in Normandy is packed with French style and charm. Set amid forests and meadows with long sandy beaches close by, it’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Stay in and relax with friends in a cosy atmosphere or head out for fresh air and uplifting coastal walks.

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