The Costa Brava is a top tourist area which lies in the northeast of mainland Spain. Part of the province of Girona, the Costa Brava attracts more yearly visitors than most areas of this country. Girona, Lleida, Tarragona and Barcelona form the second largest of the Spanish regions, Catalonia.
The beautiful coastline here stretches from Blanes in the south, northwards to the French border. Further to the south is the Costa Dorada or the “Golden Coast”.
The literal translation for this Spanish Costa is “Rugged Coast”. A reference to the rugged landscape that runs parallel to the Mediterranean Sea.
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Costa Brava Map & Resorts
This map includes all the popular holiday destinations. You can also see more maps for Spain here which provides alot more detail.
The Costa Brava is well known for several top tourist destination. These include Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar and the town of Blanes. Much of this area once relied on fishing as it’s primary source of income. This changed in the 1950’s and the beginning of the tourism boom. The Costa Brava was one of the first Spanish Costas to begin mass development. It’s since transformed itself into one of the top tourism destinations in Europe.
Blanes
Blanes lies 60 kilometres north of Barcelona. This town is the southernmost point of the Costa Brava. The history of Blanes can be traced back to before the Romans to around the 3rd Century BC.
Mountains overlook the beautiful beaches of Blanes. This is where you wil find the famous Sa Palomera Rock (picture above). This popular town is also well known for one of the biggest firework displays in Europe. Also the feast of Santa Anna and Sant Joaquim. These events take place on the last full week of July and can attract up to 500,000 visitors.
Tossa de Mar On The Costa Brava
Tossa de Mar is a pretty coastal resort in northeastern Spain. This popular town lies between the French border and the major city of Barcelona.
This Spanish Costa is the Costa Brava or “Brave Coast” in English. Home to some of the top holiday destinations in northern Spain.
Tossa de Mar lies 12 km north of the vibrant Lloret de Mar resort. This is where many head for the extended nightlife on offer. The coastline and bay of Tossa de Mar stretches for 14 km with a series of beautiful beaches and coves.
This beautiful town is rich in history and culture. This is the only example of a fortified walled-in medieval town in the whole of Catalonia.
Tossa de Mar is full of attractions, historic landmarks and plenty of things to do during your visit. Below we provide more information about the beaches, castle and old town. We also cover some of the other top attractions you should check out.
Beaches & Coves
There are 15 beaches and coves along the 14 km coastline of Tossa de Mar.The 3 main beaches in the town itself are Platja Gran, Platja del Reig and Platja de la Mar Menuda. Platja Gran (big beach) is the biggest as the name implies with a length of 380 metres and a width of 60 metres.
The medieval castle and walled old town lie to the east of this beach. Although the biggest beach, Platja Gran does not tend to get as busy as you may expect. This is due to gritty composition of the beach.
The landscapes here are the most photographed of the Costa Brava coastline such is their beauty,
The second beach of this town is Platja de la Mar Menuda (beach of less sea). This beach has shallow calm waters ideal for children. Both beaches are Blue Flag Certified and continue to attract plenty of visitors.
Platja del Reig is a tiny beach which is little more than a cove. This depends on whether the sea has washed the sand away or not.
There are many more beaches and coves to explore here. one of the official tourism websites has an excellent beaches map. A good resource if would like to know more about the beaches here.
Tossa de Mar Medieval Castle – Vila Vella
Villa Vella is the only fortified example of medieval Catalonia on the Costa Brava or northeastern coastline. Built in the late 14th century, these landmarks bear a resemblance to the Peñiscola Castle and town. Peñiscola lies to the south on the Costa del Azahar and is also known as the “City in the Sea”.
Despite the age of the castle, most of the original features still exist. These include the turrets, cylindrical towers and outer walls which remain intact. Taking a stroll to the top of the castle may seem like a bit of a slog. You are rewarded with some amazing views of Catalonia and the Mediterranean Sea.
Another bonus if you trek to the top is the unexpected tapas bar serving snacks and refreshments. This is an especially welcome sight on hot days.
The beautiful old town is a pleasure to visit as you pass through narrow cobblestone streets. These streets are full of old churches and buildings all dating back hundreds of years.
Hiking & Mountain Bike Trails
Among the top things to do in Tossa de Mar are walking, hiking and mountain biking. Many trails exist in the hills above the beaches and coves. There are 5 walking trails in total, all offer spectacular views of the Sea and the coastal areas below. The walking trails will take you through popular areas such as Cala Pola, Es Codolar and Sant Grau.
There are 3 mountain bike trails of varying distance and difficulty. These take you up into the mountains and through beautiful lush green countryside.
Puig de Cadiretes is route 1 with a distance of close to 11 km. This route has some steep slopes to negotiate which can be dangerous when you descend.
Les Planes de n’Aromir is not as demanding as route 1 and mainly on the flat with some ascending and descending. The distance is much longer at close to 15 kilometres but the ride is enjoyable.
Aiguafina is the longest route at 18.5 kilometres but the ride is not as challenging as it the other routes.
Map of Tossa de Mar
Click for large Google map of Tossa de Mar.
Lloret de Mar: The Top Beach Resort & Town On The Costa Brava
Lloret de Mar attracts millions of visitors each summer for it’s package holidays. In fact, this town was one of the very first in the country to offer these low cost holidays.
Lloret de Mar is a popular coastal town and tourist resort located on the Costa Brava. This Spanish Costa lies on the northeastern Mediterranean coastline.
This magical location is best known for it’s beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. here you are also spoiled for choice with the many attractions and things to do on offer.
Lloret de Mar is full of hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and interesting attractions. If you manage to run out of things to do here, the city of Barcelona is 75 km to the south. The city of Girona is some 45 kilometres to the north.
There are two other popular towns close by also. The town of Blanes lies to the south, with Tossa del Mar to the north. According to official figures, Lloret de Mar is the 5th most visited location in Spain.
There are so many top attractions and interesting things to do in Lloret to Mar to keep you occupied during your visit, below we provide a little information about some of the most popular. You can also check out some more of the popular activities on this tourist information website.
Visit The Fabulous Beaches
Lloret de Mar is particularly famous for it’s superb Blue Flag beaches. In total there are over ten beaches and smaller coves to choose from. The main beach is over 1600 metres and has a beautiful promenade running alongside. The promenade is ideal to for a stroll and taking in the local surroundings.
Other beaches here include Fenals, Sa Coleta, Cala Boadella and Santa Cristina beach. Canyelles beach, Treumal beach and Cala Banys are also worth checking out.
Santa Clotilde Garden
Santa Clotilde Gardens are the top attraction in Lloret de Mar. These beautiful gardens offer views of the Sea while you admire the trees and flowers. The vast array of colours on display here is truly breathtaking . This majestic example of landscape gardening is actually built on top of a cliff.
The gardens were designed in the style of Italian Renaissance by Nicolau Rubió i Tuduri when he was 28 years of age. Most of the visitors here speak of their experience as peaceful and tranquil. a relaxing walk here is especially encouraged. There is a small 5€ charge to enter Santa Clotilde Gardens and enjoy the spectacular scenery on offer. You can also pay around 10 € for the garden tours bus.
Amazing Nightlife
Despite all the natural beauty on offer here, this popular town comes alive at night. The Lloret de Mar Nightlife is one of the most vibrant one the eastern coastline of Spain. There are tons of bars, restaurants and clubs for revellers to enjoy themselves.
The strips are where most of the action takes place. These ares tend to attract quite a lot of youngsters to it’s establishments. El Pub, Bar Room and Disco Colossos (picture below) are among the hot spots to enjoy an evening out. The Queen Vic is one of the better sports bars around if you want to catch up with the latest sports.
Map of Lloret de Mar
Please click the image below for a full size Map of Lloret de Mar and some of the local attractions.
Sant Roma Parish Church
Another top attraction located the centre of Lloret de Mar is the Sant Roma Parish Church. The church showcases some of the finest architecture both inside and out. This amazing building offers another peaceful and relaxing experience. Sant Roma Church is particularly striking due to interesting mix of colours used. Night time sees the church illuminated. This only adds to the beauty of the spectacular architecture. This beautiful church contains one of the oldest organs in the whole or Europe.