The Costa Brava region of Spain is a popular tourist destination known for its excellent summer climate, pristine beaches, and natural beauty.  The coastline is characterized by steep, rocky terrain – the name Costa Brava translates as “rugged coast” – and spans a portion of the coast of northeastern Spain in the province of Girona.

The area was recognized as a tourist destination in the 1960s. Some of the most famous resorts include Blanes, Tossa de Mar, and Lloret de Mar.  Each resort offers a number of daytime activities, from relaxing at the beach to more strenuous hikes, boat outings, sports, biking, and horse riding, as well as excellent nightlife for those interested in dancing and clubbing.  The scenic area has also been featured in a number of films, and is the vacation spot of choice for a number of celebrities, lending the region a glamorous image. 

The towns of Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar, separated by a mere few miles, are home to some of the regions most scenic coves. 

Tossa de Mar is a town of rustic ambience and cultural interest.  Its Old Town is bordered by walls and towers that date back to the 12^th century, and much of its medieval architecture is well preserved.  With an active art scene in the 1930s, the town continues to emphasize its artistic heritage with excellent exhibitions in its galleries and Municipal Museum. 

Lloret de Mar tourist resort boasts such renowned attractions as the Santa Clotilde gardens, the ruins of the Puig Castellet Iberian settlement, and the 11^th-century Sant Quirze hermitage.  The Santa Clotilde gardens are definitely a highlight, situated on top of a cliff overlooking the sea.

A number of festivals celebrating music, food, and culture attract visitors to the Costa Brava.  While just about every town has its own festival, here is a list of some of the best:  the Dansa de la Mort, or Dance of Death, with dancers wearing skeleton outfits parading in the streets (Verges, Maundy Thursday), Peralada Castle music festival held in the gardens of the historic castle compound (Peralada, late July – mid-August), the floral carpet festival in Arbúcies (summer), La Plantada de l’Arbre, the Planting of the Tree, festival and celebration (Cornella del Terri, May)

The food of Costa Brava highlights the abundance of seafood that thrives in the waters off the coast, with over 2,500 restaurants in Girona offering the finest Spanish cuisine. Wines of the area have, since the 1990s, been lauded as some of the best in the world and awarded high scores from international critics. 

Costa Brava is home to three Natural Parks – Natural Park of Cap de Creus, Aiguamolls de l’Emporda, and Montseny Natural Park.  In fact, a third of the total area of Girona are protected areas based on natural interest. 

Come and visit the Costa Brava! Stay at the Medplaya Hotels and have a fun-filled holiday:

Tossa de Mar – Hotel Esmeraldas** & Hotel San Eloy**  

Platja D’Aro – Hotel Monterrey***