Picture this. Sitting under the safety of an outstretched umbrella whilst the sun glistens over the crystal clear waters of a private pool. A gentle breeze caresses your skin whilst you lay on a sun lounger sipping a cocktail or mocktail. Friends / children gently nattering, laughing and having a wonderful time not a care in the world.
Sounds great doesn’t it!
Guide To Visiting Costa Brava
I love Spain. I used to travel there regularly as a child. My Father owned a travel agency so Spain was always one of our main holiday destinations as his company provided villas to rent in Costa Brava as well as other areas of Spain and Portugal. Since then I have travelled a little further afield to locations such as Florida, Mexico, Cyprus, The Dominican Republic and other wonderful destinations but the places that have forged a place in my heart the most are those that I grew up visiting with the lovely warm weather over the summer and mild winters, Mediterranean hospitality, fabulously fresh food and beautiful scenery. It’s the perfect place to visit all year round and the added bonus is it isn’t far from the UK.
Costa Brava in Spain boasts numerous beautiful towns, some of the best blue flag beaches in Europe and a large concentration of Michelin-starred chefs so of course it’s a foodies paradise.
Hiring A Villa
Most often on our trips to Spain we would stay in villas. It was fantastic and gives your holiday a far more luxurious feel than a hotel. It’s great to be able to be able to have that extra privacy. It’s so much more relaxed as you don’t need to worry about what you wear in the villa or around the pool. In addition you don’t need to concern yourself about children other than your own (if you take them) splashing round at the pool side and playing loudly.
In comparison to staying in a hotel, staying in a villa can be much more comfortable. Not only due to the privacy aspect but also as they are far more spacious. You have good size room(s), bathroom(s), a living area, a kitchen, in some cases games rooms and a private pool.
Keeping Costs Down
Should you choose to keep costs down whilst there you can buy in items from local supermarkets and cook for yourselves, why not, you’ll have your own kitchen. It really adds to your sense of freedom being able to just reach into a fridge and grab food or drinks of your choosing as and when you like.
Talking about keeping costs down hiring a villa can actually work out cheaper, even a luxury villa. This will of course depend on its size and how many it sleeps plus how many people you go with. When we travelled we would often go with cousins and their parents. It made it that much more enjoyable as we had other children to play with. Of course on the flip side it was also nicer for the adults having their friends too.
Costa Brava has some gorgeous areas where you can find the most amazing luxury villas. Whether you go with your family or a group of families or friends you are bound to have a wonderful time. I hope to go back soon with my family and friends and hire a luxury villa with an infinity pool – they looks so amazing don’t they!
Some villas can be located in areas where the views can be simply stunning. Views across beaches or gorgeous greenery can really help relax our minds and take us to a world so far away from our normally and often hectic lives.
Eating Out
As well as eating in you should try and sample some of the local cuisine. You will discover some exciting new flavours.
There are numerous great restaurants dotted around Costa Brava including:
Casa Anita where you’ll be seated at long tables with other dinners to help spark conversation. There isn’t a menu at this family owned restaurant, instead your waiter will reel off a list of the available dishes. Here you can enjoy all sorts of traditional dishes including paella, black rice with langoustines, fresh grilled fish and numerous other speciality dishes. A word of advice, make sure you book in advance the food is very good here and it gets busy.
Pa I Raim
A mix of traditional and modern flavours and a popular restaurant with locals and tourists alike. It is well priced, the menu is varied and the food here is very good. Again booking is advised to make sure you get to dine on a variety of dishes with fresh fish, meat, vegetarian and vegan options.
Vadevins Girona
Not only can you get some great tapas here the prices are extremely reasonable. The atmosphere is relaxed, the food quality is good and this is backed up by the number of locals that frequent it. You’ve heard me say it before, look out for places the locals go to and you’ll find some real gems. This is a tapas bar rather than a restaurant so order small plates and get a variety of items to enjoy with a cool refreshing drink.
La Lluna (Tossa de Mar)
With a great location and an extensive range of tapas to enjoy this is a fantastic choice and has many guests returning numerous times during their visits to the area. The restaurant itself is located within the medieval town of Tossa De Mer mentioned below. The surroundings are pretty, the staff are friendly and the food good, what’s not to like.
The list of good restaurants is endless which really is wonderful as you have your pick of some really lovely places from more traditional, modern and a variety of different cuisines if you fancy something different.
There are also plenty of things to do and see in Costa Brava.
Places To Visit
Tossa de Mar
For those that want to visit a lovely beach and also take in a bit of history you can have it all at this fantastic location. Explore nearby caves, relax on the beach, travel back in time as you walk along the cobbled paths. There is an open air museum when you will see prehistoric, Roman and medieval remains. The views from the wall are breathtaking. Located nearby is a Moorish Tower. You’ll need to venture up a steep hill to get there – not for those with poor mobility, but the view of Tossa from there is worth the effort.
Sa Riera Park (Tossa de Mar)
This is close to the town centre and spans 12355 hectares . Here you will discover a large range of flora and fauna. There are numerous play areas for children if required. Relax and t ake in the beauty of the lush green surroundings as you stroll through the park.
WaterWorld / Aquabrava Waterpark
With two water parks in Costa Brava you are spoilt for choice. Both are popular and with ensure a fun day out. Bring a packed lunch or dine there but don’t forget your swim suits and factor 50! The rides vary so young and young at heart are guaranteed to have a fun day out. With any luck any kids you may have with you will be snooring on the journey home.
Ambre Adventure Park (Lloret de Mar)
Want a bit of action over your break then why not go paintballing – at Ambre Adveture Park. Also on their list of activities is Bubble Football which looks like it could be hilarious and Yellow Humor which involves dressing up in those large inflatable sumo type suits. The activities are for children and or adults and would be something different to consider for a hen or stag party or team building.
Gnomo Park (Lloret de Mar)
For families this is a great place to visit and is guaranteed to get little ones asleep early so you can have a peaceful, relaxed evening lounging around the villa sipping wine, mocktails or cocktails. The park caters for both under and over 12’s and can be an exciting, fun packed day out full of adventure. Ball pools, obstacle courses, soft paintball, craft rooms and much more await.
Girona
This picture perfect town is ideal to wander around. Take in the gorgeous pastels of the buildings, go visit the Arab baths which date back to the 11th century, see the Salvador Dali Museum or the Pujada de la Catedral outside of which a scene from Game of Thrones Season six was filmed.
There is so much more to see and do so whether you want a relaxing or a more involved holiday full of history Costa Brava will have just what you are looking for.
Have you visited Costa Brava before? If so did you have any suggestions of places to visit?
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I had no idea that your dad owned a travel agency but that must have been so good travelling a lot as a kid. And Costa Brava sounds perfect, especially as I have never been to Spain before! Can you believe it? Clearly I am missing out!
It’s such a wonderful place to visit. I am sure you would have an amazing time there.
I loved visiting the Costa Brava as a child as my dad had a villa there, its a lovely part of Spain. I want to go again and have a private villa. They sound perfect for my family.
That must have been great fun. I hope you get to go again.
I’m looking forward to visit next year with the family, looks like so much fun and lots of good food!
Have a lovely trip Amalia x
I love reading this. Thank you so much for your guide. These pics are just amazing. Costa Brava sounds like a good holiday destination.
It sure is, for families as well as groups of friends .
Costa Brava is such a beautiful place and it would be nice to stay here for more than a couple of days so you can maximize your stay and explore as much as you can. I love the recommendations and suggestions that you shared, thank you!
I’m glad you liked the post. There is a lot to do there and it’s a great holiday location.
I used to love visiting the Costa Brava as a child – it’s great to have a villa and be able to relax and eat outside. Sounds like you had a fab time x
I haven’t been to Costa Brava before but looking at all these pictures and reading the post would love to some day. It looks like a really fun and beautiful place to check out. <3
This place looks so aesthetic and so Tumblr! I’d love to visit Costa brava with my best friend. It’s since ever we have gone on a vacay together.
Sounds like a plan. I hope you get to go together.
So I think it’s time for me to visit Costa Brava ! It sounds lovely.
It’s really lovely there. A great place to visit.
I have great memories of visiting the Costa Brava as a kid. These photos REALLY take me back!
The pictures and detail about Costa Brava in this post are awesome! That villa looks incredible! I want to go there right now please!!
I’ve never been to Costa Brava but we are currently looking into different options for this summer so perhaps I’ll check out a villa there!
Private pool and cocktails? Yes please! I haven’t been to Spain in ages. Maybe it’s time to go back!
I am totally with you. It would make for a wonderful relaxing break.
Oo it looks like such a beautiful place to go on holiday! We like to hire a villa when on holiday, as it’s so much more practical with young children 🙂
This definitely makes me wanderlust Melanie – and what beautiful villas!
Wow, Costa Brava looks like a really amazing place to relax and enjoy some sunshine. I’ll have to put this on my travel bucket list for sure.
I love the photography. it captures the colourful, beautiful landscapes and mesmerising Costa Brava 🙂 The thought of having a villa to stay in sounds so much better than a hotel.
It really is so much nicer to stay in a villa.
Awesome! This looks like a super place to visit! I love that you can hire a private villa with great amenities and views. Perfect for a summer getaway.
It is a great idea for lovely holiday and time of year.
Costa Brava looks like a nice place to visit with your family. The place are so beautiful and it looks so very relaxing and I am sure kids will definitely not forget their pretty experience in this place.
I am sure my little ones would have the most amazing time in Costa Brava. It’s great that there is so much there to do and see.
It’s always fun to visit beach place costa brava seems an amazing place to visit. Lovely pictures. I would love to explore the place soon. Hiring a villa sounds like a great idea 🙂
There is so much to see there. I totally agree it’s nice to have that bit of privacy and luxury on holiday.
Costa Brava looks like an incredible place to visit. There is so much colour, culture and exploration to see.
It really is a beautiful place. Perfect for a summer holiday, or any time of year in fact x
I’ve only been to the Costa Brava once but would love to go again. And we follow the “go where the locals go” rule too. The food is always amazing and cheap too!
Glad to hear it. The food there is wonderful we should all visit more often and take advantage.
This guide looks very good! Now I have another traveling option. We love beaches so I’m sure we could have fun in here!
The beaches there are amazing. I would definitely recommend a trip there.
This is such a lovely place. I’m love chilling in the beach so this is definitely one good place to visit.
Thank you for sharing this! Spain is a beautiful country with a very rich and diverse history. Usually, I travel and stay at hotels. But, with the advent of Airbnb, I’ve been more open to staying in private residences and villas. The villas in these pics look amazing. I definitely wouldn’t mind staying there. And since I like to explore the locale where I’m staying I really appreciated your suggestions.
Glad you found the post useful. It’s amazing to see some of the beautiful places you could stay at.
It’s a place I would love to take my family as it’s a short journey from the UK. Such a fab guide. Will keep it in mind if we go.
It’s a great family holiday location 🙂
well that’s gonna be lovely place to solo travel. It would be a great experience to feel lost at Costa Brava
Looks just too good to be true and lucky you you could experience it! Keep sharing great work!
Thanks Kate. Its great to be able to travel.
We travel loads but I have never been to the Costa Brava and it looks amazing, such great villas and places to stay as well as beautiful beaches and food! Going to check it out for sure
Laura x
It’s a lovely place to stay. The villas are wonderful and the beaches are amazing!
Heaven on Earth! I can’t believe how beautiful some of the world is and it makes me so sad I may never get to see all of it beautifulness!
There are so many great places to visit – I totally agree. Hope you get to visit Costa Brava some time soon x
You make me want to visit Europe again! I have visited quite a couple of European countries but I’ve never been to spain. It looks like the ideal place for a summer vacation. Thanks a lot for sharing!
No problem. It’s a lovely place to visit I do hope you go sometime x
You’ve really sold Costa Brava to us and the Adventure Park sounds amazing! We’d love to stay in a villa too x
It is a really lovely place to visit. You won’t be disappointed x
We haven’t made it to the Costa Brava yet but I want to, as we do love Spain. I would love to try a villa holiday too, I had avoided it before as I felt the kids were too young but I think it would work well now. Mich x
It’s great fun. i am sure you’ll have a wonderful holiday x
What a stunning place and so much to do and places to eat!
My dad used to have a Villa on the Costa Brava and we used to love visiting. A bit sad that he doesn’t have it anymore as it is such a lovely location
It sure is a lovely holiday destination. I think you would love to rent a villa there then as you already know the area and love it there 🙂
This place looks gorgeous. I must look into booking a villa here as I really need a break.
Have a lovely holiday. You’ll love it there the weather is great and the villas available are beautiful x
I love the sound of this place. It is making me want to go on holiday. Having my own kitchen when on holiday is very important.
Same here. I do like to have my own kitchen too. Makes it easier as kids like to eat at all hours.
As a family of five, we have been looking at hiring a villa instead of trying to get two hotel rooms. Opting for the home away from home rather than living from a suitcase
Villas are great for families. You can create so many wonderful memories on these types of holidays.
How can one not fall in love with a place like Costa Brava! There’s an activity for everyone and you’ll definitely find something that you’ll like to do here. I think it’s worth the travel!
There sure is something for everyone there. I do love Spain.
Costa Brava looks pretty amazing out there. Everything looks like it was beautiful. And renting a villa to be out there at the same time would be an incredible experience.
Renting a villa is great. It’s so much fun when you do this with friends.
Ahh those blue skies and sandy beaches are so tempting! Costa Brava looks like a fab place to visit
It sure is. I know what you mean I could quite easily pack a bag and go now.
I loved your pictures. It totally looks like a beautiful vacation oasis. I’d love to take a trip there with my family.
My favourite part of going on holiday is eating out, trying the new cuisine and getting outside in the evening. It sounds like the Costa Brava is perfect for this 🙂
Sounds amazing, I have always wanted to go to costa brava! I need to take my family one day! Brilliant guide
Thanks Melissa. I’m glad you liked it.
the villa looks so luxurious, somewhere I’ve never stayed. I love the look of the scenery too, idyllic and photogenic!
Xx
There are so many villas options you’ll be amazed at some of the scenery.
Wow that Villa looks amazing, we are planning a trip abroad with extended family for next Summer so will definitely be considering a villa. Also, some great tips of places to visit in Costa Brava that I’d not heard of before.
Have a wonderful time. Villas are always a great option for those sorts of trips.
Costa Brava looks like a beautiful escape. There’s so much to do and see, I hadn’t realised before. And the food! Yes! I’ll be there LOL
Ha, the food really is a deal maker isn’t it.
What an amazing place! I’ve never been to Spain but staying in a private villa with a pool sounds perfect. I think my kids would love the water parks, and I would fancy a potter around Girona, which looks like such a gorgeous little place.
It is a stunning holiday location. Have a lovely time 🙂
We haven’t really travelled much in Spain to be honest, but I love the look of Girona. Since having little ones we much prefer a villa holiday for all the flexibility it gives you.
It’s a great place to visit with and without children x
One of my great wishes is to spend a summer vacation in Spain. This year I chose Greece, and for the next year, Spain or Turkey is planning. Costa Brava looks great, so now my choice is even harder!
Ha, sorry about that. Have fun wherever you decide to go x
What a fab guide. I could just take a dip in that pool right now. Love the look of the aqua water park too x
Aqua parks are great fun aren’t they!!
Looks stunning. I’ve contemplated getting a villa next time we are away, that way we can be by the pool whilst baby naps nearby in the shade. You’re pictures are fab.
They are great for a nice private holiday rather than having other children running around and screaming whist baby is napping at the pool.
Costa Brava looks fantastic for families. The restaurants sound delicious and the beaches look beautiful.
It is ideal for family holidays x
Great guide and perfect destination for a family break away. I totally agree about a Villa being better – love stylish self-catering
Laura x
Same here, it can be amazing the types of villas you can get.
I’ve never been to Costa Brava, it seems like a great place as a family holiday and I would love to rent a villa, all that freedom and space 🙂
The space is great. So much just for you. It’s so much more relaxing and can be more fun too x
When we go abroad I really want to get a villa, I love the idea of having our own space and space for the kids to run around and not upset anyone!
Same here. It’s so much more relaxing this way x
That looks lovely. We’ve only ever stayed in hotels in Spain but I would love to have a villa. We love tasting all the local food when we go away ?
Villas are great it’s really worth doing.
We used to holiday in Spain when I was a child and my Dad had a place on the Costa Almeria now. So Spain is a bit of a home from home now.
I would holiday in Spain quite a bit when I was young too. It’s such a beautiful country.
I love Spain and would love to visit costa brava – there looks to be some fab places to stay and explore!
There are numerous places to stay that are amazing!