Beach days and sightseeing on the Costa Brava

From l’Estartit, you’ll find a wide range of charming destinations to visit on the Costa Brava, just over an hour’s drive away.

Here’s our selection of villages and spots where you can enjoy the beach in the morning and go for a stroll or a visit in the afternoon:

In the heart of Cap de Creus lies Cadaqués, a unique village with a charming old town made up of narrow cobbled streets. Its beaches and coves inspired Salvador Dalí, who lived in a house in Portlligat — now a remarkable house-museum. Visitors can explore the painter’s studio (where he lived from 1930 to 1982), along with his library, living areas, and a surrealist sculpture-filled garden.

L’Escala is famous for its anchovies and beaches, while Sant Martí d’Empúries stands out for its Greco-Roman ruins and charming medieval old town. Until 1064, Sant Martí was the seat of the County of Empúries. In June 1992, the Olympic Flame arrived at Empúries beach on its way to the Barcelona Games. You can walk or cycle from L’Escala to Sant Martí along the coastal path, or take the tourist train during the summer.

Sant Pere Pescador is a gateway to one of the most iconic landscapes of the Costa Brava: the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park. The variety of ecosystems is this Empordà town’s main attraction—fruit orchards, the Fluvià River, a long sandy beach, and a protected natural park. Enjoy birdwatching, cycling, or practicing kitesurfing, sailing, or windsurfing.

This former fishing village has retained its charm, with whitewashed houses and crystal-clear coves. It’s well known for the Cap Roig Festival and its traditional seafood cuisine.

La Bisbal d’Empordà is famous for its handcrafted ceramics and artisan shops, but also has a rich medieval past, featuring a castle-palace and a well-preserved old town.

Begur’s old town exudes colonial charm, but its best-kept treasures are hidden in coves like Sa Tuna, Aiguablava, or Fornells. Small beaches nestled between cliffs, with crystal-clear waters, ideal for those seeking natural beauty without the crowds.

Peratallada is one of the best-preserved medieval villages in the region: narrow alleyways, hidden squares, and stone everywhere. A place where time stands still — perfect for a relaxed afternoon filled with history and fine local cuisine.

These three towns on the Costa Brava are full of hidden gems: coves, cliffs, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

In Sant Feliu de Guíxols, the Benedictine monastery and its Porta Ferrada archway are iconic landmarks. Palamós originated around its port, which is still active with commercial and fishing operations. Platja d’Aro is the most touristic: stroll and shop in the cooler afternoons, then enjoy the lively terraces, bars, and restaurants once the sun goes down.

Tossa de Mar is known for its beaches and coves set in a virtually untouched natural landscape. The town features a walled enclosure of Roman origin, alongside remarkable medieval and modernist heritage. It also offers great local cuisine, making it the perfect destination for those seeking nature, history, and gastronomy by the sea.

Blanes is known as the gateway to the Costa Brava, offering beautiful beaches, streets lined with Gothic and 19th-century houses, and a long history of inspiring artists and writers. Visitors can enjoy the Film Festival, the spectacular International Fireworks Competition, and water activities like kayaking and snorkeling.

Discover the best of Empordà from l’Estartit: charming villages, wild coves, archaeological sites, culture, and fun.
Our apartments in l’Estartit are the perfect starting point to explore the most authentic spots of the Costa Brava.

So pack the car, grab your camera, and get ready for adventure!

Will you come to visit us?