Diversity characterizes the Costa Brava’s beauty. Capital of the province is
Girona City, a walled medieval enclave that has been fought over every century since it was founded. Coupled with its rich history is a thriving cultural scene and a pride that is palpable in the lanes of its charming old quarter. Inland, an abrupt change in the terrain marks the volcanic region of
La Garrotxa, a rolling, flowing landscape in the foothills of the Pyrenees, perfect for rambles through ancient woods into the craters of volcanoes.
The southern part of the coast, was affected by the tourist boom, and remains a place of tour buses and all-day English breakfast. Despite that, the natural beauty of the area, marked by small coves and long sandy beaches, is still largely intact and the towns themselves – especially historic
Tossa de Mar – retain some charm beneath the tourist veneer.
North from here, the Costa Brava is at its best. The chic Baix Emporda never succumbed to the tourist boom. Here, electric-green pines cluster at the edge of crystalline turquoise coves that are perfect for swimming or snorkelling. Many well-heeled Catalans own second homes here, and the towns, including
Palamos,
Palafrugell and
Begur, are a haven of sophisticated elegance, housing some of the finest restaurants and terrace bars anywhere in Spain.
With enormous contrasts between the laid-back charm of
Calella de Palafrugell,
Llafranc,
Tamariu and
S'Agaro, the lively chic of
Platja d'Aro or
Sant Feliu de Guixols and the unspoilt splendour of
Sa Tuna and
Aiguablava, the one constant is an air of refined hedonism. Further north, the Alt Emporda has two markedly
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