Though you can experience all the Costa Brava offers in three to five days, spending one week in the region is your best bet. Seven days or more allows you to combine cities like Girona and Begur with plenty of time on the coast. And with a more leisurely pace, you can prioritize activities you enjoy most, such as hiking the famous Camí de Ronda coastal trail, trying water sports like kayaking or snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach.

The Costa Brava in 1 Week

The scenic beach of Sa Tuna near Begur

If you have at least one week in the Costa Brava, you can play around with where you spend your days. For the ultimate week in the Costa Brava, you can spend two days in Girona, at least three days in Begur and on its beaches, and two or more final days somewhere on the coast.

Girona's entire historic core is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the best-preserved Jewish Quarters in Europe. Don't miss walking atop the old town walls and visiting Girona Cathedral, with its beautiful Gothic interior and tower that offers panoramic views of the city. Once in Begur, visit the Old Town and Begur Castle, a medieval fortress with stunning vistas, and be sure to check out some of the best beaches in the Costa Brava, including Sa Tuna, Aiguablava, and Platja Fonda. 

Though Begur offers coastal experiences, you can spend your final days directly on the sea. The best coastal villages in the Costa Brava offer various activities and vibes, so where you stay depends on what you want to experience. Sant Feliu de Guíxols is excellent for water sports, whereas Cadaqués is perfect for a quieter visit. Calella de Palafrugell offers relaxed beaches and coastal hiking trails, while Tossa de Mar has a vast beach, a beautiful seaside castle, and a medieval Old Town.  

To fully explore the region, check out this 10-day self-drive itinerary combining the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees Mountains. 

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Other Durations

If you have less time to spend in the Costa Brava, you can still enjoy the region's highlights. Begur is the best place to center your time if you want to experience the essence of the Costa Brava in just a few days. But there are plenty of other combinations, including Girona and Begur or one of the cities with a coastal village. With more time, you might want to combine other regions of Spain, like Barcelona, the Pyrenees, or the Balearic Islands. Learn more

The Costa Brava in 3-5 Days

With only about three days in the Costa Brava, you'll have to narrow down which city to visit, as it would be tough to see both Girona and Begur and still have enough time for the beach. Begur is one of the best medieval villages in the Costa Brava, offering a good mix of a medieval village and beach time. Still, you could combine one day in Girona with a couple of days on the coast or opt for a fast-paced trip with each night in a different place. For this type of fast-paced trip, start by learning how to spend 24 hours in Girona. 

The Costa Brava in 5-7 Days

Five to seven days in the Costa Brava gives you enough time to enjoy what the region offers. With five days, you could spend two in Girona and three in Begur, allowing for some coastal time on the beaches of Begur, or two in Girona, two in Begur, and one on the coast. With six or seven days, a good combination is Girona and Begur for two days each and up to three days in a coastal village. If you'd like to see more of Spain, this seven-day itinerary combines the Costa Brava with Barcelona.

The Costa Brava in 2 Weeks

You probably don't need two weeks in just the Costa Brava, though you could certainly enjoy the region with that time and plan a more leisurely trip. But with 14 days to spare, you open up opportunities to see more of Spain. This 14-day itinerary combines the Costa Brava with Barcelona and the Costa del Sol, a beautiful stretch of coastline south of Málaga. Or with this 15-day excursion, you can visit cities in Portugal and Spain, including Begur in the Costa Brava. 

More Helpful Information

The scenic medieval village of Pertallada

The more time you have in the Costa Brava, the more you can do and see. While in Begur, consider exploring another medieval village. Two good choices include Pals and Pertallada. Both have medieval cores and offer exceptional views, though Pals is a little bigger and has the Torre de les Hores, an old tower you can climb. There's not as much to see and do in Pertallada, but it's known for delicious cuisine, local shops, artisanal boutiques, and markets selling handmade crafts.

For coastal Begur, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. You could walk along the Camí de Ronda trail to the hidden Cala Aiguafreda. If you continue walking, you'll reach Sa Riera, another good option for water sports. Consider something more active, like hiking, kayaking, and swimming on the Costa Brava, which lets you explore the area's scenic coast. Another activity idea is to kayak and snorkel near Platja d'Aro, a beautiful area with perfectly peaceful coves. 

While in Girona, if you'd like to enjoy something a little different while in the city, consider a food and market experience. With this activity, you'll visit the Mercat del Lleó, the city's huge market hall, and other eateries to try local and regional goods. It also includes a stop at Rocambolesc, an ice cream shop with an international reputation. Another idea is a "Game of Thrones" walk in Girona, which dives deep into the city's history—so it works even if you're not a big fan of the series!

Another good stroll in Girona is along the city's riverfront, and you can cross the famous "Red Bridge," designed by the architect of the Eiffel Tower. The city also has a few interesting museums, including the Museum of Jewish History, the City History Museum, and the Girona Art Museum.