To Top
Cheap Costa Brava Holidays
Find Your Ideal Holiday With
Add children to your search
Holidays In The Costa Brava
Being located just north of Barcelona, holidays in the Costa Brava are understandably very popular. Cheap flights into Barcelona and Girona, balmy Spanish weather, Blue Flag beaches, budget friendly accommodation and plenty to see and do, make it a firm favourite with Brits looking to escape for some cheap Spanish sunshine. Plus there are plenty of tour operators going there so it's time to take a look at your holiday in 2024 and 2025.
Let us show you around the Costa Brava, from the cheap holiday deals in Lloret de Mar, Malgrat de Mar and Blanes, to the quieter villages like Begur, Pubol and Peratallada. Find out where to go, which airport to fly into, where to stay, how to save money and what's best for your next holiday in the sun.
Popular Costa Brava Hotels
Getting To, From And Around The Costa Brava
Airlines & Tour Operators
There are two airports you can fly into for the Costa Brava, Girona and Barcelona El Prat airport. While Girona airport is closer to the beach resorts and therefore a much quicker airport transfer, there will be far more options in terms of flights to Barcelona. Just be prepared for a longer journey to your resort. For example Barcelona airport to Lloret de Mar is 90km but Girona airport to Lloret de Mar is just 30km.
Airlines to take a look at include the low-cost airlines like easyJet, Ryanair and Vueling, while package holidays can also include flights with British Airways, TUI or Jet2.com. It's often cheaper to book a package holiday, combining your hotel with your flights. Jet2holidays and TUI can both do this and include airport transfers and check-in luggage too. You might need to add this on if you're booking with another holiday company like loveholidays, On The Beach or easyJet Holidays.
Getting Around The Costa Brava
The easiest and least stressful way to get from the airport to your hotel is a taxi, however, bear in mind that this can cost a bit if you're travelling in from Barcelona airport. Instead, it's often far better to book an airport transfer in advance, and if you're booking with Jet2 or TUI, this is often included. Once you're in your resort, walking around is probably more than enough to get to the local shops, bars and restaurants.
Getting around bu public transport is relatively easy. The Lloret Bus will take you around the city on different routes including up to Platja de Canyelles, but if you fancy a trip down to Barcelona, you can get the Sarfa coach into Estacio del Nord in the heart of the city.
Car Hire
Booking a hire car can be ideal if you want the freedom to explore a little. You can easily add this into you package holiday when you book, or you can arrange later to pick up your car from the airport. Cars range from cheap and cheerful to swanky convertibles depending you your budget. You can also organise hiring a car locally and your hotel can help you do this.
Resorts In The Costa Brava
Lloret De Mar
By far the most popular holiday resort along the Costa Brava is Lloret de Mar. 30 minutes from Girona Airport, this seaside town combines the best of Spanish culture with beach holiday vibes. The beach here can get VERY busy in the summer so consider going earlier or later in the season (April, May, September and October) to enjoy less people or perhaps head up or down the coast to a quieter beach. There are plenty of hotel options here, ranging from budget friendly self catering apartments and cheap hotels like the AR Bolero Park, to the 5-star Melia Lloret de Mar which is a little further from Platja Lloret de Mar.
The Passeig d'Agusti Font runs all the way along the seafront from Carabela Shopping Centre to the Hotel Rosamar & Spa and you'll find lots of shops, bars and restaurants along here too. If you like a bit of culture, head a few streets back to visit the Esglesia de Sant Roma, a gothic church with some very unique architectural design. And don't forget to try out some of the local tapas bars here too.
Malgrat de Mar & Pineda de Mar
Both Malgrat de Mar & Pineda de Mar offer similar, gorgeous sandy beaches and a vibrant atmosphere. In the summer, the streets of both can be busy and bustling, while winter time when the weather cools down, many hotels close and you'll find its much quieter. Accommodation here ranges from campsites like Enmar and Camping Bellsol to exciting and family friendly Golden Taurus Aquapark Resort with a range of fun waterslides.
Blanes
Blanes sits between Malgrat and Lloret and is ideal if you like a bit of everything. The marina here makes it easy to head out and enjoy a boat trip, while staying on the golden sand of the Blug Flag beach at Blanes beach can be the perfect way to have fun in the sun (with suncream of course!)
Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar, a charming coastal town on Spain's Costa Brava, offers a perfect blend of stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant local culture. Visitors can explore the well-preserved medieval old town, enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and water sports, and savour delicious Catalan cuisine. The town's relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, along with its family-friendly amenities, ensures a memorable holiday experience for all types of holidaymaker. With its natural beauty, historical intrigue, and culinary delights, Tossa de Mar is an ideal destination for an unforgettable getaway.
Smaller Towns
Other smaller holiday resorts along this part of Catalunya include Santa Susana, L'Estartit and Platja d'Aro. Each offers a quieter sunny break but still with plenty on offer, depending on what you like from your holiday. Areas like Begur offer a more tranquil stay with self catering accommodation including some gorgeous villas with private pools.
Things To Do In The Costa Brava
On of the great things about the region is the variety of things to do. From relaxing by the pool or on the beaches, to playing a round of golf on lush green fairways in the sunshine, and enjoying a boat trip to spot wildlife. Here are some of our favourites for a fun-filled Costa Brava holiday.
Beaches
The Costa Brava boasts some of Spain's most beautiful beaches, perfect for a day of relaxation under the sun. The pristine sands of Platja de Castell, near Palamós, offer a tranquil escape with its unspoilt beauty. For a more bustling atmosphere, head to Lloret de Mar, where golden sands meet vibrant nightlife, creating a perfect blend of day and night activities.
Nightlife
In Lloret de Mar, the party never stops, with numerous nightclubs, bars, and beach parties. Disco Tropics and St. Trop' are iconic spots, known for their lively atmosphere and famous DJs. For a more relaxed evening, head to Platja d'Aro, where chic beach bars and lounges like Friends Bar offer cocktails with stunning sea views. Calella de Palafrugell provides a more traditional experience with its cosy taverns and live music venues, perfect for enjoying a night out with a local touch.
Adventure
For those who crave adventure, Costa Brava's diverse landscape provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities. The rugged coastline is ideal for kayaking and snorkelling, allowing you to explore hidden coves and underwater wonders. Inland, the Pyrenees offer excellent hiking and mountain biking trails, with breathtaking views that reward your efforts.
Water Parks
For family fun and excitement, the waterparks are a must-visit. Water World in Lloret de Mar is one of the largest waterparks in Europe, featuring thrilling rides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Aqua Brava in Roses is another fantastic option, offering attractions like the Black Hole and the relaxing Tropic Island. These parks provide a refreshing break from the summer heat and are perfect for a day of adventure and laughter. And don't forget that many family hotels in the region also have their own waterslides or splash park.
Golf
The region is also a premier destination for golf enthusiasts, boasting some of the best golf courses in Spain. PGA Catalunya Resort, near Girona, is a world-class venue featuring two exceptional courses surrounded by lush landscapes. Another top spot is Golf Platja de Pals, known for its challenging fairways nestled within a beautiful pine forest. These courses not only offer excellent golfing experiences but also stunning views and top-notch facilities. Perfect for a golf holiday in the sun.
Food & Drink
Costa Brava is a haven for food lovers, offering a culinary journey that blends traditional Catalan cuisine with modern gastronomic innovation. Savour fresh seafood in the coastal town of Cadaqués, once home to the famous artist Salvador Dalí. Don't miss out on trying 'suquet de peix,' a delicious fish stew, or 'crema catalana,' a local take on creme brulee.
Holiday Types In The Costa Brava
Family Holidays
There are loads of great family friendly hotels in the Costa Brava, ranging from all inclusive to self catering. For the best child friendly holidays, look for well rated hotels with kids' clubs and splash parks like the Golden Taurus Aquapark Resort, a firm favourite for children. Out of the main summer season (or even outside of school holidays), the entertainment programmes might be limited, but you'll always find something going on in the local area.
Adults Only
Prefer a more grown up stay? If you'd rather enjoy an adults only holiday, take a look at hotels like the AQUA Hotel Silhouette & Spa which has a tranquil pool area, semi-submerged sunbeds and a distinct lack of screaming children.
All Inclusive
Keeping an eye on the Euros? Going all inclusive in the Costa Brava can be ideal if you want to keep any extra spending to a minimum while you're away. Bear in mind that holiday companies like loveholidays and On The Beach don't automatically include airport transfers and luggage, so there may be extras you need to add on when you're booking.
Villa Holidays
You'll find the hotels in the big towns, but the villas in the smaller ones. If you prefer the freedom of a villa holiday in the Costa Brava, areas like Begur, Tamariu and Tossa de Mar have a great selection, including many which are a bit more remote but have some absolutely incredible views of the surrounding countryside and mountains.
Last Minute Getaways
Being close to both Girona and Barcelona airports, there are plenty of budget friendly flight options. Combine that with plenty of affordable hotels, and you've got a lot of choice. And that also means that hotels and airlines want to fill up their rooms and seats, so last minute holidays in the Costa Brava could be a good option. The cheapest deals will only include a flight and hotel, so keep in mind the cost of check-in luggage and getting to and from the airport.
Popular Costa Brava Resorts
We're here to help people take a break, and we promote various travel companies as an affiliate partner, which means we are paid money for promoting companies, deals and destinations. Find out more about our affiliate disclosure here
© 2024 My Budget Break