Everything you want to do during your vacation on the Costa Brava

Although I prefer to book a ticket to southern Spain in the fall, I have been spending my summers for fifteen years in the north on the Spanish Costa Brava. And after all this time, I still haven't gotten tired of it, probably because I grew up there as a child, so it always retains a bit of its magic, I think. Can I now call myself a travel guide of the Spanish coast? Yes, I think so too. Especially for you, I scrolled through all the thousands of vacation photos on my overcrowded phone and searched for the most beautiful spots, restaurants, and hotels that have stayed with me the most or where I just keep coming back every year. It's quite a list, you understand, so I have gathered all my favorite hotspots in this Costa Brava ABC. Not only easy for you, but also for me. Otherwise, I could dedicate five articles to it.

A
Aquadiver Parc — water park in Platja d’Aro where every child (but also you) will be happy.

B
Begur — this charming village full of tapas restaurants is one you simply cannot miss.

C
Charley’s Bar — all the teenagers gather in this café in the middle of Platja d’Aro in the evenings.
Cadaqués — a cozy fishing village on the Costa Brava.
Camping Playa Brava — the best family campsite ever, if you ask me.

D
Dvisi — if you want to dine like a luxury cat, you do it at this restaurant in Palamos.

E
Empuriabrava — also known as the Venice of Spain, and there is no lie in that.
l’Escala — a cozy spot by the sea where there is always something to do in the summer.

F
La Fosca — my favorite beach near Palamos.

G
Girona — you can shop here like nowhere else.
Playa el Golfet — a beautiful bay in Palafrugell.
Golf de Pals — with this golf course, the men are also set for an afternoon.

H
Hotel Cala del Pi — a beautiful five-star hotel by the sea in Platja d’Aro.

I
Inox — a club in the middle of Platja d’Aro where all the young people can be found.
l’Italiani — you must have the pasta with truffle here.

J
Hotel San Jorge — you won't find a better location for a hotel.

K
Can Kiku — a delicious restaurant in Sant Feliu de Guixols.

L
Llafranc — yet another lovely spot to have a drink in the evening.

M
Mas Guso — a winery and restaurant in one in Sant Pere de Pescador.
Mercadona — the Spanish supermarket that sells the best affordable skincare.

N
Can Nicanor — the best pinchos are eaten here in Palamos.

O
Origens — not really cheap by Spanish standards, but you can still have a lovely lunch there.

P
Pals — besides l’Escala, I find this one of the most atmospheric villages to go out to dinner in the evening.
Peratallada — this Instagram-worthy (car-free) spot is again too nice not to share.
Can Padres — it's not a charming place, but you should still visit it at least once.
Can Paco — they serve delicious tapas here for relatively little money.
Platja de Castell — a beautiful bay in Palamos.

Q
Don Quijote — please order the chateaubriand here.

R
Rosas — extra fun to rent a boat here for an afternoon.

S
Santa Market — hippie market in Santa Cristina.
Solimar — of all the paellas I've eaten, I found it best here.

T
La Tagliatella — you can find this Spanish chain everywhere, but in l’Escala, you have the best spot by the sea.

U
URH Molí del Mig hotel — for those seeking peace, these chic bungalows in Torroella de Montgrí are ideal.

V
El Viatge Restaurant — not cheap, but truly worth every cent.

W
Wanna Gastrobar — my tip to you: have the cheesecake for dessert.

X
Xiringuito’s Cala Cap Roig — a nice Spanish beach bar right by the sea.

Y
Yukai — the sashimi in this restaurant in El Port de la Selva is chef’s kiss, so delicious.

Z
Zara — you haven't been to Spain if you haven't stepped into Zara.

So, now I’ll stop. Otherwise, I won't be done by tomorrow. Adiosss.