Just 60km from Barcelona are the sweeping shorelines of Costa Brava, known for its Mediterranean climate and beautiful coastal views. The beach destination has also been named the “cheapest” Spanish hotspot for package holidays this coming summer, according to Which?’s latest report on the “cheapest summer package holiday” destinations.
The Which? report stated: “The stretch of coast north of Barcelona, known for its sweeping golden beaches, craggy cliff tops and tucked-away coves, offers fantastic value, particularly the resorts of Calella, Malgrat de Mar, Pineda de Mar and Santa Susanna, sometimes collectively called the Costa Barcelona”.
The region experienced its first major tourism boom in the 1950s when the Spanish government identified it as a suitable region for substantial tourist development. The main aim was to attract package holiday tourists from Europe.
As a vast number of hotels and apartments were built in seaside resorts such as Blanes, Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar, tourism rapidly took over from fishing as the principal business of the area.
The Mediterranean climate means the Costa Brava enjoys lovely summer weather, with July typically being the hottest month.
On average, July experiences average daily highs of 29C and average lows of 20C. If you love the sunshine, the best time to visit Costa Brava is between June and August. However, even in the winter months, the weather remains mild.
The destination has over 200km of coastline with plenty of Blue Flag beaches along the way. The Costa Brava is also known for its network of enhancing coves tucked between cliffs such in areas such as Tossa de Mar, Torroella de Montgrí, Begur or Calella de Palafrugell.
There are also three natural parks to enjoy in the region, including Cap de Creus, Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, and Montgrí, Illes Medes i el Baix Ter.
Those seeking culture will be pleased to know the city of Figueres is most famous for being the home of surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. There you can pay a visit to the Dalí Theatre-Museum.
Or head to nearby Girona which is home to two more locations dedicated to the painter: the Salvador Dalí Museum House in Cadaqués and the Gala-Dalí Castle Museum, in Púbol.
According to the report from Which?: “Malgrat de Mar, with its promenade of beachfront bars, Blue Flag beach, and easy access to Barcelona, costs just £839pp on average – £120pp cheaper than its brasher and better-known neighbour Lloret de Mar.”
