Summer holidays in Girona: best coastal villages to visit

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The Costa Brava stretches over 200 kilometres of stunning Mediterranean coastline—perfect for enjoying golden beaches, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters. From Blanes to Portbou, countless spots await, offering the perfect setting to soak up the sun, sea, and sand. That’s why summer is the ideal season to explore this slice of paradise in Girona. And if there’s one perfect way to do it, it’s to hire a car and set off on an adventure. Drive along coastal roads where every turn reveals new breathtaking sea views and charming villages that make you want to stop, explore, and stay just a little longer.

Here are the most beautiful coastal villages in Girona to visit this summer—plus how to plan the ultimate Costa Brava road trip with DoYouSpain, the best comparison site for finding unbeatable car hire deals.

What to See on the Costa Brava this summer

Tossa de Mar

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This is the perfect place to begin your journey through Costa Brava’s most beautiful coastal villages. Tossa de Mar is an essential stop for any traveller in the region. Located relatively close to Barcelona, its standout feature—besides its beaches and coves—is the mediaeval wall that surrounds the historic Vila Vella. From the main beach, you’ll enjoy views of this fortress, creating a postcard-perfect scene.

If you’re exploring by car, be sure to venture out to nearby coves like Cala Giverola and Cala Pola—true hidden gems where the turquoise waters and peaceful surroundings are pure magic.

Calella de Palafrugell

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With its whitewashed houses, colourful fishing boats, and stone arches right by the beach, Calella de Palafrugell has managed to preserve the charm of a traditional fishing village.

During summer, the Cap Roig Festival transforms the area into a cultural hotspot with open-air concerts in a breathtaking botanical garden setting.

Llafranc

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Just a few minutes’ drive from Calella, Llafranc is all about tranquillity and chill-coastal vibes. Whether you’re enjoying a cocktail at sunset or walking along the scenic Cami de Ronda, everything here invites you to slow down and savour the moment.

Don’t miss the Sant Sebastia Lighthouse, one of Costa Brava’s best viewpoints, offering spectacular views over the Mediterranean.

Begur

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A blend of sea, history, and architecture, Begur is perched on a hill and dotted with Indiano houses—elegant homes built by locals who returned from the Americas. Wander its cobbled streets, visit the mediaeval castle for panoramic views, and then drive down to some of the Costa Brava’s most beautiful coves, including Sa Tuna, Aiguablava, and Illa Roja. Some require a short walk, but they’re absolutely worth it.

Roses

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Travelling with family or looking for a base with lots of variety? Roses is your ideal stop. With its broad beaches, family-friendly atmosphere, and proximity to the Cap de Creus Natural Park, it offers the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure.

Go hiking, take a boat tour, or visit historical sites like the Citadel of Roses and the Trinitat Castle. Hiring a car in summer allows you to mix beach days with nature getaways at your own pace.

Cadaques

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No list of the Costa Brava’s gems is complete without mentioning Cadaques—arguably the most iconic and artistic village on the coast. Its seaside promenade, lined with white houses, is instantly recognisable and endlessly photogenic. The town’s unique atmosphere famously captivated Salvador Dali, who made his only permanent home in nearby Portlligat, now a museum open to visitors.

From Platja Gran in the heart of the village to remote coves tucked away along the coastline, Cadaqués is full of scenic spots waiting to be discovered.

How to plan a road trip along the Costa Brava

If you’ve decided to spend your summer holidays on the Costa Brava, one of the best ways to explore its most stunning and iconic spots is by hiring a car. It allows you to travel freely, without the hassle of timetables or limited transport links. With your own vehicle, you can customise your itinerary, stop wherever you fancy, and enjoy the journey at your own pace.

One of the classic road trip routes we recommend starts in Tossa de Mar and heads north, taking in Palafrugell, Begur, Roses, and ending in Cadaques, with stops at scenic coves and viewpoints along the way. To make the most of the experience, we suggest allowing between 5 and 7 days for a relaxed and rewarding coastal adventure.

Why hire a car in Girona with DoYouSpain

If you’re arriving in Girona by plane or train, the easiest and most convenient option is to collect your hire car as soon as you land or step off the train. With DoYouSpain, you can compare prices from dozens of rental companies in just a few clicks, making sure you always get the best deal.

Benefits of renting with DoYouSpain

DoYouSpain works with top-rated car hire agencies located throughout Girona—whether at the airport, train station, or in the city centre—so you can begin your journey smoothly and without delay.

Discover Girona at your own pace this summer

The Costa Brava truly has it all—stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, and charming villages straight out of a postcard. But to experience it fully and create unforgettable memories, nothing compares to the freedom of having your own car.

With DoYouSpain, finding the ideal car is fast, easy, and cheap. Don’t let transport limitations limit your holiday—hire a car in Girona and discover the most beautiful villages of the Costa Brava at your own pace.

And if you have any questions during the booking process, our team is here to help. You can reach us online via our Customer Service Area or give us a call on +34 964 830 995.