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Camping in Catalonia: Costa Brava and Costa Dorada Compared
Camping in Catalonia on the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada brings together two very different Mediterranean coasts. In the north, near Girona, the wild, rocky Costa Brava; in the south, near Tarragona, the flat Costa Dorada with its long sandy beaches.
The Catalan coast is divided into four sections: the Costa Brava, the Costa del Maresme, the Costa del Garraf and the Costa Dorada. Barcelona lies around 60 kilometres south of the Costa Brava. Here you will find resorts, climate, best time to go and important safety advice on wildfires and heat, to help you choose the right coast for your holiday.
Costa Brava: the wild coast
The Costa Brava is about 220 kilometres long and runs from Portbou on the French border to the mouth of the Tordera near Blanes. It owes its name, "Wild Coast", to its heavily indented rocky massif.
There are small sandy coves, some reachable only by boat, as well as flatter sandy beaches, for example at Empuriabrava and Lloret de Mar. Well-known places include Cadaqués on Cap de Creus, the villages of Palafrugell (Tamariu, Llafranc, Calella), Roses, Tossa de Mar, Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Blanes.
Activities include diving around the Illes Medes, the GR-92 coastal walking trail and excursions to inland places such as Pals and Castelló d'Empúries.
Costa Dorada: golden sandy beaches
The Costa Dorada (Costa Daurada in Catalan) lies south of Barcelona and, according to sources, runs from Cunit to Alcanar. It is about 216 kilometres long and relatively flat; the name refers to the colour of the sand in the sun.
The beaches shelve gently into the water and are mostly calm, so they are considered family-friendly. Well-known resorts include Cambrils, Salou, Calafell and Tarragona, which regularly receive the Blue Flag.
Tarragona was the Roman Tarraco and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another attraction in the surrounding area is the PortAventura World theme park. Inland, the walled town of Montblanc and Poblet Monastery are worth a visit.
Costa Brava or Costa Dorada?
The choice depends on the type of holiday you want:
Costa Brava: rocks, coves, pine forests, snorkelling, hiking and trips to small villages.
Costa Dorada: long, gently shelving sandy beaches, good for small children, plus culture in Tarragona and the theme park.
Barcelona: can be planned as a day trip from either coast.
By car, the AP-7 motorway links the coast with Barcelona and France. You can also reach the coast north of Barcelona via Girona airport.
Climate and best time to go
The official swimming season on the Costa Brava runs from June to September, and according to guidebooks, October and early November are still suitable for swimming. Winters are fairly cool and rainy, and the Tramontana wind occasionally blows down from the Pyrenees.
Autumn and later spring are well suited to hiking and city breaks, while July and August are especially busy. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your trip before or after the high season.
In high summer it can get very hot. Plan activities for the cooler parts of the day and make sure you have shade and enough drinking water.
Wildfire risk and safety
The German Federal Foreign Office points out that in summer, Spain can see fast-spreading wildfires because of drought. The authorities then issue bans on fire and smoke and restrict access to wooded areas, lighting campfires, fireworks and the use of machinery in rural areas.
Keep up to date on current fires and reports for Catalonia, follow the instructions of the fire service and the authorities, and monitor weather warnings from AEMET and MeteoAlarm. The situation is particularly sensitive in the hinterland.
The Office also mentions pickpocketing in tourist areas and thefts from drivers on the A7 near Barcelona. So do not leave valuables visible in the car.
What to do: ideas and a day-by-day plan
Catalonia offers two coasts with very different characters: the Costa Brava in the north with its Dalí sites, and the Costa Dorada in the south with Tarragona and PortAventura. Sort the ideas by interest, and plan only one coast per day, as the distances between the two are long.
Nature & beaches
Coves at Cap de Salouhalf a dayFive rocky coves about 4 km from Salou are regarded as a quieter alternative to the town beaches of the Costa Dorada.
Ebro Deltafull dayA nature park about 85 km from Salou, known for birdwatching. You can explore it on foot, by bike or on horseback.
Cadaqués and Portlligathalf a dayA coastal village of whitewashed houses on the Costa Brava. Portlligat is a small bay nearby where Dalí lived.
Montserrathalf a dayAn 11th-century monastery in a rugged mountain landscape, about 120 km from Salou. An outing for the setting and the views.
Culture & sights
Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figuereshalf a dayThe museum was created from the theatre that was destroyed in the Civil War. Dalí is buried there, and it is part of the Dalí Triangle.
Dalí House in Portlligat and Púbol Castlehalf a dayPortlligat was Dalí's home, and Púbol the castle he converted for Gala. Both belong to the Dalí Triangle. The sites are at least an hour apart.
Gironahalf a dayA UNESCO site with a Roman amphitheatre, provincial forum and circus. Easily reached from Salou by bus or a short train ride.
Sant Ferran Castle in Figueres1-2 hoursThe 18th-century fortress lies 1.5 km from the centre of Figueres and complements a visit to the Dalí Museum.
Active & sports
Cycling on the Costa Bravahalf a dayThe tourism portal names cycling and bike tours as a focus of the region. Ask the tourist office about routes and bike hire beforehand.
Hiking in the mountains of Girona provincehalf a dayThe region stretches from the sea up to almost 3,000 m, and includes hiking in the mountains. For day planning, it is better to pick an inland destination.
Ebro Delta on foot, by bike or on horsebackfull dayThe nature park is flat and can be explored on foot, by bike or on horseback. It is considered a birdwatching area.
Water sports on the Costa BravaWater sports are listed as an activity in the region. Ask locally beforehand for specific operators and places.
With kids
PortAventura Worldfull dayA leisure resort about 5 km from Salou with PortAventura Park, Ferrari Land and Caribe Aquatic Park. It is Spain's most visited theme park.
Caribe Aquatic Parkhalf a dayThe water park is part of the PortAventura resort and, in hot weather, gives children a change of scene when the beach is not enough.
Coves at Cap de Salouhalf a dayThe small rocky coves are a quieter alternative to the town beaches and can be used for swimming days with children.
Ferrari Landhalf a dayPart of the PortAventura resort for families. Check beforehand which attractions suit your children's ages.
When it rains
Dalí Theatre-Museumhalf a dayThe museum in Figueres is a good rainy-day destination and can be combined with a visit to Sant Ferran fortress.
Gaudí Centre in Reus1-2 hoursReus is Gaudí's birthplace, and the interactive Gaudí Centre, about 10 km from Salou, is suitable for a rainy morning.
Poblet Monasteryhalf a dayA UNESCO monastery founded in 1151, near Montblanc, about 50 km from Salou. Suitable as a peaceful cultural outing on an unsettled day.
Barcelonafull dayThe Sagrada Família and other Gaudí buildings. From Salou, Barcelona is reachable by train in about 1.5 hours.
Sample day plans
Day 1: A Dalí day on the Costa Brava
Morning
Visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres and plan the morning there. Optionally see Sant Ferran fortress, which lies on the edge of town.
Afternoon
Drive to Cadaqués (about 40 km) and stroll through the village. If you like, add Dalí's house in Portlligat, in the bay next door.
Evening
Dinner at the harbour in Cadaqués, then a relaxed drive back to the campsite.
Day 2: Roman Tarragona and the beach
Morning
Explore Tarragona: the amphitheatre, provincial forum and circus of the Roman complex, reachable from Salou by bus or train in a short time.
Afternoon
Continue to the coves at Cap de Salou for swimming and walking. There are five rocky coves here, about 4 km from Salou.
Evening
A stroll through Salou and dinner on the promenade, then back early, as it has been a long day.
Day 3: Theme park or Barcelona
Morning
Families start at PortAventura World, while everyone else takes the train from Salou to Barcelona (about 1.5 hours) for a day in the big city.
Afternoon
In the park, use more areas or the water park; in Barcelona, see the Sagrada Família and other Gaudí buildings.
Evening
Return to the campsite for a quiet evening after the long day, perhaps with a small snack.
Campsites that match
89 matching campsites in our database, here the 48 best rated (by stars), grouped by location.
What is the difference between the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada?
The Costa Brava in the north is rugged, with rocks, small coves and pine forests. The Costa Dorada in the south is flat, with long golden sandy beaches. Barcelona lies between the two coasts.
When is the best time to visit the Catalan coast?
The official swimming season on the Costa Brava runs from June to September, and October can still be suitable for swimming. Spring and autumn are good for hiking and city breaks. July and August are the busiest.
How great is the wildfire risk in Catalonia?
According to the German Federal Foreign Office, it is high throughout Spain in summer because of drought. Bans on fire and smoke and access restrictions may apply. Check locally and follow the instructions of the authorities.
Which places are on the Costa Dorada?
Well-known ones are Cambrils, Salou, Calafell and Tarragona, as well as the stretches of coast around Altafulla and L'Ametlla de Mar. Many beaches regularly receive the Blue Flag.
Is the Costa Dorada suitable for children?
Travel portals describe the beaches as gently shelving and mostly calm, so they are recommended above all for families with small children. In high summer, remember the heat and sun protection.
