Amazing Day Trips to Take from the Costa Brava by Boat

Tossa de Mar is the only fortified medieval town on the coast of Catalonia, where the 14th-century turrets and watchtowers are intact and you can circumnavigate its borders by walking along battlements. Marvel at these muscular defences from Playa Grande – the town’s main beach – before venturing inside to explore a labyrinth of bars, restaurants, souvenir shops and boutique hotels.

If you’re sailing the Costa Brava in July, this normally-tranquil fishing village has a surprise in store. Taking place on an open-air stage in the botanical gardens situated a few kilometres south, the Cap Roig Festival is a music lovers dream. Over the years, it has attracted some of the world’s best-known artists – with everyone from Bob Dylan to Elton John travelling here to perform. Once the show’s over, Calella retains the charm of a quiet coastal village, with little fishing boats moored off sand-and-pebble beaches.

The coves and beaches just off the inland medieval town of Begur are among the Costa Brava’s most unspoiled and secluded coastal spots. Make base at Cala Aiguafreda – where there’s a small wooden jetty – and use the scenic, clifftop Cami de Rona path to reach the neighbouring pockets of the coast. After around 15 minutes on foot, you’ll reach Sa Tuna – a rectangle of sand backed by old fishermen’s houses and a couple of excellent seafood restaurants.