Costa Brava isn't just beaches and sunshine - it's a veritable playground for lovers of outdoor activities. The region offers an impressive network of hiking trails that wind along the coast, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. One of the most fascinating places to start your adventure is the Portal de la Costa Brava in Blanes, the symbolic gateway to the region. This is the starting point of the famous GR-92 trail, which runs along the entire Costa Brava coast. The portal is not only a landmark, but also a great place to understand the geography and history of the region before setting out on the trail.

For those looking for a more rugged experience, the Costa Brava offers a unique via ferrata climbing experience. Particularly noteworthy is the Cala del Molí route in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, where climbers can view the coast from a completely different perspective. This route, secured by a metal rope, allows safe exploration of the cliffs and is accessible to both beginners and experienced climbers. Local legend has it that ancient fishermen used similar routes to reach hard-to-reach coves rich in fish.

Water sports enthusiasts will find the Costa Brava a true paradise. Kayaking is one of the most popular ways to explore hidden coves and caves that cannot be reached by land. The route from Tossa de Mar to Cala Bona is especially recommended for its crystal clear water and picturesque rock formations. It's worth knowing that, according to local stories, some of these caves once served as hideouts for smugglers and pirates who haunted these shores.

For those who prefer land-based activities, the region offers excellent cycling. The Costa Brava's biking trails are extremely varied, ranging from flat paths in Empordà, ideal for families and beginners, to challenging mountain trails in the Pyrenees for experienced riders. Particularly popular is the 40-kilometer route from Girona to San Feliu de Guíxols, which passes through picturesque villages and vineyards, offering unforgettable views of the Mediterranean.

Also not to be missed are the adventure parks, which are an excellent option for families and groups of friends. Costa Brava Parc d'Aventura and Parc Aventura Platja d'Aro offer more than 250 different activities, including zip lines, rope bridges and climbing walls. These parks are designed to provide excitement for people of all ages, and their location often allows you to combine your visit with other activities, such as snorkeling or paddleboarding in nearby bays.

Costa Brava is not only an outdoor paradise, but also a treasure trove of history and culture. One of the most fascinating places is the Salvador Dalí House Museum in Port Lligat, near Cadaqués. This remarkable house-museum was the home and workspace of one of the most famous surrealists of the 20th century for more than 50 years. The building, an amalgamation of several fisherman's huts that Dalí gradually bought and combined, reflects the artist's eccentric personality. Visiting the site, you can see the master's studio, his bedroom with a mirror set up so the artist could watch the sunrise without getting out of bed, and the famous phallus-shaped pool. According to local stories, Dalí often walked the surrounding beaches in search of inspiration, and some of his most famous paintings were created here, influenced by the rugged beauty of the Costa Brava.

An amazing contrast to Dalí's surreal world are the medieval fortified walls of Tossa de Mar. The Muralles de Tossa de Mar, also known as Vila Vella (Old Town), is the only surviving medieval urban complex on the Catalan coast. Built in the 12th century, these walls surround the picturesque old town with its narrow cobblestone streets and traditional houses. The walls offer a spectacular view of the bay and the coast. It is interesting to note that Tossa de Mar was once called 'Blue Paradise' by actress Ava Gardner, who fell in love with the place during the filming of 'Pandora and the Flying Dutchman' in 1951. Since then, there has been a statue of her in the town.

The Muralles de la Vila Vella is a fortification complex that includes seven watchtowers and three cylindrical towers. The most impressive is the Torre d'en Joanàs, which offers panoramic views of the entire area. According to local legend, hidden within the walls is Templar treasure that has never been found. Walking around the walls, you can almost hear the echoes of past battles and imagine the life of the medieval inhabitants of this seaside town.

For lovers of nature and botany, a real treasure is the Jardí Botànic Marimurtra in Blanes. This spectacular botanical garden, founded in 1921 by German businessman and botanist Karl Faust, is home to more than 4,000 plant species from around the world. Located on a cliff, it offers not only a fascinating botanical collection, but also some of the most beautiful views of the Costa Brava. The garden is divided into three sections: Mediterranean, subtropical and temperate, allowing for plants from different climate zones. Particularly impressive is the Templet de Linné, a neoclassical temple dedicated to Charles Linnaeus, which offers a breathtaking view of the sea.

The history of the garden is as fascinating as its collection. Karl Faust, fascinated by the richness of Mediterranean flora, devoted his life and fortune to creating this botanical paradise. During the Spanish Civil War, the garden served as a refuge for scientists fleeing Franco's regime. Today, Marimurtra is not only a tourist attraction, but also an important research and educational center. Walking through the garden, you can admire rare species of cacti, palm trees, eucalyptus and many other exotic plants, all accompanied by the sound of waves crashing on the rocks at the foot of the cliff.

Costa Brava hides many lesser-known but equally fascinating places to discover while seeking adventure. One such hidden treasure is the Cap de Creus National Park, the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula. This rugged, windy cape, with fantastic rock formations shaped by wind and sea over thousands of years, provides an incredible backdrop for hiking. Local legends claim that the tramuntana wind, which often blows in the region, can drive people insane - reportedly, some judges in the past have included this fact as a mitigating circumstance for crimes committed during high winds!

For those who wish to combine physical activity with exploration of the underwater world, snorkeling in the Illes Medes or Ses Negres marine reserves is a must. These protected marine areas are home to abundant flora and fauna, including octopus, seahorses and colorful Mediterranean fish. According to local fishermen, the waters around Illes Medes also hide numerous shipwrecks from various eras, from ancient Roman galleys to 19th century merchant ships.

History and legend lovers should visit lesser-known medieval inland villages such as Pals and Peratallada. These stone towns, often perched on hills, offer a fascinating glimpse into medieval life and architecture. In Peratallada, whose name means 'cut stone,' you can admire the impressive fortifications and castle, and stroll through narrow streets that have changed little over the centuries. Local legend has it that there is a network of secret tunnels beneath the city that once served as escape routes during sieges.

For those who want to experience local traditions and culture, plan a visit during one of the many festivals that take place in the region throughout the year. Of particular interest is the Festa Major in Blanes, which takes place in late July and is known for its impressive fireworks displays over the bay. Another fascinating event is the Fira de Indians in Begur, a festival commemorating the historic ties between the Costa Brava and Cuba. In the 19th century, many of the region's residents emigrated to Cuba in search of fortune, and those who succeeded and returned built stately colonial-style homes that can still be admired today.

One of the most remarkable experiences that combines adventure with history is exploring the ancient trade routes known as the Camins de Ronda. These coastal paths were used by coast guards to patrol and prevent smuggling, as well as by local residents as roads connecting coastal villages. Today they are some of the most beautiful trekking routes in Europe, offering spectacular sea views and access to hidden coves. A particularly scenic stretch leads from Calella de Palafrugell to Llafranc and on to Tamariu, connecting three charming seaside villages.

The gastronomic aspect of Costa Brava adventures should not be overlooked either. The region is famous for its delicious cuisine, which combines fresh seafood with produce from the nearby interior. Take a culinary excursion to one of the traditional restaurants in fishing ports such as El Port de la Selva or Palamós, where you can try authentic dishes such as suquet de peix (fish stew) or arròs negre (black rice with squid). Palamós is also famous for its Museu de la Pesca (Fisheries Museum), where you can learn about the fascinating history of the local fishing industry and the traditional fishing methods that still survive today.