The Costa Brava

The Costa Brava (Wild Coast) is a nearly unbroken series of sheer rock cliffs dropping down to crystalline waters, capriciously punctuated with innumerable coves and tiny beaches on narrow inlets, called calas. It basically begins at Blanes and continues north through 135 km (84 mi) to the French border at Port Bou. Although the area does have spots of real-estate excess, the rocky terrain of many pockets (Tossa, Cap de Begur, and Cadaqués) has discouraged overbuilding. On a good day here, the luminous blue of the sea contrasts with red-brown headlands and cliffs, and the distant lights of fishing boats reflect on wine-color waters at dusk. Umbrella pines escort you to the fringes of secluded coves and sandy white beaches.