We know the Costa Brava’s famed for its golden beaches, glorious sunshine and charming towns, but what’s hiding beneath the surface?

If you’re keen to take the less-trodden path and discover something new, join us on a tour of some of the Costa Brava’s hidden gems...

The Emporda Wine Route

Fancy yourself as a bit of a wine connoisseur? You’ll be in your element here as this ancient wine route features more than 30 wineries that you can visit! Nestled between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea, it’s renowned for its diverse wines, including robust reds and crisp whites.

Along the way, you can explore charming medieval villages, tour historic vineyards and savour local cuisine paired with these exquisite wines. The route also highlights the region’s rich cultural heritage, where you can discover ancient castles and monasteries, and fascinating museums. With its stunning landscapes and deep-rooted winemaking traditions, the Emporda Wine Route is an unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts.

Top tip: Look out for different activities you can do along the route. Think yoga in the vineyards and blind taste testing of the wines – there’s something for everyone!

Lake Banyoles

Welcome to Catalonia’s largest freshwater lake! Just 12km from Girona, you can get your fix of stunning scenery and nature here. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and the picturesque Pyrenean foothills, so looks like something pulled straight from a postcard. Rowing, swimming, sailing, paddleboarding, hiking – just a few of the different activities you can try out while you’re here!

The lake’s natural waters and diverse wildlife make it a popular choice for both relaxation lovers and action-packed adventurers. Nearby, the charming town of Banyoles itself is well worth a visit. The Neolithic site of La Draga is not to be missed.

Top tip: Hire a bike or a rowing boat and explore at your leisure. Even in the middle of the day, it rarely gets busy, so sometimes you might have this place all to yourself!

The Pirinexus cycling route

Keen to explore on two wheels while you’re away? Take on this 340km cycle route around the Catalan Pyrenees, and you’ll be blown away by the stunning scenery. This diverse route connects Spain and France and begins in Girona. The route winds through the Costa Brava's stunning coastline, the lush countryside of the Emporda region and the majestic Pyrenees mountains.

It crosses into southern France for around 60km, before returning to Spain, blending rural paths, historical sites and charming villages. You don’t have to be a pro cyclist to get involved, as it’s suitable for various skill levels, and there’s a varying degree of terrain. Plus, you don’t have to commit to the whole 340km route, why not split it into chunks and tackle a different part each day?

Top tip: Travel on a bike that is suitable for both road and trail cycling, as many of the paths are gravel.

Girona’s Jewish Quarter

AKA ‘El Call’, Girona’s Jewish Quarter is one of the best-preserved in Europe, offering a glimpse into the rich history of its medieval Jewish community. Nestled within the Old Town, its labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, stone archways and ancient buildings transports you back to the Middle Ages.

One of the key sites is the Museum of Jewish History, which is housed in an old synagogue and features various exhibitions and artefacts that you can browse. The quarter's atmospheric alleyways are perfect for wandering, revealing hidden courtyards and remnants of synagogues. El Call is a poignant reminder of Girona's multicultural heritage and fascinating story, and it’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Top tip: Stop by at El Foment de Girona for a taste of traditional Catalan cuisine. We’re talking roast chicken casserole, artisan sausage and fish stews – yum!

Marimurtra Botanical Garden

You’ll find the Marimurtra Botanical Garden in Blanes, on the edge of the Costa Brava. It’s a peaceful spot filled with flora and fauna overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Founded by German botanist Carl Faust in the early 20th century, the garden spans 16 hectares and is home to over 4,000 plant species from five continents. So, as you can imagine, you could really get lost in the beauty of it all.

Explore the carefully landscaped terraces, exotic collections of cacti, succulents, and subtropical plants, all while enjoying breathtaking sea views and the fresh sea air. Nature lovers, botany fans and peace seekers will all love it here. It costs €10 per person to enter.

Top tip: Don’t miss out on snapping some photos of the sea view from the mini temple. They’re so good, some people choose this as their wedding location!

Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park

Love to spot nature and local wildlife in its natural habitat? You’ll want to make a beeline for this vast natural park. Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park is a vital wetland reserve and a sanctuary for wildlife, especially birds.

Spanning over 4,800 hectares, it features diverse habitats, including marshes, lagoons and meadows, making it a crucial stopover for migratory birds. You can explore the park’s extensive network of trails and observation points, offering close encounters with species like storks, herons, otters, deer and flamingos. Imagine the holiday snaps you could get!

The park also supports rich biodiversity, including mammals, reptiles and rare plant species. Nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, this one’s for you.

Top tip: Parts of the park are protected, so stick to the clearly marked paths. Guided tours can be arranged too, if you’d like a more in-depth experience.