The Costa Brava is one of the most spectacular coastlines in the Mediterranean: turquoise coves, pine-covered cliffs and fishing villages like Llafranc, Calella de Palafrugell and Tamariu. And the best plans aren’t on land — they’re on the water. This is our guide to what to do in Costa Brava in 2026.
1. E-foil boat trip from Llafranc (the star activity)
Can you imagine flying silently above the turquoise water of a Costa Brava cove? That’s exactly what an e-foil feels like: a board with a silent electric motor and a hydrofoil wing that lifts you above the surface. No waves, no noise and no experience needed — most people are gliding above the water within 20–30 minutes.
The best part: the session doesn’t start from a busy beach, but as a private boat trip from the port of Llafranc. Our E-Foil Costa Brava service takes you with a skipper and certified instructor to a quiet cove — Tamariu, Aiguablava, Cala Pedrosa or El Golfet, depending on the day — for a 2-hour session with 2 e-foil boards: two people ride at the same time while the rest of the group swims and enjoys the boat.
2026 price:
| Trip | Price |
|---|---|
| 2 hours · 2 e-foil boards · up to 10 people | €500 for the group |
Everything included: boat, skipper, fuel, certified instructor, 2 boards and safety equipment. Want to know more about the sport itself? Read our complete e-foil guide.
Ideal for: families on holiday, groups of friends and villa and hotel guests around Llafranc, Calella de Palafrugell, Tamariu and Begur.
2. Private boat trip from Llafranc
You only really understand the Costa Brava from the sea. Our boat trip from Llafranc with a professional captain takes you on a 4-hour route through the spots that don’t appear in the guidebooks: the emerald water below Cap Roig, Cala Pedrosa in the shade of the cliffs, the rocky headlands you can only see from the water.
No experience needed: the captain sails while you swim, snorkel and enjoy. Up to 10 people, from €450 for the whole boat.
3. Snorkelling in the coves
The Costa Brava has some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean, and its posidonia meadows and rocky seabeds are full of life. Some unmissable coves:
- Cala Pedrosa (between Llafranc and Tamariu): only reachable on foot or by sea
- Aiguablava (Begur): fine sand and incredibly transparent water
- Cala S’Alguer (Palamós): fishermen’s huts and a rocky seabed
- Es Castell (Palamós): sheltered and uncrowded
Tip: combine snorkelling with the boat trip — the captain knows the coves nobody can reach on foot.
4. Seaside villages: Calella, Llafranc, Tamariu and Cadaqués
Between swims, the villages of the Costa Brava deserve a slow visit: the beached boats and white porches of Calella de Palafrugell, the promenade and the San Sebastián lighthouse in Llafranc, the calm of Tamariu and, further north, Cadaqués and Cap de Creus — the landscape that obsessed Dalí.
5. The coastal paths (camí de ronda)
The camí de ronda are coastal footpaths that link coves and villages along the cliff edge. The stretch from Calella de Palafrugell to Tamariu (passing through Llafranc) is one of the most beautiful: an hour and a half of pines, viewpoints and coves where you can stop for a swim halfway. Perfect for the morning, before the heat kicks in.
6. Kayak and paddle board
Almost every major beach (Llafranc, Tamariu, Aiguablava, Palamós) rents kayaks and paddle boards by the hour. It’s the easiest way to explore the caves and corners near your beach on your own.
When is the best time to go?
May to October. June and September are the sweet spot: warm water, fewer crowds and better prices. In July and August, book activities in advance — especially e-foil sessions and boat trips, which sell out fast.
Plan your day on the water
At Nautiq we organise tailor-made nautical experiences on the Costa Brava: from an e-foil lesson at your cove to a full day on a boat. Write to us or send us a WhatsApp with where you’re staying and we’ll propose the best plan within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do on the Costa Brava?
The best plans on the Costa Brava are on the water: the e-foil boat trip from Llafranc to a quiet cove, private boat trips, snorkelling in turquoise coves, kayaking below the cliffs and the coastal footpaths (camí de ronda) that link the seaside villages.
Can you e-foil on the Costa Brava?
Yes. Nautiq runs private e-foil boat trips from the port of Llafranc: we sail to a quiet cove and run a 2-hour session with 2 e-foil boards, skipper and certified instructor. Up to 10 people on board, all equipment included.
How much does an e-foil session cost on the Costa Brava?
The boat trip from Llafranc costs €500 for 2 hours, all included: boat, skipper, fuel, 2 e-foil boards, certified instructor and safety equipment, for up to 10 people.
When is the best time to visit the Costa Brava?
May to October. June and September are ideal: the water is warm, there are fewer crowds than in August and prices are better. July and August are the liveliest months; book activities in advance.