The Costa Brava stretches along the Girona province's Mediterranean coast. The coastline is rocky and indented, with small coves (calas) rather than long flat beaches. The water is clear and warm in summer. The nearest beaches to Girona city are at Platja d'Aro, L'Estartit, and Palafurgell (about 40–50 km by car).
Notable spots include Cadaqués — dramatic and remote, with associations with Salvador Dalí — Calella de Palafrugell, and Tossa de Mar, where a medieval walled town overlooks the beach. Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Palafrugell are good bases for exploring the Costa Brava by car. L'Estartit provides access to the Medes Islands marine reserve, one of the best dive sites in the western Mediterranean.