Come to Costa Brava for an authentic immersion in old-world coastal Spain. This area in northeastern Catalonia includes a series of small cities from Girona, the capital, to Blanes in the southernmost part of the region. Visit the famous Dali Museum, play a hand of cards in the elegant casinos of Lloret de Mar, or take a scuba diving excursion to the Mendes Islands National Reserve for spectacular encounters with colorful marine life. In the evenings, enjoy traditional Spanish seafood prepared in a classic Mediterranean style by world-class chefs. 

One of the best loved but least crowded areas along the Costa Brava is the beautiful secluded fishing village of Tossa de Mar. Explore the winding cobblestone streets of this little town and appreciate its medieval structures, including walls and towers that were built in the thirteenth century to protect the city from invaders. 

Here are a few other suggestions of things to do in the area:   

-Visit Els Ametllers: Explore this classic and carefully preserved Roman Mediterranean farm. Now a historic site, this was once an important villa in the former Roman province of Tarraco.  

-Visit the Municipal Museum: Explore this archeology museum and art gallery in Tossa del Mar and see the work of famous modern artists from the 1930s. Also view the artifact here that shows evidence of human occupation in Costa Brava during Paleolithic times.

-Explore Vila Vella: This ancient historic town is believed to be the only original walled city of this kind still in existence on the Catalan Coast.  

-Explore cultivated and native gardens: Visit the Marimurtra Botanical Gardens to learn more about native species of plant life, and stop by the Santa Clotilde Gardens for a display of traditional European landscaping. 

-Play on the beach: Fenals Beach and Lloret Beach, both in Lloret de Mar, are pristine stretches of sand and blue water where you can relax and enjoy the sun. 

-Spend a day at Waterworld: Visit this water amusement park for a day of fun, especially if you're traveling with children. 

In every city along the Costa Brava, there are plenty of places to stay. You'll have no trouble finding a vacation rental that meets your needs and makes you feel at home. Find a luxurious apartment or elegant condo near the casinos of Lloret de Mar, or book an affordable beach house in Girona or Tossa de Mar. You can also find a classic Spanish villa along a secluded part of the coast with views overlooking the ocean.