9 Unique Foodie Experiences on the Costa Brava

You can explore Costa Brava’s incredible food scene through nine amazing experiences that’ll make your taste buds dance! Try medieval Girona food tours with local tastings, hands-on paella cooking classes, and visits to L’Escala’s famous anchovy factories. Savor legendary Gamba de Palamós red prawns at coastal restaurants, discover traditional botifarra sausages at Casa Marieta, and enjoy creative rice dishes in historic Pals. Add wine tours through seaside vineyards and fine dining at Michelin-starred spots to discover why this region captivates food lovers worldwide.

Medieval Girona Food Tour With Catalan Cuisine Tastings

While exploring Girona’s winding medieval streets, you’ll discover that this enchanting city offers one of Spain’s most delicious food adventures. This guided walking tour combines history with amazing Catalan food tastings in a small group of just six people.

You’ll start at Plaça Sant Feliu and visit authentic spots like the local market, cozy old cellars, and legendary food shops. Try traditional sweets, artisanal liqueurs, three-layer coffee, and surprise hot ice cream!

You’ll also taste Jamon Iberico and cava at vibrant market stalls.

The 2-3 hour tour ends with an optional restaurant meal featuring Catalan classics like duck with fruit. Available in English, Russian, and Spanish, this tour costs from $38 and includes snacks, drinks, and unforgettable memories. The tour offers flexible booking with the option to reserve now and pay later, plus free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Hands-On Paella and Crema Catalana Cooking Classes

After savoring Girona’s medieval flavors, you’ll want to roll up your sleeves and create your own Spanish masterpieces in Costa Brava’s hands-on cooking classes. These rooftop sessions teach you authentic paella techniques using fresh ingredients from local markets. Professional chefs guide you through every step, from selecting seafood to achieving that perfect crispy socarrat bottom crust.

You’ll also master crema Catalana, Spain’s delicious answer to crème brûlée, complete with caramelized sugar topping. Classes include everything you need: aprons, utensils, and recipes to recreate dishes at home. Small groups ensure personalized attention during the 3-hour experience.

With unlimited wine, sangria, and traditional tapas included, these classes consistently earn 4.8-5 star ratings from families who love the fun, educational atmosphere. The experience welcomes families with infants, who can enjoy the rooftop setting while sitting on adult laps during the interactive cooking demonstrations.

L’Escala Anchovy Factory Visits and Tastings

Since you’ve mastered making paella, it’s time to discover one of Costa Brava’s most treasured ingredients at L’Escala’s famous anchovy factories.

You’ll witness traditional salt-preservation methods that trace back to ancient Greek techniques from 600 BC. Eight family-run factories still operate using handmade processes, with women traditionally handling the careful salting work.

Visit SOLÉS, the oldest factory running since 1888, where you can explore their anniversary museum with audio guides in seven languages. Your visit includes tastings of their premium anchovies, plus optional tapas for just 4.95€.

The factory features an outdoor terrace, shop, and parking. The salt used in production was historically transported from Torrevieja’s salinas to preserve the anchovies.

Don’t miss the Anchovy and Salt Museum in town, plus September’s Salt Festival and October’s Anchovy Festival celebrating this centuries-old craft.

Gamba De Palamós Red Prawns at Coastal Restaurants

Costa Brava’s culinary treasures extend beyond preserved anchovies to include the region’s crown jewel: Gamba de Palamós red prawns. You’ll spot these vibrant red beauties by their bright color from eating plankton and their larger-than-average size. They’re caught exclusively off Costa Brava waters by just 16 specialized boats following strict sustainability rules.

When you visit coastal restaurants, you’ll taste their sweet, almost vanilla-like flavor that’s considered the world’s best. Try them grilled simply at Can Blau for regional rice dishes or Entre dos Mons for creative tasting menus. These prawns are scientifically known as Aristeus antennatus and are harvested from depths of about 400 meters.

During Palamós Menú de la Gamba season (May to mid-June), you’ll find innovative preparations like carpaccios, croquettes, and tartars. Set menus range from €45-€90, offering everyone a chance to experience these exceptional prawns.

Fresh Seafood at Sa Marinada and Rafa’s Iconic Spots

When you’re craving the freshest catch along Costa Brava’s coastline, Sa Marinada delivers an unforgettable sea-to-table experience right on Sant Feliu de Guíxols beach. You’ll watch servers expertly fillet your fish tableside while enjoying stunning port views.

Their Mediterranean menu features exceptional rice dishes, paellas, and an extensive tapas selection that’s perfect for sharing with family.

The restaurant welcomes everyone with highchairs for little ones and options for vegetarian and gluten-free diets. You can choose their affordable menu del día starting at 23€ or explore their full menu.

With outdoor seating overlooking medieval structures and the sea, you’ll understand why it’s ranked #10 among 121 local restaurants. The terrace dining offers particularly scenic harbor views that enhance every meal. Make reservations early—this beachfront gem fills up quickly with families seeking authentic Catalan seafood experiences.

Traditional Botifarra Sausages at Casa Marieta

Moving inland from Costa Brava’s coastal treasures, you’ll discover Casa Marieta’s incredible botifarra sausages in Girona‘s bustling Plaça de la Independència. This family-run restaurant has served traditional Catalan food for over 130 years, making it one of Girona’s most beloved dining spots.

You’ll find their famous Ibèrica botifarra sausages bursting with authentic flavors that locals have enjoyed for generations. The restaurant sits just steps from Girona Cathedral and the colorful Oñar River houses, so you can easily explore after your meal.

Casa Marieta’s menu features seasonal dishes like duck with pears and Catalan cream, but their botifarra stands out as a true specialty. Their main dishes are reasonably priced between €10-€20, making authentic Catalan cuisine accessible to all visitors.

With outdoor seating available and accommodations for special diets, everyone can enjoy this historic culinary experience in Girona’s heart.

Creative Rice Dishes in Historic Pals

While exploring the medieval stone streets of historic Pals, you’ll discover some of Spain’s most creative rice dishes made with locally grown grains that have flourished here since the 15th century. The town’s three producers grow up to seven varieties, including prized bomba and bahia rice.

You can taste these special grains at amazing restaurants like Pahissa del Mas, where seven generations of the Pericay family cook in a 1352 farmhouse. Golf de Pals serves seasonal rice dishes surrounded by beautiful golf courses, while Restaurant El Pedró specializes in classic rice and seafood combinations. The Golf de Pals restaurant offers a stunning terrace overlooking a lake and hole 9 green, creating a picturesque dining setting.

During spring’s Rice Festival, thirteen local restaurants create special menus featuring Pals rice casseroles. Plus, you’ll enjoy guided tours and tastings celebrating this delicious local treasure.

Costa Brava Winery Tours With Empordà Wine Tastings

After savoring Pals’ amazing rice dishes, you’ll want to explore Costa Brava’s incredible wine scene in the Empordà region, where over 50 wineries create exceptional wines just minutes from the Mediterranean Sea.

You’ll taste unique wines made from local grapes like Grenache and Carignan that get their special flavor from sea breezes and sandy soils.

Visit Perelada for guided tours and their cool Wine Museum, or try La Vinyeta’s vineyard picnics with gorgeous views.

At Mas Geli, you can learn about organic farming methods. For an unforgettable adventure, try the enokayak experience that combines paddling with wine tasting along the coast.

Don’t miss the seaside wine tastings where you’ll sip wines paired with fresh shrimp on century-old boats.

Most tours cost around €82 and include delicious local foods like cheese, olives, and anchovies.

Xuixo Pastries and Fine Dining at Divinum Girona

From vineyard visits to world-class restaurants, Costa Brava’s food scene reaches incredible heights at Divinum Girona, where you’ll experience Michelin-starred dining in the heart of Girona’s historic old town. This one-star restaurant serves creative Catalan dishes using local ingredients under beautiful vaulted ceilings that create a cozy atmosphere.

You’ll love the Essencia menu featuring over a dozen courses combining sea and mountain flavors, including oysters with celeriac and cod with wild mushrooms. The restaurant’s cheese trolley offers more than 20 artisan varieties, perfect for sharing.

Menu options include à la carte dishes (€32-€68), lunch menus (€90), and the full Essencia experience (€145). The professional staff accommodates dietary needs, making this Joan Roca-endorsed restaurant accessible for everyone. Divinum is open daily from 10:00 to 23:00, ensuring you can enjoy their innovative cuisine for both lunch and dinner services.

Last Words

You’ve discovered nine amazing food adventures on Costa Brava! From cooking paella with your hands to tasting sweet xuixo pastries, there’s something yummy for everyone. Whether you’re trying red prawns by the sea or learning about anchovies, each experience creates delicious memories. Don’t forget to bring your appetite and camera – you’ll want to remember every bite. Costa Brava’s food scene welcomes all hungry explorers ready for tasty discoveries!