Is it possible to cross time and space, mountains and valleys, sea and volcanoes in one trip? Yes, if it is a trip to the famous Spanish coast. Open-hearted Spaniards will welcome travellers with all their hospitality: they will feed them with delicious dishes, entertain them heartily, guide them through the untouched corners of nature and introduce them to the rich historical and cultural heritage.
Natural scenery awakens something hidden in the depths of the soul. Salvador Dali's architecture and surrealism resonate there. During a Spanish holiday, tourists comprehend high art beyond their will. The extraordinary Costa Brava is ideal for both spiritual and physical pleasures.
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Holidays on the Costa Brava in May: pros and cons
The Costa Brava in May is blooming and fragrant. Evergreen pine and fir trees are ready to be enjoyed all year round. In spring, however, the coniferous fragrance mingles with the finest floral scents and the breath of the sea. The air becomes truly magical. You can't take your eyes off the vibrant flower carpets. Apples, apricots, nectarines, citrus fruits and berries ripen in the orchards.
It is the time of the active tourist season. Local houses and villas are visited by their owners. S'agaro and Playa de Aro are favourite holiday destinations of world-famous movie stars, politicians and businessmen.
More and more different ships and yachts are seen in the harbours. The number of flights to the Costa Brava is increasing. The beaches are still deserted on weekdays, but there are plenty of people at weekends.
The nature of the rest and the environment largely depends on the chosen place. Fans of various entertainment mainly choose Costa Brava.
The pros of holidaying on the Costa Brava in May:
- relatively low holiday prices;
- pleasant, mild weather;
- great time for sports and outdoor activities;
- on May holidays, tour operators offer combined tours at attractive prices;
- harvest season for many fruits and vegetables;
- best time to visit botanical parks and gardens.
The cons of the holiday:
- not all entertainment centres are open, and beach children's clubs are closed;
- cool days and nights, strong winds and short rains are likely;
- the sea will not warm up until the last days of May.
No matter how many holidays in Spain, there is always little time to appreciate it at face value. Reviews of holidays on the Costa Brava in May indicate that the coast is most suitable for active tourists.
Weather in Costa Brava in May
The northern position of this Spanish coastline makes for cooler weather than other regions of the country. On the beaches, the weather in May is not warm enough. The situation changes dramatically in June, allowing tourists to combine a quality beach holiday with a varied excursion programme.
The weather in early May brings long-awaited warm days. The sun mainly shines from behind the clouds, appearing or disappearing completely. Short rains are possible. Temperatures on the Costa Brava in mid-May reach good plus values when light summer clothes are enough. However, the cool night still forces you to remember warm clothes. Gusts of cold strong wind can cause some discomfort.
At the end of May, the Costa Brava's weather improves. Rains become rare; day and night warmer by a few degrees. Stable heat is not typical of this period.
Air and water temperature
Temperatures on the Costa Brava in May vary from noticeably cool to hot. Streams of hot African air can cover the coast, raising temperatures to abnormal peaks. It is not to be expected in stable conditions, and its average values are easily predictable. The climate is mild subtropical.
Air temperature on the Costa Brava in May
The amplitude of fluctuations in average daily temperatures increases to +20.5 °C and decreases to +14.5 °C. Over the past five years, the highest temperature limit was +30 °C during the day, and the lowest was +6 °C at night.
Sea temperature on the Costa Brava in May
If bathing in the waters of the Balearic Sea is possible now, it will only be for a short period. On average, the water temperature will not exceed +16.2 °C, which is very cold for children and most adults.
Precipitation
Does it rain in Costa Brava in May? This is quite a common question from tourists. The rainy season is gradually winding down, with 33.2 mm of rain falling over three-five days. The rains occur mainly in the evening or at night.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Cloudless and cloudy days alternate with enviable regularity. One day out of three clouds entirely or partially cover the sun. Because of this, the average daily number of sunshine hours is 11.3 hours, with a daylight period of 14-15 hours.
Active holidays
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The Costa Brava has resorts certified as family tourism destinations. These include Blanes, Roses, Lloret de Mar, Sant Antoni de Calonge, Sant Feliu de Guixols, Sant Pere Pescador, La Val d'en Bas, Torroella de Montgri - L'Estartit, Castel Plagja d'Aro.
It offers specialised services in hotels and restaurants, entertainment for all ages, children's clubs, parks, courses, playgrounds and much more.
Blanes, Roses, Playa de Aro and Lloret de Mar are home to the best entertainment complexes on the coast: Water Wold, Marineland, Aqua Brava, Aquadiver and the cute Gnomo Park.
Aqua Brava and Aquadiver are closed to the public in May.
Rivers, coves, kilometres of unspoilt beaches with dunes, parks and gardens, and mountain villages with old manor castles can make for a tiring but exciting walking tour. Alternatively, to cover distances faster and more entertainingly, an electric segway, a safe and easy-to-ride vehicle, is a good option. A mountain bike is also a good choice.
The most famous landscapes of the coast open up to Sant Pere Pescador. Different ecosystems pass one into the other, making up a mosaic of marshes, ponds, rivers, meadows, fields, beaches and dunes. The free Emporda wetland natural park (Aiguamoles de l'Emporda), one of the eight wilderness parks of the Costa Brava, is home to 300 species of birds and many animals. High in the Pyrenees is the Molló Animal Park, where bears, lynxes, deer, mouflon, marmots, otters and other mountain dwellers live in maximum freedom.
Kayaking at Cape Creus combines sport and excursion to remote caves and coves accessible only from the sea. Such walks do not require special skills and stamina. An experienced instructor will take care of your safety. The largest lake in Catalonia, Banyoles (Pla del Estany), is characterised by very calm waters. Gliding a canoe or kayak across its mirror-like surface will pacify any restless nature.
Adventure panoramic flights magically unfold before the eyes of little and big braves alike the enormous pictures of the Catalan expanses. The choice of transport, from hot air balloons to light aircraft, is impressive. If you're afraid to take to the skies, the Sant Sebastia Lighthouse observation deck offers stunning views from a height of 167 metres.
Tour holidays
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Many people start their acquaintance with the Costa Brava in Barcelona, and from there, they embark on a journey through the "Dali Triangle". A marvellous castle, a theatre with architectural illusions and a labyrinthine house will tell you more about the facets of the artist's personality than his painted pictures. Famous people lived and travelled in Cadaqués, where the Salvador Dali House Museum is located — Federico Garcia Lorca, Luis Buñuel, Paul Éluard, and Max Ernst.
Many of the coast's architectural sites have survived from the 10th to 13th centuries and are Romanesque. Girona and Besalú are museum cities of the pre-Gothic period. The buildings are decorated with round-headed arches, cylindrical vaults, the first stained glass windows and other characteristic specific elements. In Girona, don't forget to visit the two Michelin-starred restaurants.
Besalú's medieval architecture has made it the most visited place in Catalonia. It has preserved in excellent condition the evidence of the peaceful coexistence of the Jewish and Christian communities: Catholic churches and a monastery, a synagogue, Jewish baths and a Jewish quarter.
There are also numerous and varied museums in the region. the Trias Biscuit Museum, the Magic House Museum of Illusionist Xevi, the Toy History Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Torroella de Montgrí have all emerged from the crafts sector.
There is a risk that the little visitors will want to take some of what they see with them because the exhibits are so magnificent.
The Technical Museum of the Empordà often offers interactive elements for visitors aged three and over. At the Cinema Museum in Girona, visitors can experiment with film equipment.
An engaging, interactive form of presenting essential information about the region is implemented in the tourist interpretation centres. Scenography, technological and audiovisual elements should evoke emotions of empathy for specific events or problems. For example, CI Maram dedicated an exhibition to the protection of fish fauna and fisheries.
Beach holidays
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The Costa Brava offers wonderful days on 226 favourable and wild beaches in small coves. They are pretty different: small (a few metres, in hidden rocky shores) and very long (sandy, in reserve). They have one thing in common: the bottom under your feet quickly goes deep. The water is crystal clear and can be tested for swimming by children at the end of May at the earliest.
With clear skies and no cold winds in early to mid-May, it is good to spend a few hours on the beach for a light tan. However, the level of ultraviolet radiation should not be underestimated. A Catalan entrepreneur in L''Estartit and Begur has installed peculiar "showers" which, for a symbolic fee of 20 seconds, spray sunscreen with SPF 25. The innovation is thus designed to protect careless holidaymakers from sunburns.
The chic, picturesque beaches include "San Pol de Mar" with unique dunes and shallow waters, "Sa Caleta" at the foot of a medieval castle, "Cala San Francesc" in a beautiful bay surrounded by pine trees, protected from the wind "Cala Giverola" and "Cala Bona", paradisiacal "Cala del Pi", pristine "Tamariu" and others.
Holidays, events and festivals
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Holidays on the Costa Brava in May and all year round are so numerous that it is impossible to cover them even with statistics.
On May 1, in solidarity with other nations worldwide, Spaniards celebrate Labour Day. Shops, institutions and some museums are closed. The spirit of the holiday certainly takes over the city streets, although radicalised demonstrators can affect the general mood. Spring fairs unfold on this day, where you can buy new and second-hand items, collectables, crafts and much more.
Every first Sunday in May, mothers are honoured in Spain with Mother's Day. Family festivals continue the family theme. In Sant Antoni de Calonge, adults search for the elixir of youth and good mood in cafés and restaurants, while children look for the elixir of growth.
The second half of May is celebrated with the following events. With the international festival "Time of Flowers", Girona welcomes spring, and creators and spectators alike gaze with special affection at objects of perfect art.
The spring "Carnival of Carnivals" or "Carousel of the Costa Brava" occur in Palafrugell. It is the most traditional and ancient carnival. The city's streets move bright processions with painted installations, people in masks and colourful clothes. Everything is bright, festive and beautiful.
The historical festival in Girona is dedicated to the peasant uprising in the XV century. More than 100 volunteers participate in the reconstruction of the events. Guests dance, sample medieval gastronomy and watch theatre performances.
The Lloret Formula Weekend, which takes place at the Lloret de Mar city circuit, gets the adrenaline pumping. Magnificent car shows, toy electric car races, parties, and concerts are included in the programme of events.
However, the Clown Festival is the most exciting and funny festival in May. Circus troupes perform on three stages in Peralada with the latest entertainment programmes. Throughout the day, in an "express clown" format, the artists interact directly with the audience one after the other. Humorous shows change every 20-25 minutes. Every year there is a nomination for the "Clown of the Year" award.
Several "tasty" events do not fit on the calendar's pages. Gastronomic days, festivals and fairs take place all the time. They are dedicated to grandmother's cuisine, individual products, seasonal harvests and slaughter, successful catches and patron saints' feasts.
The daily May catch of high-quality prawns in Palamos Bay forms a special "Prawn Menu" in restaurants.
In Lloret de Mar, gastronomic rice days take place all month long. And there is sure to be a village on the Costa Brava where all its inhabitants celebrate the main holiday, the feast of the patron saint. Symbolic rituals, processions, festivities, music and dancing, bring a family atmosphere to the streets: no one feels like a stranger.
Cost of vacation
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Tourists will like prices on the Costa Brava in May, and many resorts are considered budget-friendly. Renting separate apartments with a kitchen, buying food at local markets, and self-organisation excursions significantly reduce holiday expenses. The average one-day spending of an average tourist on the Costa Brava is about 200 euros.
Package Tours
As a rule, there are no hot tours on the Costa Brava in May. Tour operators offer inexpensive combined trips. With the start of the beach season at the end of May - in June, tours become up to 50% more expensive.
Accommodations
The cost of accommodation in hotels increases closer to summer. On May holidays, hotels slightly increase their prices due to the influx of tourists. In June, the cost of accommodation in hotels increases by 37%. The average price for a room per night in May is 60 euros.
Food and Transport
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In Catalonia, food is relatively inexpensive. In spring, 2kg of apples in the markets cost 1-2 euros, and seasonal cherries, apricots, and nectarines — up to €3 per 1kg. A full-fledged lunch in fast food restaurant is equivalent to €12-15, and three meals in a good cafe or a restaurant of the average price category will cost €30-50 for two people.
One trip on public transport will cost €1.5-2. Taxi services are expensive: starting from 3-4 euros as a basic fee, each next kilometre adds up to €2.5. Famous museums charge €9-15 per person for admission.
- What to Eat in Spain — 48 Spanish Foods You Must Try
- Spanish Fruit and Vegetables — A Seasonal Guide
Tips for holidays with children
Holidays in May on the Costa Brava are suitable for families with school-aged children. The last weeks of the month are usually free from school, and schools organise group excursions. Parents can leave with their children to the coastal resorts and meet the summer there. Excursion holidays in Spanish cities are incomparably exciting.
Minor children should be taken on a trip early: their leisure time is challenging to organise because the necessary infrastructure works partially. Long walks in the fresh air are helpful for everyone, but the road does not suggest using prams. Beach holidays and water activities are possible, but weakened children should postpone them.
By choosing any Costa Brava resort oriented towards family holidays, parents provide themselves and their children with unique opportunities. Familiarity with European culture, nature reserves, and quality service fosters good taste and broadens the outlook.
Catalonia takes care that Spanish holidays were held on the most intense programme. And a kaleidoscope of fun events and holidays will charge everyone with a great mood. Therefore, there is no doubt: buying a trip to the Costa Brava should be done.
