Outdoor activities in Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is one of the most complete sports destinations in the Mediterranean. Its combination of sea, cliffs, pine forests, the Empordà plains, and a mild climate that allows for sports practically 365 days a year makes it a unique place where nature, sports, and leisure meet on the same trip.

The sports activities on the Costa Brava go far beyond swimming and the beach: hiking along spectacular coastal routes, kayaking among coves accessible only from the sea, cycling on traffic-free roads between medieval villages, golfing by the Mediterranean, scuba diving in one of Europe's most important marine reserves, skydiving over Cap de Creus, or hot air ballooning at sunrise over the Empordà.

Hotel Aigua Blava, situated on the seafront in Aiguablava (Begur, Baix Empordà), occupies a privileged position to discover the best sports activities on the Costa Brava: with direct access to the Camí de Ronda (coastal path), just minutes away from the best golf courses, offering bicycle and boat rental management directly from the hotel, and surrounded by a natural environment that is, in itself, the best starting point.

Best sports activities on the Costa Brava

• Hiking along the Camí de Ronda
• Kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding
• Scuba diving in the Medes Islands
• Road cycling and mountain biking (MTB)
• Golfing by the Mediterranean
• Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wing foiling
• Boat rentals and sailing trips
• Horseback riding in the Baix Empordà
• Skydiving in Empuriabrava
• Hot air balloon flights over the Empordà

Hiking along the Camí de Ronda

The Camí de Ronda is the most emblematic hiking route on the Costa Brava. With over 200 km of total route along the Girona coastline, it was originally used by the carabineros to monitor coastal smuggling and is today the best way to discover the Costa Brava on foot: among cliffs, hidden coves, Mediterranean pine forests, and continuous sea views.

From Hotel Aigua Blava, you can access the Camí de Ronda directly without needing a car, allowing you to go for a walk at any time of the day, including at sunrise or sunset, when the light on the water is most spectacular.

Main routes from the hotel

• Aiguablava → Platja Fonda → Fornells: about 4 km one way, gentle slope, suitable for all levels. Passes by Platja Fonda —accessible only on foot or by boat— and reaches the quiet cove of Fornells. Round trip in about 2 hours.
• Route to Tamariu: about 5 km with moderate elevation gain, passing through less frequented spots until reaching one of the most beautiful coves in the Baix Empordà. Round trip in about 2.5 hours.
• Nearby coves on foot: just minutes from the hotel are Cala d'en Malaret, Port de Ses Orats, and Cala Ses Vaques, perfect for those seeking tranquility and access without a car.

Level: beginner to intermediate | Best time: all year round, especially spring and autumn | Footwear: trail running or hiking shoes with non-slip soles

Water activities on the Costa Brava

The water activities on the Costa Brava are one of the most comprehensive ways to discover the coastline from the sea. The waters of Aiguablava are ranked among the cleanest in the Mediterranean, with an average temperature of 22-24 °C in summer and underwater visibility of up to 15 meters on clear days. Their orientation, protected from the swell, makes them an ideal environment for practicing water sports safely practically all year round.

Recommended activities

• Kayaking among coves and cliffs
• Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
• Paddleboarding in protected areas
• Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wing foiling
• Scuba diving in the Medes Islands

Level: all levels with a specialized center | Best time: May to October | Distance from the hotel: 20 minutes

Golf on the Costa Brava

Playing golf on the Costa Brava is an experience that combines sport and landscape in a top-tier Mediterranean setting. The province of Girona will host the 2031 Ryder Cup, the most prestigious golf event in the world, confirming the international level of the area and the quality of its facilities.

Closest courses to Hotel Aigua Blava:

• Golf Platja de Pals (15 minutes): designed by Fred Hawtree in 1966, the first 18-hole golf course in Catalonia. Set among century-old pines with sea views, it offers a par 73, 6,107-meter course that combines links and parkland elements. One of the most historic and iconic courses in Spain.
• Par 3 Pitch & Putt Gualta (20 minutes): an accessible course ideal for beginners or a relaxed game in the midst of nature. The complex includes paddle tennis courts and a restaurant overlooking a lake, perfect for a full day of sports leisure in the Empordà.

Level: all levels | Best time: all year round, especially spring and autumn | Reservation: recommended in advance during peak season

Road cycling and mountain biking (MTB)

The Empordà is one of the most highly rated destinations in Europe for cycling, thanks to its quiet roads, mild climate, and variety of landscapes, making it an ideal place for cycle tourism on the Costa Brava.

From Hotel Aigua Blava, it is easy to access cycling routes that travel through some of the most authentic corners of the area, passing through medieval villages like Begur, Pals, Peratallada, or Monells, where sport can be combined with cultural and gastronomic stops. 

In addition, bicycle rental is available directly from the hotel thanks to Gran Fondo Bikes, which offers road and electric bikes to discover the territory in total comfort.

Popular routes from the hotel

• Aiguablava → Begur → Pals → coast: ~35 km, gentle slope, suitable for all levels
• Medieval villages route: ~50 km, perfect for an e-bike
• MTB Cap de Begur: ~20 km, technical sections with unique sea viewpoints

Level: all levels depending on the route | Best time: all year round | Rental: available from the hotel with Gran Fondo Bikes

Boat rentals and sailing trips

Exploring the Costa Brava from the sea is one of the most highly recommended experiences during your stay. Boat rentals and sailing trips allow you to discover hidden coves, access corners unreachable on foot, and enjoy the coastline from a completely different perspective.

From Hotel Aigua Blava, you can easily arrange the rental of boats, with or without a skipper, adapted to different levels of experience. It is an ideal option for couples as well as families or groups, combining sailing, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and stopping at some of the most exclusive coves in the area.

Level: all levels | Best time: June-September | Management: directly from the hotel

Horseback riding routes in the Baix Empordà

Exploring the Empordà on horseback is a peaceful and different way to discover the Costa Brava landscape, combining nature, sport, and connection with the environment. This activity allows you to delve into rural paths, open fields, and wooded areas, far from the most traveled routes, and enjoy the territory at a different pace.

In the Baix Empordà, about 30 minutes from Hotel Aigua Blava, centers like Mas Paguina in L’Estartit organize guided horseback riding tours adapted to all levels, from gentle rides to more comprehensive routes through the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park. One of the most highly rated experiences is horseback riding by the sea with the Medes Islands in the background.

Level: all levels, suitable for beginners | Distance from hotel: 30 minutes | Reservation: recommended in advance

Adventure experiences on the Costa Brava

Skydiving in Empuriabrava

Living the experience of skydiving over the Costa Brava is one of the most thrilling activities you can do during your stay. Empuriabrava is one of the most important skydiving centers in Europe, thanks to its weather conditions and privileged location by the sea.

In this area, Skydive Empuriabrava stands out as an international benchmark where you can tandem jump with spectacular views of the Mediterranean, the town's canals, and the Empordà landscape. Furthermore, it also offers other experiences like the wind tunnel, ideal for a first contact with the sensation of flying, or light aircraft flights over the Alt Empordà.

The activity can be completed with a visit to Empuriabrava itself, known as the “Catalan Venice”, to enjoy its atmosphere, its canals, and its gastronomy after a unique experience.

Level: no previous experience required | Distance from hotel: 45-50 minutes | Reservation: essential in advance

Hot air balloon flights over the Empordà

Flying in a hot air balloon at sunrise over the Empordà is one of those experiences that is hard to describe: the grain fields, the medieval villages, the Mediterranean light, and, on clear days, the silhouette of the Pyrenees in the background.

Globus Empordà operates flights from nearby departure points such as Colomers or Verges, 30-40 minutes from the hotel. The flights last approximately one hour at an altitude of between 300 and 800 meters, with views over Pals, Begur, Peratallada, and the Medes Islands. The experience includes a toast upon landing and a flight certificate.

It is a highly rated activity for special celebrations, romantic getaways, and families with children over 6 years old.

Level: no previous experience required | Distance from hotel: 30-40 minutes | Reservation: essential, especially in peak season

The Costa Brava offers a variety of sports activities that is hard to match in the Mediterranean. From Hotel Aigua Blava, with direct access to the Camí de Ronda and the sea of Aiguablava, all of them are just minutes away from one of the best locations on the Costa Brava.