When planning a trip to the spectacular coast of Girona, it's common to encounter a series of names that, although they sound familiar, can be confusing: Costa Brava, Empordà, Girona... Are they the same? How are they related? Understanding these terms is not only useful for orientation, but also reveals the historical and cultural richness of one of the most beautiful regions of the Mediterranean.
In this post, we'll unveil the meaning of each of these names and guide you through a conceptual map so that next time you visit us, you'll feel like a true local. Additionally, we'll show you where to find our ports so you can set sail to discover this paradise with us.
What Does "Costa Brava" Mean? The Origin of a Poetic Name
The name Costa Brava is not an administrative designation, but a purely literary and poetic baptism. The term translates as "Wild Coast" or "Rugged Coast", a perfect description for its steep coastline, its cliffs plunging into the sea, and its rocky coves sculpted by the waves.
The authorship of this name is attributed to the journalist and poet Ferran Agulló i Vidal, who on September 12, 1908, published an article in the newspaper La Veu de Catalunya from the hermitage of Sant Elm, in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Inspired by the landscape before his eyes, he wrote:
"Oh, our wild coast, unmatched in the world!"
This expression captured the essence of the Girona coastline so well that it quickly became popular, although it wasn't made official until 1965. Since then, "Costa Brava" has become a world-renowned tourist brand, synonymous with natural beauty, culture, and exceptional gastronomy.
The Empordà: The Historic Heart of the Costa Brava
If the Costa Brava is the coastal face, the Empordà (Ampurdán in Spanish) is its historical and cultural soul. The Empordà is a historic region of Catalonia, located in the province of Girona, whose name derives from the ancient Greek colony of Emporion (Ampurias), which means "the markets".
Since 1936, this historic region has been administratively divided into two counties:
- Alt Empordà (Upper Ampurdán): With its capital in Figueres, it's the northernmost part, bordering France. It's a land of contrasts, from the peaks of the Albera mountains to the marshes and the spectacular Bay of Roses.
- Baix Empordà (Lower Ampurdán): With its capital in La Bisbal d'Empordà, it's an area of fertile plains, dotted with medieval stone villages and presided over by the Montgrí massif. Its coast is the heart of the Costa Brava, with villages like Begur, Palafrugell, and Palamós.
Girona, Empordà, Costa Brava: How to Understand the Map
To help tourists and visitors orient themselves, it's useful to understand the hierarchy of these three terms:
| Term | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Girona | Province | The largest administrative unit, containing everything else. It's one of the four provinces of Catalonia. |
| Empordà | Historic Region | A region with a strong cultural identity within Girona, administratively divided into Alt and Baix Empordà. |
| Costa Brava | Tourist Brand / Coastline | The poetic name given to the entire coast of the province of Girona, famous for its "wild" landscape. It encompasses the coast of the Empordà and also the La Selva region. |
In summary: when you visit Calella de Palafrugell, you're on the Costa Brava, within the Baix Empordà region, in the province of Girona.
Navigating Paradise: Our Ports on the Costa Brava
Knowing this geography is even more exciting from the sea. Our base of operations is located in the port of L'Estartit, a privileged enclave from which we set sail to explore the treasures of the region. Additionally, we operate in other strategic ports to offer you the best nautical experience.
Here we locate our main ports on the map we've just drawn:
- Cadaqués (Alt Empordà): The jewel of Cap de Creus. A dazzlingly white artists' village, whose natural harbor is one of the most iconic in the Mediterranean.
- L'Escala (Alt Empordà): Famous for its anchovies and for being the gateway to the fascinating Greco-Roman ruins of Empúries.
- L'Estartit (Baix Empordà): Our main port. An unbeatable starting point, located opposite the Medes Islands marine reserve, a paradise for diving and snorkeling.
- Port of Aiguablava (Begur, Baix Empordà): A small and exclusive port next to one of the most famous coves for the incredible turquoise color of its waters.
- Llafranc (Palafrugell, Baix Empordà): An elegant fishing village with a beautiful fine sand bay and a lively promenade.
- Palamós (Baix Empordà): One of the most important fishing and commercial ports in the area, where the seafaring tradition is still very much alive and you can enjoy the famous Palamós shrimp.
Discover the Costa Brava from the Sea
Now that you've mastered the geography of the region, all that's left is to experience it. We await you at our ports to set sail and show you why the Costa Brava of Girona is simply "unmatched in the world".