7 THINGS TO DO IN... COSTA BRAVA

The beach towns of this Spanish coastal region are famous - but you'll also find hidden coves, a buzzy art scene, and volcanic landscapes

1 RELAX ON BEAUTIFUL, SANDY BEACHES

Let's start with the obvious: Costa Brava, in the north-east of Spain, has amazing beaches. It started drawing visitors in the 1950s, when holiday resorts were created around the finest sands, from Cadaqués and Roses in the north to Blanes, Tossa de Mar, and Lloret de Mar in the south. Today, you'll find both buzzing, family-friendly beaches and quieter stretches for rolling out your towel.

2 EXPLORE PRETTY, LOCAL VILLAGES

Cadaqués, a former fishing village, is one of the must-sees of the Costa Brava. Between its pebble beaches, whitewashed houses, surrounding cliffs, and small coves with clear blue waters, no wonder it's popular. Many people come for the village's connection to surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. He created a waterside home and artist's studio - now a museum - from former fishermen's cottages at Port Lligat (salvadordali.org). Other visitors come for the brilliant walks. If you are feeling energetic, try a four-hour trek along a coastal path from Port Lligat to the Cap de Creus lighthouse. The views along the way and on the high peninsula are well worth the effort.