The best of sea tourism on the Costa Brava

We begin the route in Blanes, the gateway to the Costa Brava, where its fishing port is transformed every afternoon into a vibrant scene with the arrival of the boats and the start of the fish auction. Participating in this activity not only brings you closer to the life of fishermen, but also offers the possibility of buying the freshest fish which have recently been caught. A true delight for lovers of seafood cuisine.

We continue towards the north, stopping at Palamós, which is famous for being one of the nerve centres of fishing in Catalonia, especially for its celebrated “red prawn”. You cannot miss out on visiting the Fishing Museum! Not only will you learn fishing techniques, but you can also book a trip on one of the boats to experience it firsthand. There you will learn about the day-to-day life of fishermen and see fish auctions to understand how it is sold. In addition, many local restaurants offer outings that combine fishing followed by dinner where the most appetising dish is the catch of the day. If you want to learn how to cook fish in a multitude of ways, you can join in with the cooking workshops at the Espai del Peix, where the most unusual species of fish and seafood, or those which are less sought after in the markets, are given centre stage.

Finally, we cannot forget Roses, where the fishing tradition coexists with the spectacular natural environment. You can make a trip to discover the traditional art of fishing: from the moment the boats arrive at the port until the moment the market turns into showcase of fresh produce. Not only that, you also have the opportunity to try your favourite fish in a restaurant and hear the best kept secrets of local chefs. All this, while we enjoy impressive views of the bay.

We continue through L’Escala, famous for its anchovies, a product that has crossed borders and has earned a place of honour on the finest tables. Here we find the Anchovy and Salt Museum, which organises half a dozen routes every year to discover the heritage and natural environment of L’Escala and Empúries. It is also home to the Salt Festival, a tribute to seafaring crafts and traditional songs. On the other hand, if you would like to see how anchovies are made in person, you can also go to the Solés anchovy factory, where they take guided tours to see the oldest fish salting facilities in the town. It is fascinating to see how local fishermen keep alive the techniques inherited from their ancestors.

And from anchovies to sardines. The Fishermen’s Guild of L’Escala is in the port and has a fleet of 15 purse seine and trammel boats. Its star product is sardines. So much so, that during the summer months the catches even reach Andalusia. The port of L’Escala also has the Peix Interpretation Center (MARAM) which promotes the fishing sector through a permanent exhibition and where other activities can also be enjoyed, such as children’s workshops, show-cookings and lunches in the most authentic sailor style.

Fishing tourism not only enriches your stay on the Costa Brava, but also contributes to the sustainability and maintenance of local communities. It is a golden opportunity to connect with the local culture, enjoy fresh products and even learn skills from the seafaring world – which can always be useful. If you are looking for a local, authentic and enriching experience, the Costa Brava opens the door to the sea.