Costa Brava is a region that captivates visitors with its natural beauty, stunning beaches and picturesque fishing villages. Beyond its attractive scenery, this coast boats a rich cultural and historical heritage, reflected in its museums. From spaces dedicated to seafaring tradition to art exhibitions and surprising collections, the Costa Brava is an ideal destination for lovers of history and culture.
Towns such as Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Santa Cristina d’Aro, Palamós, Figueres, Portlligat, and Púbol have been home to artists, sailors and merchants who have left their mark on their museums and historic houses. Moreover, their past linked to the sea and creativity has given rise to unique spaces where visitors can discover everything from the daily life of ancient fishermen to the magic of Dalí’s surrealism.
In this second instalment of ‘Museums of Catalonia’, we will explore some of the most emblematic museums on Costa Brava. Also, keep in mind that with Shuttle2Sun‘s low-cost and sustainable shared transfer services and private transfer services, you can reach your favourite destination from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
The Maritime Museum and the Can Font House Museum, in Lloret de Mar
Housed in the former Casa Garriga, the Maritime Museum takes visitors back to Lloret de Mar‘s seafaring past. Its collection includes documents, models and antique objects that tell the story of the town’s close relationship with the sea. Through exhibitions, visitors can learn about the trade routes, the difficulties of navigation and the impact of the shipping industry on the local economy.
On the other hand, the Can Font House Museum allows us to enter a stately home from the end of the 19th century and discover how the wealthy families of the time lived. Can Font is an impressive example of modernist architecture, with decorative details that evoke the splendour of the Catalan bourgeoisie. Visitors can walk through the rooms and marvel at the frescoes on the walls, the original furniture and the layout of the spaces, which show the evolution of the house over time.
The Lighthouse Museum and the Women’s Museum, in Tossa de Mar
The Lighthouse Museum is located in the old lighthouse of Tossa de Mar, at the top of the Vila Vella, offering a unique perspective on maritime signalling and the evolution of lighthouses over time.
Its rooms feature navigational instruments, photographs, and historical documents that illustrate the role of lighthouses in maritime safety. In addition, its privileged location allows you to enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean while learning about the history of navigators and their connection with the Catalan coast.
The Women’s Museum, also in Tossa de Mar, is dedicated to the figure of women in the history of Tossa de Mar. Its exhibits show the evolution of the role of women in local society, highlighting their importance in areas such as fishing, trade and everyday life. Among its most outstanding pieces are old photographs, testimonies and personal objects that reflect the struggle and prominence of women in the community.
Shuttle2Sun offers its shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, to get you to Costa Brava, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Sant Feliu de Guíxols and its Museum of Toy History
If you are travelling with young children, the Toy History Museum in Sant Feliu de Guíxols is a nostalgic and charming place showcasing toys from different eras. Its extensive collection, owned by the toy enthusiast Tomàs Pla, has more than 10,000 examples, which show how materials, designs and trends have changed over the decades.
From antique dolls to tin trains and board games, this museum offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of children’s entertainment, especially in the Catalan industry.
The Great Museum of Magic, in Santa Cristina d’Aro
One of the most outstanding museums in Costa Brava is the Great Museum of Magic, located in Santa Cristina d’Aro. Founded by the Catalan illusionist Xevi, it houses an impressive collection of magical objects, posters and costumes of renowned magicians.
Its rooms are designed to transport visitors to a world of amazement and fantasy, with tricks revealed, the history of conjuring and interactive displays that allow you to discover the secrets of the most famous magicians. Also, don’t miss its important collection of automatons, with specimens from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Dalí Triangle
Costa Brava is also home to three fundamental places for understanding the life and work of Salvador Dalí: the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, the Salvador Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat and the Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol. Together, these three sites form the Dalí Triangle, a must-visit for lovers of surrealism. In Figueres you will find the most important museum dedicated to his work, in Portlligat you can visit his house-workshop and in Púbol, the castle that Dalí gave to his muse, Gala. An essential tour to discover the artist’s legacy and his close relationship with the Costa Brava.
Fishing Museum – Palamós
Finally, located in the port of Palamós, the Fishing Museum offers an immersive experience into Costa Brava’s rich fishing tradition. Through interactive exhibitions, visitors can learn about fishing techniques, traditional boats and the importance of this sector in the local economy.
The museum has a collection of tools, nets and tackle that illustrate the evolution of fishing over the centuries. In addition, the museum organises educational activities and tastings of seafood products, providing a more complete and sensory experience. It also offers the possibility of taking part in boat trips to learn about the work of fishermen and their day-to-day life at sea.
If you are planning a trip to Costa Brava, be sure to include these fascinating museums in your itinerary. Remember that Shuttle2Sun offers its shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, to get you to Costa Brava, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
