A week to sample all the charms of the Costa Brava

Let's get straight to the heart of the matter, as soon as you arrive on the Costa Brava: a stopover in Figueres is a must on the way, to discover a place as astonishing as it is creative, the Theatre-Museum created by the local boy, Salvador Dali. It's easy to spend a morning there!

From there, a winding road takes you along the seafront to Cadaqués, still preserved behind the last reliefs of the Pyrenees. The charm is instantaneous. Drive along the coast for your first holiday swim on a small beach, and make a detour to the Dali House-Museum in Port Lligat, where the artist and his muse, Gala, lived.

Spend the rest of the day in Cadaqués and its charming historic centre, with dinner on the waterfront.

It's too early to leave Cadaqués so soon: extend your stopover for a second night, as it's hard to get enough of its pretty white-walled houses and pleasant calm water beaches.

Before the warm weather sets in, we'll be heading to Port Lligat for the start of today's hike. Your goal: the Cap de Creus lighthouse! Take your time to fully appreciate this magnificent out-and-back walk, estimated to take 5 hours.

The landscapes of Cap de Creus, protected by a nature park, are quite simply magnificent. Along the way, don't hesitate to take a break in a cove, unless you prefer to wait for the life-saving bath on the way back, on the beach at Cadaqués.

Roses, the first major seaside resort on the Costa Brava, will serve above all as your base for the day. The highlight of the day is just around the corner: as you head towards Cala Montjoi and then Cap de Norfeu, the southern coastline of the Cap de Creus nature park takes on a truly spectacular appearance!

In other words, you won't have too much time in the day to explore the area, swim and take in the sights. The day ends in Roses, which is always lively in the evening, as you enjoy the colours of its immense bay and, why not, a little midnight swim on its wide beach.

The day gets off to an early start as we head for another well-known Costa Brava seaside resort: L'Estartit. The reason for this early start is not insignificant: meet up at the port for immediate boarding, and set course for the Medes Islands!

The islands are just 1km from the coast, yet are a rare Mediterranean nature reserve. There are several options for exploring the islands: with a diving club to discover the richness of the seabed, by kayak, by excursion boat or by hiring your own boat, with or without a skipper.

After a refreshing drink in L'Estartit, leave the hustle and bustle of the resort's seafront for the foothills of the Montgri massif, for a peaceful rural evening.

The route continues further south. Our next stop is in a small seaside resort with the feel of a fishing village, still well away from the big tourist crowds: Tamariu.

There are two ways to explore the coast around Tamariu: by following the Cami de Ronda, a magnificent coastal path towards Calella de Palafrugell or Begur, or by kayak, to explore the cliffs and inaccessible coves. Either way, it's sure to be a busy day!

An evening in Tamariu, where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of this small resort on the terrace.

Tamariu is both a charming pied-à-terre and an excellent base from which to explore the region. Today, we're taking a break from the coast to venture into the hinterland of the Costa Brava, via the medieval villages of Baix Empordà. It's up to you to put together your own programme of visits, because there's so much to do! For example, the popular villages of Pals and Peratallada are not to be missed, while Palau-Sator, Ullastret and Monells are more discreet, but their old stones are just as fascinating.

On the way back, the little beach of Tamariu is waiting for you!

With the week already drawing to a close, let's continue our route to Tossa de Mar, one of the Costa Brava's most famous resorts.

Having escaped the excessive concreting of its neighbours Lloret de Mar and Blanes, Tossa is an excellent way to round off your holiday. During the day, follow the coastal path that will take you to the area's prettiest beaches, with their crystal-clear waters: head for Cala Pola or Cala Llevado - you'll have to make a choice!

At the end of the day, there's nothing like a stroll through the Vila Vella, the old town of Tossa de Mar, an authentic film set overlooking the Mediterranean from the top of its ancient ramparts: the ideal postcard to round off your trip.