Among the many seaside towns of the Costa Brava, Sant Feliu de Guíxols stands apart for the remarkable way it combines history, maritime traditions and spectacular coastal scenery. Unlike many resorts that expanded only with modern tourism, Sant Feliu has been an important settlement for centuries. Its attractive harbour, medieval monastery and dramatic cliffs tell the story of a town that grew from fishing, cork production and maritime trade long before visitors discovered the beauty of this stretch of Catalonia.
The town developed around the Monestir de Sant Feliu de Guíxols, a Benedictine monastery founded during the tenth century. The complex remains one of the oldest and most important medieval monuments on the Costa Brava, with the impressive Romanesque Porta Ferrada becoming the town’s best-known architectural symbol. This stone gateway, dating from the tenth century, is so distinctive that it now gives its name to the internationally renowned Festival Porta Ferrada, Spain’s oldest summer music festival, which attracts artists from around the world every year.
One of the town’s greatest curiosities is its connection with the cork industry. During the nineteenth century Sant Feliu became one of Catalonia’s principal centres for cork processing and export. The surrounding cork oak forests supplied raw material that was transformed into bottle stoppers and exported throughout Europe and the Americas, bringing considerable prosperity to the town. Elegant houses built by wealthy industrial families can still be seen around the historic centre, reflecting this period of economic success.
The coastline surrounding Sant Feliu is equally impressive. Steep cliffs, hidden coves and crystal-clear water characterise this part of the Costa Brava, while the famous Camí de Ronda coastal path links the town with neighbouring beaches and headlands. Originally created to help the Civil Guard patrol the coastline against smuggling, the route has become one of Catalonia’s finest walking trails, offering breathtaking views across the Mediterranean.
For motorhome travellers, Sant Feliu de Guíxols was one of the stops that immediately impressed us because of its location. During our visit we used the large designated parking area close to the beach, which provided easy access to both the promenade and the historic centre without needing public transport. The area was spacious and well organised, making it easy to park even a larger motorhome. Despite its popularity, we found the atmosphere relaxed, with plenty of people walking or cycling nearby, which helped the location feel comfortable and safe. The beach, harbour and shops were all within a few minutes on foot, allowing us to spend the whole day exploring without moving the motorhome again. The only small drawback was that, being such a popular destination, the best spaces gradually filled during the afternoon, so arriving earlier made the experience much easier.
Another fascinating curiosity lies beneath the sea. The waters around Sant Feliu contain numerous rocky reefs rich in marine life, making the area one of the Costa Brava’s most popular destinations for diving and snorkelling. The exceptional clarity of the water often allows visibility of more than 20 metres during calm conditions, revealing colourful fish, octopus and extensive seagrass meadows.
Walking through the old town reveals another side of Sant Feliu. Narrow streets, traditional Catalan houses and lively squares contrast with the elegant marina and modern promenade, creating a town that feels both authentic and welcoming. Unlike some neighbouring resorts that focus almost entirely on tourism, Sant Feliu remains a living coastal community where fishing boats still share the harbour with sailing yachts.
For us, Sant Feliu de Guíxols was far more than a convenient stop along the Costa Brava. It combined one of the region’s finest historic centres with beautiful coastal scenery and a practical motorhome stop that made exploring easy on foot. Between its medieval monastery, maritime heritage, dramatic coastline and relaxed atmosphere, it remains one of the Costa Brava’s most complete and rewarding destinations.