Overlooking a protected harbour on the Costa Brava, Sant Feliu de Guixols is an important port town in Catalonia. The area has been settled since at least the 5th century BC but flourished in the Middle Ages following the construction of the Monestir de Sant Feliu de Guixols.
Things to do in Sant Feliu de Guíxols
In the heart of Sant Feliu de Guixols is the Toy Museum, which houses more than 6,500 toys dating from the 19th to 20th centuries. It offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of toys and the changing materials used in their manufacture, as well as the concept of play in times gone by. Among the collection are model trains, antique dolls and a miniature carousel.
Overlooking the port is the Maritime Rescue Museum, which occupies a 19th-century station for rescuing shipwrecked sailors and fishermen. Highlights of the collection include a Miquel Boera lifeboat and a Dawson cable launcher. From the museum, there are magnificent views across Sant Feliu de Guixols’ main beach, which is a popular spot to swim in the summer months.
Sprawling west of Sant Feliu de Guixols is the Massis de les Cadiretes, a rugged mountain preserve traversed by hiking trails and scenic driving routes. For a secluded swim, head to the rocky coves of Platja de Can Dell and Cala d’Urgell. If you drive in the other direction from Sant Feliu de Guixols, you’ll arrive at Platja Gran d’Aro, a lively stretch of white sand.
Getting around Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Sant Feliu de Guixols is around 30 minutes’ drive from Girona and Girona–Costa Brava Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. The much larger Barcelona-El Prat Airport is 1.5 hours away. Regular buses connect to Sant Feliu de Guixols and the town centre is compact enough to explore on foot.