Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Plan Sant Feliu de Guíxols with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
Early morning in Sant Feliu de Guíxols belongs to the sea. Fishing boats slip out past the harbour wall, the plane trees along the Passeig del Mar throw long shadows across the promenade, and the first swimmers cut silver lines through the calm water of the town beach. In the old streets behind, the covered market opens its doors to stalls of red prawns, anchovies and peaches, and the scent of fresh bread and coffee drifts from the cafés around the monastery square.
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Sant Feliu de Guíxols at first sight
Sant Feliu de Guíxols sits in a sheltered cove on the Costa Brava, the rugged coast of north-east Catalonia between Barcelona and the French border. It grew around a Benedictine monastery founded more than a thousand years ago, then prospered in the nineteenth century as a centre of the cork industry, leaving elegant villas and modernist buildings along its seafront. Today it is a lively, authentic town of coves, cliff paths and pine-covered headlands, far calmer than the big resorts nearby.
Why include Sant Feliu de Guíxols in your itinerary?
- The Costa Brava at its most authentic. Sant Feliu is a real working town rather than a resort, with a fishing harbour, a covered market, a thousand-year-old monastery and a seafront promenade lined with modernist houses.
- Coves, sea caves and clear water. Pine-backed coves, rocky inlets and sea caves line the coast north and south of the town, perfect for kayaking, snorkelling over seagrass meadows and swimming in calm, transparent water.
- A superb base for Catalonia. Girona's medieval quarter, the walled village of Tossa de Mar, the hilltop villages of the Empordà and the Dalí museum in Figueres are all within an easy drive, and Barcelona is about an hour away.
Signature experiences in Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Sea Caves, Kayaking and Snorkelling
The coast between Sant Feliu, S'Agaró and Platja d'Aro is carved into rocky headlands, hidden coves and sea caves that are best explored from the water. Guided kayak trips paddle into grottoes and along cliffs, stopping to snorkel over meadows of Posidonia seagrass where bream, wrasse and octopus shelter among the rocks. Trips run from spring to autumn and depend on sea conditions, and we arrange them with professional guides, safety briefings and all equipment.
The Monastery and the Porta Ferrada
At the heart of the old town stands the Benedictine monastery around which Sant Feliu grew. Its most famous feature, the Porta Ferrada, is a rare arcade of stone horseshoe-shaped arches dating from around the tenth or eleventh century, flanked by fortified towers. Inside, the town's history museum and exhibition spaces tell the story of monks, fishermen and the cork trade, while the square outside hosts concerts in summer.
The Camí de Ronda to S'Agaró
The old coastal path, once walked by customs guards watching for smugglers, runs north from Sant Pol beach around the headland of S'Agaró, a garden village of elegant 1920s villas built above the sea. The path winds past rocky coves, stone stairways and lookouts over turquoise water, and can be extended to the long beach of Platja d'Aro. Allow a couple of hours, wear good shoes and bring water, as there is little shade.
Sant Elm Hermitage and Viewpoints
On the headland south of the harbour, the small hermitage of Sant Elm crowns one of the finest viewpoints on the Costa Brava, looking over the town, the bay of Sant Pol and the cliffs stretching towards Tossa. A short climb from the seafront brings you up among the pines, and the view is magical at sunrise or in the golden light of late afternoon. Further south, the winding coast road to Tossa de Mar reveals one breathtaking lookout after another.
The Carrilet Greenway and Market Life
The route of the old narrow-gauge railway that once carried cork and passengers between Sant Feliu and Girona is now a gentle greenway for cycling and walking, crossing fields, woods and villages for about forty kilometres. Closer to the seafront, the covered market and the Sunday outdoor market fill the centre with fruit, cheeses, fish and crafts. Our team can arrange bicycles, private transfers back from Girona or a relaxed day of markets and coves.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Old Town and Passeig del Mar
The historic centre and its seafront promenade are the liveliest and most convenient base, with the monastery, the covered market, shops, seafood restaurants and the town beach all within a few minutes' walk. Plane trees shade the Passeig, and modernist villas from the cork era line the waterfront. Summer evenings are busy with families strolling and eating ice cream by the sea.
Sant Pol and S'Agaró
Just north of the town centre, the wide sandy beach of Sant Pol and the garden village of S'Agaró form the most elegant part of Sant Feliu, with seafront hotels, villas and the start of the Camí de Ronda. The water is calm and clear, ideal for families, and the kayak and snorkelling trips to the sea caves set out nearby. It is quieter in the evening and a pleasant walk from the old town.
Platja d'Aro
A few minutes further north, Platja d'Aro is a busy modern resort with a long sandy beach, large hotels, apartments and a lively shopping avenue. It suits travellers who want plenty of restaurants and services close at hand, and families who enjoy wide beaches and water sports. The coastal path links it on foot with S'Agaró and Sant Pol, a beautiful walk above the sea.
The Southern Coves and the Tossa Road
South of the town, the coast road to Tossa de Mar twists along cliffs above small coves such as Cala Salionç, framed by pines and rocky points. Holiday villas and a few secluded hotels offer peace, sea views and swimming in crystal-clear water. A car is essential here, and the drive itself, with its curves and lookouts, is one of the most scenic on the Costa Brava.
How long to stay in Sant Feliu de Guíxols and how to pair it
Recommended stay
We recommend three nights in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Spend one day in the old town, the monastery and the coastal path to S'Agaró, a second on the water kayaking and snorkelling in the sea caves followed by a lazy beach afternoon, and a third on a day trip to Girona, Tossa de Mar or the medieval villages of the Empordà. Add a fourth night to slow down and enjoy more coves.
How to pair it
Sant Feliu pairs naturally with Barcelona, about an hour and fifteen minutes away. A six-day trip can combine three nights in Barcelona with three on the Costa Brava, including a day in Girona. In ten days, add Montserrat and the Dalí triangle of Figueres, Púbol and Cadaqués. Travellers continuing to France can head north to Perpignan in about an hour and a half. Our private transfers link every stage of the journey smoothly.
Best time to visit Sant Feliu de Guíxols and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The best time to visit Sant Feliu de Guíxols is from late May to June and in September, when the sea is warm, the coves are calmer and the weather is ideal for walking and kayaking. July and August are hot, sunny and busy, with the warmest water but crowded beaches. October can still be lovely. Winters are mild and quiet, perfect for coastal walks and Girona, though many beach services close and sea trips pause until spring.
The daily rhythm
Days on the Costa Brava start slowly. Mornings are the best time for kayaking, snorkelling and walking the coastal paths, when the sea is calm and the light is soft. Lunch is long and late, usually from about half past one, followed by a rest in the shade or a swim. Late afternoon and evening bring families to the Passeig del Mar, and dinner in Catalonia rarely starts before half past eight or nine.
On-the-ground logistics in Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Arrival
Girona Airport (GRO) is the closest, about thirty-five minutes by road, while Barcelona Airport (BCN) takes around an hour and fifteen minutes via the coastal motorway. Our private airport transfers meet you in the arrivals hall and drive you straight to your hotel in Sant Feliu, S'Agaró or Platja d'Aro. For travellers arriving by high-speed train, Girona station is about forty minutes away, and we can arrange your transfer from there too.
Getting around
The old town, the seafront, Sant Pol beach and S'Agaró are easy to explore on foot, linked by the promenade and the coastal path. Regional buses connect Sant Feliu with Girona, Platja d'Aro and Barcelona, but they are slow for sightseeing and the hidden coves are hard to reach without a car. For day trips to Girona, Tossa, the Empordà villages or Figueres, a private car with a driver arranged by our team is the easiest option.
Local etiquette tip
Catalans are proud of their language, culture and traditions, so a friendly bon dia, good morning in Catalan, is always appreciated. Dress modestly in churches and the monastery, and cover up when leaving the beach for shops, cafés and the town centre. Respect protected marine areas: do not touch or remove marine life and never anchor or stand on seagrass. Keep noise low in residential streets at night. Tipping is welcome but modest.
Must-do things in Sant Feliu de Guíxols
- Kayak into the sea caves between S'Agaró and Platja d'Aro
- Snorkel over seagrass meadows in clear Costa Brava water
- See the stone arches of the Porta Ferrada at the monastery
- Walk the Camí de Ronda coastal path to S'Agaró
- Climb to Sant Elm hermitage for sunset views
- Browse the covered market and the Sunday outdoor market
- Swim in the calm water of Sant Pol beach
- Cycle part of the Carrilet greenway towards Girona
- Drive the winding coast road to Tossa de Mar
- Spend a day in Girona's medieval old quarter
Do’s and don’ts in Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Do
- Do book kayak trips for the calm morning hours
- Do wear sturdy shoes on the coastal paths
- Do carry water and sun protection
- Do greet locals with a friendly bon dia
- Do use our private transfers for day trips
Don’t
- Don't touch or take marine life while snorkelling
- Don't walk through town in swimwear
- Don't attempt sea caves alone in rough seas
- Don't expect dinner before half past eight
- Don't leave valuables unattended on the beach
Sant Feliu de Guíxols at a glance
Plan Sant Feliu de Guíxols with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
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More services in Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Where we operate in Spain
- Barcelona
- Mallorca
- Malaga
- Tenerife
- Madrid
- Seville
- Valencia
- Gran Canaria
- Fuerteventura
- Lanzarote
- Benidorm
- Bilbao
- Granada
- Córdoba
- Ibiza
- Salou
- Alicante
- Marbella
- Menorca
- Nerja
- La Palma
- Lloret de Mar
- Almería
- Jerez de la Frontera
- La Herradura
- Montserrat
- O Grove
- San Sebastián
- Santiago de Compostela
- Tarifa
- Blanes
- Cádiz
- Cartagena
- Dénia
- Figueres
- Gijón
- L'Estartit
- Murcia
- Oviedo
- Santa Pola
- Santander
- Toledo
- Torrevieja
- Tossa de Mar
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
Where should I stay in Sant Feliu de Guíxols?
Most visitors stay in the old town near the Passeig del Mar, close to the beach, market, monastery and restaurants. Sant Pol and S'Agaró are more elegant and peaceful, with calm water ideal for families, while Platja d'Aro suits those who want a busy resort with plenty of services. Secluded villas on the road to Tossa offer privacy. Our team will suggest the best area and arrange your private airport transfer.
Is Sant Feliu de Guíxols worth visiting?
Yes. It offers the classic beauty of the Costa Brava, with coves, cliffs, sea caves and pine-covered headlands, combined with the life of a genuine Catalan town and a thousand-year-old monastery. It is calmer than the large resorts and an excellent base for Girona and the Empordà. We arrange kayak and snorkelling trips, private transfers and day trips so you enjoy it fully.
What is the dress code and etiquette in Sant Feliu de Guíxols?
Dress is casual and relaxed, but swimwear belongs on the beach, so cover up in the town centre, shops and restaurants. Wear modest clothing in churches and the monastery. Catalan and Spanish are spoken, and a greeting in Catalan is warmly received. Meal times are late, with lunch from about half past one and dinner after half past eight. Our team can explain local customs before you arrive.
Is Sant Feliu de Guíxols tourist friendly?
Very much so. The Costa Brava welcomes visitors from all over the world, and English, French and German are commonly spoken in hotels and tourist services. Halal-certified restaurants are limited locally, but seafood, grilled fish, rice dishes, salads and fruit are excellent, and larger towns such as Girona and Barcelona offer more halal choices. Our team on WhatsApp is happy to advise.
Is it safe to travel to Sant Feliu de Guíxols now?
Sant Feliu is a calm, safe and family-friendly town. The main precautions are at sea and on the cliffs: swim where lifeguards are present, check sea conditions before kayaking and stay on marked coastal paths. In busy summer months, keep an eye on bags at the beach and in markets. Check your own government's travel advice before departure, and keep our WhatsApp line handy throughout your stay.
What are the must-do things in Sant Feliu de Guíxols?
The must-do things include kayaking into the sea caves and snorkelling over seagrass meadows, seeing the Porta Ferrada at the monastery, walking the Camí de Ronda to S'Agaró, watching sunset from Sant Elm hermitage, browsing the markets, swimming at Sant Pol and driving the coast road to Tossa de Mar, plus a day in Girona. We combine these in the best order for the season.
How many days do you need in Sant Feliu de Guíxols?
Three days is ideal: one for the old town, the monastery and the coastal path, one for kayaking, snorkelling and the beach, and one for a day trip to Girona, Tossa de Mar or the Empordà villages. Two days covers the highlights at a quicker pace, while five allows a slower rhythm with more coves and a visit to Figueres.
What can I book in Sant Feliu de Guíxols with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours and private airport transfers, including Costa Brava Sea Caves Kayaking and Snorkelling Tour from S'Agaró and Sant Feliu Bay Guided Kayak and Snorkelling Tour Costa Brava. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Sant Feliu de Guíxols?
Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) is about 12 km from Girona and roughly 100 km north of Barcelona - about an hour and a quarter - and the closest airport to Lloret de Mar. Our private transfer meets you at arrivals with a name board, tracks your flight and takes you door to door at a fixed price for the whole vehicle; the transfer pages list every route.
Is there public transport from the airport to Sant Feliu de Guíxols?
There is no railway in Sant Feliu; buses run to Girona and Barcelona. A private car is the comfortable way to arrive from either airport and to explore the coves of the Costa Brava, Girona's old town and the medieval villages inland. With luggage, a family or a late flight, the private car is the simpler choice.
Which tours are available in Sant Feliu de Guíxols?
Among them: Costa Brava Sea Caves Kayaking and Snorkelling Tour from S'Agaró and Sant Feliu Bay Guided Kayak and Snorkelling Tour Costa Brava. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Sant Feliu de Guíxols?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.