Free walking tours in Sant Feliu de Guíxols and what to see

Must-sees

Sant Feliu de Guíxols is a Costa Brava town with a well-kept historic centre and a wide seafront promenade, the Passeig del Mar, lined with plane trees and Modernista buildings facing the beach. One of them is the Casino dels Nois, with its striking façade. The great monument is the Benedictine monastery, with the Porta Ferrea, of pre-Romanesque origin, and spaces that now host art exhibitions and the town history museum.

For the best views, climb to the Sant Elm hermitage above the harbour, which looks out over much of the coast. The coastal path takes you on foot towards Sant Pol and S'Agaró, past coves and grand houses. There is a market in the centre on Sunday mornings. For cyclists, this is where the Carrilet greenway ends, arriving from Girona along an old railway line.

Free tours and guided visits

In high season you may find pay-what-you-like free walking tours of the old town, the promenade and the monastery area. Outside that period they are rare. The guided visits to the monastery are worthwhile, as are excursions to Girona, with its Jewish quarter and cathedral, and to the Dalí museum in Figueres. Boats leave the harbour to cruise the coast as far as Tossa de Mar, and there are also guided kayak trips around the coves.

How long to spend

In one day you can see the centre, the monastery, the promenade and Sant Elm. With two or three days you can add the coastal path to S'Agaró, an afternoon on the beach and a boat trip. If you stay longer, spend a day in Girona and another in Figueres or in medieval inland villages such as Pals.

Where to stay

The centre, near the Passeig del Mar, is the best option: the beach, restaurants and monastery are a few minutes’ walk away. If you are after quieter coves, the Sant Pol area to the north is residential and right by the sea. There are buses to Girona from the centre, although a car gives you more freedom to explore the coast.