If there is one colour palette guaranteed to win travellers over, it is the one created by the blue of the Mediterranean, the white of the sand and the green of the vegetation beneath the Costa Brava sunshine. This road trip is packed with refreshing plans, from swims in secluded coves and days on the beach to cultural attractions, charming little towns to wander around and natural landscapes waiting to be explored. Because this stretch of coastline is not just for summer: the Costa Brava is just as tempting at Easter or even in winter.

Deciding where to stay on the Costa Brava is easy. Figueres, away from the busiest coastal resorts yet close enough to head to the sea whenever the mood takes you, is an excellent choice. From here, getting around the Empordà and exploring different parts of the coastline could hardly be easier.

To make it your base for the trip, you can stay at Sercotel President, a four-star hotel right in the centre of Figueres and a particularly convenient choice if you are exploring the Costa Brava by car. It has private parking and is just a five-minute walk from the Dalí Theatre-Museum, so you can leave the car behind and easily discover some of the city's must-see attractions on foot.

And Figueres itself has plenty to offer. Salvador Dalí was born here and, among other things, you can visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum, conceived and designed by the artist himself to immerse visitors in his unique universe. If you already know when you want to go, booking your ticket in advance is recommended.

When it comes to choosing where to go on a Costa Brava road trip, Cadaqués is usually right at the top of the list. The drive to this seaside town, through the landscapes of the Cap de Creus Natural Park, gives you a first glimpse of just how beautiful the area is. Once you arrive, its narrow streets, whitewashed houses and coves dotted with gently bobbing fishing boats will confirm that you made the right choice for your first stop.

You may feel like staying here forever, but then you would miss Portlligat. We will simply say that if Dalí — yes, Salvador Dalí again — chose it as his home for decades, it must have something rather special about it. Here you can visit the Salvador Dalí House, although you will need to book a specific date and time in advance.

While you are in the area, make sure you also visit Cap de Creus and its lighthouse, located at the easternmost point of mainland Spain. If you are travelling in summer, however, it is worth planning this stop ahead: access to the lighthouse area by private vehicle may be restricted at certain times during July and August, with alternative transport available from Cadaqués. It is best to check the latest access arrangements before setting off.

The Camí de Ronda is made up of footpaths that follow much of the Costa Brava coastline. Historically, they were used to connect towns, beaches and coves, as well as to patrol the coast and combat smuggling. Today, people walk them to discover some of the area's most spectacular scenery.

There are dozens of kilometres of trails that can be tackled in stages and at your own pace, and we particularly like the stretches connecting Blanes, Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar. There is no need to walk them all in one go. Along the way, you will come across villages, castles, viewpoints and, of course, plenty of coves and beaches.

The level of difficulty varies considerably from one section to another, with steps, steep climbs and more demanding stretches, so choose a route that suits your fitness level and check its current condition before setting off, particularly if you are travelling with children. If you are bringing your dog, it is also worth checking the rules for each section of the path and any beaches you plan to visit.

You may already know L’Escala for its famous anchovies and the archaeological site of Empúries, where you can explore the remains of ancient Greek and Roman settlements. And you have probably heard about the charm of the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell.

Roughly halfway between the two lies a town you may not be quite so familiar with: Begur. Yet it has unforgettable views from the remains of its castle, charming stone houses lining narrow streets and nearby spots such as Illa Roja, a natural cove reached on foot via the coastal path.

Visit one or visit them all. Because people talk a lot about the Costa Brava's beaches, but its towns and villages are every bit as picture-perfect.