How to Plan the Best Costa Brava Day Trip from Barcelona
If you’re looking for a perfect coastal escape from Barcelona, a Costa Brava day trip is the way to go.
With its crystal-clear waters, charming seaside towns, and stunning cliffs, this stretch of coastline is a dream for nature lovers, history buffs, and foodies alike.
After exploring Costa Brava many times, I’ve gathered all my tips on how you can plan the perfect Costa Brava day trip from Barcelona.
Ready to explore?
Let’s go!
Short on time? Here are my top Costa Brava recommendations:
✨ Costa Brava Towns ✨ – the best guided tour of the region
✨ Mamma Mia Boutique Hotel✨ – the best base for exploring Costa Brava
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How to Get from Barcelona to Costa Brava
Costa Brava is well-connected to Barcelona, with several transport options depending on your destination. You can take a train or bus, drive, or join an organized tour for a hassle-free trip.
Trains are the fastest way to reach Girona and Figueres, while buses and cars are better for the coastal towns.
If you prefer a hassle-free experience, guided tours are your best option. Some of them include several Costa Brava destinations, so you get a great bang for your buck.
Here’s a table summarizing the best ways to get from Barcelona to different towns in Costa Brava:
| Destination | Train | Bus | Car | Best Tour Option |
| Girona | AVE: 38 min, R11: 1:30 h | Sagalés: 1:45 h | 1:15 h | Game of Thrones & Girona Tour |
| Figueres | AVE: 55 min, R11: 2:00 h | Sagalés: 2:45 h | 1:30 h | Dalí & Figueres Tour |
| Cadaqués | N/A | Moventis: 2:45 h | 2:30 h | Dalí & Cadaqués Tour |
| Tossa de Mar | N/A | Moventis: 1:20 h | 1:30 h | Tossa de Mar Tour |
| Blanes | R1: 1:30 h | Sagalés: 1:30 h | 1:15 h | Blanes & Tossa de Mar Tour |
From Barcelona to Girona
🚄 By Train: High-speed trains reach Girona in about 40 minutes from Barcelona Sants. The slower Rodalies R11 train takes about 1 hour 30 minutes but is cheaper. This is my preferred way to self-organize a day trip to Girona.
🚌 By Bus: Sagalés buses run from Barcelona to Girona in 1 hour 45 minutes.
🚗 By Car: Driving takes around 1 hour 15 minutes, and parking is available near the old town.
🚐 By Tour: Joining a guided Girona day tour is a great option if you want to explore Game of Thrones filming locations and the Jewish Quarter with an expert.
From Barcelona to Figueres
🚄 By Train: The AVE and AVANT high-speed trains reach Figueres in about 55 minutes, while the Rodalies R11 takes 2 hours.
🚌 By Bus: Sagalés buses take 2 hours 45 minutes. Hence, I can’t recommend them for a day trip to Figueres.
🚗 By Car: Driving takes about 1 hour 30 minutes via the AP-7 motorway.
🚐 By Tour: My recommended tour features a visit to the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres and a walking tour in Girona, with all transport included.
From Barcelona to Cadaqués
🚌 By Bus: Moventis buses take about 2 hours 45 minutes. If you decide to take them, I recommend spending a night to break the journey as you’ll spend too long traveling on this Cadaqués day trip.
🚗 By Car: Driving is the fastest option. It takes 2 hours 15 minutes. The last stretch has winding mountain roads, but the views are stunning.
🚐 By Tour: Join a combo Dalí-inspired tour. You’ll visit Figueres and Cadaqués on a day trip to Costa Brava.
From Barcelona to Tossa de Mar
🚌 By Bus: Moventis runs direct buses from Estació del Nord to Tossa de Mar in 1 hour 20 minutes.
🚗 By Car: Driving takes about 1 hour 30 minutes via the C-32 and GI-682 coastal road.
🚐 By Tour: This awesome tour includes a guided walk of Tossa de Mar and enough beach time to get a tan.
From Barcelona to Blanes
🚄 By Train: The R1 Rodalies train reaches Blanes in 1 hour 30 minutes from Barcelona.
🚌 By Bus: Sagalés buses take around 1 hour 30 minutes and leave from Barcelona Nord.
🚗 By Car: Driving takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
🚐 By Tour: Explore Blanes and Tossa de Mar, including the Marimurtra Botanical Garden, on the best organized tour.
Top 5 Things to Do on a Costa Brava Day Trip
💡 Insider Tip: If you want to experience Barcelona without the hassle of planning, consider my custom travel itinerary service. Together, we can craft a personalized travel plan that caters to your interests. Let’s make your next Barcelona adventure magical!
1. Explore Dali’s Imagination in Figueres and Cadaqués
If you’re a fan of surrealist art, visiting Costa Brava without exploring Salvador Dalí’s world would be a missed opportunity. Two key stops bring you closer to the legendary artist’s life and work.
Start in Figueres, home to the Dalí Theatre-Museum.
The mind-bending building, topped with giant eggs and golden sculptures, houses the largest collection of Dalí’s works. Inside one of the best things to do in Figueres, you’ll find everything from dreamlike paintings to reality-defying installations.
Next, head to Cadaqués, a postcard-perfect coastal town that inspired Dalí. Just outside the town, in Port Lligat, you can visit the Dalí House-Museum, where the artist lived and worked for decades.
Walking through his quirky, maze-like home gives you a glimpse into his eccentric world.
💡 Tip: If you want to visit both museums in one day, the best option is to book this awesome organized tour.
2. See the Game of Thrones Iconic Places in Girona
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, Girona is a must-visit on your Costa Brava day trip.
The medieval city served as the backdrop for King’s Landing and Braavos in Season 6 of the series. Even if you haven’t watched the show, Girona is worth visiting for its historic streets, grand staircases, and ancient defensive walls.
One of the best things to do in Girona is exploring its Cathedral. It appeared as the Great Sept of Baelor. The towering staircase was the setting for Queen Margaery’s walk of atonement. Another key location is Pujada de Sant Domènec, a narrow, picturesque alley where Arya Stark trained with the Faceless Men in Braavos.
Stroll through the Jewish Quarter, one of the best-preserved in Europe, and cross the Eiffel Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel before he built his famous tower in Paris.
Girona’s mix of history and cinematic fame makes it one of the most fascinating stops on a day trip to Costa Brava.
💡 Tip: If you want to dive deeper into Game of Thrones locations, consider joining the best guided tour that includes behind-the-scenes stories and filming secrets.
3. Discover Medieval Fortifications in Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar is one of the most picturesque towns on the Costa Brava, blending history, stunning beaches, and breathtaking views.
Its highlight is the Vila Vella, a medieval fortification perched on a hill overlooking the sea. The 12th-century walled town is the only surviving coastal fortress in Catalonia.
As you walk along its cobbled streets and stone towers, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Climb up to the Lighthouse of Tossa de Mar for the best panoramic views of the rugged coastline.
After exploring the fortress, relax on Platja Gran, the town’s main beach, or wander through Tossa’s charming old town filled with whitewashed houses, small boutiques, and seafood restaurants.
💡 Tip: For the best views, follow the coastal path around the fortress. It’s an easy walk with incredible photo opportunities at every turn.
4. Chill on the Best Beaches on the Costa Brava
No Costa Brava day trip is complete without some time on its stunning beaches.
The coastal region is famous for its hidden coves, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliffs. It offers some of the best beach experiences in Spain.
For a secluded escape, head to Cala Sa Boadella near Lloret de Mar. The small, unspoiled cove has turquoise waters and golden sand, perfect for a peaceful swim.
If you prefer a larger, scenic beach, Aigua Blava near Begur is a great choice. Its shallow waters and soft sand make it ideal for relaxing or paddleboarding.
For a mix of beach and culture, visit Platja de Castell near Palamós. The unspoiled beach is surrounded by lush pine forests and even has ancient Iberian ruins nearby.
If you want a classic Costa Brava beach town, Tamariu offers a beautiful bay with whitewashed houses and beachfront restaurants.
💡 Tip: If you’re visiting in summer, arrive early to snag a good spot, as these beaches get busy. Bring a beach umbrella and your snorkeling gear to explore the rich marine life.
5. Hike the Coastal Camí de Ronda Trail
If you love scenic walks, Camí de Ronda is one of the best ways to experience Costa Brava’s rugged beauty.
The historic coastal trail stretches for miles, winding past hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside villages.
For a perfect Costa Brava day trip, try the section from S’Agaró to Platja Sa Conca. This easy, well-maintained path offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and takes about 45 minutes to complete.
If you want something more adventurous, hike the Begur to Tamariu route, which passes through wild cliffs and secluded beaches like Aigua Blava.
Along the way, you’ll discover breathtaking viewpoints and small fishing villages untouched by mass tourism. Whether you do a short walk or a longer trek, the Camí de Ronda is a fantastic way to soak in the natural beauty of Costa Brava.
💡 Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring enough water, especially in the summer. If you hike in the morning, reward yourself with a fresh seafood lunch in one of the coastal towns. 😉
FAQs About the Best Day Trip to Costa Brava from Barcelona
Can you do a day trip from Barcelona to Costa Brava?
Yes! A Costa Brava day trip from Barcelona is absolutely doable. The region is less than two hours away, making it perfect for a quick escape.
Whether you visit one town or explore multiple spots, you can enjoy stunning coastal views, charming villages, and delicious seafood in just one day.
What is the closest Costa Brava town to Barcelona?
Blanes is the closest Costa Brava town to Barcelona, located about 70 km (43 mi) away. It’s a great starting point if you want to explore the southern part of the region. You’ll find beautiful beaches, botanical gardens, and a relaxed coastal vibe.
How do you get from Barcelona to Costa Brava?
You can reach Costa Brava by car, bus, train, or guided tour. Driving is the most flexible option, but buses and trains also connect Barcelona to several towns like Blanes, Tossa de Mar, and Girona. If you prefer a hassle-free trip, many tour companies offer full-day excursions.
How long is the transfer from Barcelona to Costa Brava?
The transfer time depends on your destination. The closest towns, like Blanes or Tossa de Mar, take about 1:00 – 1:30 hours by car or bus. If you’re heading farther north, for example, to Cadaqués or Begur, expect a travel time of about 2:00 – 2:30 hours in each direction.
Now You Know How to Plan the Best Costa Brava Day Trip
And there you have it – everything you need to plan the best day trip from Barcelona to Costa Brava.
From charming seaside villages and hidden coves to breathtaking coastal views and delicious seafood, Costa Brava offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Whether you’re exploring medieval streets, lounging on pristine beaches, or savoring fresh local cuisine, this stunning Spanish region is well worth the trip.
💡 Insider Tip: If you want to experience Barcelona without the hassle of planning, consider my custom travel itinerary service. Together, we can craft a personalized travel plan that caters to your interests. Let’s make your next Barcelona adventure magical!
