Costa Brava Day Trip from Barcelona: Best Towns, Things to Do & Travel Tips

Planning a Costa Brava day trip from Barcelona? Discover stunning coastal towns, Mediterranean beaches, rich Catalan culture, and mouthwatering cuisine—all within a short drive or train ride. This guide will help you plan the perfect getaway, from how to get there to what to eat, see, and do.

Why Visit Costa Brava?

Costa Brava (“wild coast”) lives up to its name with dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, medieval villages, and scenic trails. Just 60 to 120 minutes from Barcelona, it’s the ideal escape for travelers looking to relax, explore, or dive into nature and culture—all in one day.

This stretch of coastline is especially appealing because it caters to all types of travelers. Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic hideaway, a family in need of kid-friendly beaches, or a solo traveler eager to explore charming coastal paths, Costa Brava delivers. Its proximity to Barcelona also makes it easy to combine the energy of the city with the tranquility of the coast.

Costa Brava also boasts excellent infrastructure for tourism, with well-maintained roads, accessible public transport, and multilingual hospitality staff. Many locals speak English, especially in more touristic towns, making it an easy destination for international visitors. With its natural beauty, welcoming atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage, Costa Brava offers an unforgettable experience.

How to Get to Costa Brava from Barcelona

Traveling from Barcelona to Costa Brava is relatively straightforward, and there are a few options depending on your preferences.

By Car:

Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore Costa Brava. Drive time is between 1 to 2 hours depending on your chosen destination. You can visit multiple towns in one trip and take scenic coastal roads. Parking is generally available near beaches and town centers, though it can get busy in peak summer.

By Train:

RENFE runs regular trains from Barcelona to Costa Brava towns like Blanes and Girona. From there, connect by local bus or taxi to coastal villages. Girona also makes a fantastic stop on its own, with its historic Jewish quarter and pastel-colored riverside houses.

By Bus:

Several bus companies offer direct services to towns like Tossa de Mar or Palamós. Buses are affordable but may take longer than driving or train travel. This is a great option for budget-conscious travelers who don’t want to rent a car.

Guided Tours:

For a hassle-free experience, consider joining a guided tour. These typically include round-trip transport, a knowledgeable guide, and stops at multiple scenic spots. Some even include activities like wine tasting, snorkeling, or cultural visits.

 

Best Towns to Visit in Costa Brava

Tossa de Mar

A charming seaside town with a historic old quarter (Vila Vella), cobbled streets, and a hilltop castle offering panoramic sea views. Its main beach is perfect for swimming, and the surrounding cliffs are ideal for short hikes and photography.

Calella de Palafrugell

A quaint fishing village with whitewashed houses, narrow lanes, and beautiful sandy bays. Enjoy a beachfront meal with incredible views. The Camí de Ronda coastal path begins here, offering stunning seaside strolls.

Cadaqués

Beloved by Salvador Dalí, Cadaqués boasts white buildings, a stunning bay, and an artistic vibe. It’s a bit farther, but worth it for the unique architecture, art galleries, and bohemian atmosphere.

Begur

Perched on a hill, Begur is known for its castle ruins, charming streets, and nearby coves like Aiguablava. The view from the castle is one of the best in Costa Brava and the perfect photo opportunity.

Pals

This medieval town inland from the coast is well-preserved, with cobbled lanes and stone archways. It offers a nice contrast to the beach towns and gives a peek into Catalonia’s rich history.

 

Top Things to Do in Costa Brava on a Day Trip

• Swim or relax at beaches like Platja d’Aro, Sa Tuna, or Llafranc.
• Hike coastal trails, such as the Camí de Ronda between Calella and Llafranc.
• Snorkel or kayak around hidden coves and the Medes Islands.
• Visit medieval towns like Pals and Peratallada.
• Tour Cap de Creus Natural Park, the easternmost point of Spain with epic sea cliffs and a lighthouse.
• Wander botanical gardens, such as the Cap Roig Gardens near Calella de Palafrugell.
• Relax in natural surroundings, as many beaches and parks remain undeveloped and feel untouched.
• Enjoy water sports, from paddleboarding to windsurfing, especially in towns like Sant Pere Pescador.

 

Where to Eat: Costa Brava’s Best Restaurants

Costa Brava offers exquisite Catalan cuisine. Be sure to try:

• Suquet de peix – a traditional Catalan fish stew.
• Botifarra – a flavorful local sausage.
• Local wines – from the Empordà region.

Top-rated spots:

• El Celler de Can Roca (Girona) – Michelin 3-star, book months in advance.
• Sa Rascassa (Begur) – cozy and seafood-focused.
• Restaurant Casamar (Llafranc) – refined dishes with sea views.
• Tragamar (Calella de Palafrugell) – fresh seafood on the beach.
• Compartir (Cadaqués) – modern shared plates by chefs from El Bulli.

 

Costa Brava Art & Culture Highlights

Costa Brava is steeped in a rich artistic heritage, most notably being the home of Salvador Dalí. The Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, where the artist was born, is a must-visit, with its surreal architecture and broad collection of his works. You can also visit his home in Port Lligat, near Cadaqués, and the Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol. Apart from Dalí, Costa Brava has many other museums and historical sites, such as the Greek and Roman ruins in Empúries, and the medieval towns of Pals and Peratallada. Traditional fishing communities still active in towns like L’Escala, where you can see age-old methods of anchovy preservation. Soak in the culture and history as you traverse this diverse region.

 

Shopping & Local Markets

Skip the malls and head to local shops for handmade ceramics, art, leather goods, and textiles. In Girona, you can browse artisanal boutiques tucked into the historic old quarter, each offering unique crafts and locally made treasures. Outdoor markets across the region showcase local cheeses, jamón, olives, and other delicacies—perfect for assembling a picnic or picking up souvenirs. During summer weekends, towns like Palafrugell or Begur often host craft fairs and farmers markets where you can mingle with locals and discover handmade goods. For authentic regional flavors, stop by local cooperatives that sell wines, olive oils, and jams directly from the producers.

 

When to Visit Costa Brava

• May to October offers the best beach weather.
• May-June and September-October are perfect for fewer crowds and mild temperatures.
• Winter months are quiet, with cooler weather and fewer tourists—ideal for relaxing retreats or cultural tours.

If you’re planning around specific events, time your visit to coincide with local festivals like the Cap Roig Festival, Festa Major in Tossa de Mar, or the Habaneras Festival in Calella de Palafrugell.

 

Local Etiquette

Be courteous and try local phrases:

• “Please” = si us plau (Catalan) / por favor (Spanish)
• “Thank you” = gràcies (Catalan) / gracias (Spanish)

Tipping 5-10% at restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory. Avoid loud voices in quieter villages and respect siesta hours in small shops.

When greeting locals, a friendly “Bon dia” (good day) in Catalan goes a long way and shows appreciation for the regional culture.

 

Conclusion

A day trip from Barcelona to Costa Brava will take you on a journey through stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, charming towns, and delicious local cuisine. From cultural and historical insights to the joy of outdoor activities, every traveler can find something to their liking. Costa Brava’s proximity to Barcelona makes it an accessible and versatile getaway, whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both.

Now that we’ve taken you on a virtual tour of Costa Brava, it’s time to experience it for yourself! If you’re still looking for a villa in Barcelona, contact our team today. Our luxury villas are beautiful year-round and an excellent base for day trips to the Costa Brava.