Costa Brava: Day Trips and Tours from Barcelona

Head up north of Barcelona to unveil one of Europe’s most well-kept secrets! Costa Brava, which translates to ‘wild coast’, promises to entice you with its largely- undiscovered, pristine beaches away from the hustle and bustle of the urban development.

In Costa Brava you'll find spectacular seascapes and seaside towns, coast-clasping hiking paths, unspoiled coves and diving sites! Savor a typical Spanish lunch at one of the outstanding restaurants, shop and relax at your own pace!

Check out everything you need to know about Costa Brava, one of the most scenic day trips from Barcelona.

How can I get from Barcelona to Costa Brava?

There are a few ways to plan your Costa Brava day trip from Barcelona depending on what you all want to see in the region. If want to stop in the downtown area as well as explore the coast, here are your best solutions:

• By car: It takes about 2 hours to reach Costa Brava from Barcelona. The trip is spectacular, and can be done in a rental car.
• By bus: An even better solution is to board a shuttle bus from Barcelona to Costa Brava so you don’t have to worry about directions.
• By train: Train rides are affordable and also reduce the time between the two places.

How long does it take to get there?

It takes approximately 2 hours in each direction to reach Costa Brava from Barcelona. Plan on at least 4 hours for a round-trip in a day.

What type of Costa Brava tours are available from Barcelona?

Guided tours

A straightforward Costa Brava tour from Barcelona takes you to the heart of Catalonia. Experience all the best the region has to offer from Ampurias to Pals, Estartit to Calella de Palafrugell.

Kayak and Snorkeling Tours

Costa Brava is along the Gulf of Roses and the Balearic Sea. There are countless opportunities along the northeast coast of Spain to soak in the water and sun. Kayak and snorkeling adventures offer the best of both worlds as you cruise above the water before dipping in to get a perspective from below the water surface.

Hiking Tours

Hiking tours of the Costa Brava coastline deliver unparalleled experiences and many photo-ops. Hiking trips are also available around many of the surrounding natural areas.

Private Tours

A Costa Brava day trip from Barcelona that includes stops at Figureres and Salvador Dali tours can get scheduled in private settings. Therefore, you can limit the number of people on tour to family and friends. It is a more comfortable and enjoyable experience but does cost quite a bit more.

What are the best Costa Brava day trips from Barcelona?

Costa Brava Day Trip from Barcelona

• Price: From €79 per person
• Duration: 11 hours
• Includes: Transportation, guide, boat trip

Costa Brava Kayak, Snorkel & Cliff Jump w/ Lunch

• Price: From €85 per person
• Duration: 8 hours
• Includes: Transportation, kayaking, snorkeling, lunch, insurance

Girona & Costa Brava Small-Group Tour from Barcelona

• Price: From €99.50 per person
• Duration: 10 hours
• Includes: Transportation with pickup and drop-off, walking tour of Girona, Pals and Calella de Palafrugell

Hiking Trails and Tossa de Mar Tour in Costa Brava

• Price: From €115 per person
• Duration: 9 hours
• Includes: Transportation, local guide, hiking gear and water

Private Tour with Pick-up to Girona and Costa Brava from Barcelona

• Price: From €170 per person
• Duration: 9 hours
• Includes: Private transportation with pickup and drop-off, walking tour of Girona and water

When is the best time of year to visit Costa Brava?

Costa Brava is breathtaking from June to September. July and August get hot and crowded but its prime time for being on the beaches. In late-August or September, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds at all the tourist hotspots for a more romantic setting.

What can I see and do in Costa Brava?

Sightseeing

It doesn’t take long to begin feeling relaxed once you reach Costa Brava. The resort towns along the sea and nature of the area immediately put you at ease. There are countless photo opportunities along the way.

Beaches

Costa Brava is not just limited to its beaches though it is one of the highlights of the region. The amazing beaches offer paradise in every regard whether you hit the sea, lounge in a chair, or play games on its sandy surface.

Nature

Costa Brava has a million things to offer after you get away from the beaches. The territory in Catalonia offers 3 natural parks and several more reserved nature areas. Hiking and other outdoor recreation opportunities exist depending on how much time you have in Costa Brava.

Art & culture

Costa Brava offers its style of art and culture, which is different from what you’ll find in Barcelona. In fact, several well-known artists like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, and Salvador Dali have spent time in the area seeking inspiration. Costa Brava is also home to several prominent museums like the Dali Theatre and Museum.

Are there any other places to visit on the way from Barcelona to Costa Brava?

There are several places to visit in Catalonia. Scheduling a Costa Brava day trip from Barcelona is an exciting way to see many of these sights in a single adventure:

Girona

Girona is a scenic city that exists at the confluence of several different rivers. The area is rich in natural resources and displays an ancient cathedral and other old fortifications. It's on the direct route to Costa Brava from Barcelona, so you have no excuse not to make a pitstop.

Natural Parks

Costa Brava is home to three important and designated natural parks: these include the Natural Park of Cap de Creus, Aiguamolls de l’Emporda, and Montseny Natural Park.

Dali Theatre and Museum

The Dali Theatre and Museum represents the largest collection of works by Salvador Dali in the world. The museum exists in Dali’s hometown of Figueres, and the legendary artist is buried below the theatre. It is arguably the most important and influential museum in Catalonia.

Gardens of Catalonia

Costa Brava offers four beautiful gardens. These include Cap Roig Gardens, Santa Clotilde Gardens, Pinya de Rosa Tropical Botanical Garden, and Marimurtra Botanical Garden.

Travel Tips

• Protect yourself from the sun. Costa Brava has glorious beaches; however, the same rules apply. Make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen. Also, protect your face with a hat and sunglasses.
• Get a diverse experience through a tour. Costa Brava has a ton of variety from beautiful beaches to outdoor preserves and famed museums. For the best variety, try to find a day trip that caters to all three.
• Take a bus or train for convenience. It’s a fairly long commute from Barcelona to Costa Brava on a day trip. Let someone else handle the driving. Bus tours and train rides produce a more relaxing day trip to Costa Brava.