4 Days in Costa Brava: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary Through Spain’s Most Beautiful Coastline

Costa Brava is one of the most surprising places I’ve visited (in Spain and in the world).  I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I certainly didn’t expect to fall in love with the region as much as I did.  Costa Brava has beautiful cliffside drives, vineyards as far the eye can see, hidden beach coves, cycling routes, medieval villages, seaside towns, and more!  As you can see, there is truly something for everyone and this itinerary covers all of it in just four unforgettable days.

 

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Brava, don’t miss…

• 10 Best Things to See & Do in Costa Brava, Spain

 

Where is Costa Brava?

Costa Brava is a stretch of coastline in northeast Catalonia, Spain that stretches from Blanes (north of Barcelona) to the French border.  On the east you have the Mediterranean Sea (specifically the Balearic Sea); and to the west the Pyrenees foothills.  Girona is the main city in the region, and it only takes about an hour to reach Costa Brava from Barcelona.

 

How to Get to Costa Brava

There are several easy ways to get to Costa Brava, which I’m breaking down below.  You should know that you can easily access Costa Brava from both Girona and Barcelona and other big cities in Europe like Paris.

 

From Barcelona

The most popular starting point for a Costa Brava road trip is by starting in Barcelona, only 60+ miles (100 km) south of the coast.

• Car – Renting a car in Barcelona and driving north to Costa Brava is one of the easiest ways to explore and gives you tons of flexibility.  Depending on where you’re going in Costa Brava, the drive can take anywhere from 1-3 hours.
• Train – Another option is to take a train from Barcelona (Barcelona Sants or El Clot-Aragó) to Girona or a coastal town such as Figueres.  From there you can pick up a rental car (which I recommend) or take buses from one town to the next.
• Bus – The third option (but the least convenient), is to take a bus from Barcelona to Costa Brava.  There are several companies offer direct buses to popular towns such as Calella de Palafrugell, Palamós, Roses, etc.

 

Pro tip:  If you’re landing at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, you can rent a car directly at the airport and start your Costa Brava road trip immediately.

 

If you’re visiting Barcelona, don’t miss…

• How to Spend 72 Hours in Barcelona

 

From Girona

In my opinion, the easeist way to get to Costa Brava is via Girona.  Girona has an airport (Girona-Costa Brava), and while it’s small it is well-connected with flights from across Europe.  Once you arrive to Girona, you can get to Costa Brava by rental car or by taxi/private transfer.  Again, for ease and flexibility – I would highly recommend renting a car and depending on where you’re going, the drive will take about 30-45+ mins.

 

From Paris

I traveled from Paris to Costa Brava (via Girona) and I was surprised at how easy it was!  Depending on your budget and schedue you can travel from Paris to Costa Brava via train, plane or car.

• Train – There is a high speed train (the TGV) that connect Paris to Girona in about six hours, and to Figueres in about 5.5 hours.  From there, you can rent a car or take a local bus to the coast.
• Plane – Alternatively, you can take a plane from Paris to Barcelona or Girona, both of which have direct flights.
• Car – Finally, you can also take a scenic road trip from Paris and while this is the longest option (10+ hours of driving), the drive is beautiful and you have tons of flexibility to stop along the way.  This is a great option if you want to explore Southern France – regions like Provence or Occitanie along the way.

 

If you’re visiting Paris, don’t miss…

• How to Spend 4 Days in Paris
• The Ultimate Paris Travel Guide

 

How to Get Around Costa Brava

Once you’re in Costa Brava, having a car is the best way to make the most of your trip.  The region stretches for nearly 125-miles (200 km) from Blanes in the south to Portbou near the French border; and public transportation can be limited between smaller beach towns and villages.

One of the best things about road tripping through Costa Brava is that the roads are well-maintained, well-marked, and parking is easy to find (even in the smallest of medieval villages!).  There are times where you will experience winding mountain roads – especially if you’re driving north along the Cap de Creus peninsula – but even then, the drive is pretty easy.

 

Pro tip:  If you park in a blue parking spot, that means that you will need to pay for parking at a designated meter.  If it’s off-season, oftentimes parking will be free of charge which will be indicated on the meter.

 

 

Day 1 Costa Brava Itinerary

Highlights:  Girona

On your first day in the Costa Brava area, spend time in Girona, a historic town just on the outskirts of Costa Brava.  Here you can tour the city, learn about Girona’s history dating back to the 1st century BC when it was founded by the Romans, and enjoy the ancient city walls and winding alleyways.

Start your day early with a walk through the city.  Make sure to tour Barri Vell – Girona’s old quarter, Mercado – Girona’s more modern neighborhood, and Girona’s Jewish quarter – El Call, which is located within Barri Vell.  (Girona’s Jewish quarter is one the most well-preserved in Europe).  I would also recommend making time for the Jewish history museum, Basílica de Sant Feliu, and the Girona Cathedral.

Assuming you’ve worked up an appetite from all of the walking, I highly recommend stopping for lunch at Arròs9 – an incredible local restaurant with dishes from the region.  My favorite dish was the rice dish (or arròs) which is different than paella but is served similarly with the intention to feed multiple people.

Before sunset, walk Girona’s old city walls along the edge of Girona’s historic quarter to enjoy incredible views over the city.  To get here put, “Muralles de Girona”, in your maps.

For dinner in Girona, here are my recommendations…

• El Cafè – Casual tapas bar
• Vii, Tapes i Platillos – Tapas restaurant
• Arròs9 – Local dishes (if you didn’t go for lunch)
• Restaurant Normal – Fine(ish) dining
• El Celler de Can Roca – Fine dining, 3 Michelin-stars, #1 best restaurant in the world in 2013 & 2015

 

Where to Stay in Girona (Night 1)

I would highly recommend spending your first night in Girona as the city comes alive at night and can be seen in a totally different light.  Not to mention, Girona has some great hotels including one of my all-time favorites – Hotel Palau Fugit.

Hotel Palau Fugit is a small, boutique hotel with 24 rooms, a spa, a beautiful dining area, bar, swimming pool, and terrace.  It’s part of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World” brand and it’s located in the heart of Girona.  One of my favorite things about the hotel is that it used to be an 18th-century baroque palace that has now been transformed into a beautiful hotel filled with local art, customs, and traditions.

 

BOOK YOUR STAY AT HOTEL PALAU FUGIT HERE!

 

Day 2 Costa Brava Itinerary

Highlights:  Palafrugell + Pals

On your second day in Costa Brava, drive from Girona to Palafrugell for a coastal walk and seafood lunch, followed by a visit to the medieval town of Pals late-afternoon.  To be clear, Palafrugell refers to three towns – Palafrugell, Calella de Palafrugell, and Llafranc.

 

Stop 1:  Girona to Calella de Palafrugell

The drive from Girona to Calella de Palafrugell is easy, only taking about an hour.  I suggest arriving to Sant Roc Hotel where you can park your car and do part of the coastal walk “Camí de Ronda Coastal Trail” north to the town.  This walk gives you incredible views of Calella de Palafrugell and is well worth the extra time.

When you arrive to Calella de Palafrugell you’ll notice many beaches where you can lounge – Platja El Golfet, Port Bo o Platja de les Barques, and Platja del Canadell.  I recommend bringing a towel, sunscreen, and a swimming suit so you can enjoy the sandy beaches and crystal waters.

 

Bonus:  If you have the time, you could add Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol (one of three Dalí museums in Costa Brava) before getting to Calella de Palafrugell.

 

Stop 2:  Calella de Palafrugell to Llafranc

Once you’ve finished in Calella de Palafrugell, continue your walk to Llafranc.  The entire walk is around 30-minutes and is easy and enjoyable with a few hills and incredible views along the way.

Once you arrive to Llafranc, treat yourself to a seafood meal at Restaurant Terrassa Terramar.  There is also another beach here – Platja de Llafranc where you can enjoy the sea!

From Llafranc you’ll need to walk back to Sant Roc Hotel to get your car before heading to…

 

Stop 3:  Llafranc to Pals

From Llafranc, drive 20-minutes north to the medieval town of Pals.  Pals is a well-preserved medieval village that dates back to the 9th-century.  You can spend the afternoon here wandering the cobblestone streets, winding alleyways, and enjoying the charming corners and incredible viewpoints around the village.  Also, when you arrive, make sure to stop in at the tourist office to buy tickets to go to the top of Torre de les Hores, the highest viewpoint in Pals.

Where to Stay in Costa Brava (Night 2) – L’Escala

From Pals, head to L’Escala (30-minutes north) to check into the gorgeous Hostal Empúries.  This hotel is great because you can check-in and enjoy the property without leaving.  There are beautiful views with coastal walks, a spa, a great bar, and incredible restaurant.  Another reason I love Hostal Empúries is because it’s a family-owned hotel that was originally built in 1907 as a place to feed those who were excavating the nearby Roman ruins.  Since 1907, it’s now grown into what it is today – a hotel that hosts people from around the world.

 

BOOK YOUR STAY AT HOSTAL EMPURIES HERE!

 

Day 3 Costa Brava Itinerary

Highlights:  Salvador Dalí House + Cadaqués

On your third day in Costa Brava, continue north towards the heart of the Cap de Creus peninsula.  The drive from L’Escala is only about an hour and as you drive through the winding mountainous roads, you’ll be treated to amazing views and viewpoints along the way.

 

Stop 1:  L’Escala to Portlligat

For your first stop of the day, head to Portlligat to tour Salvador Dalí’s house.  The house has now been converted into a museum but he previously lived in the home for 40-years and this home was also his studio that inspired some of his most famous paintings.  Before visiting, you do need to book tickets ahead of time.

 

Stop 2:  Portlligat to Cadaqués

 

After touring Dalí’s house, head to Villa Salvador for lunch.  Not only is the atmosphere at Villa Salvador incredible with a beautiful pool and outdoor patio, but the food is equally amazing.  (Please note, this is an adults-only resort).  After lunch, make the short drive – less than 10 minutes – to the town of Cadaqués.

Cadaqués is a charming coastal town in the heart of the Cap de Creus peninsula.  Part of what makes this town stand out is the scenery – think dramatic mountains framing the town until they eventually drop off into the sea.  Spend your afternoon exploring the historic centre and the Church of Santa María.  You could spend hours just wandering the narrow alleyways, popping into different boutique shops, and you can’t miss the local dessert – taps – which can be purchased at Can Cabrisas.

 

Where to Stay in Costa Brava (Night 3) – Pau

After you finish in Cadaqués, check into Mas Lazuli Hotel in Pau, a 30-minute drive west.  Mas Lazuli Hotel is a boutique, 17-room hotel, with incredible views of olive groves and vineyards as far as you can see.  There’s also an amazing on-site restaurant, spa, and pool to relax in.

 

BOOK YOUR STAY AT MAS LAZULI HOTEL HERE!

 

Day 4 Costa Brava Itinerary

Highlights:  Wine Tasting + Besalú

On your last day exploring Costa Brava, head further west away from the coast and closer the Pyrenees.  As you move west you’ll stop to wine taste at an incredible wine celler, and then move on to have lunch in a historic, medieval village before leaving the region.

 

Stop 1:  Pau to Perelada

From Pau, make the 10-minute drive to Celler Perelada for a wine-tasting and tour.  Celler Perelada is a family-owned winery that has not only won awards in wine, but has also won the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2017 (it’s truly an architectural marvel).  The history of this winery is quite interesting, with winemaking tradition stretching back to the Middle Ages when monks first cultivated vines in northern Catalonia.  Now, the most common grapes used for winemaking at Celler Perelada are Grenache and Carignan.  You will need a reservation to visit, which you can make here.

 

Stop 2:  Perelada to Besalú

After wine tasting in Perelada, make your last stop of the trip to Besalú a 30-minute drive further inland.  Besalú is a small medieval town that dates back to the 10th-century.  It was of historical significance as the capital of an independent country – the County of Besalú during the early days of Catalonia.  In the Middle Ages, Besalú grew into a thriving political and religious center, and its decline came in 12th-century.

 

Best Time to Visit Costa Brava

The best time to visit Costa Brava is during the shoulder seasons – late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October) – when the weather is warm and pleasant, but the crowds are fewer and farther between.  These months are ideal for enjoying the region’s beaches, coastal towns, and hiking trails without the bustle of peak summer tourism.  July and August are the busiest months, with hot temperatures and packed beaches.  Winter (November to February) is much quieter, with cooler temperatures and some local businesses closing for the season, but it’s still a great time to explore due to a number of different festivals happening around the region.

I visited in early October and experienced warm days with cooler mornings/nights.  I was told it was unseasonably warm, but people were out swimming, the sun was shining, and nothing ever felt too crowded!

 

FAQ

Q:  “How long does it take to drive along the coast of Costa Brava?”

• A:  If you were to drive from Blanes to Portbou (or vice versa), the drive would only take 1.5 hours – but this is not along the coast.  To drive along the coast will take much longer and will depend on whether you’re taking smaller roads or highways for parts of the drive.  However, the drive is doable in one day.

Q:  “Can you do Costa Brava without a car?”

• A:  You can do Costa Brava without a car, but again, it would not be my first choice.  If you are hesitant about driving, check out Bookaway for bus options between towns or consider hiring a local company like GIGS.

Q:  “Is 4 days enough for Costa Brava?

• A:  Yes, 4 days will give you a good taste of Costa Brava and what it has to offer.  However, if you have more time to spend I would absolutely recommend it!  The region is so beautiful with tons of different coastal towns and medieval villages.  If I go back, I hope to spend at least a week next time exploring and relaxing.

Q:  “What are the prettiest towns to visit?”

• A:  In my opinion, the prettiest towns were Pals, Besalú, Calella de Palafrugell, and Cadaqués.

Q:  “What’s the best beach in Costa Brava?”

• A:  Any hidden beach you find!  But honestly, I dream of laying on the beaches in Calella de Palafrugell.

 

Spain Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Spain

 

My Costa Brava road trip will go down as one of my all-time favorite road trips.  The rugged coastlines, medieval charm, and world-class food and wine will forever stick with me.  I hope that you get a chance to experience the magic of Costa Brava by slowing down, exploring local towns, and enjoying the scenery along the way.  If you have any questions about a Costa Brava road trip or this itinerary, let me know in a comment below!

 

If you’re traveling to Spain, don’t miss…

• 10 Best Places to Visit in Spain (That aren’t Barcelona)
• The Ultimate Spain Packing List
• Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Trip to Spain

 

---

For more information on things to see and do in Spain, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinspain” or under my highlights for “Spain”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “Spain” highlight

---

 

Pin Me!

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no cost to you.  Passports and Preemies is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.