Barcelona to Costa Brava Day Trip Guide | Getting There, Things to Do, Restaurants & More
The Coastal city of Costa Brava is adorned with cobbled towns, calming mountain tops and beautiful beaches. Just North of Barcelona, Costa Brava is a hidden gem of the Catalonia Region. From charming villages showcasing the history of Catalonia to some of Spain’s best beaches - Costa Brava has something for everybody.
Why Take a Barcelona to Costa Brava Day Trip?
- Stunning Beaches: Costa Brava is lined with stunning beaches, some of the best in Spain. Unwind with a quick dip in the cool waters or bring out your inner adventurer and indulge in water sports like kayaking.
- Iconic Landscapes: The coastal city boasts of iconic landscapes, culture-rich towns, and historic hotspots. Less packed than Barcelona, visiting Costa Brava is a breath of fresh air.
- Art Lovers Galore: The birthplace of Salvador Dali, this city hosts some of his incredible works. The fragments of his life are scattered across Costa Brava, including his eccentric summer home in Portlligat.
- Ancient Volcanoes: Costa Brava is a wonderful destination for hiking and biking your way up the trails. Some of the mountain ranges also have ancient volcanoes which makes them all the more fun!
Barcelona to Costa Brava Day Trip: At a Glance
Distance from Barcelona: 146 km
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Best Time to visit: May, June, September. October
Getting There: Train, bus, and cars
Approximate Budget: About €80-100
Things to Do: Serene beaches, vibrant art scene, museums
Getting to Costa Brava from Barcelona
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By Train
Travel Time: 2 Hours
Train Station: Passeig de Gracia (Catch a train to Sils)
Timings: Trains are available every half an hour.
Price: Single Journey: €7-11
Once you reach Sils, you will have to take a cab to Costa Brava.
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By Bus
Travel Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Bus Stations: Estacio del Nord
Timings: Available every three hours
Price: Single Journey: €2-€15
By Car/Taxi
Travel Time: 1 hours
Taxi Fare: €100 - €150
Top Things to Do on A Barcelona to Costa Brava Day Trip
1. Visit the Game of Thrones Filming Location
Entertainment
Many people aren’t aware that part of Game of Thrones was shot in the charming capital of Costa Brava. Wander the streets of King’s Landing and Bravos on your tour of the coastal city.
2. Go Bungee Jumping
Adventure
For adventure-lovers, Costa Brava has an array of exciting activities. Located in Lloret de Mar, it is the highest Bungee Jump of Spain.
Nearby: Dali Museum, Jardí Botanic de Cap Roig
Tickets: €70 onwards
3. Go Scuba Diving
Adventure | Nature
Take in the beauty of Medes’ marine life as you dive and experience the life of the Mediterranean.
Nearby: Dali Museum, Jardí Botanic de Cap Roig
Tickets: €30 onwards
4. Get on a Hot Air Balloon
Adventure | Leisure
Fly from Colomers to Emporda on a hot air balloon. The beautiful landscape with exuberant colors is laid beneath you. The journey is one-of-a-kind as you take in the contours of Catalonia.
Tickets: €145 onwards
5. Explore the Stunning Beaches
Beaches | Leisure
Costa Brava, a coastal city, is blessed with splendid beaches. Beautiful and bustling, the beaches in Costa Brava are wonderful. Nestled in some towns of Costa Brava, you can find hidden gems like El Crit in Mont-ras. Accessible only by foot, the beach is hidden in a secret cove making it less crowded.
Best Beaches: Illa Roja Beach, Castell Beach, Cala Tavallera
6. Visit Jardí Botanic de Cap Roig
Sight-Seeing | Nature
Near the town of Palafrugell, lies a beautiful, historic botanical garden. Created in 1927, the garden still exists leading to a magnificent castle. The peaceful garden goes all the way down to the sea, making it a must-visit.
Nearby: Cala Estrata, Cala el Golfet
Entry: €10
7. Visit The Dali Theatre-Museum
Museum
Paying homage to the quirky artist, Salvador Dali, this museum captures some of his greatest works. With an architectural design that stands out in a crowd, Salvador Dali’s hometown certainly does justice to his legacy. Created by Dali himself, his museum is preserved in Costa Brava.
Tickets: €9 onwards
8. Visit La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park
Nature
Near the town of Olot, La Garrotxa is a unique site in Costa Brava. This Natural Park boasts 40 Volcanoes and 20 lava flows. This zone also houses a multitude of flora and fauna. You can witness the sheer beauty by hiking up or on a hot air balloon ride.
Entry: Free
9. Visit Girona Cathedral
Religious Site
As old as the 5th Century, this majestic cathedral stands tall as its crowning jewel. Built over a flight of 86 steps, with its ornate facade and grand and stature, the Cathedral is definitely worth visiting.
Entry: Free
Things to See Near Costa Brava
Once you're done exploring Costa Brava and are looking for other activities, visit these nearby destinations to continue exploring the magnificent city of Barcelona!
Lake of Banyoles
Leisure
This natural lake is a beautiful place to visit for a quiet and serene time.
Distance: 44km or 43 Min
Medes Islands
Sight-Seeing
These wild islands, located just 900 meters from the coast of L'Estartit are a haven for scuba diving and an ideal space to unwind.
Distance: 48 Km or 48 min
Pals
Sight-seeing
Perched on a hilltopn, Pals is one of the most charming villages you can visit during your Barcelona to Costa Brava day trip.
Distance: 34 Km or 30 mins
Best Places to Eat in Costa Brava
Try out some delicious, authentic food at Costa Brava at these restaurants. There's all kinds of food for you to gorge on while you're on a day trip from Barcelona to Costa Brava!
La Fabrica
Catalan Cafe
Discover a Catalan inspired brunch at this cycle-themed cafe that utilises the freshest local ingredients for all its dishes.
Price for Two: €6 onwards
Address: 17004, Carrer de la Llebre, 3, 17004 Girona, Spain
Far Nomo
Asian Cuisine
Far Nomo specialises in Asia seafood with a gorgeous setting that overlooks the hillside. Try tuna belly tacos, sushi platters and more at this incredible restaurant.
Price for Two: €8-18
Address: Passeig de Pau Casals, 64, 17211 Llafranc, Girona, Spain
La Blava
Seafood
La Blava is renowned for its local seafood and exquisite ambience with outdoor tables overlooking the sea. There's a small but well-curated menu thathas delicious offerings.
Price for Two: €40 onwards
Address: 17210, Carrer Miramar, 3, 17210 Calella de Palafrugell, Spain
El Borinot
Global Cuisine
El Borinot serves deliciously prepared seasonal cuisine. Highlight dishes include fettuccini amatriciana (with bacon and tomato) and Angus steak tacos
Price for Two: €30 onwards
Address: Carrer del Form, 15, 17113 Peratallada, Girona, Spain
Best Places to Stay at Costa Brava
If you enjoy you day trip a little too much at Costa Brava and want to extend it, here are some lovely places for you to stay at.
Budget Hotels
If you're on a budget trip, here is a great place to stay at in Costa Brava and save money without compromising on quality!
Hotel Montjoi: Price for 2/night - €70
Mid-Range Hotels
Choose from these mid-range hotels for a comfortable stay on your trip to Costa Brava!
Hotels Ultonia Girona: Price for 2/night: €94
Hotel Panorama: Price for 2/night: €101
Luxury Hotels
If you're looking for a luxurious stay in Costa Brava, here's the best place to stay at!
Palau Macelli: Price for 2/night: €252
More Things to do on a Barcelona to Costa Brava Day Trip
- Try out seafood on the beach in Cadaqués.
- Go kayaking on one of the many beaches in Costa Brava.
- Visit Dali's house in Portlligat, just north of Cadaqués.
- Try swimming in sea lanes which are open-water swimming and snorkelling tracks that follow the coastal paths.
- Try wine tasting along the Empordà Wine Route.
Travel Tips
- The preferred language of Costa Brava is Catalan - make sure to know some phrases to help you out.
- Costa Brava is a friendly family place though there are many beaches where clothing is optional.
- Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking and hiking.
- Wearing full sleeves and modest clothing is customary while visiting religious places like churches and temples.
More Day Trips from Barcelona
Barcelona to Sitges
Barcelona to Girona
Barcelona to Montserrat
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Barcelona to Costa Brava Day Trip
You can take a train or a bus from Barcelona to get to Costa Brava. You can also rent a car and drive to the town, it will take you about 1.5 hours to reach Costa Brava from Barcelona.
On a Costa Brava day trip, you can explore the beach of the town, visit the museums, and try traditional seafood among other things.
You would need around 12 to 16 hours for a Costa Brava day trip.
The best places to eat in Costa Brava include La Fabrica and Far Nomo.
The best places to stay in Costa Brava include Hotel Montjoi, Hotel Panorama.
Taking the train or a bus is the easiest and fastest way to get from Barcelona to Costa Brava.
Costa Brava is wonderful town with lots to see and explore. A day trip from Barcelona to Costa Brava is sure to rejuvenate with all the gorgeous sights it has to offer!
Lake of Banyoles, Medes Islands, are some of the best things to see near Costa Brava.