What is included in a Barcelona to Costa Brava day trip package?

It depends on the tour, but most include round-trip AC transfers, an expert English-speaking guide, and key activities or experiences. Adventure tours add snorkel gear, kayaks, GoPro photos, and lunch. Sightseeing tours often include walking tours and some entry tickets (like the Dalí Theatre-Museum or Montserrat Abbey). Always check individual tour pages for the full breakdown.

What are the different ways to get to Costa Brava from Barcelona?

The easiest option, by far, is a guided day tour with included round-trip transfers. You're picked up in central Barcelona and dropped back in the evening without lifting a logistical finger. Other options include the Renfe train to Girona (fast and affordable), self-driving via the AP-7 motorway (flexible but parking is painful in summer), or regional buses (cheap but slow).

Do I need to book my Barcelona to Costa Brava day trip in advance?

Yes, especially for small-group adventure tours, which cap at 8 participants. These sell out weeks in advance from June to August. Even larger coach tours fill up quickly during peak season. Booking 1 to 2 weeks ahead is smart; booking the day before is risky.

Can I visit other attractions in Costa Brava on this day trip?

Absolutely. Several tours are specifically designed as multi-stop excursions from Barcelona, combining Girona with Tossa de Mar, Montserrat with Girona and a Costa Brava village, or Girona with Figueres and the Dalí Museum. Check the tour descriptions to see what's included and whether free exploration time is built in.

Can I do a Barcelona to Costa Brava day trip on my own?

You can! But between parking, navigating one-way streets in medieval towns, buying entry tickets separately, and figuring out which beach cove is accessible by foot, it adds up in both effort and stress. A guided excursion from Barcelona handles all of that and adds expert storytelling that genuinely changes how you experience a place.

Are meals included in the tour?

On most adventure tours (kayaking, snorkelling, coastal hike options), lunch is included, ranging from a traditional Catalan restaurant meal to freshly-made deli sandwiches on the water. On sightseeing tours (Girona, Tossa de Mar, Figueres), meals are generally at your own expense, giving you freedom to explore local restaurants independently.

What happens if the weather is bad?

For water-based adventures (kayaking, snorkelling, cliff jumping), operators assess conditions on the day and may adjust activities or reschedule if the sea is unsafe. Sightseeing tours to Girona, Tossa de Mar, or Figueres operate in most weather, medieval towns look atmospheric in the rain, honestly.

What should I do in Costa Brava on a day trip?

So glad you asked. The short answer: hike the Camí de Ronda coastal trail, snorkel in turquoise coves, explore Girona's Game of Thrones old town, take a boat to Tossa de Mar, or visit the utterly bizarre and wonderful Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres. The long answer: pick a tour above and let us walk you through it.

Are guided tours available in different languages?

Yes, most tours operate in both English and Spanish, with bilingual guides. One kayaking/snorkeling tour operates in English only. The Costa Brava boat ride tour includes an audio guide available in 6 languages.

Not sure which tour to pick?

Sightseer or a brave adventurer, we've compared all the options so you don't have to scroll Reddit for three hours.

Find your perfect Barcelona day trip below.

From happy customers

Loved by 50 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

анастасія М

Ukraine

Group

Mar 2026

+1 more

What I liked most about the tour was the combination of nature and culture. The train ride was comfortable and very easy to follow, and upon arrival, the monastery made an immediate impression. The audio guide is very well done and helps you understand the history of Montserrat and the significance of La Moreneta. The visit was well-organized, relaxed, and allowed plenty of time to enjoy the views and the atmosphere of the place.

Anita M

Australia

Couple

Dec 2025

Ease of transport access. Great attraction. Too much for 1 day. Really need 2 days at least. We didn't get a chance to do any walks. The basilica and museum were our focus. Restaurant meal was excellent.

Katherine S

United States

Couple

Mar 2026

+1 more

Yerai was amazing! We had the best time exploring Montserrat and trying local wine 🍷 the tour was the perfect length, taking most of the day but leaving plenty of time to wind down and navigate back to our hotel. We learned so much!

Conchita G

Chile

Family

Feb 2026

+2 more

The guides Carlos and Roger were very friendly, always looking out for the group and explaining the attractions well. The driver Javier was a very good driver and the trip was simply unmissable.

Ingrid O

Mexico

Solo

5 days ago

Amazing activity with healthy, well-cared horses and genuinely kind people. From the moment we arrived near Montserrat, everything felt organized and welcoming. Our guide was incredibly kind, patient, and knowledgeable, making sure everyone felt comfortable regardless of experience level. The horses were calm, responsive, and clearly treated with care, which made the ride even more enjoyable and safe. You don't need to have any previous experience in riding with horses, they explain everything and stay by your side so you feel safe throughout the ride. The views were absolutely outstanding. Riding through the natural landscapes with Montserrat in the background felt surreal and peaceful. It was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, allowing us to fully disconnect and enjoy the surroundings. We had free time to roam around Montserrat, visit the farmers' market, and enter the incredible church with La Madrona. My group was very kind, and we all felt connected instantly! Overall, it was a memorable and high-quality experience that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area.

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Costa Brava is just 1.5 hours from Barcelona and is worth every minute of the ride. Rugged cliffs, hidden coves, medieval towns, water so blue it looks Photoshopped, and this is where Barcelona comes to breathe. Whether you're here for the hike, the history, or the Spanish ham sandwich on a kayak, we've got your day sorted.

Quick overview

Think Costa Brava is just a beach? Think again. One of the best day trips from Barcelona drops you into a world of clifftop trails, snorkelling coves, Game of Thrones filming locations, and lunches that'll make you consider moving to Catalonia permanently. The best part? You're back in Barcelona in time for dinner.

Distance from Barcelona: 100 km (62 mi) to the Costa Brava coastline; 40 km (25 mi) to Girona
Typical travel time: 1 to 2 hours, depending on destination
On-site visit duration: 8 to 10 hours across full-day tours
Cost range: €45 to €120 per person depending on inclusions
Best season/time of year: May–June and September to October for warm weather without the peak-summer crowds; July–August for beach vibes
Meeting/drop-off point: Central Barcelona (exact point confirmed at booking)
Key attractions covered: Girona's medieval old town, Costa Brava coves, Tossa de Mar castle, Lloret de Mar, Camí de Ronda coastal trail, Montserrat Monastery, Figueres Dalí Theatre-Museum

What to expect on a day trip from Barcelona

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Comfortable transfers

Sit back in air-conditioned coaches and vans while someone else handles the driving and the parking.

Clifftop trails & hidden coves

Walk the legendary Camí de Ronda coastal path and discover coves that Google Maps hasn't ruined yet.

Expert guides with great stories

Local guides bring Girona's medieval lanes, Dalí's surreal life, and Costa Brava's fishing villages to life.

Action-packed adventures

Snorkel crystal waters, kayak past dramatic sea cliffs, cliff jump into turquoise bays, or just float blissfully.

Add-ons & multi-stop combos

Combine Girona with Tossa de Mar, add Montserrat at sunrise, or pack three destinations into one epic day.

Things to know before booking your day trips from Barcelona

Duration & timing: Most Barcelona day trips to Costa Brava run between 8 to 11.5 hours, with morning departures, typically between 8am to 9am and returns in the early evening. That's a full, satisfying day without sacrificing your Barcelona dinner plans.
Transport Options: Choose between air-conditioned coaches (ideal for larger groups and multi-stop tours), AC vans (smaller groups of 8, more personal, quicker stops), or private transfers if you prefer a fully bespoke experience. All options depart from central Barcelona with no complicated logistics on your end.
Recommended: Small-group AC van tours are perfect for active adventures like hiking, snorkelling, and kayaking. Larger coaches suit sightseeing-focused trips to Girona, Tossa de Mar, or Figueres.
Guides & extras: All guided day tours from Barcelona come with English-speaking (and most with bilingual English/Spanish) expert guides. Extras vary by tour: snorkel masks, kayaks, GoPro photos, emergency motorboat support, and even Dalí Theatre-Museum entry are bundled into specific tours, so you never have to scramble at the gate.

Which day trip from Barcelona is right for you?

Tour type	Duration	Inclusions	Transfers	Guide	Food	Best for
Girona day trip	9 hrs	Explore Game of Thrones locations on your own, Entry to the Girona Cathedral & Basilica of Sant Feliu (if option selected), 2-hour guided walking tour (if option selected)	AC coach transfers	English and Spanish-speaking bilingual guide	Free time for lunch (at your own expense)	History & pop-culture fans
Costa Brava Hike, Snorkel & Cliff Jump	9.5 hrs	Small group tour of 8, Hike, snorkel, and cliff jump in Camí de Ronda, Mask and snorkel, Free time to explore	AC van transfers	English-speaking guide	Lunch at a restaurant in Sant Feliu de Guixols	Thrill-seekers & nature lovers
Costa Brava Kayak, Snorkel & Cliff Jump	8 hrs	Small group tour of 12, 2-3 hours of snorkelling and kayaking, Kayak, snorkel, and safety equipment, Photos taken with a GoPro, Free time to explore	AC bus transfers	Professional guides licensed by the Spanish Sports Federation	Freshly-made Deli-style sandwiches with a selection of Spanish hams, guacamole, cheese, salad, and sauces	Thrill-seekers & nature lovers
Tossa de Mar day trip	9.5 hrs	Small group tour of 8, Walk along the Cami de Ronda coast, Free time to explore Tossa de Mar and swim	AC van transfers	English-speaking guide	Traditional Spanish/Catalan lunch in a local restaurant	Beach lovers & walkers
Costa Brava day trip & boat ride	8 hrs	Self-guided tour of Lloret de Mar, Boat ride to Tossa de Mar, Guided walking tour of Tossa de Mar, Free time to explore, Audio guide in 6 different languages	AC coach transfers	English and Spanish-speaking bilingual guide	Free time for lunch (at your own expense)	Scenic & leisurely explorers
Girona & Tossa de Mar day trip	10 hrs	Guided walking tour of Girona, Brief introduction of Tossa de Mar upon arrival, Free time to explore both towns	AC bus transfers	English and Spanish-speaking bilingual guide	Free time for lunch (at your own expense)	Town-hopping culture lovers
Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava day trip	11.5 hrs	Guided tour of the Montserrat Monastery, Entry to Montserrat Abbey, Entry to the Arab Baths & free time to explore Girona, Scenic walking tour in a Costa Brava village	AC coach transfers	English and Spanish-speaking bilingual guide	Traditional Catalan lunch (if option selected)	Epic multi-stop day-trippers
Girona & Figueres day trip	9 hrs	2-hour guided walking tour of Girona & Free time to explore, Entry to the Dalí Theatre-Museum and Dalí Jewels exhibition	AC coach transfers	English and Spanish-speaking bilingual guide	Free time for lunch (at your own expense)	Art & architecture lovers

Main stops on your day trips from Barcelona!

More stops along the way

Arab Baths, Girona

One of Spain's best-preserved medieval bathhouses is tucked quietly into Girona's old town. A short but fascinating glimpse into 12th-century daily life.

Recommended duration: 30 to 45 minutes
Must-see: The central pool room with its elegant octagonal lantern skylight
Available on: Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava Day Trip (except Sundays)

Montserrat Abbey

The spiritual heart of Catalonia, perched on a mountain range that looks like it was designed by Gaudí himself (nature beat him to it). Visit the basilica, hear the boys' choir, and take in views that stretch to the Mediterranean on a clear day.

Recommended duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
Must-see: La Moreneta (the Black Madonna statue) and the basilica interior
Available on: Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava Day Trip

Sant Feliu de Guixols

A relaxed Costa Brava fishing town with a Romanesque monastery, a pretty harbour, and crucially, the lunch stop on the snorkelling adventure tour. The seafood here is excellent, in case that seals the deal.

Recommended duration: 1 hour
Must-see: The Porta Ferrada archway and waterfront promenade
Available on: Costa Brava Hike, Snorkel & Cliff Jump tour

Your day trips from Barcelona itinerary

Morning: Your day starts with a comfortable departure from central Barcelona. Depending on your tour, you'll arrive at the Costa Brava coastline, Montserrat, or Girona's medieval gates within 1 to 2 hours. Early arrivals mean quieter streets, better light for photos, and first dibs on the café terrace.
Afternoon: This is when it gets good. Hit the water for kayaking or snorkelling, walk the clifftop Camí de Ronda, explore Girona's Game of Thrones alleyways, or cruise by boat between coastal towns. Lunch is included on most adventure tours. Expect fresh Catalan and Spanish flavours, often eaten with views that would embarrass any restaurant.
Evening: As the day winds down, you'll have free time to explore, swim one last time, or find a local café before your guided group returns to Barcelona. Most tours drop you back in the early evening.

How to get from Barcelona to Costa Brava

Helpful tips for day trips from Barcelona

Start early: Morning light on Costa Brava's coves is magical and the tour groups haven't arrived yet. Guided tours typically depart 8am to 9am, which is ideal.
Wear sturdy shoes: Camí de Ronda involves uneven coastal paths and rocky descents. Leave the flip-flops in the hotel room.
Pack a swimsuit (always): Even on non-water tours, you'll likely spot a cove that demands a spontaneous swim. You'll regret not having one.
Bring a light layer: Mornings on the coast and in Girona's old town can be breezy, especially in spring and autumn.
Pre-book your tour: Costa Brava day trips from Barcelona, especially small-group adventure tours, fill up fast in summer. Book at least a week ahead in peak season.
Bring cash: Small restaurants, local markets, and the odd souvenir stall in coastal villages still prefer cash. ATMs exist, but not always where you need them.
Try the local food: Order pa amb tomàquet (bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil) wherever you stop, it's Catalonia's greatest gift to humanity. Also: anchovies from L'Escala are world-famous for good reason.
Photography tip: The golden hour light on Tossa de Mar's castle walls is stunning. If you're on the boat tour, get to the front of the boat for the arrival shot.
Stay hydrated on hikes: The Camí de Ronda has limited shade in summer. Bring at least 1.5 litres of water per person for the coastal walk sections.
Build in buffer time: Traffic back into Barcelona on summer Fridays and Sundays can add 30 to 45 minutes. Guided tours account for this, solo drivers, plan accordingly.

Frequently asked questions about day trips from Barcelona

Most Costa Brava day trips from Barcelona run between 8–10 hours, covering travel time and a full on-site experience. The Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava combo extends to 11.5 hours, the best bang for your day-trip buck. Departure is typically around 8am to 9am, returning to Barcelona in the early evening.

Girona Old Town

One of Spain's best-kept secrets (until Game of Thrones blew its cover). Wander medieval Jewish quarters, cross ancient stone bridges, and stand inside a cathedral so dramatic it played King's Landing. History, architecture, and serious Instagram potential in one compact city.

Recommended duration: 2 to 3 hours
Included: Yes (on Girona-focused tours)

Tossa de Mar

A fortified medieval village perched on a rocky cape above an impossibly blue bay. Swim below castle walls, stroll cobbled lanes, and eat seafood while seagulls judge your life choices. Arguably Costa Brava's most photogenic town.

Recommended duration: 2 to 3 hours
Included: Yes (on select tours)

Camí de Ronda Coastal Trail

The clifftop trail that connects Costa Brava's coves and fishing villages has been walked for centuries, originally by customs officers catching smugglers, now by travelers catching views. Sections involve hiking, snorkeling, and the option to jump off things into the sea.

Recommended duration: 2 to 4 hours depending on pace
Included: Yes (on hiking and adventure tours)

Lloret de Mar

Beyond the party reputation lies a surprisingly charming historic centre, a Modernista cemetery (genuinely worth visiting), and a gateway to the region's best boat rides. It's the launchpad for scenic cruises up to Tossa de Mar.

Recommended duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
Included: Yes (on boat ride tours)

Figueres & Dalí Theatre-Museum

Salvador Dalí designed his own museum and made it the most surreal building in Spain, which is really saying something. Giant eggs on the roof, a Cadillac inside, and art that makes you question reality before lunch. Unmissable for curious minds.

Recommended duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Included: Yes (on Girona & Figueres combined tour)

Montserrat Monastery

Jagged mountain peaks, a 9th-century monastery, and the legendary Black Madonna icon, all within a couple of hours of Barcelona. Add it to your day trip and you've got a spiritual and geological spectacle before noon.

Recommended duration: 1.5–2 hours
Included: Yes (on the Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava combo tour)