The Costa Brava in the northeast of Spain is a great destination to explore. Check out this 1 and 2-week Costa Brava itinerary for tips.
This is why you’ll want to go on a Costa Brava road trip
Are you looking for a European destination where you can enjoy medieval towns, surreal art, beautiful nature, and relax on a beautiful beach within a week? The Costa Brava is the answer! This diverse region in northeastern Spain has it all, not to mention the delicious food.
In this article, I share an itinerary for an unforgettable tour of the Costa Brava. You will explore the beautiful medieval city of Girona, learn more about the extraordinary works of world-famous artist Salvador Dalí, and discover some beautiful villages along the coast.
Costa Brava road trip itineraries
Are you ready? In 1 or 2 weeks you can visit many beautiful places in the Costa Brava.
1 week Costa Brava itinerary
Let’s start with the itinerary for 1 week.
Day 1 & 2: Figueres
We begin this trip in Figueres, the birthplace of the famous artist Salvador Dalí. Visit the Dalí Theater-Museum, where you can admire a fascinating collection of his surrealist works. Also explore the Castell de Sant Ferran, an impressive 18th-century fortress that was once the largest military building in the world.
- Read more: 11 beautiful Figueres sights & fun day trips
- Where to stay: Hotel Duran (4⭐) – A very nice hotel located in a great location near the Dalí Museum. Fun detail: Dalí himself liked to eat a bite at this hotel’s restaurant.
Day 3 & 4: Llançà
After a few days in the city, it’s nice to relax in the charming coastal town of Llançà. This picturesque fishing village has several beautiful beaches, such as Platja del Cau del Llop and Platja del Port. Take a stroll along the harbor and enjoy fresh fish in one of the local restaurants.
Do you feel like going for a walk? Then, too, you’re in the right place in Llançà. Along the coast and through the mountains there are several beautiful hiking trails. You can walk a part of the Camí de Ronda or hike through the Serra de Rodes. Beautiful views are guaranteed!
- Hotel tip: Hotel Carbonell (2⭐) – Fine small hotel in the old center of Llançà. It even has a small swimming pool.
Day 5: Cadaqués
After Figueres, travel to the coast and visit the enchanting town of Cadaqués. This former fishing village was much loved by artists such as Dalí and Picasso. Wander the narrow streets of Cadaqués and visit Salvador Dalí’s impressive Casa-Museu Salvador Dalí in nearby Port Lligat.
- Hotel tip: Boutique Hotel Villa Gala (4⭐) – Beautifully decorated hotel with pool and sea views.
Day 6 & 7: Girona
The historic city of Girona is an absolute must-see during a Costa Brava road trip. Explore the well-preserved medieval Jewish quarter, the Arab baths, and the impressive cathedral. Stroll across the colorful Eiffel Bridge and along the city walls for panoramic views of the city.
Fun detail: the creators of Game of Thrones also thought Girona was a beautiful city. Consequently, several scenes of the famous television series were shot in Girona.
- Read more: 10 things to do in Girona
- Hotel tip: Hotel Nord 1901 (4⭐) – Located in the middle of the old town, this beautiful hotel is an oasis of tranquility. The rooms have elegant decor and there is a small swimming pool.
2 week Costa Brava itinerary
For a more extensive 2-week roundtrip, you can follow the itinerary above and add additional stops that are located in the south of the Costa Brava, in addition to the incredible Spanish city of Barcelona.
Day 8 to 10: Tossa de Mar
Want to enjoy the sun, sea & beach in the Costa Brava even more? There are still plenty of beautiful coastal towns to discover. The picturesque Tossa de Mar is a good base for this. Tossa is best known for its medieval walled city, Vila Vella. You can visit the castle, wander the narrow streets, or relax on the beautiful expansive beach Platja Gran.
- Hotel tip: Boutique Hotel Casa Granados (4⭐) – A cozy boutique hotel in a restored mansion from the nineteenth century. It has a cozy garden with a nice pool.
Day 11 to 14: Barcelona
Although Barcelona is not technically in the Costa Brava, it is an incredibly cool city to end your tour in the Costa Brava. You have iconic sights such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and Las Ramblas, but you can also just stroll around the Gothic Quarter or admire Gaudí’s architecture. If you stay a little longer in Barcelona, it’s also fun to take a day trip to Montserrat, for example.
- Read more: The perfect 3 days in Barcelona itinerary
- Hotel Tip: Sercotel Hotel Rosellon (4⭐) – Fine hotel with a fantastic rooftop terrace. From here you have a great view of the Sagrada Fámilia.
Additional tips for your Costa Brava trip
A tour of the Costa Brava offers a perfect mix of beautiful landscapes, history, culture, and relaxing on the beach. Whether you choose a 1 or 2-week itinerary, I’m sure this region will surprise you! Book your accommodations on time, especially in high season, and enjoy all that the Costa Brava has to offer.
These are a few additional tips for your Costa Brava vacation.
Transportation: car or public transportation?
When planning your tour of the Costa Brava, you can choose between traveling by (rental) car or public transportation. Traveling by car offers more flexibility and the opportunity to explore the region at your own pace. You can easily reach remote beaches and small villages that are more difficult to access by public transport.
However, if you prefer not to drive yourself, traveling by public transportation is also an option. Larger cities such as Figueres, Girona, and Barcelona are well connected by trains and buses. However, keep in mind that for some smaller towns, such as Cadaqués, you may have to take a combination of bus and train or a cab.
Book your Costa Brava road trip now!
Would you like to explore the gorgeous Costa Brava? Use the following websites to book your trip.
✈️ Plane tickets – The fastest way to get to Costa Brava is by plane. Girona has a small international airport, but you can also check flights to Barcelona, as it is not that far away. Check WayAway to find the best deals and get cashback on plane tickets.
🚆 Train tickets – Are you interested in a more sustainable way of traveling? The bigger cities like Girona, Figueres, and Barcelona are reachable by train. Check Rail Europe for train tickets.
🚘 Rental Car – To make the most of this amazing Costa Brava itinerary, it’s useful to rent a car. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals.
🛏️ Accommodation – The article already contains several hotel tips, but be sure to check Booking.com for more tips, availability, and prices.
🤒 Travel insurance – Make sure to invest in travel insurance, it will give you peace of mind during your trip. Check out Insubuy to find the travel insurance that fits your needs.
🎡 Tours & activities – There are a lot of fun tours and activities to do in Costa Brava. Check Get Your Guide to find the best guided tours and activities.
More Spain & Costa Brava tips
Looking for more tips on traveling to Costa Brava or other beautiful regions in Spain? Get one of these travel guides for inspiration.
I myself travel to the Iberian Peninsula several times every year, which is why you can find many Spain tips on this website. Make sure to read one of these articles as well.
- 20 Fun things to do in Costa Brava
- The perfect 2 week Andalusia itinerary
- Spain Bucket List: 25 incredible places to visit
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