The Mediterranean has locations that seem to have been plucked straight from a postcard, and some of the most special ones are less than two hours away from Barcelona. Below, we tell you the essential stops for a getaway to the Costa Brava by car.
The Costa Brava covers the coast of Girona, from Blanes to Portbou. And it is full of towns with turquoise waters, hidden coves, fishing villages and medieval castles. If you haven't explored the area and you are close to Barcelona, take the opportunity to make one of the most touristic and at the same time most charming routes in all of Catalonia.
Blanes, the gateway to the Costa Brava
After a little more than an hour's drive from Barcelona (about 40 miles), you will arrive in Blanes, the official starting point of the Costa Brava. It is an old fishing village that still retains its seafaring essence, and also has beaches like S'Abanell, one of the longest on the coast.
Also visit the Marimurtra Botanical Garden, located on a cliff with spectacular views of the sea. From here, continue your journey north.
Lloret de Mar
Lloret de Mar is a quick 15-minute drive from Blanes and is one of the most popular destinations on the Costa Brava. It is very different from other towns in the area and you can:
- Visit Fenals Beach.
- Go to Sa Boadella cove.
- Take in Santa Clotilde Gardens, inspired by the Italian Renaissance and overlooking the Mediterranean.
- Enjoy the nightlife, bars and nightclubs.
Tossa de Mar and its seafront walls
Following the coastal road on your getaway to the Costa Brava by car you will reach Tossa de Mar, about 40 minutes from Lloret. It is an equally beautiful little town that stands out for the Vila Vella, a medieval walled enclosure that rises out from the sea and looks like something from a fairy tale.
Walking through its streets is already a special experience, but you can also climb the tower and marvel at the bay. It also has beaches with turquoise waters, heritage and gastronomy. It is one of the top destinations on the coast of Girona.
Sant Feliu de Guíxols, a must on your getaway to the Costa Brava by car
The next stop is 30 minutes from Tossa. Sant Feliu de Guíxols has a nice promenade, a marina and fairly quiet beaches. It is a perfect destination if you want to combine a trip to the sea with a touch of culture. You can also visit:
- The Benedictine monastery.
- Espacio Carmen Thyssen, which organises first-class temporary exhibitions.
Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc with their seafaring essence
An hour's drive from Sant Feliu will take you to Calella de Palafrugell, one of the most photographed villages on the Costa Brava. The white houses facing the sea, the fishermen's boats on the sand and the seafaring atmosphere make it the ideal place to relax.
Neighbouring Llafranc also shares that seaside charm with a sheltered beach in a small bay. The two villages are connected by a coastal path which you can walk along and take in incredible views of the sea.
Pals, a trip to the Middle Ages
Pals is a medieval village where time seems to have stood still. Strolling among its walls, cobblestone streets and Romanesque towers is like travelling back in time several centuries.
It is a perfect destination if you want your getaway to have a cultural component, and it is also surrounded by rice fields. Don't leave here without trying a good rice dish from any of the local restaurants.
Cadaqués and Cap de Creus
The finishing touch to this Costa Brava getaway by car is provided by Cadaqués, located in the far north. The village features white houses and narrow streets and was a refuge for artists like Salvador Dalí, whose museum-home in Portlligat can still be visited today.
Nearby is also the Natural Park of Cap de Creus, which is a protected area with rocky landscapes and some hidden coves that are difficult to access, but more than worthwhile. The road to get there isn't exactly plain sailing either, but you won't find other views of the Mediterranean like these.
The best way to enjoy the Costa Brava is to rent a car with OK Mobility in Barcelona. You can do so at Sants station, Passeig de Gracia or Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. It's the best way to travel at your own pace and discover all the charms of the coast of Girona.
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