Costa Brava Small-Group Day Trip from Barcelona Including Lunch

Barcelona, Spain

Discover one of Europe’s most beautiful coastlines on this Costa Brava day trip from Barcelona. Travel by air-conditioned minivan to the famous coast, known for its pine-fringed cliffs and rocky headlands, and visit Blanes to relax at a secluded cove or admire the clifftop Marimurtra Botanical Gardens. After a delicious restaurant lunch, enjoy free time to explore pretty Tossa de Mar.

Hop inside your air-conditioned minivan in central Barcelona and journey along the coast to begin your small-group day trip. As you travel, hear all about the Costa Brava, where sea-sculpted cliffs and coves form one of Europe’s prettiest coastlines. Admire the Mediterranean views and after roughly an hour, arrive at Blanes, the bustling seaside resort known as the Costa Brava’s southern gateway.

Leave the main tourist trail and drive to an idyllic cove favored by locals. Opt to relax here — your morning arrival means the sands and the sea will be wonderfully uncrowded — or stay on the minivan and continue to the nearby Marimurtra Botanical Gardens. Set on a cliffside, these gorgeous gardens brim with more than 4,000 species of exotic plants and trees. You will have time to enjoy both activities if you want to.
Stroll the winding pathways amid the greenery and architectural features, and absorb the spectacular clifftop views over the sea and rocks below. After two hours at the beach or gardens, join up again for lunch at a locally acclaimed family-run restaurant.

The last quick stop before lunch is the old ruined castle high above Blanes. This favourite spot for newly weds offers an amazing view over the city, and a great photo opportunity through the famous archway framing the picture. At the restaurant, sit down to a 3-course feast of local specialities accompanied by a glass of sangria, wine, beer, soda or mineral water. See the Itinerary for a sample menu.


Back aboard your minivan, continue to Tossa del Mar, home to the Costa Brava’s last remaining fortified town. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the cobbled old town and enjoying magnificent views up and down the coast, and out across the old town from the lighthouse. After losing yourself in the meandering alleyways and tiny streets, you'll come out through the old medieval wall into cosy streets lined with boutiques and traditional shops. There's plenty of time for some souvenir shopping or enjoying a drink as the day comes to an end.


If you still need some more beach time, you have one last chance in Tossa for a swim or even a kayak around the cliffs.