Costa Brava Day Trip from Barcelona 2026
Full day tour to Blanes & Tossa | Botanical gardens, hidden spots & medieval streets | Small group
About Costa Brava Tour from Barcelona
Explore Costa Brava from Barcelona, a famous seaside retreat known for tiny coves, beautiful beaches, and medieval towns. Join our small group, swim in the crystal clear waters at Sant Francesc beach, and walk through the medieval castle of Sant Joan. Then, visit the Botanical Garden Marimurtra, placed on top of the steep cliffs, and enjoy a traditional lunch in a farmhouse from 1607. Before returning to Barcelona, you'll tour Tossa de Mar, the last fortified town in Costa Brava.
Visit Sant Francesc Beach, a place well-known among locals. This 220-meter-long beach requires a bit of a hike to get there, making it less crowded than other beaches in the area, even during the peak summer season. Did you know that the famous Camino de Ronda passes through the beach and leads all the way to Lloret de Mar?
Discover the plant paradise at Marimurtra Botanical Gardens, home to the beautiful Linnaeus Temple! You can find more than 4,000 species from five continents. Among these are also a few plants that are extinct in the wild.
Walk through the historic fortress with a medieval past! Dating back to the 11th century, the Castle of Sant Joan served as a defense against maritime invaders. Take a photo through the arch overlooking Blanes and hear interesting legends connected to it!
Welcome to one of the region's finest dining experiences, located within a 17th-century farmhouse. Taste exceptional Catalonian sangria and select the main dishes of your choice. We're sure you won't be disappointed no matter what you choose!
Spend free time at Tossa de Mar, a place so rich in history and culture that it serves as an open-air museum. Explore the 15th-century Sant Vicenc church, hike to a hilltop watchtower, or discover remains of a 1st-century BC Roman villa.
Because of the tricky weather, we almost canceled our tour, but we're glad we didn’t give up and made it to Costa Brava. The region is sooo gorgeous. The weather was perfect in the end, and we were swimming on a beach familiar to locals and away from the tourist crowds. Tossa de Mar was a highlight that stole my heart, and we hope to return and stay there longer next time.
This Costa Brava day trip deserves a 5-star rating! Only 7 of us were in the group, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. The local restaurant served delicious food, and the ambiance was really great. Prepare to walk a lot, so make sure you're not wearing flip-flops like I was haha. The Marimurtra garden is beautiful, and its legends and stories are very interesting!
DESCRIPTION
Costa Brava Day Trip from Barcelona
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking guide
- Entrance to the Botanical Garden in Blanes
- Mediterranean lunch
- Drink
- Free time to swim
- English
SMALL GROUP & KNOWLEDGEABLE GUIDE
Your tour will start with a 90-minute ride followed by a history brief and an introduction to the full-day itinerary. You'll be part of a small group and accompanied by a knowledgeable guide!
SANT FRANCESC BEACH AND MARIMURTRA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Because our tour departs early in the morning, you'll be among the first to get to the beach. Even better, we're not taking you to the most touristic ones, but the ones mostly known by locals. Here, we'll make our first break, so whether you wish to stay longer at the beach or visit a famous botanical garden, the choice is yours! To reach the Botanical Garden in Blanes, you'll need to make a tiny bit of effort as it's located on top of the cliff. Trust us, you won't be disappointed once you reach it!
SANT JOAN MEDIEVAL CASTLE
Continue to the Sant Joan Medieval Castle, built in the 11th century in Blanes. Among many legends connected to the site, the most famous one is that it symbolizes a new beginning, especially for newlyweds. The couples pass beneath the arch and metaphorically step into their new life with blessings and promised happiness.
TRADITIONAL DISHES AND TOSSA DE MAR
Lunchtime is here! We'll take you to the traditional farmhouse with historical roots dating back to 1607. Try the most popular Catalan dishes like Mar i Muntanya or Fideua accompanied by home-made sangria. The last stop for the day is the ancient town of Tossa de Mar, most popular as the last fortified town in Costa Brava. During your free time, walk through the narrow streets of Vila Vella and climb up and explore Tossa de Mar Lighthouse, the highest point of the old town, 60 meters above sea level.
RESERVE NOW & PAY LATER!
Keeping your travel plans flexible is easier than ever - book your spot without paying upfront!
Interesting Facts
- Historically, the Costa Brava was a center for cork production, particularly in the town of Palafrugell.
- Cala Futadera and Cala Montjoi are only a few of Costa Brava's secluded beaches accessible only by foot or boat.
- Camino de Ronda is a network of coastal footpaths along the Costa Brava stretching 220 km from Blanes to the French border.
- Located on Costa Brava, towns like Peratallada, Pals, and Besalú are some of the best-preserved medieval villages in Europe.
- The history of Tossa de Mar dates back to the Neolithic period, with evidence of human settlements as early as 4,000 BC.
- Tossa de Mar gained international fame as a filming location for the 1951 movie "Pandora and the Flying Dutchman".
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- If booking during summer, bring a towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen.
- Get ready for this full-day tour by bringing comfortable shoes and clothes.
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the starting time.
- Please note that pets are not allowed on the tour.
- This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- This tour comes with a free cancellation option, just like all our day trips from Barcelona.
Meeting Point
Meet your guide at the Explore Catalunya office (opposite the Palau de la Musica), C/ Palau de la Musica, 1, 08003 Barcelona.
FAQ - Costa Brava Day Trip from Barcelona
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- Reserve now & pay later
- Free cancellation
- Small group experience
- Easy booking process!
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