Exploring the Costa Brava: one-day itinerary ideas

If you don’t have time to fully explore the Costa Brava, these one-day itinerary suggestions can really help you make the most of your visit.

A sailing boat moored off Cadaqués. Photo by ELG21

The Costa Brava is famed for its rugged coastline, charming fishing villages, and a unique blend of Greco-Roman history, medieval architecture, and the surreal art of Salvador Dalí. Whether you’re fascinated by ancient ruins, eager to indulge in Catalan cuisine, or longing to unwind on a beautiful beach, the Costa Brava is the perfect destination for a one-day escape.

In this article, we present one-day itineraries that combine a morning of history or cultural exploration, a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, and a relaxing afternoon by the beach or on a scenic coastal walk. Each itinerary ensures you experience the highlights of the Costa Brava while returning to your home base by evening.

From exploring medieval castles and Greco-Roman ruins to discovering the region’s scenic nature walks and beaches, these itineraries provide a well-balanced mix of activity and relaxation. Whether you’re passionate about history, nature, or simply soaking up the coast’s beauty, these one-day plans will make your visit to the Costa Brava truly memorable.

How these itineraries are designed

These itineraries are thoughtfully crafted to provide a balanced and enjoyable day that showcases the best of the Costa Brava and surrounding regions. Each itinerary follows a clear structure: start with history or culture in the morning, followed by a relaxed lunch, and finish the day with a peaceful afternoon at the beach.

The design ensures that you experience a variety of activities without feeling rushed. The morning is dedicated to exploring cultural and historical landmarks, taking advantage of the cooler hours and allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the area.

Lunch serves not only as a break but also as an opportunity to sample the local cuisine. Whether you choose to dine in the town you’re exploring or at the coast, this mid-day pause allows you to savour the unique flavours of the region, from fresh seafood to traditional Catalan dishes.

By the time the afternoon arrives, the pace slows down, with the focus shifting to relaxation at the beach. The Costa Brava’s quieter, less crowded coastal areas offer a tranquil retreat, especially during the hot summer months. This design ensures you can enjoy the region’s diverse offerings—culture, gastronomy, and nature—without being overwhelmed by crowds or high temperatures, making it the perfect balance for a full yet easy-going day.

Costa Brava one-day itinerary by train

Our first itineraries are designed for anyone staying in Barcelona, Girona, or Figueres and relying on the train network to get around. You can explore Girona or Figueres in the morning, have lunch either there or at the coast, and then enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the beach before returning to your home base in the evening. By train Barcelona and Girona are about an hour and a quarter by train, while Figueres is 30 minutes from Girona. The coast can be reached in 50 minutes to an hour from Girona.

Morning

In the morning, immerse yourself in the rich history of Girona by exploring its medieval streets and iconic cathedral, or discover the surreal world of Salvador Dalí at the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, where art and imagination come to life.

A narrow street in Girona’s old town. Photo by Jens Freudenau

Along the way, stop at a local café for a coffee, refreshment, or a snack, and take a moment to watch the world go by—the Ramblas in Figueres is an ideal spot to sit back and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the town.

Lunch

After a morning of exploration, lunch becomes the perfect opportunity to sample the local flavours. Depending on your timing, your food preferences, and how eager to get to the beach, you can choose to have lunch where you are—in Girona or Figueres—or head straight to the coast for lunch by the sea before your afternoon at the beach. Either option allows you to savour the best of the region’s cuisine.

Time for lunch! Photo by WikiSleep App

In Girona you’ll find a mix of traditional and modern Catalan options. Casa Marieta is a Girona institution located in Plaça de la Independència, offering traditional Catalan dishes such as escalivada and botifarra. Perfect for a hearty, authentic meal in a historic setting. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more modern, Llevataps offers creative, seasonal dishes using local ingredients, all served in a cosy, welcoming space.

After a morning of Dalí in Figueres you can enjoy a relaxed lunch at El Motel, a renowned restaurant located near the Dalí Museum, perfect for those who want to indulge in traditional Empordà cuisine using fresh, local ingredients, while Bocam serves contemporary Catalan dishes with a focus on creativity and flavour. It’s ideal for a more innovative dining experience.

If you’re eager to reach the coast, consider heading directly to Colera or Portbou for a leisurely lunch by the sea before relaxing at the beach. In Colera, there are several bars in the main square serving food, along with restaurants on the promenade and a beach bar offering grilled seafood, meat, and a variety of tapas. In Portbou, the promenade restaurants offer Mediterranean seafood with stunning views of the sea, perfect for a laid-back seaside meal.

Afternoon

The plan for the afternoon is to spend time on the beach, in either Colera, or the most northerly town on the Costa Brava, Portbou. These towns may not be flashy or overly touristic, but their appeal comes from their unspoilt, quiet beaches and natural surroundings. Both have pebble beaches a short distance from the train stations offering a peaceful, crowd-free experience ideal for relaxing, swimming, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Both are fantastic for snorkelling.

The beach at Portbou. Photo by David Leigh

Afterwards you may wish to explore the towns before making your way to the station and the journey back, or enjoy a drink at a local bar while watching the sun reflect off the water as the shadows grow long. The towns are tiny and easily explored on foot. While Colera station is unmanned and extremely basic, the station at Portbou dates from the 19th century and is particularly impressive.

Costa Brava one-day itineraries by car

Having a car gives you the freedom to explore a wider range of destinations on the Costa Brava, from quaint medieval towns to stunning natural reserves and coastal gems. While Girona and Figueres are still great options, driving allows you to visit more remote locations that aren’t as easily accessible by train. Here are some ideas for crafting your own one-day itinerary by car.

Morning 

With the flexibility of a car, you can start your day in one of these fantastic locations:

• Tossa de Mar: Begin your day exploring this scenic seaside town known for its Vila Vella (walled old town) and the medieval Tossa Castle perched on the cliffs above the beach. For lunch, try Restaurant La Cuina de l’Àvia, a traditional spot offering fresh seafood and Catalan dishes.
• Pals: Wander the beautifully preserved medieval streets of Pals, with its stone houses, Gothic architecture, and tower offering panoramic views. For lunch stop at Antic Casino, known for its local rice dishes, especially arròs de Pals.
• Aiguamolls de l’Empordà: If you’re a nature lover, spend your morning at this serene wetland reserve, ideal for birdwatching and quiet walks. Afterwards head to nearby Castelló d’Empúries where you’ll find several restaurants offering regional cuisine.
• Empúries: Delve into history by exploring the ancient Greco-Roman ruins of Empúries, where you can stroll among the remnants of temples, villas, and amphitheatres with stunning sea views. For lunch, consider La Terrassa d’Empúries, which serves Mediterranean dishes with a view of the ruins and the coast, or one of the restaurants in nearby Sant Martí d’Empúries.

While we have suggested where to eat after your morning exploration, you may prefer to wait until you reach the coast for lunch, or find somewhere along the way. It’s difficult to go wrong.

Afternoon 

After a morning of sightseeing, head to the coast for a relaxing afternoon:

• Cadaqués: Famous for its whitewashed houses and association with Salvador Dalí, Cadaqués is a picturesque seaside village. For lunch, try Compartir, a highly regarded restaurant offering creative Mediterranean dishes in the heart of Cadaqués. You might also want to visit the Dalí House-Museum in nearby Portlligat, where the artist lived and worked, but you must pre-book.
• Castell Beach: For a more secluded and tranquil experience, head to Platja del Castell, a protected beach surrounded by nature. There is a beach bar, but you might prefer a picnic lunch or head to nearby Palamós before heading to the beach, where you’ll find numerous restaurants along the port offering fresh seafood.
• L’Escala: Known for its anchovies, L’Escala offers both history and coastal beauty. You can visit the nearby ruins of Empúries or simply relax on the beach. For lunch, there are numerous restaurants serving excellent seafood, focusing on locally sourced ingredients and a variety of fish dishes, including the fisherman’s bar in the port.
• S’Agaró: Take a scenic coastal walk along the Camí de Ronda from S’Agaró, enjoying stunning cliffside views and hidden coves perfect for a swim. There are several restaurants along the promenade in Platja de Sant Pol, offering a range of Mediterranean cuisine.

The Dalí Triangle

Another option for art enthusiasts is a day spent exploring the Dalí Triangle is a unique way to experience the surrealist artist’s legacy:

The Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres. Photo by flickch

• Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres: Begin at the famous Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, where you can dive into the mind of the artist.
• Portlligat House-Museum: Continue to Cadaqués and visit Dalí’s former residence in Portlligat, where his studio and home have been preserved. Afterwards visit the beach.
• Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol: Finish at the Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol, a stunning gift from Dalí to his wife, Gala. For lunch near Púbol, consider La Calèndula in Regencós, known for its creative and innovative Catalan cuisine.

You’ll find a more detailed look at the Dalí triangle here.

With the flexibility of a car, you can tailor your day to include a mix of cultural exploration, coastal beauty, and Catalan cuisine while discovering hidden gems along the Costa Brava at your own pace.

Make the most of your Costa Brava adventure

With its unforgettable blend of history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, there’s no better place for a one-day escape than the Costa Brava. One-day itinerary ideas offer the chance to wander through medieval villages, explore ancient ruins, or immerse yourself in the surreal world of Salvador Dalí, providing a well-rounded experience that captures the essence of this remarkable region.

From scenic coastal walks to relaxing afternoons on quiet, unspoilt beaches, you can tailor your day to suit your interests, whether you travel by train or car. Coupled with the chance to indulge in Catalan cuisine, these itineraries ensure a fulfilling and balanced day out, with plenty of time to return to your home base by evening.

With its breath-taking landscapes, rich heritage, and culinary delights, the Costa Brava will leave you with lasting memories and the desire to return for more.