5-Day Costa Brava Itinerary: Overview
This 5-day itinerary covers Girona, Figueres, Cadaqués, Tossa de Mar, and Palafrugell with a budget of €800–1,200 per person.
This route is designed for travelers seeking an immersive experience that combines the cultural richness of Catalan art with the wild beauty of the Mediterranean. It is ideal for couples, photography lovers, and foodies who want to explore the Costa Brava at a relaxed pace, enjoying quality gastronomic stops and charming accommodations. Throughout this 5-day Costa Brava trip, we will alternate between the urban sophistication of Girona, the bohemian spirit of Cadaqués, and the classic charm of the fishing villages.
| Día | Ciudad / Zona | Highlights | Km entre paradas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Día 1 | Girona | Barrio Judío, Catedral, Gastronomía local | – |
| Día 2 | Girona > Figueres > Cadaqués | Teatro-Museo Dalí, Traslado escénico | 38km (Girona-Figueres) + 45km (Figueres-Cadaqués) |
| Día 3 | Cadaqués y Cap de Creus | Casa-Museu Dalí, Far del Cap de Creus, Calas | – |
| Día 4 | Cadaqués > Tossa de Mar | Vila Vella, Playa Gran, Paseo marítimo | 95km (aprox. 1h 45min) |
| Día 5 | Tossa de Mar > Palafrugell | Jardín Botánico, Calella de Palafrugell, Ruta del Carrilet | 55km (aprox. 50min) |
Day 1: Girona, the Medieval and Culinary Gem
Morning
- Visit to the Jewish Quarter (El Call): Start early to get lost in the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe. Walk along Carrer de la Força and discover the history of the Jewish community (Estimated time: 1h 30min).
- Girona Cathedral (Catedral de Santa Maria): Climb the baroque staircase to visit the cathedral. Don’t miss the Treasury Museum, which houses unique tapestries such as the Creation Tapestry (Estimated time: 1h).
- Recommended breakfast: Specialty coffee shop in the historic center. Order a Xuixo de Girona (a cylindrical fried pastry filled with cream and dusted with sugar). Indicative price: €8–12 per person.
Midday
- Where to eat: Traditional restaurant in the Rambla de la Llibertat area. Look for “Mar i Muntanya” (sea and mountain) dishes such as Pollo con cigalas (chicken with langoustines). Average price: €35–50 per person (without premium wine).
- Afternoon activity: Visit the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, home to the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia, located in a beautiful Romanesque cloister.
Afternoon
- Walk along the City Walls: Complete the full circuit along the Passeig de la Muralla. It offers the best panoramic views of the city and the colorful facades along the Onyar River.
- Snack or rest: Free time for shopping local crafts or resting at the hotel before dinner.
Night
- Dinner: Gourmet option in the Eixample or the old town. Girona is a culinary capital, making it the ideal place to try creative cuisine. Price: €60–90 per person.
- Nightlife: Quiet drinks on a terrace in El Borne or an illuminated nighttime stroll along the river.
Day 2: Dalí’s universe and the road to the coves
Morning
- Transfer to Figueres: Early departure. Renfe connects Girona with Figueres in 20 minutes, or 30 minutes by car (38km).
- Dalí Theatre-Museum: Dedicate the entire morning to this surrealist monument. It is Salvador Dalí’s magnum opus. Book your ticket in advance. Ticket price: approx. €15-20.
- Recommended breakfast: In Figueres, near the Rambla. Something light before visiting the museum. Price: €10.
Midday
- Where to eat: Restaurant in the centre of Figueres before picking up the car. Try the “Botifarra dolça” (sweet sausage) if it’s in season. Average price: €25-35.
- Transfer to Cadaqués: Drive towards the coast. The road through the Cap de Creus Natural Park is spectacular but winding. 45km, approx. 50 minutes.
Afternoon
- Arrival and check-in: Settle into your accommodation in Cadaqués.
- Riba des Poal seafront promenade: A relaxed stroll to soak up the atmosphere of this whitewashed village.
- Afternoon snack: Artisan ice cream by the sea while watching the boats come and go.
Night
- Dinner: Restaurant on Carrer de Es Call or in the harbour area. Ordering anchovies on tomato-rubbed bread is a must. Price: €40-60.
- Nightlife: Cadaqués has a sophisticated yet laid-back vibe. Drinks at a stylish beach bar or a terrace overlooking the bay.
Day 3: Cadaqués, the lighthouse and turquoise waters
Morning
- Salvador Dalí House-Museum (Portlligat): Located 2km from the village. It is the only house where the artist lived and worked on a permanent basis. Guided tour only. Price: approx. €12.
- Active activity: A gentle hiking route or a private boat trip to hidden coves such as Cala Nans or Cala Jóncols.
- Recommended breakfast: On the hotel terrace or at a local café with sea views. Price: €12-15.
Midday
- Where to eat: Beach bar or fish restaurant in the Portlligat area, or head back to the village. “Suquet de peix” (Catalan fish stew) is the star dish here. Average price: €35-50.
- Afternoon activity: Beach time at Playa Grande or exploring the village on foot.
Afternoon
- Cap de Creus Lighthouse: Drive or take a taxi to the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula. The cliff views are dramatic. (Estimated time: 2h including travel).
- Snack or rest: An afternoon swim in an accessible cove or a rest at your accommodation.
Night
- Dinner: A Michelin-starred or fine-dining restaurant in the area (book months in advance) or a quality seafood dinner. Price: €70-100.
- Nightlife: Enjoy the sea breeze. Cadaqués is famous for its sunsets and starry nights.
Day 4: From the rock to the castle: Heading to Tossa de Mar
Morning
- Departure for Tossa de Mar: Scenic route down the coast. Approximately 95km, 1h 45min of driving.
- Visit to the Vila Vella: On arrival, head straight up to the medieval walled enclosure. It is the only surviving example of medieval fortification on the entire Catalan coast.
- Recommended breakfast: Stop en route in Sant Feliu de Guíxols or a late breakfast in Tossa. Price: 10€.
Midday
- Where to eat: Restaurant in the marina or near Playa Gran. Arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock) or fideuá (noodle paella). Average price: 30-45€.
- Afternoon activity: Visit to the Tossa Lighthouse and descent to the coves on the east side (Cala Pola or Cala Giverola) if the weather allows.
Afternoon
- Beach and relaxation: Tossa has one of the most beautiful urban beaches. Time for swimming and sunbathing.
- Afternoon snack: Granizado (slush drink) or coffee on the seafront promenade.
Night
- Dinner: Port area or old town. More touristy and lively atmosphere than in Cadaqués. Price: 35-55€.
- Nightlife: Tossa offers more nightlife with cocktail bars and live music in summer.
Day 5: Palafrugell and the end of the route
Morning
- Transfer to Palafrugell: Drive south, approx. 55km (50 min).
- Calella de Palafrugell: Visit this village of white houses and red-tiled roofs. It is the epicenter of quality tourism in the area.
- Recommended breakfast: On the Calella seafront promenade. Price: 12€.
Midday
- Where to eat: Seafront restaurant in Llafranc or Calella. Fresh seafood. Average price: 40-60€.
- Afternoon activity: Visit to the Cap Roig Botanical Garden (in Calella). It is one of the most important gardens in the Mediterranean. Entry: approx. 12€.
Afternoon
- Carrilet Route: If you still have energy, rent a bicycle and ride a stretch of the old narrow-gauge railway that links the coastal villages.
- Snack or rest: Last swim at Cala del Canadell before ending the trip.
Night
- Farewell dinner: Special dinner in Palafrugell town or heading back towards Girona if your flight is the next day. Price: 50-80€.
- Nightlife: Quiet, ideal for wrapping up the Costa Brava tour reflecting on the journey.
Recommended accommodation
For a mid-to-high level, look for the following areas:
- Girona: Old Quarter or Eixample. Boutique hotels in historic buildings. Range: 150-250€/night.
- Cadaqués: Sa Conca area or near the port. Avoid the seafront if you want absolute silence, but prioritize the views. Range: 200-350€/night (highly seasonal).
- Tossa de Mar: Outside the crowded center, looking for hotels with spas or castle views. Range: 120-200€/night.
- Palafrugell/Calella: Charming hotels or small villas. Range: 150-250€/night.
Transport between cities
The best option for this itinerary is a rental car. Although Renfe connects Girona with Figueres in 20 minutes, the connection between the coastal towns (Cadaqués, Tossa, Palafrugell) is poor by public transport and requires slow bus transfers.
- Girona – Figueres: AVANT train (20 min) or car (30 min).
- Figueres – Cadaqués: Only by car or SARFA bus (1h). The car allows you to stop at Cap de Creus.
- Cadaqués – Tossa de Mar: Car (1h 45min). There is no efficient direct bus connection.
- Tossa – Palafrugell: Car (50 min) via the GI-662.
Estimated budget
For a mid-to-high-end trip (4-5 stars, meals at quality restaurants, entrance fees included):
- Accommodation (4 nights double): 800€ – 1200€ (total per room).
- Lunch and dinner: 80€ – 120€ per person/day x 5 days = 400€ – 600€.
- Transport (car + fuel + tolls): 250€ – 350€ (total).
- Entrance fees and activities: 100€ per person.
- Estimated total per person (travelling as a couple): 800€ – 1200€.
Independent travel or organised tour?
This is a key decision for your 5-day Costa Brava trip.
Independent travel (Recommended): Ideal for travellers with driving experience who value flexibility. It allows you to stop at impromptu viewpoints, change dinner time depending on how tired you are, and explore coves without bus schedules. The budget is controllable and you can choose specific restaurants such as El Celler de Can Roca or Massana if you book in advance.
Organised tour: Better if you don’t want to drive along narrow mountain roads (typical of the route to Cadaqués) or if you are travelling solo and looking for company. A Costa Brava tour usually includes transfers from Barcelona and guides who explain the history of Dalí and the fishermen, but you will sacrifice the freedom to spend an entire afternoon in a secluded cove.
Practical tips
- Book Dalí in advance: Tickets for the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres and the Portlligat House sell out weeks ahead in high season.
- Driving in Cadaqués: Car access to the centre of Cadaqués is heavily restricted in summer. Park in the park-and-ride car parks and get around on foot.
- The Tramontana: In the Figueres and Cadaqués area it can be very windy. Always carry a light jacket even in summer.
- Kitchen hours: In Spain dinner is late (21:00h – 22:00h). If you go to gourmet restaurants, check whether they have an evening service or only a tasting menu.
- Footwear: For the Girona city walls route and Cap de Creus, wear comfortable trainers; the terrain is uneven.
- Language: Although everyone speaks Spanish, learning basic phrases in Catalan (Bon dia, Si us plau) is very well received.
Frequently asked questions
Is it necessary to rent a car to see the best coves of the Costa Brava?
Yes, highly recommended. Although there are buses between the main towns, the best coves (such as those in Begur, Pals, or the hidden ones in Cadaqués) usually require a car to access nearby parking areas or to comfortably carry snorkeling gear and picnic supplies.
What is the best time of year to do this route while avoiding crowds?
June and September are the ideal months. The weather is perfect for swimming (the sea is still warm in September), the days are long, and you avoid the peak family tourism of July and August, especially in small towns like Cadaqués.
Is Figueres worth visiting if I’m only interested in Dalí’s art?
Absolutely. The Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres is the artist’s complete work and is essential for understanding his legacy. Additionally, the city has a pleasant old town where you can eat before continuing toward the coast.
Can I do this route by public transport from Barcelona?
It’s possible but complicated and slow. It would require combining train (Rodalies or AVANT) to Girona/Figueres and then intercity buses (SARFA or Moventis) that do not have frequent service between coastal towns. You would lose a lot of enjoyment time in transfers.