I’ll be honest with you: the Costa Brava in July is wonderful and, at the same time, a bit of a logistical nightmare. Narrow roads, villages with limited access and car parks that fill up before ten in the morning. That’s why a a tour of the Costa Brava Travelling with a driver isn’t a luxury indulgence, but the most sensible way to make the most of the day.
I’ve been travelling up and down that coastline for many summers now. As a result, I know where the traffic jams occur, what time it’s best to arrive at each cove, and which villages are best enjoyed in the mid-afternoon. Let me tell you all about it.
Why a trip along the Costa Brava is more enjoyable without driving
The coastal road is beautiful, but it demands your constant attention: sharp bends, cyclists, stretches with poor visibility and a lot of local traffic. If you’re driving, you’ll be watching the road. If you’re a passenger, you’ll be taking in the scenery.
What’s more, there’s a practical aspect to it. If you’ve got a driver, you can get out in one village, walk to another along the coastal path, and have the car pick you up at the end. In other words, you’re no longer tied to always returning to your starting point.
The real problem this summer: parking
In July, access to many coves is restricted and nearby car parks fill up first thing in the morning. As a result, people end up driving round in circles for twenty minutes and parking two kilometres away. Before setting off, it’s a good idea to check the traffic situation and any incidents on the Catalan Traffic Service.
With a private car, on the other hand, the problem disappears: they drop you off at the entrance and pick you up wherever you agree. No need to look for a parking space, no need to pay for on-street parking, and no need to walk around laden with a cool box.
Southern section: Blanes, Lloret and Tossa de Mar
It is the most easily accessible section from Barcelona and, as such, the busiest. Even so, it has some spots that are well worth a stop:
- Blanes: the Marimurtra Botanical Gardens and their views over the bay.
- Lloret de Mar: It’s better to head away from the centre, in search of the coves to the north.
- Tossa de Mar: the walled Vila Vella – a must-see in the late afternoon.
- The GI-682 road: one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Catalonia.
Central section: Begur, Calella de Palafrugell and the coastal path
For me, this is the heart of any a tour of the Costa Brava. Begur and its coves —Aiguablava, Sa Tuna, Fornells— offer the very best of the coastal Empordà. Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc are also within walking distance of each other, taking just over twenty minutes to walk between them.
This is where having a driver really comes in handy: you leave the car at one spot, walk along the coastal path, and they pick you up in the next village. Without having to retrace your steps.
Northern section: Cadaqués, Cap de Creus and the Empordà
Cadaqués is a long way off, the road is winding and access in summer is strictly regulated. That is precisely why this is the stretch of road where a professional driver is most appreciated. Cap de Creus at sunset makes every kilometre worthwhile.
If you’d also like to combine a coastal break with outdoor activities, in the article on adventure tourism in Catalonia We explain how kayaking, hiking and transfers can all be fitted into a single day.
How to plan your Costa Brava itinerary in a single day
One a tour of the Costa Brava A one-day trip works if you choose one section and make the most of it, rather than trying to see everything. My usual plan is as follows:
- 08:00. Leave Barcelona before the AP-7 gets busy.
- 09:30. The first cove, still quiet, with time for a swim.
- 12:30. A stroll through a fishing village and an aperitif in the shade.
- 14:30. A leisurely meal – best booked in advance.
- 17:00. The second village or viewpoint, with the light now softer.
- 19:30. A relaxed return journey, avoiding the Sunday rush.
If you’d prefer a more cultural or gastronomic option, in the selection of private tours from Barcelona You’ll see other possible combinations.
What to take with you and what to leave in the car
Travelling with a driver has one advantage that isn’t often mentioned: the car is your base. This means you can take more things with you than you would if you were on foot, and leave them safely in the car whilst you’re out and about.
Even so, always pack water, sun cream, closed-toe shoes for the coastal path and a change of dry clothes in your rucksack. The rest can stay in the boot. If you’d like more tips on getting around locally, the article on how to get around Catalonia Pick a few.
A checklist to round off your trip along the Costa Brava
Before you book, check these seven points. They’ll save you most of the hassle in July:
- Choose a single section from the shore and discards the rest without a second thought.
- Book the restaurant several days in advance, especially at the weekend.
- Agree with the driver on the collection points exact times for each stop.
- Please confirm whether the price includes tolls, queues and kilometres unlimited.
- Salt before nine o’clock to avoid the worst of the traffic.
- Check the access restrictions to whichever cove you’re interested in.
- Leave the open return half an hour: sunsets always make the plans run over.
Frequently asked questions about the Costa Brava route
How long does it take from Barcelona? To the southern section, about an hour. To the centre, between an hour and a half and two hours. To the north, about two and a half hours.
Can you do this with children? Yes, and it works really well if you choose sandy coves and keep the distances between stops short.
Does the driver act as a guide? They’ll show you the way, give you advice and know the area well. If you’re looking for a qualified official guide, this needs to be arranged separately.
Can the itinerary be changed as we go along? Of course. That flexibility is precisely the beauty of travelling privately.
What if I arrive on a cruise and only have one day? A short excursion is organised to fit in with the ship’s timetable, as explained in the article on the transfer to the port of Barcelona.
Your summer, without having to hunt for a parking space
At the end of the day, a day at the seaside is remembered for the swimming, the meals and the views. Not for all the time you spent driving round looking for a parking space. Letting someone else do the driving simply means you get to enjoy the best bit of the day.
At Movvip We design private tours along the entire Catalan coast, using top-of-the-range vehicles and drivers who know every single turn-off. Take a look at the options on the Movvip private tours or write to us via the contact page and we’ll prepare your a tour of the Costa Brava made to measure.
