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Barcelona to/from Costa Brava

I am planning a day trip from Barcelona to several of the towns and villages of the Costa Brava. We are not interested in renting a car, and would consider a small tour 4-10 people. I also found a transportation service/tour from Barcelona to the Costa Brava called "Welcome Pickups". This tour includes Girona which we have visited on a previous trip to Spain and as much as we enjoyed our visit to Girona, this time we would like to spend the day along the coast [see below]. I've read the road that links the towns of the Costa Brava is not for the faint-at-heart, or those prone to motion sickness, plus is not driveable except by locals. It appears that to reach some of the places I list below, a vehicle would have to make a series of loops to/from the coast to/from the main road [ C35?]. Is this correct?

I noted on a map there is a train route that runs along the coastline from Barcelona to Blanes. but then turns inland and does not reach Tossa del Mar, Sant Feliu deGuixo, Platja d'Aro, Calella de Palafrugell, Tamariuls, Llafranc, and others. Is this a passenger route and if so, how frequently do the trains run? Is there some type of rail-pass/ticket we could purchase to, in effect, hop off and hop on the train along the route from Barcelona to Blanes?

Additionally, what are the chances of finding a transportation service in Blane that could extend our visit to Tossa del Mar and some of the other towns noted. We have all day for the round trip.

Posted by
4180 posts

I've read the road that links the towns of the Costa Brava is not for the faint-at-heart, or those prone to motion sickness, plus is not driveable except by locals.

Most roads are not too bad, what your thinking is probably the road to Cadaqués, which is all the things you describe.

Posted by
1700 posts

The road to Cadaques is not for the faint of heart. But my husband did drive that road when we drove from Barcelona along the Costa Brava to Cadaques. You just have to drive slow and be careful.

Posted by
270 posts

My GPS was off a bit when I drove from Figueres to Cadaques (Portllegat). I don't remember the roads being a problem, but be aware that if you're using a GPS, it may drop you in someone's very narrow driveway, like it did to me!

Posted by
1700 posts

The road to Cadaques is serpentine, uphill and downhill. IIRC, there are 125 switchbacks. So you just have to drive slowly and smartly. No speeding!

Posted by
28100 posts

There's bus service from Figueres to Cadaques. That's an option if you want to visit Cadaques but would rather sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Posted by
17 posts

Car is mandatory for Costa Brava.

It is very rural and has nice scenic drives. The towns are small.

If you are traveling in low season I recommend staying at the Parador Aiguablava. That place is in the most amazing stunning location with jaw dropping views.

In low season it is a bargain for what you get.