The 5 Best Costa Brava Day Trips From Barcelona [2026 Reviews)

If you’re in search of rugged coastlines, turquoise coves, medieval villages, and that wonderful balance of adventure with relaxed Mediterranean charm, Costa Brava is hard to beat. Spain’s coastal gem is sure to suit just about anyone, no matter your background or age.

However, if you really want to maximize your time there, a guided tour will instantly amp things up! I’ve gone ahead and reviewed the 7 top Costa Brava tours out there, which are all well worth your time and money. Let’s jump right in!

Be sure to see our reviews of Barcelona Tapas Tours, Sagrada Familia Tours and Montserrat Monastery Tours.

Best Costa Brava Tours

Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava Guided Day Trip from BarcelonaGirona & Costa Brava Private Tour and Hotel Pickup from BarcelonaGirona & Costa Brava Small-Group Tour with Pickup from Barcelona
editors choice
Duration:12 hours10 hours10 hours
Departure:Hotel pickup and drop-off includedHotel pickup and drop-off includedHotel pickup and drop-off included
Start:8:30 AM8:30 AM8:30 AM
Includes:Guided visits to Montserrat, Girona, and Costa Brava, Entrance to Montserrat Abbey, Entrance to Arab Baths (or alternative on Sundays), Professional multilingual guide, Full-day tourProfessional local guide, Walking Tour of Girona, Pals and Calella, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Private tourProfessional local guide, Walking Tour of Girona, Pals and Calella de Palafrugell, Hotel or apartment pickup and drop-off in Barcelona city, Small-group

Tour Information & Booking

Tour Information & Booking

Tour Information & Booking


Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Costa Brava Day Trips From Barcelona For 2026

  1. Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava Guided Day Trip from Barcelona
  2. Girona & Costa Brava Private Tour and Hotel Pickup from Barcelona
  3. Girona & Costa Brava Small-Group Tour with Pickup from Barcelona
  4. Girona and Costa Brava Small Group Tour from Barcelona
  5. Barcelona Costa Brava Kayak, Snorkel & Cliff Jump Day Tour
  6. Girona & Costa Brava Small Group Tour From Barcelona with Paella!
  7. Costa Brava Day Sightseeing Tour with Boat Trip from Barcelona

Costa Brava Tour Reviews

1. Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava Guided Day Trip from Barcelona

Tour Highlights:

  • Duration: 12 hours
  • Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
  • Departure Time: 8:30 AM
  • Includes: Guided visits to Montserrat, Girona, and Costa Brava, Entrance to Montserrat Abbey, Entrance to Arab Baths (or alternative on Sundays), Professional multilingual guide, Full-day tour

If you’re trying to pack in the absolute most into one fantastic day without ever feeling rushed, this first tour is exactly what you’re looking for.

The Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava Guided Day Trip from Barcelona offers 3 wildly varied destinations in one seamless excursion, with all of the logistics taken care of for you. All you have to do is bring a good pair of walking shoes and your sense of adventure, and you’re ready to go!

Starting off in the morning with a convenient hotel pickup in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach, you don’t even have to worry about making it to a meetup point on time.

Our guide was quite flexible with pickup times and came right to our hotel lobby for us – it literally couldn’t have been any easier. Sit back and relax, all while enjoying the gorgeous scenic views outside your window as your guide shares interesting cultural and geological commentary along the way.

The first stop of the day is the legendary Montserrat, which is located high up in the mountains, where you’ll find a famous monastery tucked into the mountainsides.

Learn about the legend of the Black Madonna and even see her for yourself, before taking in the breathtaking panoramic views. The vibe here is very effortlessly spiritual and scenic – it’s hard not to be with so much history and gorgeous landscapes.

Next up is Girona, most known currently for being a filming location of Game of Thrones. With its ancient walls, Gothic cathedral, and colorful riverfront, the place is a dream for history buffs and anyone who enjoyed the series.

Finally, we wrap it up in Sitges, which is a cool beachside town all about art, chill coastal vibes, and some of the prettiest seafront promenades you’ll find in Catalonia.

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2. Girona & Costa Brava Private Tour and Hotel Pickup from Barcelona

Tour Highlights:

  • Duration: 10 hours
  • Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
  • Departure Time: 8:30 AM
  • Includes: Professional local guide, Walking Tour of Girona, Pals and Calella, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Private tour

If there was ever a tour I’ve gone on that I found felt like a movie set, it was this one. The Girona & Costa Brava Private Tour and Hotel Pickup from Barcelona is the move, combining the medieval magic of Girona with the sun-kissed serenity that is Costa Brava.

Since it’s a completely private tour, you aren’t locked into a strict itinerary, and have the flexibility of exploring at your own pace. Your day starts off around 8:30 am with a convenient pickup right from your hotel.

Our guide was super friendly, and as a local, he knew how to safely navigate the streets while sharing all kinds of fascinating info about everything around us. Our vehicle was a comfy, air-conditioned black car, which was so much easier to work with on tight curves and for parking purposes.

Our first stop of the day was Girona, one of the most picturesque (and honestly, one of the most underrated) cities in Catalonia.

You’ll stroll through cobblestone streets, explore the ancient Jewish Quarter, cross the Eiffel Bridge (yes, that Eiffel!), and of course, check out the epic Game of Thrones filming spots, if that’s your thing.

After taking in that overload of old-world charm, head on over to Costa Brava, where the Mediterranean shows off its gorgeous turquoise waters, cliffside villages, and leisurely coastal vibes.

We went on a proper tour through charming fishing villages, and some more inaccessible caves and cliffs that you likely wouldn’t get to see on a bigger tour. At the end, you’ll get the chance to take a dip in the crystal clear waters to truly relax and take it all in.

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Reserve Now & Pay Nothing Until 24 hours Before Your Experience, Free Cancellation!


3. Girona & Costa Brava Small-Group Tour with Pickup from Barcelona

Tour Highlights:

  • Duration: 10 hours
  • Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
  • Departure Time: 8:30 AM
  • Includes: Professional local guide, Walking Tour of Girona, Pals and Calella de Palafrugell, Hotel or apartment pickup and drop-off in Barcelona city (between 8 and 9 am), Air-conditioned vehicle, Small-group (maximum 8 people)

Next, we have a slightly shorter tour in the form of the Girona & Costa Brava Small-Group Tour with Pickup from Barcelona. It’s the perfect combo of storybook charm with coastal dreaminess, offering a nice little break from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona.

No having to stress over planning logistics or navigating rental cars – whether you’re a history nerd or beach aficionado, this tour covers it all.

Starting off at 8:30 am with a nice little pickup from your hotel, your guide will gather you and the rest of your crew onto an air-conditioned coach or car (depending on group size).

Set off and watch the beautiful landscapes roll by while you get comfortable and listen to your guide’s tales about the history and culture of the two different cities. By the time you’re in Girona, you’ll already have some good background knowledge on the medieval city.

It’s no secret that Girona is largely known for being a main filming location for the legendary Game of Thrones series, but nothing can prepare you for just how impressive it is.

We went on a fantastic walking tour through the Old Town, where we got to see and learn all about the Roman Walls, the cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, and many other highlights, mixed in with some hidden gems.

Our guide’s storytelling really brought thousands of years to life, even offering extra photos to refer back to notable times – so cool! One of the most memorable parts for me was getting to see the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia, along with the Arab Baths.

We stopped for an absolutely delicious lunch, took a breather, then headed back to our coach to make our way to the medieval village of Pals.

If you’re an architecture aficionado like I am, this is truly one of the coolest places you could visit in Spain! We then did a fascinating walking tour of a traditional fishing village, learning all about Calella de Palafrugell!

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Reserve Now & Pay Nothing Until 24 hours Before Your Experience, Free Cancellation!


4. Girona and Costa Brava Small Group Tour from Barcelona

Tour Highlights:

  • Duration: 9 hours
  • Departure: Pg. de Gràcia, 17, L’Eixample, 08007 Barcelona
  • Departure Time: 8:30 AM
  • Includes: Air-conditioned vehicle, private transport, professional guide

If you’re looking for a little break from city life in Barcelona and revel in breathtaking natural and man-made beauty, you’re in luck.

The Girona and Costa Brava Small Group Tour from Barcelona is just the ticket, taking care of all the logistics and transportation for you, so you can focus entirely on 2 of the best gems in the country.

This tour starts out at 8:30 am, and you’ll meet your guide in the Barcelona city center, boarding your air-conditioned vehicle with the rest of your small group.

The groups cap out at just 7 participants, so it’s guaranteed to be a very intimate, exclusive experience, while still being more budget-friendly than a completely private tour. The drive out was nice and relaxing, and if it weren’t for our guide being so entertaining with stories about the region’s history and culture, I would’ve surely dozed off.

Our first stop was in the stunning Girona, where we took a fantastic guided walking tour that started off by crossing the Eiffel Bridge into the Old Town.

Old Town is where they had one of the most famous Game of Thrones film spots, and we got to see some of the main places used in major scenes. The Pujada de Sant Domenec at the University is one of the most iconic, but even if you’ve never seen the series, you’re sure to be blown away.

After, we boarded our coach again, driving through the legendary Emporda wine region and stopping in the incredible medieval village of Peratallada before arriving in Costa Brava.

We did a proper walking tour of the ancient fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, with some free time for a swim, coffee, or lunch.

More Information & Tour Booking

Reserve Now & Pay Nothing Until 24 hours Before Your Experience, Free Cancellation!


5. Barcelona Costa Brava Kayak, Snorkel & Cliff Jump Day Tour

Tour Highlights:

  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Departure: La Bohème, Carrer del Doctor Trueta, 33, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona
  • Departure Time: 9:30 AM
  • Includes: Lunch, Sandwich lunch (Excluding Drinks) after the activity, Kayaking and snorkeling (2.5–3 hours) – certified instructors, all equipment and insurance included, Roundtrip transport from Barcelona in air-conditioned vehicle, Free time to explore, sunbathe, swim or beachbar cocktails, Secure storage for your valuables

If you’re craving a bit of relaxation in the sun and a break from the city, this next tour is right up your alley. The Barcelona Costa Brava Kayak, Snorkel & Cliff Jump Day Tour offers a completely different perspective of Spain’s coastline that’s as energizing as it is beautiful.

You’ll have the flexibility to get as adventurous as you want, or take things easy and lounge around as you see fit. The 8-hour experience is a bit shorter than most on this guide, which is also nice if you don’t want to commit to a full day out.

Your day starts in the morning to take advantage of the lack of crowds and traffic, and your guide is there to take care of all transportation in an air-conditioned coach.

Based not only on the fantastic way our guide engaged the kids on our tour, but also the itinerary itself – I’d put this one at the top of the list if you’re looking for an adventure for the entire family.

The road trip itself is about 1.5 hours there, so nothing too crazy. Wear your swimwear underneath your clothes, though wetsuits, snorkels, masks, paddles, lifejackets, and kayaks are all included.

You have a few hours to explore all kinds of beautiful coves, caves, and top-notch snorkeling spots, and your guide is there to point out incredible sea critters as you do.

After that, you’ll definitely need some refueling, so it’s time for a well-deserved lunch at the beach consisting of tasty deli-style sandwiches. Whether you are just someone who loves fun in the sun or love seeing new animal species, this tour has you covered!

More Information & Tour Booking

Reserve Now & Pay Nothing Until 24 hours Before Your Experience, Free Cancellation!


6. Girona & Costa Brava Small Group Tour From Barcelona with Paella!

Tour Highlights:

  • Duration: 10.5 hours
  • Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
  • Departure Time: 8:30 AM
  • Includes: Local guide, Small group tour, Air-conditioned vehicle, Optional Hotel Pick Up

Next up is the Girona & Costa Brava Small Group Tour from Barcelona with Paella! If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a postcard, this tour is pretty much the closest you can come to doing so.

Complete with cobblestoned alleyways, cliffside views, and medieval charm, you’ll constantly feel like you’re uncovering secret corners throughout Catalonia.

Kickstart your day with your guide picking you and the rest of your group up from your hotel in the morning, sharing your air-conditioned coach with a few other people to complete your small group.

Our guide did a fantastic job of keeping us locked in throughout the journey with cool stories about the history and lots of cultural insight into Catalonia. We learned that Girona dates back to 76 BC, so you can imagine there’s no shortage of lore!

We did a quick tour of the Old Town but then had plenty of leisure time to check out some of the highlights and plenty of hidden gems, too! Seeing the Cathedral never disappoints, and I highly recommend checking out one of their fantastic museums, too.

We then headed back to our coach and made our way to Pals, which is small but full of history, complete with the looming fortress at its heart.

One of my favorite places along the coast is the old fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, which is lined with whitewashed, well-preserved 18th-century architecture and gorgeous beaches and coves. It’s very romantic, not only for its architecture, but for its beautiful coastal footpaths and botanical gardens.

You also get plenty of leisure time here to explore or relax as you choose – there’s never a shortage of activities!

More Information & Tour Booking

Reserve Now & Pay Nothing Until 24 hours Before Your Experience, Free Cancellation!


7. Costa Brava Day Sightseeing Tour with Boat Trip from Barcelona

 

Tour Highlights:

  • Duration: 9 hours
  • Departure: Barcelona North Station, Carrer de Nàpols, 68, Eixample, 08013 Barcelona
  • Departure Time: 8:30 AM
  • Includes: Live commentary on board, Local guide, Transport by air-conditioned coach with complimentary Wi-Fi, One-way boat ticket from Lloret de Mar to Tossa de Mar, Guided visit in Tossa de Mar

Last but certainly not least, is the Costa Brava Day Sightseeing Tour with Boat Trip from Barcelona. If you want to experience a quick coastal getaway without committing to multiple days, this is the way to do it.

Balancing gorgeous views, history, and plenty of chill beach opportunities, this should be at the top of your list if you want to escape the city for a bit.

Starting off at 8:30 am, you’ll meet your guide and board your air-conditioned coach, complete with big windows for unobstructed viewing, plenty of legroom, and complimentary wi-fi to ensure you’re connected, no matter where you are.

However, you can rest assured you won’t be bored, as your guide is there to regale you and your crew with interesting educational commentary about the region and its history.

We arrived in Lloret de Mar after an approximately 1-hour journey, where we got to stroll through the beautiful streets, do some shopping, and check off some sightseeing. We then made our way to Tossa de Mar on a beautiful sailboat, with the breeze blowing through our hair and endless sea views.

After some time out on the water, we arrived back at Tossa de Mar, where we learned about the Roman history through the fortified Old Town. We also had one of the tastiest lunches I’ve ever had in the fishing district!

More Information & Tour Booking

Reserve Now & Pay Nothing Until 24 hours Before Your Experience, Free Cancellation!

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The Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava Guided Day Trip from Barcelona is our Editors Choice for the best Costa Brava tour from Barcelona

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Shayanne DeCastro

Shayanne is a freelance writer, wine snob and marketer based in LA, California. Describing herself as a nomad, she has lived in many different cities including Boise, Idaho and Seattle, Washington as well as Guadalajara, Mexico. She is forever on the move. Being an extremely active person, she loves to snowboard, skateboard, and ski. She enjoys sharing her love for active sports with others through her “how to” sports guides as well as food and wine reviews. Her love for wine and good food shines through every paragraph. While she travels, Shayanne loves to try new restaurants and wineries.  If there is a winery or good restaurant in your town, you will probably meet her one day.
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