Can you visit Costa Brava without a car? The answer is YES! Despite literally 100% of the people I asked saying the opposite, I went for it and I’m happy to report I’ve proved them all wrong. Yes you can absolutely do Costa Brava without a car, yes it’s not the same thing as having a car but you are still able to see most stuff and definitely better than not visiting at all. In the post below I’ll explain how you can make this happen and I’ll include a sample itinerary you can follow. Of course this itinerary can be done by car as well, and I recommend you rent a car using DiscoverCars if you are planning to drive which is what I use.

VISITING COSTA BRAVA WITHOUT A CAR: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / The main bus company which runs in Costa Brava is called SARFA. You can view its timetable and buy tickets online here. The best airport to arrive to is Barcelona, if you need a transfer from the airport I recommend you use WelcomePickups (which is what I use). Of course this itinerary can be done by car as well, and I recommend you rent a car using DiscoverCars if you are planning to drive which is what I use.

Tours / The itinerary below is mostly by bus / train and for 8 days, however there are tours that will take you to Costa Brava for the day. And guess what? No car needed:
From Barcelona: Girona, Figueres and Dalí Museum Day Tour
From Barcelona: Girona, Dalí Museum, and Cadaqués Day Trip
Barcelona: Dali Museum, House and Cadaques Guided Tour
From Barcelona: Girona and Costa Brava Full-Day Tour
From Barcelona: Costa Brava Day Tour with Boat Trip

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Spain, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

COSTA BRAVA WITHOUT A CAR: WHICH TRANSPORT IS AVAILABLE?

Sadly, trains don’t connect all of the Costa Brava but buses do! The main bus company which runs in Costa Brava is called SARFA. You can view its timetable and buy tickets online here. I found frequency to be good enough to allow flexible travel without planning much in advance either buying tickets online or simply directly from the bus station (where I had no issues with availability).

To make this trip happen, what I did was combine going to a major city by train from Barcelona and from that city take day trips using the buses. The reason I did this is that many of the cities you’ll end up visiting don’t really have direct buses connecting them so you need to go back to a major city to continue your journey to other cities. It will all become clearer once you see the itinerary below.

Now, if you are short in time you can avoid the itinerary below and just take a day trip from Barcelona. Easy peasy. The below tours are the best options:

• From Barcelona: Girona, Figueres and Dalí Museum Day Tour: Embark on a full-day adventure exploring the medieval town of Girona, home to rich history and stunning Gothic architecture. Walk along its ancient streets, visit the Jewish Quarter, and admire the iconic colorful houses along the Onyar River. Then, head to Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dalí, and explore the world-famous Dalí Museum. Discover the eccentric works of the surrealist master in this unique and interactive museum. Book your tour here: Girona, Figueres, and Dalí Museum Day Tour.
• From Barcelona: Girona, Dalí Museum, and Cadaqués Day Trip: Immerse yourself in the life and works of Salvador Dalí on this guided tour. Visit the Dalí Museum in Figueres to explore his surreal masterpieces, then travel to Cadaqués to see the coastal town that inspired much of his art. End the day with a visit to Dalí’s house in Portlligat, gaining insight into his personal life and creative process. Book your tour here: Dalí Museum, House, and Cadaqués Guided Tour.
• From Barcelona: Girona and Costa Brava Full-Day Tour: Discover the history and beauty of Girona and Costa Brava on this full-day tour. Walk through Girona’s historic Old Town, see the city’s Roman walls, and enjoy its picturesque streets. Then, travel to Costa Brava to explore its stunning coastline, charming fishing villages, and clear turquoise waters. Enjoy some free time to relax, swim, or soak in the Mediterranean views. Book your tour here: Girona and Costa Brava Full-Day Tour.
• From Barcelona: Costa Brava Day Tour with Boat Trip: Escape to the breathtaking Costa Brava for a day of stunning landscapes and coastal charm. Visit scenic villages like Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar, and explore hidden coves and sandy beaches. This tour includes a delightful boat trip along the coast, allowing you to admire the dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters from a unique perspective. Book your tour here: Costa Brava Day Tour with Boat Trip.

COSTA BRAVA WITHOUT A CAR: SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Barcelona to Figueres by Train, explore Figueres!

FIGUERES ESSENTIALS

Experience / Here’s some tours and tickets you could book for your day(s) in Figueres:
Figueres: Dalí Theatre-Museum Entry Ticket

Stay / These are the best rated hotels in Figueres:
Relais Il Chiostro di Pienza $$$
Palazzo Bandino $$$
Fonteverde Lifestyle & Thermal Retreat $$$
BiancoCancello $$
Hotel Sant’Antonio $$

Eat / My top recommendations for each meal for the day you’ll be here:
Brunch/Breakfast: Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria
Lunch: Osteria Bonelli
Dinner: Felice a Testaccio
Dessert: Giolitti

My first stop in Costa Brava was Figueres. Why? You can reach it via train in around an hour from Barcelona, and it’s not far from Cadaques which is where you really want to go (trust me). I chose Figueres as a hub to take day trips from as the hotels were cheaper than by the coast and also it is well connected via bus to other Costa Brava towns. Figueres is also Dali’s birth city and it’s quite quirky as a result. Definitely get a day in Figueres to visit Dali’s museum, the highlight of the city. Make sure you book tickets in advance and don’t miss your time slot.

WHERE TO STAY IN FIGUERES

Stay in any of the below, I stayed in the Sercotel and loved it:

• Hotel Duran $$$: A historic and elegant hotel located in the heart of Figueres, close to the Dalí Theatre-Museum. It offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities and a renowned on-site restaurant.
• Hotel Pirineos $$: A mid-range option offering contemporary design, cozy accommodations, and excellent value. Centrally located with convenient access to the city’s attractions.
• Sercotel President $$: A stylish and comfortable hotel offering excellent value, with spacious rooms and a convenient location near Figueres’ main attractions.

WHERE TO EAT IN FIGUERES

• BREAKFAST: Savage Brunch ($$): A modern and stylish spot perfect for brunch lovers, offering hearty dishes like avocado toast, eggs Benedict, and fresh smoothies. A great way to start your day.
• LUNCH: Restaurant Bocam ($$): Known for its innovative Catalan cuisine, this trendy eatery offers a variety of tapas, fresh seafood, and daily specials. Don’t miss the octopus or rice dishes.
• DINNER: La Taverna del Barri Vell ($$): A cozy and inviting restaurant located in the city center, serving delicious Catalan-inspired dishes. Enjoy flavorful tapas, grilled meats, and Mediterranean specialties in a warm, rustic atmosphere.

BEST FIGUERES TOURS

Day 2: Cadaqués day trip from Figueres by Bus

Next stop was Cadaqués, for which I took a SARFA bus booked in advance which took ~1hr in the early morning. Cadaqués is known to be the prettiest town in Costa Brava, and this is nothing but true! Upon arrival I walked to Dali’s House in Portlligat (need to book in advance) followed by a visit to Cap de Creus national park using the available shuttle buses. After, I walked back to the town to explore it and relaxed in its beaches, my favourite was Platja Sa Conca.

WHERE TO STAY IN CADAQUES

I’d recommend you stay at least one night in Cadaqués, my day was pretty rushed trying to get it all in in just a day. This was mainly because there were no hotels, as they book pretty quickly in Cadaques. You can book one of Cadaqués top rated hotels here, or see my tailored recommendations below:

• Hotel Playa Sol $$$: A charming, upscale hotel offering breathtaking sea views, elegant rooms, and a relaxing atmosphere. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking luxury and tranquility near the beach.
• Hotel & Spa Sol Ixent $$: A stylish and modern hotel with an excellent spa and wellness center, offering comfortable rooms and a great location close to the beach and village center.
• Hostal La Fonda $: A cozy and affordable guesthouse with a welcoming atmosphere, offering simple but comfortable rooms in a prime location, just a short walk from the beach and local restaurants.

WHERE TO EAT IN CADAQUES

Have brunch in Brown Sugar (also go there at night for cocktails!) and lunch at Restaurant Cap de Creus for unbelievable views!

Day 3: Roses & Empuriabrava day trip from Figueres by Bus

Another beach town you can visit from Figueres is Roses, which is also ~1hr by bus. Yes, Roses might not be as pretty as Cadaqués but it has a long and less busy beach and an impressive citadel which I recommend you visit. One thing I did in Roses was take a boat tour, always love doing one when I travel to a beach destination. You could also take the chance to visit the town of Empuriabrava when you are in Roses it’s the largest residential marina in the world! Basically a man made canal city. You can rent a boat to explore it for a very low price.

Day 4: Figueres to Girona by Train, explore Girona

Next, I moved south down the Costa Brava by taking a train to Girona, again ~1hr long. I chose Girona as it’s a major city in the province of Girona (yes, city and province share the same name) and I couldn’t have made a better choice! Girona is a beautiful medieval city, with multiple bridges and breathtaking views as a result. During my visit I did a walking tour, traversed all of its bridges, went up the endless steps leading to Girona Cathedral and got lost in the Old Town.

You can also go to Girona from Barcelona easily by taking this tour:

WHERE TO STAY IN GIRONA

I chose Condal by Pillow due to its perfect location, accesible price and minimalist decor. You can find other top rated hotels in Girona here.

WHERE TO EAT IN GIRONA

The list of places to eat in Girona is endless! There are so many good restaurants in the city. For brunch or lunch hit up La Fabrica Girona which is a famous spot amongst cyclists, and Coffee & Greens for a smashing acai bowl that will make you say ‘yummm’ with every spoonful. For dinner, grab a seat in a magical medieval setting at Cafe Le Bistrot or indulge in delicious crepes and cider at Creperie Bretonne. Last but actually most important is… ice cream! Have uniquely shaped ice lollies at Rocambolesc, yes there’s ice lollies shaped as some of the city’s monuments, and make sure you try Madonna Gelateria for the best vegan ice cream you will ever, ever try.

Day 5: Calella de Palafrugell day trip from Girona by Bus

The next day I left Girona in the early morning to visit another beautiful beach town in the Costa Brava: Calella de Palafrugell. Note that to reach Calella de Palafrugell you’ll take a bus to Palafrugell and then need to take a local bus to the beach which you can pay for on the bus itself, with cash. Definitely go to Calella de Palafrugell Beach but fit into your itinerary Llafranc Beach as well. From Llafranc, I hiked to the lighthouse of San Sebastian and the 360 views from up there. It’s a bit of a walk, but absolutely worth it.

WHERE TO STAY IN CALELLA DE PALAFRUGELL

If you are looking for a luxurious and romantic stay then you must check out El Far Hotel. Otherwise, Hotel Port-Bo would work. You can find other top rated hotels in Calella de Palafrugell here.

WHERE TO EAT IN CALELLA DE PALAFRUGELL

If you are only visiting for the day and you decide to do the hike up to San Sebastian’s Lighthouse then the restaurant by the lighthouse Farnomo is your first choice, with the second option being lunch or a drink plus a snack at El Far Hotel. You’d need to splurge a little bit, but I enjoyed their creative take on patatas bravas!

Day 6: Besalú day trip from Girona by Bus

While researching medieval towns to visit in Costa Brava, Pals & Peratallada where top of the list however these are a bit tricky to visit when you are already in Costa Brava – funnily enough it’s easier to reach them from Barcelona by bus. Besalú however did have a bus from Girona, but this time it was from Teisa rather than SARFA and I bought it directly from Girona’s coach station same day. Besalú is known for its impressive bridge. The town itself isn’t as impressive as the bridge and there isn’t a lot to do so if you had to chose somewhere to drop from this itinerary that would be it. If you are renting a car, definitely schedule a quick stop here.

WHERE TO STAY IN BESALU

Although you likely won’t sleep here, staying in Medieval towns overnight can always be magical! I’d recommend you stay here.

WHERE TO EAT IN BESALU

You’ll likely have lunch in Besalu, in that case eat in Restaurant Pont Vell.

Day 7 & 8: Girona to Lloret de Mar or Tossa de Mar by Bus

My last stop in my Costa Brava trip without a car was Lloret de Mar. Lloret de Mar is a small Mediterranean beach town in Costa Brava, Spain. It is located only 75 kilometers away from Barcelona and 40km from Girona so it’s very easy to reach by bus. Tossa de Mar is a much nicer town than Lloret de Mar and a must visit but you can do it as a day trip as it’s smaller. You can see everything there is to do in Lloret de Mar in this post.

Day 9: Lloret de Mar to Barcelona by Bus

Alas, we’ve come to the end of the itinerary! Lloret de Mar is not connected by train, so you’ll need to book a bus to Barcelona which is approximately 3hrs using SARFA buses.

And… that’s it! You can easily copy my itinerary if you want to visit Costa Brava.

COSTA BRAVA TOURS