7 day Costa Brava Itinerary
The Costa Brava rewards every kind of traveller. Foodies find fresh seafood in Palamós and Michelin-starred kitchens near Begur. History lovers wander Greek and Roman ruins, plus a medieval old town in Girona. Art fans chase Salvador DalÃ’s surreal legacy through Figueres and Cadaqués. Meanwhile, families and beach lovers head straight for the coves around Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar. This 7 day Costa Brava itinerary blends all of it. You’ll explore hilltop castles, hidden calas and buzzing old towns. Each day builds naturally on the last, so you won’t waste time backtracking. Pack comfortable shoes, because you’ll cover plenty of cobbled streets and coastal paths.
Day 1: Arrive and Explore Girona
Start your trip in Girona, a compact city bursting with colour and history. Most visitors fly into Girona-Costa Brava Airport, just fifteen minutes from the centre. Alternatively, take a train from Barcelona; the journey takes under 40 minutes on the fast line. Check connections If you’d rather have your own wheels for the week, pick up a rental at the airport. Hire a Car
Girona Cathedral
Climb the sweeping staircase to reach the widest Gothic nave in the world. Inside, you’ll find the famous Tapestry of Creation and a peaceful Romanesque cloister. The Girona Cathedral also offers rooftop access on certain days, giving brilliant views over the old town. Because queues build quickly in summer, book your slot in advance. Buy Tickets Get directions
El Call Jewish Quarter
Next, lose yourself in El Call, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval Jewish quarters. Narrow stone passages twist between old workshops and quiet courtyards. The Museum of Jewish History sits right in the middle and explains the community’s story well. Afterwards, grab a coffee at one of the small squares tucked between the alleys. Get directions
Eiffel Bridge
Finally, cross the red iron Eiffel Bridge over the Onyar River. Gustave Eiffel’s studio designed this striking structure back in 1877. From the middle, you’ll get the postcard shot of Girona’s colourful riverside houses. Visit at sunset for the best light on the façades. Get directions
Where to Stay in Girona
Girona’s old town holds plenty of characterful options for your first night.
Hotel Casa Cacao sits inside a restored 19th-century chocolate factory and is known for its central location and elegant rooms; it holds a Google rating of around 4.6, and reviewers regularly mention the excellent breakfast and attentive staff.
Hotel Històric, set within the Jewish Quarter, is known for its exposed stone walls and family-run charm; it rates around 4.5, with guests praising the quiet rooms and warm hospitality.
Pensió Bellmirall, just steps from the cathedral, is known for its cosy, homely feel; it rates around 4.4, and visitors often mention the friendly owners and unbeatable position.
Hotel Nord 1901 is known for its garden and seasonal pool, rating around 4.3, with reviewers highlighting the relaxed courtyard and helpful concierge team.
Hotel Ultonia is known for its reliable comfort near the old town, rating around 4.2, and guests frequently note the generous breakfast spread and tidy rooms.
Day 2: Figueres and Cadaqués
Today mixes surreal art with a stunning whitewashed fishing village. Drive north to Figueres first, then continue east to the coast. Buses also connect Girona and Figueres regularly throughout the day. Buy Tickets
Dalà Theatre-Museum
Salvador Dalà designed this red, egg-topped building himself, and it holds the world’s largest collection of his work. Wander through the Mae West Room, admire the Rainy Taxi, and visit the artist’s tomb beneath the stage. The Dalà Theatre-Museum gets extremely busy, so book a timed entry beforehand. Buy Tickets Get directions
Cadaqués Old Town
Continue to Cadaqués, where cobbled lanes and whitewashed houses tumble down to a pebbly bay. The village charmed DalÃ, Picasso and Miró, and it still draws artists today. Stroll along the seafront promenade, then climb up to Santa Maria church for lovely rooftop views. Get directions
Salvador Dalà House-Museum, Portlligat
Just outside the village, Dalà converted a row of fishermen’s huts into his lifelong home and studio. Rooms wind together in a maze-like layout, filled with quirky personal objects and surreal touches. The Salvador Dalà House-Museum only allows small groups, so reserve well ahead. Buy Tickets Get directions
Where to Stay in Cadaqués
Cadaqués offers relaxed seafront stays with plenty of character.
Hotel Playa Sol is known for its private jetty and pool overlooking the bay; it rates around 4.4 on Google, with guests often mentioning the peaceful terrace and sea views.
Hotel Rocamar sits above the town and is known for its panoramic outlook, rating around 4.3, and reviewers regularly praise the pool and spacious balconies.
Hotel Llané Petit, right on a quiet beach, is known for its garden setting, rating around 4.3, with visitors mentioning attentive service and a great breakfast.
Hostal Marina, in the heart of the old town, is known for its budget-friendly comfort, rating around 4.1, and guests often note the central location and helpful owners.
Hotel Calina, near Portlligat, is known for its proximity to the Dalà House, rating around 4.0, with reviewers highlighting the calm setting and simple, clean rooms.
Day 3: Cap de Creus and Roses
Wake up early for Catalonia’s wildest coastal scenery, then unwind on a long sandy beach. This is an easy day trip from Cadaqués, so you can return there for a second night.
Cap de Creus Natural Park
Jagged rock formations meet turquoise water at Cap de Creus, mainland Spain’s most easterly point. Strong winds have carved the cliffs into shapes that inspired much of DalÃ’s melting imagery. Several marked trails let you hike between coves, and the lighthouse at the tip offers sweeping views. Get directions
Roses
Afterwards, head to Roses for a change of pace and a proper beach afternoon. The wide bay stretches for kilometres, backed by a lively promenade full of chiringuitos. Don’t miss the Citadel of Roses, a fortress layered with Greek, Roman and medieval remains. Get directions
Day 4: Empúries Ruins and Begur
Today combines ancient history with one of the coast’s prettiest hilltop towns. Drive south from Cadaqués towards L’Escala, then onward to Begur for the night.
Ruins of Empúries
Explore one of Spain’s most important archaeological sites, founded by Greek traders in the 6th century BC. You’ll walk through Greek streets, Roman villas and mosaic floors right beside the sea. The Ruins of Empúries museum displays statues and everyday objects unearthed on site. Buy Tickets Get directions
Begur Castle
Climb to the ruined Begur Castle for the best panorama on this stretch of coast. From the top, you’ll see the town’s terracotta rooftops framed by pine hills and distant coves. It’s a short, steep walk, so wear proper shoes. Get directions
Where to Stay in Begur
Begur suits travellers who want a base for exploring the region’s finest coves.
Hotel Aigua Blava is known for its clifftop position above the beach; it rates around 4.6 on Google, and reviewers regularly mention the stunning sea view and excellent pool.
Hotel Cap Sa Sal, perched over the water, is known for its dramatic setting, rating around 4.5, with guests often praising the sunsets and spacious terraces.
Aiguaclara Hotel, in the town centre, is known for its boutique charm inside a 19th-century mansion; it rates around 4.4, and visitors mention the friendly staff and stylish rooms.
Hotel Parc is known for its garden and quiet location, rating around 4.2, with reviewers noting the peaceful atmosphere and good value.
Hotel Sa Rascassa, tucked near Sa Riera beach, is known for its relaxed, family feel, rating around 4.1, and guests often highlight the short walk to the sand.
Day 5: Begur’s Coves and Palafrugell
Spend today discovering the coastline’s most photogenic beaches before another night in Begur.
Sa Tuna and Aiguablava
Start at Sa Tuna, a tiny cove lined with fishing boats and clear, calm water. Next, drive to Aiguablava, often ranked among Spain’s most beautiful beaches. Pine trees grow right down to the pale sand, and the water stays remarkably still. Get directions
Calella de Palafrugell and Cap Roig Botanical Gardens
Continue to Calella de Palafrugell, a former fishing village with whitewashed arches and pastel boathouses. Just south, the Cap Roig Botanical Gardens spread across a clifftop, mixing Mediterranean plants with sweeping sea views. Buy tickets in advance during the summer festival season, since events sell out fast. Buy Tickets Get directions
Day 6: Palamós and Tossa de Mar
Today you’ll trade quiet coves for a working fishing port, then finish in a walled medieval town. Drive south along the coastal road towards Tossa de Mar, where you’ll spend your final two nights.
Palamós Fishing Port and Museum
Watch the daily fish auction at Palamós harbour, still one of Catalonia’s busiest ports. The Museu de la Pesca explains local fishing traditions through interactive, family-friendly displays. Afterwards, sample the town’s famous prawns at a nearby restaurant. Get directions
Vila Vella, Tossa de Mar
Enter Vila Vella, the only fortified medieval town still standing on the Catalan coast. Stone walls and watchtowers circle narrow lanes above a sweeping bay. Climb to the lighthouse for one of the region’s most photographed views. Get directions
Where to Stay in Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar makes a relaxed base for your final two nights on the coast. Hotel Diana, right on the main beach, is known for its Modernist building and central spot; it rates around 4.3 on Google, with guests often mentioning the historic charm and sea-facing rooms. Hotel Capri is known for its rooftop pool and views over Vila Vella, rating around 4.2, and reviewers regularly praise the friendly staff and breakfast terrace. Hotel Cap d’Or, beside the old town walls, is known for its unbeatable location, rating around 4.1, with visitors mentioning the small but comfortable rooms. Best Western Hotel Subur Maritim is known for its beachfront pool and family facilities, rating around 4.0, and guests often note the spacious balconies. Hotel Cala Llevado, just outside town, is known for its quiet coastal setting, rating around 4.2, with reviewers highlighting the sea views and relaxed grounds. Book Accommodation
Day 7: Tossa de Mar to Lloret de Mar and Departure
Spend the morning relaxing before heading home, with one last stop along the way.
Platja Gran, Tossa de Mar
Enjoy a final swim at Platja Gran, the wide beach curling beneath the old town walls. Sunbeds and beach bars line the sand, so it’s an easy spot for a leisurely breakfast by the sea. Get directions
Santa Clotilde Gardens, Lloret de Mar
On your way south, stop at the Santa Clotilde Gardens, an Italian Renaissance-style terrace garden above the sea. Cypress trees and stone stairways lead down towards dramatic cliffside views. It’s a peaceful final stop before the drive to the airport. Get directions
From here, return your hire car and head to Girona-Costa Brava Airport or continue to Barcelona for your flight home. Either way, you’ll leave the Costa Brava with sunburnt shoulders and a phone full of photos. This itinerary covers beaches, castles, ruins and surreal art without ever feeling rushed. Adjust the pace to suit your travel style, and you’ll still see the very best of the coast.