Taking a weekend road trip in Costa Brava is becoming a yearly tradition that marks the beginning of spring for us. Barcelona is such a special place to live in that sometimes we forget the beauty and richness of the surrounding areas. That’s why, for a few years now, we love going on a little spring roadtrip where we keep going to some places we love but we also discover new ones. What always strikes us is how, no matter how many roadtrips we’ve done by now, there are so many special places still to discover! From charming villages by the sea to cute little towns in the countryside, Catalonia has so many amazing things to see.
Our road companion on this weekend roadtrip in Costa Brava was this pretty yet powerful car that took us to some of the most beautiful places under two hours away from Barcelona. For some years now we’ve been choosing Centauro Rent a Car for our road adventures in Spain, Italy and Portugal (and they also offer car rental in Greece), because of their friendly service and unbeatable value for money.
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Choosing the road for your road trip in Costa Brava
Costa Brava is one of those places that are best visited by car. First of all, because the public transport infrastructure is not that comfortable and can be quite pricy. But, most importantly, because the exciting part is having the freedom to stop on any of the many spectacular places you’ll find along the way.
The quickest option is taking the AP7 straight away, which is the main highway connecting Barcelona to France. This is, of course, the fastest way but as it’s the main highway it’s located more inland, so don’t expect to see anything from the sea until you take the exit and continue towards your beach destination.
Another option would be skipping the AP7 and going for the roads close to the sea, maybe a good idea if you’re not in a rush and would like to make stops along the way to explore different beach towns. Some of these roads are the C32, N11 and GI682. Keep in mind that, in certain points, they can become quite curvy and challenging.
Both of these options include tolls, the AP7 being more expensive than the other options. On the first, you will see more rural landscapes, traditional catalan masias and maybe the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees in the background. On the second option, you’ll have the sea by your side most of the time!
Places to see in Costa Brava
Calella de Palafrugell
This little fishermen’s town is famous for its white houses lying by a turquoise blue sea. This was the first stop of our weekend roadtrip in Costa Brava , where we enjoyed a walk by the beach, admiring the sea from its cobblestone streets and across the vaults of some of its buildings. We also had a perfect tapas lunch at a restaurant called Calau, with pinchos and a glass of wine, on a sunny terrace overlooking the sea.
Peratallada
Only 20 minutes away from Calella de Palafrugell you can find a perfectly preserved, charming little medieval town called Peratallada. The village developed around its castle, which was built in the 10th century. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth it to make a stop and travel back in time in one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Catalonia.
We were lucky to be there on the last weekend of April, as we later found out that on this date every year takes place a very picturesque flower and herb market. Other interesting events to see are the village’s Festa Major on the 6th and 7th of August, and the Medieval Market on the first weekend of October.
Cadaqués
Cadaqués has a very special place in my heart. A little village of white houses and cobblestone streets swirling up and down, tucked in between the mountains and the sea. It is for me a place where I can completely unwind, walk by the sea, hear the waves and enjoy good food.
Its fame is due, in big part, to Dalí’s legacy. His house is now a museum which can be visited in Port Lligat, 10 minutes away from Cadaqués. Cadaqués is a common element in many of his paintings. I love how reproductions of them are placed all around the village, showing the precise viewpoint from which Dalí was inspired.
Each time we go back to Cadaqués we like to explore new corners in the area which we haven’t seen before. This time, we decided to explore the lighthouse or Far de Cala Nans. You can reach it after a 60-minute hike from the village, up the surrounding mountains and across a beautiful, turquoise-blue cove. The hike is not difficult, but it can be a tiring walk uphill sometimes. However, the views of Cadaqués and of the sea from up there are completely worth it!
If you would like to read more information and tips about Cadaques, you can take a look at this post with general recommendations and this post about its restaurants and boutiques.
Other Top Places to Visit in the Costa Brava
The Costa Brava is full of special corners to discover, many more than these, and there are still so many on my list.
Some of them are the beach towns of Tamariu, Cala Sa Tuna and L’Escala. Another charming old village that I’ve heard so good about is Pals. Among my all-time favorites, I do have to mention also Tossa de Mar, Cala Giverola and Blanes, with its beautiful botanical garden by the sea.
What are your favorite spots? Did I miss any? Let me know!
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