Catalonia · Spain

Costa Brava and Girona

Medieval Girona, the museum Dalí designed in Figueres and the walled village of Tossa de Mar — all less than two hours from Barcelona.

Mediterranean

In the photo: Calella de Palafrugell on the Costa Brava

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A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

The Costa Brava is the coastline of the province of Girona, in northeastern Catalonia, between Barcelona and the French border. The name comes from the jagged coast, with cliffs, small coves and fishing villages. Inland there are two towns that deserve their own visit: Girona, the provincial capital, and Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí.

Girona grew at the confluence of the Ter and Onyar rivers and preserves a walled old town, the Barri Vell. There you’ll find the cathedral with the widest Gothic nave in the world, 22.98 meters across, the medieval Jewish quarter, the 12th-century public baths and the colourful houses overlooking the river. A walk along the walls goes around much of the historic centre.

Figueres lies 40 km to the north, already in the Empordà plain. The Teatre-Museu Dalí occupies the ruins of the town’s old theatre and was conceived by the artist himself, who is buried in the crypt. Nearby, Dalí’s house in Portlligat, by Cadaqués, and Gala’s castle in Púbol complete the so‑called Dalinian triangle.

On the seafront, Tossa de Mar has the only fortified medieval village that still exists on the Catalan coast, the Vila Vella, with walls and towers above the main beach. At the foot of the walls is the Platja Gran, the village’s central beach.

Catalan and Spanish are spoken, and signs normally appear first in Catalan. High‑speed trains link Barcelona to Girona and Figueres in under an hour; to reach Tossa you need a bus or a car.

This destination brings together 3 cities: Girona, Figueres, Tossa de Mar.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Costa Brava and Girona is

Outlines: IGN/CNIG, unidades administrativas, CC BY 4.0. Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Costa Brava and Girona

✈ Aeroport de Girona-Costa Brava (GRO), in Vilobí d'Onyar · 17 km to Girona

✈ Aeroport de Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas (BCN), in El Prat de Llobregat · 105 km to Girona

Confirm before you buy. Many people arrive via Barcelona and continue by train: the high-speed train typically takes about 40 minutes to Girona and under an hour to Figueres-Vilafant. Tossa de Mar has no train service; you go by intercity bus from Barcelona or by car. Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) is 10 km south of Girona.

Suggested arrival point: Girona

Catalunha · Costa Brava and Girona Suggested arrival point

Girona

Capital of the province of the same name, Girona sits at the meeting of the rivers Ter and Onyar, about 100 km north of Barcelona. The Barri Vell brings together the cathedral with the widest Gothic nave in the world, the Call Jewish quarter, the Banys Àrabs, the basilica of Sant Feliu and the monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, all surrounded by the wall that can be walked along. On the riverbank, the colorful houses of the Onyar have become the city's postcard. Catalan and Spanish are spoken.

Catalunha · Costa Brava and Girona

Figueres

Capital of the Alt Empordà comarca, Figueres lies on a plain 40 km from Girona. It is the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, who transformed the old municipal theatre into the Teatre-Museu Dalí, where he is buried. On top of a hill stands the Castell de Sant Ferran, an 18th-century fortress. From here you go to Dalí’s house in Portlligat and Gala’s castle at Púbol. Catalan and Spanish are spoken.

Catalunha · Costa Brava and Girona

Tossa de Mar

Coastal village on the Costa Brava, in the comarca da Selva, about 90 km from Barcelona by road. The postcard view is the Vila Vella, a medieval walled enclosure on the cabo de Tossa, with round towers and a lighthouse on top. At the foot of the walls is the Platja Gran, a beach of coarse pinkish sand. In the 1930s the village attracted painters such as Marc Chagall. Catalan and Spanish are spoken.

The local experience

Things to do in Costa Brava and Girona

Girona · Catalonia · Cathedral

Catedral de Girona

Catedral de Santa Maria, at the top of the Barri Vell, with a baroque staircase of 90 steps and the widest Gothic nave in the world, at 22.98 metres. It houses a 12th-century Romanesque cloister and the tower of Carlos Magno.

Figueres · Catalonia · Museum

Teatre-Museu Dalí

Museum conceived by Salvador Dalí over the ruins of the old Figueres theatre, opened in 1974 and crowned by a geodesic dome. It houses the largest collection of the artist's works, who is buried in the crypt, and includes the Dalí·Joies jewelry rooms.

Tossa de Mar · Catalonia · Wall

Vila Vella de Tossa de Mar

Walled enclosure from the 12th to 14th centuries on the cabo de Tossa, the only fortified medieval settlement remaining on the Catalunha coast. It has about 300 meters of wall, seven round towers, stone lanes and, at the top, the Far de Tossa.

Figueres · Catalonia · Castle

Castell de Sant Ferran

18th-century military fortress on a hill in Figueres, covering 32 hectares with a perimeter of 3,125 meters. It is the largest monument in Catalonia. The visit goes through the parade ground, the stables and, with a guide, the moat and the cisterns.

See 12 more places in Costa Brava and Girona

Girona · Catalonia · Wall

Passeig de la Muralla

Walk along the wall that skirts the east and south of the Barri Vell, with open towers that serve as viewpoints for the cathedral, the old town roofs, and the surrounding hills.

Tossa de Mar · Catalonia · Beach

Platja Gran de Tossa de Mar

Tossa's main beach, with 381 meters of coarse pink sand, framed by the cape and the walls of the Vila Vella. It has a promenade with restaurants, lifeguards in season and glass-bottom boats.

Girona · Catalonia · Historic neighborhood

Call de Girona

Former Jewish quarter of Girona, around the Carrer de la Força, one of the best preserved in Europe. The Centre Bonastruc ça Porta houses the Museu d'Història dels Jueus, which covers the history of Jewish communities in Catalonia.

Figueres · Catalonia · House museum

Casa-Museu Salvador Dalí

House where Dalí lived and worked from 1930 to 1982, formed from old fishermen's huts in the Portlligat cove, next to Cadaqués. The visit shows the studio, Gala's rooms and the garden with the swimming pool. Reservation with a specific date and time is required.

Girona · Catalonia · Monument

Banys Àrabs

Medieval public baths from the late 12th century, Romanesque in style but inspired by North African baths. The highlight is the cold room, with an octagonal basin surrounded by eight columns and a lantern in the ceiling.

Figueres · Catalonia · Castle

Castell Gala Dalí

Medieval castle in Púbol that Dalí bought and decorated for Gala in the 1970s. She lived there and is buried in the crypt. It houses furniture, paintings, Gala's haute couture dresses, elephants in the garden and a Cadillac in the garage.

Girona · Catalonia · Street

Cases de l'Onyar

A row of colourful houses overlooking the Onyar river, the best-known image of Girona. The best view is from the bridges, especially the Pont de les Peixateries Velles, the iron bridge made by Gustave Eiffel's company in 1877.

Figueres · Catalonia · Museum

Museu del Joguet de Catalunya

Toy museum on the Rambla de Figueres, opened in 1982 in a former hotel. It displays more than 4,000 pieces, from zoetropes to trains and dolls, some of which belonged to Dalí, Federico García Lorca and Joan Miró.

Girona · Catalonia · Church

Basílica de Sant Feliu

Church documented since 882, the main temple of Girona before the cathedral. It has a pointed Gothic tower that shapes the city's skyline, eight Roman and paleochristian sarcophagi, and the Gothic tomb of Sant Narcís.

Girona · Catalonia · Monastery

Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants

Former Benedictine abbey with a Romanesque church and cloister from the 12th century, beside the Galligants stream. Since 1857 it has housed the Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya in Girona, with pieces ranging from prehistory to the Middle Ages.

Girona · Catalonia · Museum

Museu d'Art de Girona

Museum in the old episcopal palace, attached to the cathedral, with art from the region from the Romanesque to the early 20th century. Highlights: the portable altar of Sant Pere de Rodes, from the 10th century, and the altarpiece of Sant Pere de Púbol, from the 15th century.

Girona · Catalonia · Museum

Museu del Cinema

Museum opened in 1998 with the collection of Tomàs Mallol: optical devices, cameras and projectors that tell 400 years of moving images, from shadow theatre to the arrival of television.

To choose before you go

Tours in Costa Brava and Girona

Where each tour starts, how long it takes, how it is done, what is included and the price range.

Barri Vell of Girona: the Call jueu, the walls and the houses on the Onyar

From Pont de Pedra, on the Onyar River, next to the Rambla de la Llibertat on foot (from the train station, 15 to 20 minutes to the center) about 3 hours morning or late afternoon easy, with hills and stairs

Girona is the provincial capital and the natural base for the Costa Brava. The historic center, the Barri Vell, sits on the right bank of the Onyar River and is best explored on foot. Start at the Rambla de la Llibertat, with arcades and cafés, and cross the Pont de les Peixateries Velles, the red iron bridge assembled by Gustave Eiffel's company: from there you see the row of colorful houses hanging over the river, the Cases de l'Onyar, with the Cathedral tower in the background. Then enter the Call, the old Jewish quarter, one of the best preserved in Europe, with the Carrer de la Força as its axis and narrow stepped alleys leading to the Museu d'Història dels Jueus. Higher up, the Cathedral steps and the Passeig de la Muralla, a walk along the medieval walls with towers open to climb and views of the city and the Pyrenees on clear days. On the other side of the river, the Plaça de la Independència gathers restaurants under arcades. Streets and stairways of the Barri Vell were used as locations for TV series, which has increased visitor numbers in recent years.

Stops: Rambla de la Llibertat, Pont de les Peixateries Velles, Cases de l'Onyar, Call jueu, Carrer de la Força, Passeig de la Muralla, Plaça de la Independència.

Includes: Self-guided walk; the wall and streets have no charge. Museu d'Història dels Jueus and the city's museums have separate paid admission.

Tip: In May the Temps de Flors takes place, a festival that decorates courtyards, staircases and monuments with flowers and opens houses that are normally closed; the city is very busy on those days. Comfortable shoes: the neighborhood is all hills and stairs.

Best time: All year. Spring and autumn have pleasant temperatures for walking; in July and August, prefer the morning or late afternoon.

Girona Cathedral, Basilica of Sant Feliu and Banys Àrabs

From Plaça de la Catedral, at the top of the 90‑step staircase on foot about 2 h 30 morning easy

Girona Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Mary) dominates the Barri Vell from the top of a baroque staircase of 90 steps. Inside, the striking feature is the single Gothic nave, one of the widest in the world, with no central columns. The combined ticket includes an audio guide, the Romanesque cloister and the Treasury, which houses the Tapís de la Creació, an 11th‑century Romanesque embroidery depicting the Creation, and the Beatus of Girona, a 10th‑century illuminated manuscript. The same ticket grants access to the Basilica of Sant Feliu, just below, with its Gothic tower and Roman and paleochristian sarcophagi embedded in the presbytery wall. A few meters away are the Banys Àrabs, 12th‑century public baths in a Romanesque style, inspired by Muslim baths, with the resting hall covered by a dome on columns. Completing the circuit is the Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants, a 12th‑century Romanesque church that houses the Girona section of the Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya, with a cloister.

Stops: Girona Cathedral, Tapís de la Creació, Basilica of Sant Feliu, Banys Àrabs, Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants.

Includes: Combined ticket for the Cathedral and Sant Feliu, with audio guide. Banys Àrabs and Sant Pere de Galligants charge separate admission.

Tip: Buy the Cathedral ticket at the box office or on the official website and enter in the morning, before the groups. On Sundays and public holidays the Cathedral opens for visits only from noon. On days with religious ceremonies the tourist visit may be suspended.

Best time: All year; the Cathedral and the baths close only on a few dates.

Teatre-Museu Dalí, in Figueres

From Plaça Gala i Salvador Dalí, in central Figueres train from Girona (AVE to Figueres-Vilafant or regional to Figueres) and walk about 2 h 30 in the museum; half a day including travel morning or afternoon easy

Figueres is Salvador Dalí’s hometown, about 40 km north of Girona. The Teatre-Museu Dalí occupies the old municipal theatre, which the artist himself remodeled and opened in 1974. It houses the largest collection of his works, with more than 1,500 pieces, and the building itself is part of the work: a red façade topped with giant eggs, the Torre Galatea, the geodesic dome over the courtyard, and the raining Cadillac in the center. Inside, the rooms mix paintings from all phases, installations like the Mae West Room, sculptures, jewelry and the crypt where Dalí is buried. The route is not linear: follow the room numbers and allow time for the Dalí·Joies collection in rooms 23 and 24, with the jewels he designed, included in the ticket. In July and August the museum is open every day with extended hours; the rest of the year it is closed on Mondays.

Stops: Teatre-Museu Dalí, Dalí·Joies, Torre Galatea, Dalí's Crypt.

Includes: Admission to the Teatre-Museu and the Dalí·Joies exhibition. Guided tour requires a separate reservation.

Tip: Buy the ticket with date and time on the official website and carry the confirmation on your phone. Outside July and August the museum is closed on Mondays. From Figueres-Vilafant station (AVE) to the museum is about 2 km; from the regional Figueres station, around a 15-minute walk.

Best time: All year. July and August are the busiest months; in other months the first hour of the morning is the quietest.

Casa-Museu Salvador Dalí, in Portlligat

From Ensenada de Portlligat, 1.5 km from the center of Cadaqués car from Girona (about 1 h 30) or bus to Cadaqués and a walk about 1 hour in the house; full day if combined with Cadaqués morning or afternoon easy

Portlligat is a small fishing cove next to Cadaqués, in the Cap de Creus. There Dalí bought a hut in 1930 and, over 40 years, kept joining small houses until forming the home where he lived with Gala until 1982. The visit goes through the studio, with the easel that moved up and down the floor, the library, the bedroom with the shell-shaped bed, the courtyard and the phallus-shaped pool with the lip sofas. Everything has been kept as Dalí left it, with the eggs on the roof and the mirrors that reflected the sunrise over the cove. Entry is in small groups, timed every few minutes, and advance reservation is mandatory for everyone; without it you cannot enter. The house is closed from early January to mid-February and, outside April to October, is closed on Mondays.

Stops: Casa-Museu Salvador Dalí, Portlligat, Cadaqués.

Includes: Entry to the house is accompanied by staff; it is not a guided tour.

Tip: Book on the official website in advance, choosing a time slot; arrive half an hour early to collect the ticket. Combine with Cadaqués and the Cap de Creus on the same day. The road from Roses to Cadaqués is very winding: allow more time than the map suggests.

Best time: Open April to October, when it is open every day. Closed from mid-January to mid-February; check the season before booking.

Castell Gala Dalí, in Púbol

From Púbol, village of the municipality of La Pera, about 22 km from Girona car (about 30 minutes from Girona); bus to Flaçà or La Pera and a walk about 1 h 30 morning or afternoon easy

Púbol is a medieval stone village in the Baix Empordà, between Girona and the coast. The castle, dating from the 11th to 15th centuries, was bought by Dalí in 1969 and given to Gala, who used it as a refuge: Dalí only entered by written invitation. The visit shows the house as Gala left it, with her dresses, the lounge with the piano, the ceiling paintings by Dalí, the garden with the thin‑legged elephants and the swimming pool. Gala’s tomb is in the crypt. It is the third point of the so‑called Dalí triangle, with Figueres and Portlligat, and the quietest of the three. It is open from mid‑March to early November every day except Mondays, and every day in July and August; it is closed from January through the end of February. It fits well into an afternoon en route to Pals and Peratallada or the beaches of Begur.

Stops: Castell Gala Dalí, Púbol.

Includes: Entry to the castle, garden and the garage with Dalí's Cadillac. Guided tour requires a separate reservation.

Tip: Buy tickets in advance on the official website, especially in July and August. Without a car, access is awkward: the nearest bus stop is about 2 km away. Check the season before you go.

Best time: From March to October. Closed from January until the end of February.

Cadaqués and Cap de Creus

From Cadaqués, on the eastern tip of Cap de Creus car from Girona (about 1 h 30); bus from Figueres or Roses about 8 hours full day easy; moderate on the headland trails

Cadaqués is the white fishing village at the end of the road, isolated from the rest of the coast by the Cap de Creus ridge. The whitewashed houses climb the slope up to the Church of Santa Maria, with a Baroque altarpiece, and the waterfront has bars, boats pulled up on the sand and the Dalí statue. Trails and a narrow 8 km road lead from Cadaqués to the Cap de Creus Lighthouse, the lighthouse at the easternmost point of mainland Spain, in a landscape of dark rock twisted by wind and sea, inside the Cap de Creus Natural Park. From the lighthouse, short paths lead to viewpoints over coves and, on clear days, offer views of the coast as far as France. The tramontana, a strong north wind, blows frequently and changes the day: when it picks up, the sea gets rough and boat trips don’t run. The village has small pebble beaches, such as Platja Gran and Platja des Poal, and fills up in summer; parking is limited and located at the village entrance.

Stops: Cadaqués, Church of Santa Maria, Platja Gran de Cadaqués, Cap de Creus Lighthouse, Cap de Creus Natural Park, Portlligat.

Includes: Self-guided visit. Natural park with no entrance fee; paid parking in the village.

Tip: Arrive early to find parking. Book the Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat for the same day and finish at the Cap de Creus Lighthouse in the late afternoon. Bring a jacket even in summer: it’s very windy on the headland.

Best time: May, June and September, with good weather and fewer people. In July and August the village gets crowded; in winter the tramontana wind is more frequent.

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Tossa de Mar: Vila Vella and beaches

From Platja Gran de Tossa de Mar, at the foot of the walls bus from Girona (via Lloret de Mar) or from Barcelona (Estació del Nord); car about 5 hours full day easy, with a climb up to the lighthouse

Tossa de Mar is about 100 km north of Barcelona and 40 km south of Girona, and it is the only fortified medieval village still standing on the Catalan coast. The Vila Vella, encircled by 12th–14th century walls with cylindrical towers, climbs the hill at the southern end of Platja Gran; inside are stone alleys, fishermen’s houses, the ruins of the Gothic church and, at the top, the Far de Tossa, an active lighthouse with an interpretation center about Mediterranean lighthouses. In the old Governor’s House is the Municipal Museum, with mosaics from the Roman villa dels Ametllers and a modern art collection that includes El violinista celeste by Marc Chagall, who spent seasons in the village in the 1930s. At the entrance to the Vila Vella a statue commemorates actress Ava Gardner, who filmed in Tossa in 1950. The Platja Gran, 380 m long, lies in front of the town; on the other side of the bay is the smaller Mar Menuda, good for snorkeling, and behind the walls is the pebble beach des Codolar. A camí de ronda trail leaves the lighthouse toward coves to the south.

Stops: Vila Vella, Platja Gran, Far de Tossa, Museu Municipal de Tossa de Mar, Platja de la Mar Menuda, Platja des Codolar.

Includes: Self-guided walk. Walls and lighthouse: external access free of charge; lighthouse interpretation center and Municipal Museum have separate paid admission.

Tip: The town does not have a train: from Girona the bus goes via Lloret de Mar; from Barcelona, depart from Estació del Nord and allow about 1 h 35. Check the last return, which outside summer is early. Climb up to the Vila Vella at late afternoon, when the light hits the walls.

Best time: From May to October for the beach; July and August are crowded. In winter the village is quiet and some beach services close.

Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc via the Camí de Ronda

From Platja del Port Bo, in Calella de Palafrugell car from Girona (about 50 minutes) or bus to Palafrugell and a local connection about 4 hours morning and early afternoon easy to moderate, with stairs

Calella de Palafrugell is the most photographed fishing village in the Baix Empordà: white houses with arcades (the voltes) above Platja del Port Bo, boats on the sand and small coves separated by rocks. From there the Camí de Ronda departs, a stone path that follows the coast, with stairs, viewpoints and sections through pine trees, to Llafranc, the neighboring village with a larger beach and a seaside promenade. The walk takes about half an hour and can be done with family. From Llafranc, a stairway or the road climbs to the Far de Sant Sebastià, a lighthouse 187 m above the sea, with a viewpoint over the whole coast, a chapel, remains of an Iberian settlement and a hotel-restaurant. If you have more time you can continue to Tamariu, the third village of the municipality of Palafrugell. On the first Saturday of July, Platja del Port Bo hosts the Cantada d'Havaneres, an evening of songs of Cuban origin that usually draws crowds.

Stops: Calella de Palafrugell, Platja del Port Bo, Camí de Ronda, Llafranc, Far de Sant Sebastià, Platja del Canadell.

Includes: Self-guided hike, no fee. Paid parking in the villages during summer.

Tip: Do the camí de ronda in the morning, before the heat, and have lunch in Llafranc. In July and August Calella’s parking fills early; there are parking areas at the village entrance. Bring water and closed-toe shoes.

Best time: From April to October. In May, June and September the path is pleasant and the beaches are less crowded.

Begur and the beaches of Sa Tuna and Aiguablava

From Begur town center, at the foot of the castle car from Girona (about 50 minutes); bus to Begur and taxi to the beaches about 7 hours full day easy; steep descents to the beaches

Begur is a village on top of a hill, a few kilometers from the sea, with a ruined castle on the summit from which you can see the coast and the Medes Islands. The center preserves indiano houses—Catalans who made fortunes in Cuba in the 19th century and returned to build colorful mansions—now part of a marked route. Each road descending from the village ends at a different cove: Sa Tuna, small, with fishermen’s houses built on the water and a stone promenade; Aiguablava, with fine sand and clear water, and the parador atop the headland; Sa Riera, the largest and most family-oriented; Platja Fonda, with dark sand, reached by a long stairway; and Aiguafreda, rockier. Sections of the camí de ronda link some of them, such as from Sa Tuna to Aiguafreda. In early September the village holds the Fira d'Indians, a street festival with Cuban music. It is one of the most sought-after areas of the Costa Brava in summer, with limited parking at the coves.

Stops: Begur, Castell de Begur, Sa Tuna, Aiguablava, Sa Riera, Platja Fonda.

Includes: Self-guided visit. Castle with open access; beaches free of charge.

Tip: In July and August arrive at the beaches before 10 a.m. or use Begur’s summer town bus to the coves, since parking fills up. Combine with Pals and Peratallada on the same day if you’re driving.

Best time: From May to September for beach; June and September offer warmer sea and fewer people.

Pals and Peratallada, medieval villages of the Empordà

From Pals, about 40 km from Girona car (about 45 minutes from Girona); bus to Pals, Peratallada only by car about 4 hours afternoon easy

Pals and Peratallada are a few kilometers apart, on the plain of the Baix Empordà, between Girona and the beaches of Begur. Pals is a village of golden stone on top of a hill: the walled center has the Torre de les Hores, a Romanesque tower remaining from the castle, stepped streets, the church of Sant Pere and the Mirador del Pedró, from where you can see the rice fields and, in the distance, the sea and the Medes Islands. Around it are rice fields that are flooded in spring and harvested in autumn; Pals rice is the base of the local dishes. Peratallada, smaller, is a medieval ensemble surrounded by walls and by a moat cut into the rock, with the castle, arcaded squares and car-free streets, full of restaurants and small shops. In the same area are Ullastret, with the largest Iberian settlement in Catalonia, and Monells. The Platja de Pals, long and with coarse sand, completes the day for those who want the sea.

Stops: Pals, Torre de les Hores, Mirador del Pedró, Peratallada, Castell de Peratallada, Platja de Pals.

Includes: Self-guided visit, free of charge; paid parking at the village entrances in summer. Ullastret requires a separate ticket.

Tip: Go at late afternoon, when the tour buses have left and the light looks nice on the stone. Leave the car in the parking lots at the entrance: you cannot drive inside the walls. On summer weekends Peratallada fills up; on weekdays it is calm.

Best time: All year. Spring, when the rice fields are flooded, and autumn, during the harvest, are the seasons with the most color on the plain.

Besalú and the medieval bridge

From Entrance of Besalú’s Romanesque bridge, over the Fluvià River bus from Girona (about 1 hour) or car (about 35 minutes) about 3 hours morning easy

Besalú is about 30 km north of Girona, on the way to the Garrotxa, and is the most visited medieval village in the province. The entrance is via the 12th-century Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià River, with seven angled arches and a tower with a gateway in the middle: the classic image of the village. Inside the old walls, paved streets lead to the Plaça de la Llibertat, with arcades and a weekly market, to the church of Sant Vicenç and to the Monestir de Sant Pere, a Benedictine church consecrated in 1003 with an arched window and lions on the façade. The rare feature is the micvé, a Jewish ritual bath from the 11th–12th centuries excavated near the river, one of the few preserved in Europe; visits are with a guide from the tourist office at set times. The village was declared a historic-artistic complex in 1966 and can be seen in a morning; in the afternoon, head to the Garrotxa volcanoes or to Banyoles.

Stops: Pont de Besalú, Miqvé de Besalú, Monastery of Sant Pere, Church of Sant Vicenç, Plaça de la Llibertat.

Includes: Self-guided visit. Micvé only with a guided tour from the tourist office, with a separate paid ticket.

Tip: Ask at the tourist office next to the bridge for the micvé visit times and reserve on arrival. The classic photo of the bridge is from the opposite bank, in the afternoon. Paid parking at the village entrance.

Best time: All year. In September there is a medieval fair; summer weekends get crowded.

Ruins of Empúries, Greek and Roman city

From L'Escala, entrance to the archaeological site by the beach car from Girona (about 45 minutes) or bus to L'Escala and walk about 3 hours morning easy, outdoors

Empúries is the only site on the Iberian Peninsula where a Greek city and a Roman city appear side by side, facing the sea, in the bay of Roses. The Greeks from Phocaea founded Emporion in the 6th century BC; the Romans arrived in 218 BC and built Emporiae above. The visit begins at the Greek city, with the wall, the agora, the temple of Asclepius and the cisterns; continues through the museum, with the statue of Asclepius and finds from the site; and climbs to the larger Roman city, with the forum, mosaic houses and the amphitheater outside the walls. Excavations are ongoing. A path along the beach links the ruins to the walled village of Sant Martí d'Empúries and to L'Escala town center, known for its anchovies. The site is the Empúries section of the Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya; from mid-November to mid-February it is closed on Mondays.

Stops: Empúries, Neàpolis grega, Roman city of Emporiae, Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya – Empúries, Sant Martí d'Empúries.

Includes: Admission to the site and the museum, with an audio guide. Guided and theatricalized visits in summer require separate reservation.

Tip: Go in the morning: the site is open and has no shade. Bring a hat and water, and finish with a swim at the beach next to the ruins. In July and August there are nighttime visits on some days; check the schedule.

Best time: From March to June and from September to October, with pleasant temperatures for outdoor walking.

Cap Roig Gardens, in Calella de Palafrugell

From Cap Roig, between Calella de Palafrugell and Palamós car (about 50 minutes from Girona) or on foot from Calella (40 minutes) about 2 hours morning or afternoon easy, with stairs

The Cap Roig Gardens cover a promontory south of Calella de Palafrugell, with the sea on both sides. They were created from 1927 by a Russian colonel, Nicolai Woevodsky, and the English aristocrat Dorothy Webster, who built a medieval-style castle and planted terraces with more than a thousand species from around the world: palm trees, cacti, pines, hydrangeas and a spring garden. Stepped paths descend to viewpoints over Cala del Golfet and Calella’s coves, and the site is maintained by a banking foundation. In July and August the garden hosts the Cap Roig Festival, with evening shows on an open-air stage; the schedule usually appears in spring and tickets are sold separately. It pairs well with the camí de ronda of Calella, which reaches the garden along the coast.

Stops: Cap Roig Gardens, Castell de Cap Roig, Cala del Golfet.

Includes: Entrance to the garden and to the exterior of the castle, with a separate ticket. Festival shows require their own tickets.

Tip: Enter early in the morning or late afternoon, when the light on the sea is best and there is less heat. On summer show nights vehicle access is restricted. Check the festival season and buy in advance if you want to attend.

Best time: From April to June, when the gardens are in bloom, and September and October. July and August for the festival.

Jardí Botànic Marimurtra, in Blanes

From Blanes, garden entrance on the top of the Sant Joan hill Rodalies train from Girona to Blanes and local bus; car (about 45 minutes) about 2 hours morning or afternoon easy, with stairs

Blanes marks the southern start of the Costa Brava and has the oldest botanical garden in the region. Marimurtra was created in the 1920s by German entrepreneur Carl Faust, who lived in Catalonia and devoted his fortune to the project. The garden occupies a cliff above the sea and brings together plants from Mediterranean and subtropical climates worldwide, with cacti, palms, bamboos and large trees. The staircase descending between cypresses to the Templet de Linné, a small temple above Cala Sa Forcanera, is the image most associated with the place, offering views of the rocks and the open sea. The route is signposted and takes about an hour and a half, with climbs. Blanes also has Platja de Blanes, the Sa Palomera rock that separates the Costa Brava from the Costa del Maresme, and a second botanical garden, Pinya de Rosa, specialized in cacti.

Stops: Jardí Botànic Marimurtra, Templet de Linné, Cala Sa Forcanera, Blanes.

Includes: Garden admission, with a separate paid ticket. There is an afternoon ticket that allows entry only after lunch.

Tip: Buy your timed ticket on the official website and go early in the morning in summer. From the Blanes train station there is a local bus to the garden; on foot it’s about a 40‑minute uphill walk. In July Blanes hosts a fireworks competition over the sea; check the dates.

Best time: All year; spring has more flowers. It closes on a few dates; check the calendar.

Sant Feliu de Guíxols and the camí de ronda to Sant Pol

From Passeig del Mar, in Sant Feliu de Guíxols bus from Girona (about 1 hour) or car (about 40 minutes) about 4 hours afternoon easy

Sant Feliu de Guíxols is a port town about 35 km from Girona, with a palm-lined seaside promenade and modernist houses called the Passeig del Mar. The historic center grew up around the Monestir de Sant Feliu de Guíxols, a Benedictine monastery with the Porta Ferrada, a 10th-century pre-Romanesque façade, and the Museu d'Història of the town, which tells the story of the cork industry. On the hilltop, the Ermita de Sant Elm has a viewpoint from which, in 1908, journalist Ferran Agulló coined the name Costa Brava. A stretch of camí de ronda of about 3 km continues north, past viewpoints and coves, to the Platja de Sant Pol and S'Agaró, a 1920s development with noucentista-style mansions and a stone seafront promenade. In summer, the Festival Porta Ferrada, one of Catalonia’s oldest, brings performances to the monastery and other stages in town.

Stops: Monestir de Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Porta Ferrada, Passeig del Mar, Ermita de Sant Elm, Platja de Sant Pol, S'Agaró.

Includes: Self-guided walk. Museu d'Història with separate admission. Festival with separate tickets.

Tip: Do the camí de ronda in the late afternoon and return by bus or taxi from S'Agaró. Platja de Sant Pol is sheltered and good for families. On festival days in July and August, the town fills up at night.

Best time: From May to October. In July and August because of the festival; in September, the beach is less crowded.

Lloret de Mar: Santa Clotilde Gardens and camí de ronda to Fenals

From Passeig de Lloret de Mar, on Platja de Lloret bus from Girona (about 50 minutes) or from Barcelona; train to Blanes and then bus about 4 hours morning and early afternoon easy

Lloret de Mar is the busiest town of the southern Costa Brava, with large hotels, long beaches and nightlife, but it still has quiet corners. The Santa Clotilde Gardens, created in 1919 on a cliff between Platja de Fenals and Cala Boadella, follow the model of Italian Renaissance gardens: terraces, stairways with sculptures, cypresses and sea views. Platja de Lloret, 1.5 km long, ends at the Castell d'en Plaja, a private house with a castle-like appearance built in the 1930s that has become a symbol of the town; on the viewpoint in front stands the Dona Marinera, a bronze statue looking out to sea. From there, a camí de ronda of about 2 km runs along the coast to Platja de Fenals, passing viewpoints and coves. The center has indiano houses and the church of Sant Romà, with modernist domes of colorful ceramics. It’s an inexpensive base with good bus connections for travelers without a car.

Stops: Santa Clotilde Gardens, Platja de Lloret, Castell d'en Plaja, Platja de Fenals, Dona Marinera, Cala Boadella.

Includes: Self-guided outing. Santa Clotilde Gardens with separate admission.

Tip: Do the camí de ronda in the morning and visit the gardens at the end of the day. Lloret is the bus interchange point for Tossa de Mar; check schedules at the bus station. In July and August the town receives a lot of young tourism and is noisy at night.

Best time: From May to October. June and September have good beach conditions with fewer crowds.

Banyoles and the Estany

From Passeig Dalmau, on the lakeside, in Banyoles bus from Girona (about 30 minutes) or car (about 25 minutes) about 3 hours morning or late afternoon easy

Banyoles is about 18 km north of Girona and has the largest natural lake in Catalonia, the Estany, 2.1 km long, formed in a depression fed by groundwater. It was the venue for rowing at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and remains a training center for rowers. A flat path of about 8 km circles the lake, on foot or by bike, passing the pesqueres, 19th-century fishing huts built over the water on the east shore, the Romanesque church of Santa Maria de Porqueres and swimming areas with wooden platforms open in summer. There are rowboats and pedal boats for rent and an electric boat that tours the lake. Banyoles town center has the Plaça Major with arcades, a market on Wednesdays, and the Monestir de Sant Esteve, of Benedictine origin. It fits into a morning when combined with Besalú in the afternoon.

Stops: Estany de Banyoles, Pesqueres, Monestir de Sant Esteve, Plaça Major de Banyoles, Porqueres.

Includes: Walk and swim in the lake free of charge. Rowboats and pedal boats are paid separately.

Tip: Rent a bicycle in town to circle the lake in an hour. Bring swimwear from June to September: the water is cold even in summer. In the late afternoon the light faces the fishing platforms.

Best time: From April to October. June to September for swimming; autumn for the colors of the trees on the shore.

Garrotxa: volcanoes, Olot and Castellfollit de la Roca

From Can Serra area, in the Fageda d'en Jordà, between Olot and Santa Pau from Girona by car (about 1 hour); bus to Olot and local bus in summer about 8 hours full day moderate, with trails of 2 to 4 hours

La Garrotxa is the volcanic comarca of Catalonia, about 55 km from Girona via the Besalú road. The Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa contains around 40 inactive volcanic cones; the last eruption was Croscat, about 11,000 years ago. The classic trail starts at the Can Serra parking lot, crosses the Fageda d'en Jordà, a beech forest grown over an old lava flow that turns red and gold in autumn, climbs the Volcà de Santa Margarida, with a small chapel in the middle of the grass‑covered crater, and ends at the Croscat, cut through by former stone extraction, exposing layers of lapilli. It is about 10 km and takes 3 to 4 hours, with a shorter section that follows only the beech. Olot, the capital, has modernist houses, the Museu dels Volcans and four volcanoes inside the town, such as Montsacopa, with a chapel at the top. On the way back, stop at Castellfollit de la Roca: the village sits atop a basalt cliff about 50 m high and 1 km long, formed by two lava flows; the viewpoint across the Fluvià river gives the full view, and the old church stands on the cliff’s tip. Santa Pau, a medieval village with a porticoed square, completes the day.

Stops: Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa, Fageda d'en Jordà, Volcà de Santa Margarida, Volcà del Croscat, Olot, Santa Pau, Castellfollit de la Roca.

Includes: Trails on your own, no fee. Can Serra parking is paid. Museu dels Volcans requires a separate ticket.

Tip: In autumn, on weekends, the Fageda gets crowded and the Can Serra parking closes when full: arrive early or use the bus that runs from Olot and Santa Pau on those days. Bring hiking shoes and water; there is little cell signal on the trails.

Best time: October and November for beech colors; spring for everything green. In summer the trails are hot.

Boat trip along the southern coast: Tossa, Lloret and Blanes

From Platja Gran de Tossa de Mar or Platja de Lloret de Mar direct boarding on the beach from 40 minutes to 1 h 30, depending on the section morning or afternoon easy

The simplest way to see the Costa Brava as it was named—wild and rocky—is from the sea. Sightseeing boats connect Blanes, Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar along the southern coast, stopping at beaches and passing coves unreachable by land, such as Cala Canyelles, Cala Giverola and the cliffs between Lloret and Tossa. The boats have glass bottoms and on clear-sea days you can see the rocky seabed and fish; passengers can get off at a beach and take another boat later, using the route as transport. The Lloret–Tossa leg takes about 40 minutes and offers the most varied scenery, arriving in front of the Vila Vella walls. Further north, similar trips depart from Palamós, from Roses to the Cap de Creus and from L'Estartit to the Medes Islands, a marine reserve with a rich seabed for snorkeling. Boats usually run from spring to autumn, with more departures in July and August, and they do not operate in rough seas or during tramuntana.

Stops: Platja Gran de Tossa de Mar, Platja de Lloret de Mar, Blanes, Cala Giverola, Cala Canyelles.

Includes: Boat ticket paid separately, per segment or round trip.

Tip: Buy on the beach itself, at the company kiosks, and check the time of the last return before disembarking in a cove. Go in the morning, when the sea is usually calmer. Bring sunscreen and a light windbreaker: it can be windy on the boat.

Best time: From May to September; in July and August there are departures all day. Outside that season, check whether the service is running.

Day by day

3, 5 and 7-day itinerary in Costa Brava and Girona

Suggestions to plan the trip. Change the order of the days according to the weather and tour availability.

3 days · Girona and Dalí in 3 days

For For those arriving from Brazil via Barcelona who want Girona, Figueres and a beach, without a car. · Based in Girona, in the Barri Vell or near the station.

Day 1 · Arrival via Barcelona and Girona’s Barri Vell
The overnight flight from Brazil arrives in Barcelona in the morning. From the airport, train or bus to Barcelona Sants and AVE to Girona, about 40 minutes. Drop your bags and walk to Girona’s Barri Vell: Rambla de la Llibertat, the houses on the Onyar, the Call jueu and the Passeig de la Muralla in the late afternoon. Eat an early dinner at Plaça de la Independència to overcome the jet lag.
Day 2 · Figueres and the Teatre‑Museu Dalí
Morning train to Figueres and a full morning at the Teatre-Museu Dalí, with tickets bought for opening. Lunch on the Rambla de Figueres. Back in Girona mid‑afternoon, visit Girona Cathedral, Sant Feliu and the Banys Àrabs, which are open until late afternoon. Don’t go on Mondays outside July and August: the museum is closed.
Day 3 · Tossa de Mar and return to Barcelona
Bus from Girona to Tossa de Mar, changing in Lloret de Mar. Morning in the Vila Vella and at the lighthouse, lunch on Platja Gran and, if the sea allows, the boat trip to Lloret. Late afternoon, direct bus from Tossa to Barcelona's Estació del Nord, about 1 h 35, to sleep near the airport or connect with the Barcelona portion of the trip.

5 days · Girona, Dalí and Costa Brava in 5 days

For For those who want the full Dalí triangle and the coves of the Baix Empordà, with a car from day three. · Based in Girona for five nights; rental car at Girona station.

Day 1 · Arrival and Girona's Barri Vell
The overnight flight from Brazil arrives in Barcelona in the morning. From the airport, train or bus to Barcelona Sants and AVE to Girona, about 40 minutes. Afternoon in Girona’s Barri Vell, with the houses on the Onyar, the Call jueu and the Passeig de la Muralla. Eat an early dinner at Plaça de la Independència to overcome the jet lag.
Day 2 · Figueres and Girona Cathedral
Morning train to Figueres for the Teatre‑Museu Dalí, with tickets bought for opening; lunch on the Rambla de Figueres. Afternoon back in Girona at Girona Cathedral, Sant Feliu and the Banys Àrabs. Pick up the car at the station at the end of the day or the next morning. Avoid Mondays outside July and August: the museum is closed.
Day 3 · Cadaqués, Portlligat and Cap de Creus
By car to Cadaqués, about 1 h 30. Casa‑Museu Dalí in Portlligat at the reserved time, lunch in Cadaqués, afternoon at the Far de Cap de Creus. Return to Girona via the AP‑7. Check the museum's season: it closes from mid‑January to mid‑February.
Day 4 · Púbol, Pals, Peratallada and Begur beaches
Morning at the Castell Gala Dalí in Púbol, half an hour from Girona. Then Pals and Peratallada, lunch in Peratallada and an afternoon on the beach in Sa Tuna or Aiguablava, in Begur. In summer, arrive at the coves before 10:00 or use Begur's local bus.
Day 5 · Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc and Cap Roig
Camí de Ronda from Calella de Palafrugell to Llafranc in the morning, climb to the Far de Sant Sebastià and afternoon in the Cap Roig Gardens. Return to Girona; return the car. Those continuing to Barcelona take the AVE at night or the next morning.

7 days · Complete Costa Brava in 7 days

For For those with a week who want sea, Dalí, medieval villages and the Garrotxa volcanoes, with a car. · Based in Girona for seven nights, or five in Girona and two on the coast, in Calella de Palafrugell or Begur.

Day 1 · Arrival and Girona's Barri Vell
The overnight flight from Brazil arrives in Barcelona in the morning. Train or bus to Barcelona Sants and AVE to Girona, about 40 minutes. Afternoon in Girona’s Barri Vell: the houses on the Onyar, the Call jueu and Passeig de la Muralla. Eat an early dinner at Plaça de la Independència to overcome the jet lag.
Day 2 · Figueres and Girona Cathedral
Train to Figueres and a morning at the Teatre‑Museu Dalí, with tickets bought for opening. Lunch in Figueres and afternoon at Girona Cathedral, Sant Feliu and the Banys Àrabs. Pick up the car at Girona station at the end of the day. Avoid Mondays outside July and August: the museum is closed.
Day 3 · Cadaqués, Portlligat and Cap de Creus
Drive to Cadaqués, about 1 h 30 via the AP‑7 and the road to Roses. Casa‑Museu Dalí in Portlligat at the reserved time, lunch in the village and the Far de Cap de Creus in the afternoon, with the short trails on the cape. On the way back, stop in Roses or drive straight to Girona. Check the museum's season before booking.
Day 4 · Empúries, Pals and Peratallada
Morning at the Ruins of Empúries in L'Escala, with a swim on the adjacent beach. Afternoon in Pals and Peratallada, with the rice fields viewpoint in Pals. If time allows, stop in Púbol on the way back to the Castell Gala Dalí.
Day 5 · Begur, Calella de Palafrugell and Cap Roig
Morning on the beach in Sa Tuna or Aiguablava, in Begur, arriving early to park. Lunch in Begur, with the indiano houses. In the afternoon, Camí de Ronda from Calella de Palafrugell to Llafranc and the Cap Roig Gardens at the end of the day. Those staying on the coast sleep in Calella de Palafrugell or Begur.
Day 6 · Tossa de Mar, boat and Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Drive to Tossa de Mar: Vila Vella, the lighthouse and Platja Gran. Boat ride to Lloret de Mar and back, if the sea is calm. Late afternoon in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, with the camí de ronda to Sant Pol. Return to Girona via the C-65.
Day 7 · Besalú, Banyoles and Garrotxa
Morning in Besalú, with the bridge and the mikveh. Short hike through the Fageda d'en Jordà and the Volcà de Santa Margarida in the Garrotxa, stop in Castellfollit de la Roca and late afternoon at the Estany de Banyoles. Return the car in Girona; AVE to Barcelona in the evening or the next morning.

Best time to go

When to go: Costa Brava and Girona month by month

From May to June and in September the weather is usually stable, with moderate heat and fewer people. July and August are the beach months, with highs near 30 °C in Girona and a crowded coastline. From November to March it is dry and cold, with frequent frosts inland and the tramuntana wind in the Empordà.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

January Some rain

European winter · Dalí houses closed

In Girona highs are around 14 °C and lows near 1 °C, with frost on clear mornings and short days. Rain is about 58 mm. The coast is empty, with many beachfront restaurants closed; Girona and the Teatre-Museu Dalí operate normally. The Casa-Museu of Portlligat and the Castell de Púbol close from the 7th. The tramuntana blows strongly in the Alt Empordà. It’s a month for the Garrotxa and medieval villages—bring a heavy coat.

February Low rain

Driest month · Carnival on the coast

February remains cold, with highs around 15 °C and lows of 2 °C, and is one of the driest months of the year, with about 42 mm. Sunny, clear days are common—good for walking in Girona and the villages of the Empordà. Portlligat usually reopens in the second half of the month and Púbol only at the end of the month; check dates. Carnival livens up Platja d'Aro and other coastal towns, but the beaches are still for walking, not swimming. Little tourism; hotels and museums are quiet.

March Some rain

Start of spring · Variable Easter

March is the start of spring in the northern hemisphere: highs around 17 °C, lows of 4 °C and about 51 mm of rain. Almond trees blossom in the Empordà and fields turn green. Easter can fall in March or April and fills Girona and the coast for a week, with processions in Girona and Verges, where the Dansa de la Mort takes place on Holy Thursday. The Castell de Púbol reopens mid-month. Boat trips are still often suspended. Bring a coat and a windbreaker.

April Some rain

Sant Jordi on the 23rd · Coast reopening

April has highs around 20 °C and lows of 6 °C, with about 66 mm of rain and some unstable days. The coast reopens: beachfront restaurants, boats and services resume during Easter or at the end of the month. Portlligat begins opening daily. April 23, Sant Jordi, is the festival of roses and books across Catalonia, with stalls in Girona’s streets. A good month for the camí de ronda, Empúries and the Garrotxa; the sea is still cold for swimming.

May Some rain

Temps de Flors in Girona · Ideal weather

May is one of the most pleasant months: highs around 23 °C, lows of 10 °C, about 65 mm of rain and long days. In mid‑month Girona hosts the Temps de Flors, a festival that decorates courtyards, stairways and monuments with flowers and opens buildings that are closed the rest of the year; the city fills up on those days and it’s wise to book in advance. The rice fields of Pals are flooded and the gardens of Cap Roig and Marimurtra are in bloom. Beaches are quiet and the sea is still cool.

June Some rain

Start of summer · Sant Joan on the 23rd

Highs around 28 °C, lows of 14 °C and about 58 mm of rain, usually in showers. The sea warms and the beaches come into season, with Tossa’s Vila Vella and Begur’s coves still less crowded than in July. The night of June 23, the eve of Sant Joan, features bonfires and fireworks on beaches and in towns. Sightseeing boats operate. Book Portlligat in advance, as it gets busy from this point.

July Low rain

High season · Summer festivals

July is the driest and one of the hottest months: highs around 31 °C, lows of 17 °C and about 40 mm of rain. The entire coast is in high season, with crowded parking in Begur, Calella de Palafrugell and Cadaqués and higher prices. The Teatre‑Museu Dalí is open every day with extended hours. It’s festival month: Cap Roig, Porta Ferrada in Sant Feliu de Guíxols and the Cantada d'Havaneres in Calella on the first Saturday. Beaches in the morning, museums and villages in the late afternoon.

August Some rain

Busiest month · Heat and storms

August is the holiday month for Spaniards and the French, the busiest time of year on the Costa Brava. Highs around 31 °C and lows of 17 °C, with about 49 mm of rain concentrated in late‑afternoon storms. Hotels and beaches fill up; parking in Cadaqués and Begur becomes difficult. August 15 is a public holiday. The Cap Roig and Porta Ferrada festivals continue, and Figueres keeps the Dalí museum open every day. Book everything in advance: Dalí museums, restaurants and boats. Girona is generally quieter than the coast.

September High rain

End of summer · Sea still warm

September is many people’s favorite month for the Costa Brava: highs around 27 °C, lows of 14 °C and the sea still warm, with families back at school and fewer people on the beaches. It is also a rainy month, with about 75 mm, usually in short showers. September 11 is La Diada, Catalonia’s holiday. Begur holds the Fira d'Indians early in the month and Besalú has a medieval fair. Beach services and boats continue until the end of the month. Good for combining a morning on the beach with an afternoon in a medieval village.

October High rain

Autumn · Rainiest month

October is the wettest month of the year in Girona, with about 86 mm, but still mild: highs around 22 °C and lows of 11 °C. The beach season ends; boats and beachfront restaurants gradually close. It’s the month of the Garrotxa, with the Fageda d'en Jordà changing color, and of the medieval villages without crowds. Portlligat and Púbol remain open. At the end of the month, Girona celebrates the Fires de Sant Narcís, with a fair, shows and the giants in the streets. Pack a coat and a rain jacket.

November Some rain

Low season · Autumn colors

November brings the end of autumn: highs around 17 °C, lows of 5 °C and about 63 mm of rain. The coast is empty and some beachfront hotels close until spring; Girona, Figueres and the inland villages continue as usual. The Fageda d'en Jordà still holds colors in early November, and Empúries begins to close on Mondays in the second half of the month. November 1 is a holiday. Month for museums, short walks and hearty meals in the Empordà—bring a coat.

December Some rain

Winter · Christmas and fairs

December is winter in the northern hemisphere, with highs around 14 °C, lows near 2 °C and about 51 mm of rain; short days, it gets dark before 18:00. Girona has a Christmas market and lights in the Barri Vell; in the villages the pessebres appear, nativity scenes with the caganer. December 6, 8, 25 and 26 are holidays, and the Dalí museums are closed on the 25th. The museums in Portlligat and Púbol remain open until the end of the month, before the January break. Coast suitable only for walking; the tramuntana can blow strongly in the Cap de Creus.

Plan the journey

How to get there: Costa Brava and Girona

By train from Barcelona and Madrid

Girona lies on the high‑speed line between Barcelona and France. From Barcelona Sants the AVE and Avant take about 38 minutes to Girona and about 52 minutes to Figueres‑Vilafant; both have reserved seating and run several times a day. Regional Rodalies trains, R11, depart Sants and Passeig de Gràcia and take about 1 h 20 to Girona and 2 hours to Figueres, no reservation required, stopping at Flaçà and other towns en route. From Madrid the AVE departs Madrid‑Puerta de Atocha – Almudena Grandes and reaches Girona in about 3 h 30 and Figueres‑Vilafant in about 3 h 45, with a stop at Barcelona Sants. Girona station is a 15‑minute walk from the Barri Vell and has the bus station next door. In Figueres note: the AVE stops at Figueres‑Vilafant, about 2 km from the center, while the regional stops at Figueres station in the center. Buy tickets on Renfe’s official website.

By bus to the coast

The Costa Brava has no train service except at Blanes, at the southern end, served by Rodalies R1 from Barcelona. Buses are the public transport option for the beaches. The regional company runs lines from Barcelona’s Estació del Nord to Lloret de Mar (about 1 h 20), Tossa de Mar (about 1 h 35), Sant Feliu de Guíxols (about 2 h), Palamós, Calella de Palafrugell (about 2 h 30) and Begur (about 2 h 45); the trip to Cadaqués exceeds 3 hours and may require a change in Figueres or Roses. From Girona, the bus station next to the train station has lines to Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Palafrugell, Pals, L'Escala, Banyoles, Besalú and Olot. Frequencies increase in summer and fall sharply in winter; check the time of the last return and buy tickets in advance on weekends and holidays in July and August.

Getting around Girona, Figueres and Tossa

Girona is explored on foot: from the station to the Barri Vell is 15–20 minutes, and the historic center has hills and steps with no internal bus service. There are city bus lines to outlying neighborhoods and taxis at the station. Figueres is also walkable: about 15 minutes from the regional station to the Teatre‑Museu Dalí; from Figueres‑Vilafant, roughly 2 km away, there is a local bus and taxis. Tossa de Mar is small: the Vila Vella sits at the end of Platja Gran and everything is walkable, including the climb to the lighthouse. In coastal towns, connections between nearby beaches, such as Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc or Lloret and Fenals, are via the sea‑edge footpaths (camins de ronda). Rental bikes work well in Banyoles and on the Empordà plain, which has cycleways between Girona and the coast.

Tickets and reservations

The three Dalí museums charge admission and sell tickets through the foundation’s official website: at the Teatre-Museu de Figueres advance purchase with date and time is recommended; at the Casa-Museu de Portlligat prior reservation is mandatory, with entry in small groups; at the Castell de Púbol it is recommended. Check each one’s season before planning your itinerary: Portlligat and Púbol close in winter, and Figueres is closed on Mondays outside July and August. Girona Cathedral sells a combined ticket with the Basilica of Sant Feliu. Empúries, the Banys Àrabs, the gardens of Cap Roig and Marimurtra, and the Museu Municipal de Tossa charge separate admission. Walls, coastal walkways, beaches and natural parks are free; parking in summer is not. Check the current schedule/pricing table for each site.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Three to four days cover the essentials: a day and a half in Girona, a day in Figueres for the Teatre-Museu Dalí, and a day in Tossa de Mar. If you want to include Dalí’s house in Portlligat, the castle at Púbol and more beaches you should add two days and rent a car. If you are based in Barcelona, Girona and Figueres fit into separate day trips.

Which city to stay in

In Girona, the Barri Vell on the east bank of the Onyar makes everything walkable, but it has hills and stairways. The Mercadal neighborhood, on the other side of the river, is flat and lies between the historic center and the train station. In Figueres, the center around the Rambla and the Teatre-Museu is fine for an evening. On the coast, Tossa de Mar has accommodation near the Platja Gran and the Vila Vella; in summer, book early. If you travel by car you can use Girona as a base and do the coast on day trips.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Costa Brava and Girona

Can you do it as a day trip from Barcelona?

Yes. Girona and Figueres are on the high-speed line out of Barcelona: the train usually takes about 40 minutes to Girona and under an hour to Figueres-Vilafant station. You can see each city in a day, but combining both in one day makes it rushed. Tossa de Mar also fits a day trip by intercity bus from Barcelona, since the village has no train. Check timetables and the last return before you go, especially outside summer.

What language is spoken on the Costa Brava?

Catalan and Spanish (Castilian) are spoken. Signs, street names and many menus appear in Catalan, sometimes with a translation. Everyone understands Spanish, and in tourist areas English usually works. The city names on signs are the Catalan forms: Girona, Figueres.

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