Costa Brava Day Trip: Blanes Beach, Tossa de Mar & Lunch

Summary

Wander secret coves, taste Catalan lunch and stroll medieval lanes

You’ll start with coffee in Barcelona before heading north to swim or stroll along Costa Brava’s quietest cove, then explore cliff-top gardens scented with herbs. A homemade Catalan lunch awaits in Blanes before you wander Tossa de Mar’s medieval streets and castle walls—with time to just breathe it all in.

What’s the experience like?

Li was already grinning at us outside the Palau de la Música when we arrived, juggling a takeaway coffee and waving like she’d known us for years. I tried to say “Bon dia” (probably butchered it), but she just laughed and pointed out a mosaic above the door before we piled into the van. The drive out of Barcelona felt like pressing pause—city noise fading into pine trees and that weirdly clean sea air you only notice when you’re not expecting it. I didn’t realize how close the Costa Brava actually is; barely an hour later we were standing above Cala de Sant Francesc, and Li was telling us about her grandmother swimming here as a girl. There were only two other people on the sand. The water looked cold but I waded in anyway—salty, sharp, woke me right up.

I couldn’t decide between sunbathing or wandering up to the Marimurtra Botanical Gardens (ended up doing both). The gardens are perched right over these cliffs—there’s this spot where you can see turquoise water way below, almost dizzying if you lean too far. You can smell rosemary and something citrusy in the air. Li pointed out a cactus that apparently only blooms once every few years—no luck today, but still cool to see. Lunch was in Blanes proper—a family-run place with handwritten menus and old photos on the wall. We had pa amb tomàquet (I always make a mess of it), grilled fish, and sangria that tasted like summer holidays.

After lunch my jeans felt too tight but somehow we all managed to squeeze into the van for Tossa de Mar. The drive was quiet; most of us half-dozing or staring out at those craggy hills rolling down to sea. Tossa’s old town is all cobbles and whitewashed houses—someone had left a basket of oranges outside their door, which made me smile for no reason. Li let us wander on our own for a bit; I climbed up to the lighthouse even though my legs protested. From up there you get this view—the kind that makes you forget your phone exists for a second. I still think about that light sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Costa Brava tour with beach and village

• Meet guide near Palau de la Música
• Depart Barcelona through Eixample district
• Drive to Cala de Sant Francesc beach
• Swim or walk along secluded beach
• Visit Marimurtra botanical gardens
• Enjoy Mediterranean lunch with drinks
• Stop at Castle of Sant Joan viewpoint
• Drive to Tossa de Mar medieval town
• Explore lighthouse and cobbled streets
• Wander old town and whitewashed houses
• Return to Barcelona, end at Plaça Catalunya

Top questions

How long is the Costa Brava day trip from Barcelona?

The tour departs around 8:15am and returns by 7pm, so about 11 hours total.

Is lunch included on this Costa Brava tour?

Yes, a traditional lunch with drinks is included at a local restaurant in Blanes.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit for Cala de Sant Francesc?

If you want to swim at the cove in Blanes, bring your bathing suit and towel.

What villages do we visit on this day trip?

The tour visits Blanes—including its beach and botanical gardens—and Tossa de Mar.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; tours start near Palau de la Música Catalana in central Barcelona.

How many people are on this small-group tour?

The maximum group size is 16 travelers.

Are there options for vegetarians at lunch?

The restaurant serves traditional local dishes; vegetarian options may be available but check ahead if needed.

Can infants join this Costa Brava tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transport from central Barcelona with your local guide Li (or someone equally friendly), entry to both Cala de Sant Francesc beach and the Marimurtra Botanical Gardens if you want them, plus a traditional homemade Catalan lunch with drinks before exploring Tossa de Mar—all before returning early evening.