Costa Brava Day Trip: Lloret & Tossa de Mar Boat Tour

Summary

Barcelona to Costa Brava by boat and village strolls

You’ll feel Costa Brava’s contrasts: lively Lloret de Mar’s beach buzz, a breezy boat ride past pine-topped cliffs, and quiet hours wandering Tossa de Mar’s ancient walls with your local guide. Taste fresh seafood or just watch village life drift by before heading back to Barcelona — it’s more than just sightseeing; it gets under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect Lloret de Mar to be so loud — not just the beach music, but the colors too. We’d barely left Barcelona when we landed in this wild mix of palm trees, shop windows, and that salty breeze you only get near the Mediterranean. Our guide, Marta, waved us down a narrow street where old fishermen’s houses leaned into each other. She pointed out Saint Roma church — all tile and color — while a group of teenagers argued over ice cream flavors nearby. I tried to order a coffee in Catalan (total fail), but the barista just grinned and switched to English. The place smelled like sunscreen and churros.

The best part? We hopped on this big blue DOFIJETS boat around 11:30am — I almost lost my hat to the wind. The cliffs along the Costa Brava really do look carved by something ancient; pine trees clinging sideways, little coves flashing by. I kept thinking how different it felt from Barcelona’s city lines. Some folks stayed quiet just watching the water slap against the hull. It was only about 40 minutes but felt longer, in a good way.

Tossa de Mar is quieter, softer somehow. The old town walls curl up toward a lighthouse, and you can actually feel history under your shoes — those stones are uneven for real. Marta told us stories about Romans and pirates (she swears one house still has cannonball dents). We wandered up to the top for coastline views that made me forget about my phone for once. Lunch was on our own; I found this tiny spot with grilled sardines that tasted like summer itself. Some people went swimming, others just sat with cold drinks watching locals play cards outside their doors.

By the time we got back on the bus for Barcelona, I had sand in my shoes and more photos than I’ll ever sort through. There’s something about hearing waves under medieval walls that sticks with you longer than you think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Costa Brava villages and boat trip

• Drive 1h15m to Lloret de Mar
• Explore Lloret de Mar village
• Walk beach promenade and narrow streets
• Admire Saint Roma church
• Board DOFIJETS boat at 11:30am
• Sail along Costa Brava cliffs
• Arrive at Tossa de Mar at 12:15pm
• Walk from beach to lighthouse
• Enjoy coastline views from lighthouse
• Descend through Vila Vella old town
• Visit fishing district
• Free time for lunch
• Return to Barcelona by bus at 4:00pm
• Arrive in Barcelona at 5:30pm

Top questions

How long does the Costa Brava day trip from Barcelona take?

The tour lasts roughly 8 hours, departing Barcelona in the morning and returning around 5:30 pm.

Is there a guided tour included in Tossa de Mar?

Yes, there is a guided walking tour in Tossa de Mar led by a local guide.

Does this day trip include transport from Barcelona?

Yes, air-conditioned coach transport from Barcelona is included both ways.

What villages do you visit on this Costa Brava day trip?

The tour visits Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar along the Girona coast.

Is lunch included on this Costa Brava boat tour?

No, lunch is not included but you have free time to eat in Tossa de Mar where there are many options.

How long is the boat ride between Lloret and Tossa?

The DOFIJETS boat ride takes about 40 minutes along the coast between Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join if seated on an adult's lap or in a stroller; it's suitable for all fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned coach transport with Wi-Fi from Barcelona, a one-way coastal boat ticket between Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar, live commentary during travel, plus a guided walking tour through historic Tossa de Mar before returning in comfort that evening.