Girona & Costa Brava Day Trip: Medieval Villages, Coastal Lunch

Summary

Medieval Girona narrow lanes, stone villages and sea air from Barcelona

You’ll leave Barcelona behind for a day trip to Girona’s medieval streets, stroll through Peratallada’s stone alleys with a local guide, then relax over lunch in Calella de Palafrugell by the Mediterranean. Expect fresh air, honest food, and moments that stick with you long after you’re back in the city.

What’s the experience like?

“Did you just say Game of Thrones?” someone asked as we squeezed past a group of kids kicking a ball in Girona’s old town. Our guide, Marta, grinned and pointed out the cathedral steps — apparently Jon Snow ran up them? I’m not really a fan but honestly, the stones felt cool under my hand and I liked how the morning light made everything look gold. We wandered through these winding lanes that smelled faintly of coffee and something sweet (churros maybe?), and Marta kept tossing in little stories about Catalan history. I didn’t expect to care about Roman walls but there was this moment on the bridge (the one Eiffel designed — yeah, that Eiffel), where you could see rooftops stacked like uneven books. It felt quiet even with tourists around.

After Girona, we drove into the countryside — fields everywhere, green and a bit wild. Peratallada was next. I’d never heard of it before but it’s tiny and almost too perfect, like someone arranged all the stones by hand. There were only a few locals out; one older man nodded at us as he swept his doorstep. The air had that dusty-sunny smell you get in old villages. We just wandered for a while, poking our heads into little archways and taking photos we’ll probably never print.

Lunch was at Calella de Palafrugell on the Costa Brava — it’s an old fishing village with white houses right up against these rocky coves. You can actually swim if you bring your stuff (I forgot my towel but dipped my feet anyway). We had grilled fish at some place Marta recommended; salty skin, lemon squeezed over everything. People were laughing nearby in Catalan and it just felt easy somehow. I still think about that view — blue water, boats bobbing around lazily — every time I hear seagulls now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Girona and Costa Brava day trip

• Meet and drive from Barcelona to Girona
• Walk over Eiffel bridge in Girona
• Visit Game of Thrones filming location
• Walk to Girona Cathedral and watch tower
• Drive from Girona to Peratallada
• Explore medieval village of Peratallada
• Drive from Peratallada to Calella de Palafrugell
• Free time for lunch and swim in Calella
• Drive back from Costa Brava to Barcelona

Top questions

How long is the Girona & Costa Brava day trip from Barcelona?

The tour lasts approximately one full day including travel time between stops.

Is hotel pickup included on this tour?

The tour includes private transportation but does not specify hotel pickup; check your booking confirmation for details.

Can I swim during the Costa Brava stop?

Yes, there is free time in Calella de Palafrugell for lunch and swimming—bring swimwear and a towel in summer.

What villages are visited on this day trip?

The tour visits Girona, Peratallada (in Empordà), and Calella de Palafrugell on the Costa Brava.

Is lunch included on this Girona & Costa Brava day trip?

Lunch is not included; you have free time to choose your own spot in Calella de Palafrugell.

Are guides knowledgeable about local history?

Yes, professional guides share stories about Catalan history and culture during the tour.

Is this small group or private?

This is a small group tour from Barcelona.

Are infants or children allowed on this tour?

The tour is suitable for all ages; infants can use prams or specialized seats.

What’s included

Your day covers private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional guide leading walks through Girona’s old town and Peratallada village. You’ll have two hours of free time for lunch or swimming at Calella de Palafrugell before heading back to Barcelona together.