Barcelona & the Costa Brava: Best Itinerary Ideas

How many days do you need in Barcelona & the Costa Brava?

• Most travelers spend 7-9 days in Barcelona and the Costa Brava combined
• Visiting Barcelona and the Costa Brava in 5 or 6 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
• With 10 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
• The most common extension is Madrid, Girona, and Vic

How Many Days to Spend in Barcelona
How Many Days to Spend in the Costa Brava

Recommended Itineraries for Barcelona & the Costa Brava

Recommended Itinerary for 1 Week

This weeklong adventure combines a mix of private tours and free time for the ultimate introduction to Spain's Catalonia region. Kick off the week in cosmopolitan Barcelona for Gaudí architecture, tapas bars, and Mediterranean beaches. Then head north to the Costa Brava for kayaking, Dalí culture, and wine tasting—all while staying in a medieval town loaded with great restaurants. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days

This eight-day Catalonia tour kicks off in cosmopolitan Barcelona, where you'll experience top-notch cuisine and modern architecture via foot and bicycle. Next, drive to the sun-kissed Costa Brava—a 125-mile (200 km) stretch of pine trees, golden beaches, and crystal clear water. Here you'll spend four blissful days exploring trails, medieval villages, and artwork thanks to its famous native, Salvador Dalí. Read more

Barcelona & the Costa Brava in 9 Days

This complete nine-day cultural itinerary features the vibrant and eclectic city of Barcelona, the quaint villages along the rugged Costa Brava coastline, as well as a day trip into the Montserrat mountains. You'll experience a broad range of cultural tours covering the history, architecture, and ancient and current traditions at the hands of knowledgeable private guides, with free time to go at your own pace. You'll drink wine, eat authentic Catalan fare, and swim in the Mediterranean. Read more

Extended Itineraries

10-Day Itinerary Including Madrid

Immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and flavors of Spain with this exciting 10-day journey. Start by savoring tapas and flamenco in the elegant capital of Madrid before taking a high-speed train to Barcelona to experience Gaudí's architectural wonders and get lost in the Gothic Quarter. Then rent a car and journey north to the Costa Brava, where lesser-known coastal villages—and fun adventures in the Mediterranean Sea—await your discovery. Read more

11-Day Itinerary Including the Pyrenees

Immerse yourself in northern Spain's cities, mountains, and beaches on this 11-day tour. First, you'll fly to one of Europe's most vibrant cities, Barcelona, to feast on tapas, cycle among Gaudí's architecture, and discover a nearby wine region. Then, spend four days hiking through the spectacular Pyrenees mountains, crossing into France and back. Finish the trip with some relaxation in the Costa Brava, exploring its beaches and coves—and snorkeling in its warm Mediterranean waters. Read more

2-Week Itinerary Including Vic

This two-week adventure kicks off in Barcelona, where you'll explore fascinating art and culture, including Gaudí's UNESCO-listed landmarks. Then drive north to the Costa Brava—a 125-mile (200 km) stretch of pine trees, golden beaches, and crystal clear water—for a blissful week on the Mediterranean. Finish in Vic for medieval villages and hiking trails before returning to Barcelona for one more night on the town. Read more

How to Travel Between Barcelona & Begur

The distance between Barcelona and the beach town of Begur, located on the Costa Brava, is 66 miles (106 km). The easiest and quickest way to make the trip is by car (1 hour and 40 minutes), either renting one yourself or hiring a private car service. Read more