Costa Brava Day Tour with Boat Trip from Barcelona

Discover the Beauty of Costa Brava with a Full-Day Tour from Barcelona

Travelers looking to escape the busy streets of Barcelona for a taste of Catalonia’s rugged coastline will find this Costa Brava day tour a tempting option. For around $67.94 per person, you get a full nine-hour experience that includes visits to two of the region’s most picturesque fishing villages—Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar—along with a scenic boat cruise. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides, and most travelers rave about the stunning coastal views and charming towns.

Two aspects we particularly appreciate are the guided walking tour in Tossa de Mar, which reveals the town’s impressive Vila Vella (Old Town), and the boat trip along the coast, offering a fresh perspective of Costa Brava’s iconic cliffs and coves. Plus, the journey in an air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi makes the travel part as comfortable as the sightseeing.

A potential consideration is the rough sea conditions that can affect the boat ride, so if you’re prone to seasickness, it might be worth bringing some remedies or preparing accordingly. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of history, coastal scenery, and lively seaside towns, especially those keen on authentic local villages rather than overly commercialized areas.

Key Points

• Stunning Coastal Views: The boat cruise offers breathtaking perspectives of Costa Brava’s jagged cliffs and hidden coves.
• Charming Towns: Both Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar boast lively streets, historic sites, and beautiful beaches perfect for exploring.
• Guided Walks & Free Time: The tour includes informative guided walks, plus ample free time to enjoy lunch or relax on the beaches.
• Comfortable Transport: Travel in a modern coach with Wi-Fi, making the journey between sites smooth and enjoyable.
• Authentic Experience: Focus on local towns with rich maritime history, not just touristy spots.
• Value for Money: The combination of transportation, boat cruise, guided visits, and free time packs a lot into the price.

This guided day trip offers a practical way to see some of the most iconic features of Costa Brava without the hassle of planning transportation or logistics yourself. With a departure from central Barcelona at 8:30 am, the tour starts early enough to maximize your day but still allows you to return by evening, making it ideal for those with limited time.

The Journey Begins: Lloret de Mar

Within roughly an hour and 15 minutes of leaving Barcelona, you’ll arrive at Lloret de Mar, a lively hub known for its vibrant beach scene and seaside promenade. The tour specifies about one hour here, which is enough to soak in the colorful atmosphere without feeling rushed. As one reviewer put it, “the beach was lovely,” and the promenade offers great views of the beaches and the bustling town.

Walking through Lloret’s narrow streets, you’ll notice remnants of its maritime past—a contrast to its current reputation as a lively resort town. Visitors report that the shopping here is quite diverse, from trendy brands to beach bazaars, offering a chance to pick up souvenirs or simply enjoy the lively ambiance. The Saint Roma church is a highlight architecturally, providing a peaceful spot amid the busy streets.

Scenic Cruise to Tossa de Mar

Around 11:30 am, the group boards a boat for the cruise from Lloret to Tossa de Mar—a highlight of the tour. As one guest shared, “the boat ride was really fun and the staff were great,” with many appreciating the breathtaking coastline views. The boat trip lasts about an hour, giving you a new perspective of Costa Brava’s dramatic cliffs and hidden coves.

The boat ride is especially popular because it offers a relaxing break from walking, and the scenery is truly stunning. Some travelers mention that the sea can be wavier than usual, so if you’re sensitive to motion sickness, it’s good to come prepared.

Tossa de Mar: The Pearl of Costa Brava

Once ashore, the tour continues with a guided walking tour of Tossa de Mar, often described as the “Pearl of Costa Brava.” The highlight here is Vila Vella, the medieval fortress that encloses the old town. As one reviewer noted, “Tossa de Mar is a lovely town,” with beautiful beaches and historic narrow streets that still echo its past.

The guided walk provides insight into the town’s Roman and medieval history, with the lighthouse atop the fortress offering panoramic views of the coast. After the tour, you’ll have plenty of free time to explore, have lunch at a local restaurant, or relax on the beach. Many mention that the water is warm and clear, ideal for swimming and enjoying the scenery.

Practical Details: Timing and Comfort

The tour’s scheduled timetable is carefully planned. You’ll start your day early, and the return trip to Barcelona wraps up in the evening, around 6 pm. The air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi helps pass the time comfortably, and most travelers find the group size manageable—around 60 people at most.

The cost covers transportation, the boat ticket, and guided tours but not food or drinks. Many reviewers recommend bringing your own lunch or snacks, as there’s ample free time for meals in Tossa de Mar, which is brimming with options.

What Travelers Say

The feedback from travelers is quite positive. Several mention friendly, knowledgeable guides who make the trip informative and enjoyable. For example, one review states, “Monica was a fantastic guide, very helpful and thorough,” and others praise the stunning scenery and well-organized schedule.

A common highlight is the boat cruise, which many describe as “fun and scenic,” and some even say they enjoyed a swim with the fish. While some found Lloret de Mar to be more touristy, most agree that Tossa de Mar truly steals the show with its medieval charm and beautiful beaches.

A few reviews point out minor issues, such as seasickness or feeling the tour was a bit long for some, but overall, the experience seems to deliver excellent value for the price.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re interested in coastal scenery, historic towns, and seaside relaxation, this trip suits you well. It’s especially good for those who want a guided, hassle-free day out of the city, with a mix of walking, boat riding, and free exploration. Families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate authentic villages rather than overly commercialized spots** will find this tour hits the right notes.

This Costa Brava day tour offers a well-rounded taste of one of Catalonia’s most scenic regions. The combination of guided walks in Tossa de Mar, the scenic boat cruise, and the lively Lloret de Mar makes for a memorable day, especially for first-time visitors who want to see the highlights without the stress of planning themselves.

While the price is reasonable considering the transportation, boat ride, and guided tours, keep in mind that food is not included, so budget for lunch. If you’re someone who loves picturesque villages, stunning coastline views, and the freedom to explore at your own pace, this trip is a solid choice.

In short, it’s a great value, provides authentic experiences, and is perfect for travelers wanting a taste of Costa Brava’s rugged beauty without a full-blown multi-day commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour begins at the Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord, located at Carrer de Nàpols, 68 in Barcelona.

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs at 8:30 am, so be ready early to catch the bus.

How long is the entire tour?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, returning to the original meeting point around 6 pm.

Is the boat ride included in the price?
Yes, the one-way boat ticket from Lloret de Mar to Tossa de Mar is included, along with the guided visits.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals are not included, so plan to bring your own snacks or plan to dine in Tossa de Mar.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but those sensitive to seasickness or with mobility issues should consider the boat and walking parts.

How many people usually take this tour?
It can accommodate up to 60 travelers, but reviews suggest group sizes are manageable and not overly crowded.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, a bathing suit if you want to swim, and money for lunch or souvenirs.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour requires good weather, but if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Choosing this Costa Brava tour means experiencing a beautiful stretch of coast, historic charm, and a relaxing boat cruise, all in one day. It’s perfect for those wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing and leisure without the hassle of organizing transport and guides on their own.