Top 5 Costa Brava Car Tours: See Spain Your Way

So, you’re thinking about seeing the Costa Brava, and honestly, is that any surprise? This chunk of Spain’s coastline, that’s got charm oozing out of every pore, just sort of begs to be explored. The beaches, the tiny towns, plus that unreal, bright blue water – yeah, it’s something else. You could hop on a tour bus, I suppose, but then you’re stuck on their schedule, not seeing what *you* want to see. Really, a car tour? Well, that’s where the magic happens.

1. The Classic Coastal Route: Tossa de Mar to Cadaqués

First up, the big daddy of Costa Brava drives, a super treat for the senses. Starting in Tossa de Mar, which by the way, boasts a medieval castle right on the beach, and ending in Cadaqués, nearly a true artist’s haven, so it is an impressive introduction to the Costa Brava. As a matter of fact, that route hugs the coastline almost religiously, giving you those incredible views. Stop wherever tickles your fancy. How about that perfect cove for a quick swim? Or a tiny restaurant serving paella? That’s the beauty, definitely you’re the boss.

Tossa de Mar is just gorgeous, very really picture-perfect. That old town, encircled by castle walls, really is a sight to behold. Afterwards, you cruise north, through winding roads. Watch out for those hairpin turns, alright? They can sneak up on you. Next thing you know, you’re pulling into places like Begur, pretty a hilltop town, or Tamariu, and even the former of the fishing village, both which make you want to ditch your car and stay put forever. As you arrive in Cadaqués, think super relaxed meets artistic genius. Salvador Dalí had a home here, and you could very tell that inspiration hung heavy in the air. That town’s different, pretty special.

2. The Hidden Gems Tour: Inland Villages and Wineries

Now, for something a bit different, because Spain has a whole inland scene, don’t miss it. This car tour leaves the coast behind and heads straight for the villages and wineries, and yes that also sounds fabulous. Think old stone houses, nearly cobblestone streets, and vines. Honestly, it is the ‘real’ Catalonia, like the postcard without the crowds. Get ready for a taste of wine from the Empordà region. What you see, you can taste as you sip wine! This is a journey for those keen to see behind the beach resorts, so to the authentic heart of the region.

You might begin at Girona, or a larger city inland, where history seeps into the streets. Afterward, swing to Pals, often the medieval village on a hill that you picture, I mean it. Later, there is Peratallada, even more stone buildings and possibly hidden plazas await around every corner. And oh, the wineries. Really, make a pit stop, enjoy a tour, sip locally made wine. Don’t purchase too much if you’re doing the driving however!

3. The Dalí Triangle: Figueres, Púbol, and Portlligat

If you’re remotely into art, specially that weird and the wonderful stuff, here’s your ticket to awesome, definitely. This tour is all about Salvador Dalí, now arguably one of Spain’s greatest. His influence is stamped across this slice of Catalonia, like seeing his work at three essential spots; his birthplace in Figueres, then Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol, and home in Portlligat. Get that inside glimpse to understand how genius operated, a little.

Beginning at Figueres and his Theater-Museum; yeah, you haven’t seen anything similar, basically. Then, Púbol lets you visit the castle Dalí gifted to his muse, Gala, quite and impressive story in itself. Portlligat shows you their quirky home that provided so much art, so literally this isn’t the trip if you want serene coastlines, however it opens one into the artist’s strange world.

4. The Northern Coast Explorer: From Roses to France

Wanting to feel wild? Very then venture way up north, that route brushes that line where Spain then nuzzles France. The scenery’s very awesome with dramatic clifftops, is that you think? The star? Definitely Cap de Creus Natural Park, a jumble of crazy rocky cliffs and hidden coves, but make time to meander through little port towns en route. This is coastal driving with wow moments.

First of all, Roses gives fantastic panoramas over its vast bay. As you spin up to El Port de la Selva; often its remote charm might grip one. Cap de Creus however shows how insane terrain turns, but it gets very windy here. If those legs still work after driving, wander some trails for amazing sightlines. That northern frontier delivers raw beauty along with quaint harbors.

5. The Family Fun Route: Beaches, Water Parks, and Roman Ruins

Alright, if traveling’s with little people in the backseat, that road trip ticks both history including the thrill-seeking crates, definitely. The tour bunches family-perfect beaches using splashes through water parks in addition to that sneaky dose for culture through Roman ruins. How about combining historical tidbits among hours and hours involving beach combing or screaming along flumes, that the ticket!

There is starting with Platja d’Aro or Lloret de Mar, great jumping points offering sandy expanses furthermore every watery activity possibly needed, very perfect for entertaining them, alright? Later there’s Empúries, now fascinating Roman and Greek archaeological spot that can keep anyone from losing all attention. Everything just keeps happy by throwing within day at Aquadiver water park just because you are in need.