You have chosen the walled town of Tossa de Mar as your Costa Brava base, the rental car keys are in hand, and the open road awaits. While Tossa itself is a gem, its location makes it an ideal launchpad for exploring the very best of Catalunya. Costa Brava Day Trips at a Glance Your Day Trip Itinerary: The Details 1. Lloret de Mar Just a 15-minute hop south on the , Lloret de Mar is your go-to for bigger supermarkets, brand-name shops, and a much livelier nightlife scene. For easy access, skip the centre and head straight for the large car park behind Fenals beach. Insider Tip: Returning to Tossa in the late afternoon, especially in August? The GI-600 road from Tordera can become a major bottleneck. Allow extra time. 2. Blanes Often called the "Gateway to the Costa Brava," Blanes (25 min drive) offers a more relaxed, family-friendly vibe than its neighbour Lloret. It is home to the spectacular Marimurtra Botanical Garden, perched on cliffs with incredible sea views. Parking is generally easier here, especially around the large marina. 3. Girona An absolute must-do. Just a straightforward 50-minute drive inland on the GI-681, Girona feels a world away from the coast. Park in one of the large underground car parks near the Onyar River and spend hours wandering the labyrinthine Jewish Quarter, walking the medieval city walls, and spotting “Game of Thrones” filming locations. 4. Sant Feliu de Guíxols (via the scenic route) The destination is lovely, but the journey is the star. This trip is all about the GI-682 coastal drive from Tossa to Sant Feliu de Guíxols , a breathtaking 50–60 minute drive north with 365 curves winding past cliffs and coves. Sant Feliu itself is a charming port town with a beautiful monastery and plenty of easy-to-find street parking, making it a relaxing and rewarding trip. 5. Begur & the Golden Triangle Calas This is the quintessential Costa Brava experience. Drive 1h 15m north (via the C-31) to explore the chic hilltop town of Begur and the famous coves of Tamariu, Llafranc, and Aiguablava. Insider Tip: For GR-92 and Camí de Ronda access, park in the large municipal car park in Calella de Palafrugell and hike from there. Avoid the dirt lots at trailheads—they are heavily policed in summer and fines are common. 6. Figueres (The Dalí Theatre-Museum) An easy one-hour drive, mostly on the AP-7 motorway, takes you to the birthplace of Salvador Dalí. The Theatre-Museum is a brilliantly surreal experience. Parking is straightforward, with several dedicated car parks signposted as you approach the museum. Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. 7. Cadaqués & Cap de Creus Verdict: A full-day commitment and borderline without an early start. The drive is long (1h 38m each way, 244 km round trip) and the final road (GI-614) is steep and winding. But is it worth it? Absolutely. is a dazzlingly white village unlike anywhere else in Alt Empordà. The main Saba Riera Sant Vicenç car park costs €2.45/hour and has a 2.4m height limit. It fills up fast. Cap de Creus: From 22 June to 11 September, private vehicle access is between 10:00 and 17:00. You must park at the Corral d'en Morell hub and take the shuttle bus (€7 adult). For full details, see the complete guide to driving to Cadaqués and Cap de Creus 8. Barcelona Driving into Barcelona is not for the faint of heart. Crucial Warning: All foreign-registered vehicles (including rentals) be pre-registered for the Low Emission Zone (ZBE). Failure to do so risks a €200 fine. Do this online at least a day before your trip. For details, see the Barcelona ZBE registration guide for rental cars . You can buy sporadic access permits for €2/day. Smarter Strategy: The B-20 (Ronda de Dalt) and B-10 (Ronda Litoral) ring roads are exempt. Drive to a large car park outside the ZBE, like in Cornellà de Llobregat or Sant Just Desvern, and take the Metro into the city centre. It’s cheaper, faster, and far less stressful. Essential Logistics for Your Tossa de Mar Road Trips Hiking the Camí de Ronda Want to do a stunning one-way coastal hike? The best strategy is to park your car at your destination (e.g., Calella de Palafrugell) and take the Sarfa (Moventis) bus to your starting point (e.g., Tamariu). This way, you can hike back to your car at your own pace without worrying about bus timetables. Fuel Planning Before heading north to Girona or Cadaqués, fill up at the E.S. Tossa petrol station on Avinguda Puerto Rico (diesel €1.489/L, 95+ €1.724/L).