GI-682 Road The stretch of the GI-682 connecting Tossa de Mar to Sant Feliu de Guíxols is, without exaggeration, one of Europe's most spectacular coastal drives. It is a ribbon of asphalt clinging to the cliffs of the Costa Brava, offering breathtaking views of turquoise coves and the Mediterranean Sea. This 21.3-kilometre road is legendary among drivers for one simple, astonishing fact: it contains 365 bends, one for every day of the year. Locals often call it the "Road of 1000 Bends" (Carretera de les 1000 corbes), and they are not far off. There are virtually no straight sections. The entire route is a constant series of twists, turns, and hairpins, with a sheer rock face on one side and a precipitous drop to the sea on the other. As one member of the “Motorcycle-Diaries” community put it, the surface is "very grippy, good fun, but the corners are too close together" to build up any real speed. This is the essence of the GI-682: a test of handling and concentration, not horsepower. While online maps might estimate a 30-minute journey, this is unrealistic for anyone who is not a local or who wants to appreciate the scenery. Plan for a significantly longer drive. Tossa de Mar Centre → Cala Pola Turnoff (~5 km): Expect speeds of 30–40 km/h. This section involves climbing steep switchbacks as you leave Tossa, demanding constant gear changes. Cala Pola → Sant Grau Col (~8 km): The fastest part of the drive. You are on a ridge with slightly more open curves, allowing for speeds of 45–55 km/h. Sant Grau → Sant Feliu de Guíxols (~8 km): The descent. Speeds drop back to 35–45 km/h. This section is characterised by a steep downhill grade and numerous blind corners requiring caution. Total Realistic Drive Time (end-to-end for visitors): 50–60 minutes. This allows for a safe pace and the ability to pull over at viewpoints. The drive is punctuated by several essential pull-offs. Use them to rest, take photos, and let faster local traffic pass. Before you set off, check live road conditions with the Catalan Traffic Service (Servei Català de Trànsit), and plan nearby coastal stops via the Costa Brava tourism board. Cala Pola Lookout (km 27): The most famous viewpoint, offering a stunning panoramic view down towards the turquoise waters of Cala Pola. There is dedicated parking, but it fills up quickly. Cala Llevadó Lookout (km 18.9): An unmarked but obvious pull-off on the Tossa side of the drive. It provides a fantastic perspective back towards the coves of Cala Llevadó and Tossa's medieval walls in the distance. Mirador del Pino / Mirador de los Enamorados: A small, charming layby known for its tree trunk carved with two lovers. A quick, romantic stop with a beautiful view framed by pine trees. On Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings, the GI-682 becomes a playground for local motorcycle clubs. Expect to encounter groups of 5 to 15 sport bikes travelling at a much faster pace. They are experienced on this road and will use the short straights to overtake. The best practice is to hold your line, stay to the right of your lane, and use the viewpoints as opportunities to pull over and let them pass safely. During the cooler months of spring and autumn, the road is a favourite for cycling clubs. They choose the GI-682 precisely because the inland GI-681 is "faster but less rewarding." Be prepared to encounter large groups, especially on blind corners. Give them ample space and only overtake when you have clear visibility. With an average of 17 curves per kilometre, this road is a significant challenge for passengers prone to motion sickness (kinetosis). If someone in your car is sensitive, have them sit in the front passenger seat, look forward at the horizon, and consider closing their eyes during the steep, winding descent into Sant Feliu de Guíxols. If the conditions are poor, you are short on time, or you have motion-sensitive passengers, the inland route is an excellent alternative. Route: Tossa de Mar → Llagostera → C-65 → Sant Feliu de Guíxols Distance: ~28 km Time: 30–35 minutes Average Speed: 80–90 km/h This route is ideal for RVs, nervous drivers, those travelling after heavy rainfall, or anyone who simply wants to get from A to B efficiently. The road's cliffside location makes it vulnerable to rockfalls, especially after heavy rain. In October 2024, a storm that dropped 55.3 mm of rain caused a significant rockfall that closed the GI-682 for two days. Always check for alerts on the official Servei Català de Trànsit website before you set off, particularly in autumn. Additionally, the road is closed annually for the Run4Festival race, typically from 09:00 to 15:00 on a weekend in mid-May. There are no petrol stations between Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guíxols. The last chance to fuel up is the E.S. Tossa (CEPSA) on Av. Puerto Rico, 1. (Prices observed: Diesel €1.489/L, 95+ Unleaded €1.724/L). Ensure you have at least half a tank before starting the drive. Wondering about town car parks near this station? Consult the main Tossa de Mar parking guide for locations and rates. The default legal speed limit is 90 km/h, but this is realistically unattainable on all but a few short stretches. Your focus should be on maintaining a safe, appropriate speed for the constant curves. The Catalan police (“Mossos d'Esquadra”) often have a presence here on weekends. Tragically, the road's challenges can have serious consequences; in 2024, a 23-year-old motorcyclist died in a collision near the Tossa municipal boundary, a stark reminder to treat the road with respect. The ideal car for the GI-682 is a compact or mid-size vehicle with responsive handling. Large SUVs can feel cumbersome and struggle with the narrower sections and tight hairpins. Driving an RV or towing a trailer on this road is strongly discouraged. When renting, prioritise a nimble compact car suited for the GI-682 bends. This iconic drive is a highlight of any trip to the Costa Brava and forms the backbone of many day trips from Tossa de Mar along the GI-682 and beyond. By understanding its unique demands and preparing accordingly, you can ensure your journey is both thrilling and safe. Use the booking widget on this page to compare rates with free cancellation and insurance included.