Costa Brava to Cap de Creus
Europe drives

Costa Brava to Cap de Creus

Europe · Catalonia

Five verified coastal stages from Tossa de Mar to Cadaques.

Guide statusPublished and available
Editorial updateAugust 11, 2026
Road conditionsVerify locally

The route

This verified coastal itinerary begins at Tossa de Mar, follows the cliff road to Sant Feliu de Guixols, and continues through Calella de Palafrugell and Empuries before reaching Cap de Creus and Cadaques.

The route mixes exposed coastal bends with busy resort approaches and protected park roads. Confirm Catalan traffic notices, Cap de Creus vehicle controls and parking arrangements before departure.

Spring and early autumn provide the best balance of daylight and manageable traffic. In summer, start early and expect access restrictions near the most popular beaches and viewpoints.

“The Costa Brava is best read slowly, one cliff road and fishing village at a time.”

The whole Drive Pack, not just a line on a map.

This complete edition includes the practical tools, considered places and editorial context listed below.

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Route

Exact route map

The complete route, every rally point and sequential navigation links ready to open in Google Maps.

Itinerary

Full rally-point itinerary

A day-by-day sequence with distances, driving time and the stops that shape the journey.

Field notes

Road character & timing

Surface notes, corner character, suggested departure windows and the stretches that demand attention.

PDF

Downloadable roadbook

A premium PDF edition of the complete Drive Pack, designed for print and reliable offline use.

Web + PDF

Pre-drive checklist

Interactive and printable checks for the car, fuel, bookings, weather and offline navigation.

Live tools

Live departure desk

Official road-condition links and practical departure checks gathered in one place.

Curated

Stops, stays & tables

Curated accommodation, restaurants, wineries and worthwhile pauses matched to the route.

Route map

See the territory. Keep the discovery.

The shaded area shows the landscape of the drive. Members receive the verified road, sequence and navigation.

Explore the route region
  1. 01

    Day 1, Morning

    Tossa de Mar

    14.1 miles · 30 minutes driving, plus stops
  2. 02

    Day 1, Midday

    Sant Feliu de Guixols

    14.1 miles · 30 minutes driving, plus stops
  3. Days 2–3 · Member Drive Pack

    The rest of the journey

    4 further rally points with verified routing, timings and road notes

Day by day

The drive, unfolded.

Tossa de Mar01

Day 1, Morning

Tossa de Mar

The Walled Town

Begin your journey in Tossa de Mar, the Costa Brava's only fortified medieval town. The iconic Vila Vella, a 12th-century walled enclosure, dramatically rises above a crescent of golden sand, a sight so captivating Marc Chagall famously dubbed it the 'Blue Paradise. ' Wander through its ancient cobblestone streets, explore the ramparts of the castle, and climb to the lighthouse for panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the shimmering Mediterranean.

Distance
14.1 miles
Drive time
30 minutes driving, plus stops
Sant Feliu de Guixols02

Day 1, Midday

Sant Feliu de Guixols

End of the Thousand Bends

After the exhilarating twists of the GI-682, arrive in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, a town steeped in history and the cork trade. The impressive Benedictine monastery, with its iconic Porta Ferrada, dominates the waterfront and offers a glimpse into the region's past. Take a leisurely stroll along the Passeig del Mar, a vibrant promenade perfect for people-watching.

Distance
14.1 miles
Drive time
30 minutes driving, plus stops

Complete Drive Pack

4 more rally points await.

The complete itinerary includes exact timings, road character, every stop and the downloadable roadbook.

Public preview · 2 of 6 rally points

Beyond the road

Worth stopping for.

Places selected because they belong to the journey, not because they happened to be nearby.

Food & wine

7 more curated picks
Creative Mediterranean$$$$

Compartir

Cadaqués

From the team behind El Celler de Can Roca. Sharing plates of extraordinary Catalan cuisine in a whitewashed courtyard. The prawn tartare and suckling pig are unforgettable. Book well ahead.

Parking

Limited street parking in Cadaqués. Use municipal car parks on the outskirts and walk in.

Seafood$$$

Sa Tuna

Begur

A beachside restaurant in a tiny cove accessible by a winding road. The freshest seafood on the Costa Brava, grilled fish, rice dishes, and sea urchins in season. Arrive early for a table.

Parking

Very limited parking in Sa Tuna cove. Arrive early or park further up the hill and walk down.

Traditional Catalan$$

Can Roca

Tossa de Mar

Family-run restaurant in the old town serving classic Catalan dishes, suquet de peix, botifarra amb mongetes, and crema catalana. Honest cooking at honest prices.

Parking

Street parking can be challenging in Tossa de Mar. Use the large car park near Platja Gran and walk to the old town.

View all 10 food & wine recommendations
Fine Dining$$$$

Celler de Can Roca

Girona (detour)

Three Michelin stars and regularly voted the world's best restaurant. The Roca brothers' tasting menu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Book months ahead. Worth the 40-minute detour from the coast.

Parking

Valet parking available. Reservations are essential and must be made months in advance.

Tapas Bar$$

La Lluna

Tossa de Mar

A beloved local spot in Tossa de Mar's old town, famous for its authentic and delicious Catalan tapas. The atmosphere is lively and perfect for sharing.

Parking

Located in the pedestrianized old town. Park at Platja Gran car park and enjoy a short walk.

Mediterranean Seafood$$$

Santa Marta

Tossa de Mar

Nestled in a charming narrow street of Tossa's historic center, Santa Marta offers exquisite seafood and traditional dishes with a beautiful terrace. Their fideuà is legendary.

Parking

Similar to La Lluna, use the main car park and walk through the old town.

Traditional Catalan$$$

Restaurant Es Port

Cadaqués

A classic Cadaqués institution right on the waterfront, offering fresh seafood and traditional Catalan cuisine with stunning views of the bay. Perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner.

Parking

Limited parking directly in Cadaqués. Utilize the paid parking lots at the entrance of the village.

Winery & Vineyard$$

Mas Geli

Pals (near Empúries)

A beautiful organic winery in the Empordà region, offering tours and tastings of their excellent local wines. A great stop to experience the region's viticulture.

Parking

Ample free parking available on-site at the winery.

Fine Dining$$$$

El Far

Llafranc (near Calella de Palafrugell)

Perched next to the lighthouse above Llafranc, El Far offers spectacular panoramic views of the Costa Brava coastline alongside exquisite Mediterranean cuisine. Ideal for a special occasion.

Parking

Dedicated parking available at the lighthouse. Reservations are highly recommended.

Cocktail Bar$$$

Bar Boia

Cadaqués

An iconic bar in Cadaqués, known for its vibrant atmosphere, creative cocktails, and prime location overlooking the bay. A perfect spot for an aperitif or a nightcap.

Parking

Street parking is very limited. Use the municipal car parks at the village entrance.

Where to stay

3 more curated picks
Boutique Hotel$$$

Hotel Aiguaclara

Begur

A beautifully restored colonial-era mansion in the hilltop village of Begur. Tropical gardens, a turquoise pool, and rooms with sea views. The perfect Costa Brava base.

Parking

Free parking available on-site.

Waterfront Hotel$$$

Hotel Playa Sol

Cadaqués

Directly on the Cadaqués waterfront with views across the bay. Simple, elegant rooms and a terrace restaurant. Dalí used to drink here.

Parking

Limited paid parking available on-site. Public car parks are also available at the village entrance.

Seaside Inn$$

Hostal Sa Tuna

Sa Tuna (Begur)

A handful of rooms directly above one of the Costa Brava's most beautiful coves. Fall asleep to the sound of waves. Book months ahead, everyone wants to stay here.

Parking

Very limited parking in Sa Tuna cove. Best to park further up the hill and walk down.

View all 6 where to stay recommendations
Luxury Hotel$$$$

Parador de Aiguablava

Begur

Perched on a cliff overlooking the stunning Aiguablava bay, this parador offers breathtaking views, elegant rooms, and direct access to the sea. A truly luxurious escape.

Parking

Free private parking available on-site.

Boutique Hotel$$$

Hotel Diana

Tossa de Mar

A charming boutique hotel located right on the beachfront in Tossa de Mar, offering stylish rooms and a beautiful terrace with sea views. Perfect for experiencing the town's vibrant atmosphere.

Parking

Public paid parking available nearby. Limited street parking.

Adults Only Hotel$$$

Arrels Hotel Cadaques - Adults Only

Cadaqués

A modern and stylish adults-only hotel offering a tranquil retreat with a pool and comfortable rooms, just a short walk from Cadaqués center. Ideal for couples.

Parking

Free private parking available on-site.

Before departure

Know before you go.

Fuel

Fuel stations are plentiful in larger towns like Tossa de Mar and Palafrugell. However, options become very limited as you approach Cap de Creus. Always fill up before heading into the natural park.

Mobile Signal

Mobile network coverage is generally good in urban and coastal areas. However, expect patchy or non-existent signal in remote sections of the GI-682 and within the Cap de Creus Natural Park. Download offline maps and essential information beforehand.

Reservations

During peak season (June to September), booking accommodations, popular restaurants (especially in Cadaqués and Tossa de Mar), and attractions like Dalí's house in Portlligat well in advance is crucial. Spontaneous visits might lead to disappointment.

Useful Apps

Google Maps or Waze are excellent for navigation, but ensure offline maps are downloaded for areas with poor signal. For parking, consider local apps if available, or use general parking apps like Parkopedia. A Spanish phrasebook app can also be very helpful.

Driving Tip

The GI-682 and roads within Cap de Creus are narrow and winding. Drive defensively, especially on blind corners. Be mindful of cyclists and motorbikes, particularly on weekends.

The complete journey

Take the full route with you.