Road Trip Guide
Costa Brava: Cliffs & Coves
Blanes to Cadaqués
Start
Blanes
Finish
Cadaqués
Distance
165 km
Duration
4-5 days
Best Months
May - June, September - October
Budget
$$
EV Ready
8/10
Kid-Friendly
9/10
Key Waypoints
Trip Essentials for Blanes
Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
Repsol Station - Palafrugell
Fuel & Supplies
The most reliable spot for high-octane fuel and snacks before entering the more remote northern stretches.
Endesa X Charging Hub - Girona
EV Charging
Ensure a full charge here before heading to the coastal roads, as public chargers become scarce near Cap de Creus.
Supermercat Figueres
Supplies
Stock up on water, wine, and local delicacies before the final drive into the isolated town of Cadaqués.
Insider Driving Tips
Always carry a physical map or ensure offline maps are downloaded, as the winding coastal roads often cut through areas with spotty cellular reception.
Parking in coastal villages like Cadaqués and Tossa de Mar is notoriously difficult; aim to arrive before 10:00 AM to secure a spot in public parking garages.
Observe the 'siesta' hours strictly; many small, family-run shops and boutiques in the smaller villages will close between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
When driving, be aware that many local roads are narrow and shared with cyclists; always maintain a safe distance and be patient on blind curves.
If you plan to rent a car, opt for a smaller model; the narrow, historic streets of the villages are frequently inaccessible to large SUVs or oversized sedans.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Tossa de Mar
La Cuina de Can Simón
“A Michelin-starred gem that masterfully reinvents traditional Catalan seafood dishes in an intimate, rustic setting.”
Vila Vella Ramparts
The perfect vantage point to capture the contrast between the historic stone walls and the deep blue Mediterranean sea.
Platja Gran Beach
Capture the iconic view of the castle from the water's edge at golden hour, when the stone turns a warm, honey-like hue.
Cala Pola
A small, secluded cove tucked behind a pine-covered hill, accessible via a short hike or boat, offering some of the clearest water in the region.
Vila Vella
Historic Landmark
“This stunning 12th-century fortified medieval town offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline.”
Platja Gran
Beach
“The main beach of Tossa de Mar provides a picturesque setting with the iconic medieval castle walls looming directly over the golden sand.”
Cala Pola
Nature Reserve
“A secluded and pristine cove surrounded by pine-covered cliffs, perfect for swimming in crystal-clear turquoise waters.”
Begur & The Medieval Villages
El Pedró
“Located in the heart of Begur, this restaurant specializes in authentic 'Mar i Muntanya' (Sea and Mountain) cuisine, blending local seafood with forest mushrooms and game.”
Pals Clock Tower
A towering Romanesque structure that provides the ultimate vantage point for photographing the sprawling Empordà plains.
Begur Castle Ruins
The highest point in the area, offering dramatic 360-degree views of the coastline and the interior landscape.
Peratallada
A tiny, perfectly preserved medieval village surrounded by a moat carved directly into the rock, often overlooked by tourists.
Begur Castle
Historic Landmark
“Perched atop a hill, this medieval fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline and the surrounding Empordà plains.”
Pals Medieval Village
Historic Landmark
“This beautifully restored hilltop town transports visitors back in time with its narrow cobblestone streets, ancient stone walls, and Gothic architecture.”
Peratallada
Historic Landmark
“Renowned as one of the most picturesque villages in Catalonia, it features a stunning fortified center carved directly into the natural rock.”
Cadaqués
Compartir
“Founded by former elBulli chefs, this restaurant offers a revolutionary, shared-plate dining experience that is widely considered the best in town.”
Church of Santa Maria
The white exterior of the church, set against the backdrop of the bay, is the defining image of Cadaqués.
Portlligat Bay
The tranquil, protected harbor where Dalí lived, offering calm waters and mirror-like reflections of the surrounding hills.
Cap de Creus Lighthouse
The easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, where the landscape becomes lunar, desolate, and incredibly beautiful.
Casa-Museu Salvador Dalí
Museum
“Explore the eccentric former home and studio of the surrealist master, located in the picturesque bay of Portlligat.”
Cap de Creus
Natural Park
“Visit this stunningly rugged peninsula to witness dramatic coastal cliffs and breathtaking views where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean Sea.”
Església de Santa Maria
Historic Landmark
“Perched at the highest point of the old town, this 16th-century church offers a beautiful Gothic interior and panoramic views over the white-washed village of Cadaqués.”
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes
A massive, ruined Benedictine monastery perched high in the mountains above the coast.
Why It's Worth It
“The architectural scale and the view of the bay from the monastery are unmatched in the entire region.”
The Dali Museum in Figueres
A trip to the world's largest surrealist object, designed by Dalí himself.
Why It's Worth It
“It provides essential context for the artistic landscape of the northern Costa Brava.”
Cala Montjoi
A rugged, remote cove located at the end of a long, unpaved road.
Why It's Worth It
“It is the site of the former elBulli restaurant and offers a sense of total isolation from the modern world.”
Ready to book your Cadaqués trip?
No extra cost to you • Supports free travel guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Late May to early June or late September to early October offers the best weather with manageable crowds.
The coastal roads are winding and narrow, requiring focus, but they are well-maintained and safe for experienced drivers.