Enjoying Coastal Gardens and Tossa de Mar

This secret lookout is a favorite with locals, offering splendid views over the coast back toward Barcelona. One last opportunity to bid farewell to the city before diving into the natural beauty of the Costa Brava.

This coastline between Barcelona and Tossa de Mar is dotted with little seaside towns, ideal stops to get out of the car and stretch your legs. Calella is a great spot for a break, home to a pretty town center and a fantastic beach. This restaurant sits right on the shore, letting you enjoy the views of the Mediterranean while you enjoy a coffee.

Enjoy a short stroll through the Calella old town, taking in the central plaza and the quaint church, before jumping back in the car and moving on. The sun-dappled squares are quiet and charming, offering a glimpse into the laid-back lifestyle along the coast.

Right outside Blanes, the official beginning of the Costa Brava, is this stunning botanical garden. It's a taster for just how beautiful this part of Spain really is. The landscaped gardens sprawl their way to the sea, with thousands of plants and lovely views over the coastline to boot.
A comfortable pair of walking shoes are recommended.

After exploring the botanic gardens, make your way to this beachfront restaurant in Lloret de Mar for a delicious lunch overlooking Fenals Beach. There's paella, pizzas, pasta, and an extensive grill menu as well – something for everyone.

A post-lunch dip at this gorgeous beach is called for before finally making the drive into Tossa de Mar in the late afternoon.

Parking is always hard to come by in the squeezy towns along the Costa Brava. The Puerto Rico car park in Tossa de Mar is a good option, thanks to it being within walking distance of all the city's sights.

This is one of the adorable places on the Costa Brava. Have a walk through the medieval streets, be in touch with the history and admire the views of the sea.

Now it's time to enjoy your evening in Tossa de Mar! Your first stop should be the castle, providing spectacular views from the top across the coastline. It's a part of the fortified old town, a well-preserved area of cobbled streets and historic buildings. The views are incredible, getting better and better as you make your way further up the hill.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as it's a steady climb to the top. There are several routes you can take, all of them offering fantastic views over Tossa de Mar and the beach and eventually leading to the lighthouse.

Make your way to the very top for sunset, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas in both directions from this lighthouse. With the afternoon fading, cross your fingers for a vibrant Mediterranean sunset casting hues of pink, purple, and gold across the sea and sky.

This lovely Italian restaurant does wood fired pizzas and fresh pasta in a picturesque setting along the shoreline. Thanks to its elevated position slightly up the hill, their terrace enjoys splendid views of the castle, a gorgeous sight when it's lit up during the evening.

Enjoy your evening in one of the many fantastic hotels sprinkled across Tossa de Mar. Tomorrow, you'll start the day with an ocean swim before taking off to drive one of the country's most scenic stretches of coast, with plenty of beautiful coves to stop at along the way.