Costa Brava Coast Road

The Costa Brava runs from Portbou to Blanes and covers about 200 km of coast. For campers, the overnight rules in Catalonia are the key point to plan around.

Region: Catalonia (Girona)
Length: About 200 km of coast
Start / end: Portbou – Blanes
Suggested time: 2–4 days
Best season: Spring to autumn; stricter checks in summer

What should you know before visiting Costa Brava Coast Road?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €7 (Spain).

The coast stretches from Portbou in the north to Blanes in the south, with coves between cliffs. Known stops include Cadaqués, Roses, Palamós and Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
Press reports say sleeping in a closed vehicle is generally possible if nothing extends outside. In Catalonia a raised pop-top roof counts as camping.
Press reports say awnings, tables, chairs and discharging fluids are not allowed outside campsites and autocaravana areas. In registered areas the Generalitat sets a maximum stay of 48 hours.
In natural parks such as Cap de Creus, overnighting outside campsites and areas is banned. Several coastal towns ban night parking; check the municipal ordinance beforehand.

The drive

From north to south the stops are Portbou, Cadaqués, the Bay of Roses, Empuriabrava, L'Estartit, Calella de Palafrugell, Palamós, Platja d'Aro, Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Blanes. The tourism board's Costa Brava area covers five comarques, from Alt Empordà to La Selva. We found no verified length, height or weight limits for individual roads; follow signs in old towns and on access roads to coves.

Camping

The framework comes from the regional nature-areas law, the Generalitat's tourism decree and municipal ordinances, and each municipality can add its own bans. The Mossos d'Esquadra and local police enforce it, more strictly in summer on beaches and in tourist towns. Restrictions are reported in places such as Cadaqués, Lloret de Mar, Blanes and Tossa, including beach car parks. Campsites and autocaravana areas are the safe option.

FAQs

Where does the Costa Brava begin and end?

According to the Costa Brava tourism board it runs from Portbou in the north to Blanes in the south. The board puts the coast at around 200 km.

May I sleep in my motorhome at the roadside?

It depends on the municipality. Several coastal towns ban night parking, and natural parks ban overnighting outside designated sites. Check signs and the local ordinance, or choose a campsite.

Does a raised roof count as camping?

In Catalonia, yes, according to the authorities' interpretation as reported in the press. Raising the roof or setting out an awning or furniture is intended only for campsites and autocaravana areas.

How long can I stay in an autocaravana area?

The Generalitat gives a maximum stay of 48 hours for registered autocaravana areas. Press reports add a 24-hour wait before returning to the same area. Some areas may ban overnight stays altogether, so read the notices.

How much are the tolls on Costa Brava Coast Road?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €7 (Spain). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.