Costa Brava and Dalí’s coast

Route description

From Barcelona, head north along the coast to Tossa de Mar, whose walled old town, the Vila Vella, stands on a headland above the beach. From Tossa the GI-682 runs north to Sant Feliu de Guíxols along the cliffs, with hundreds of bends and sea views all the way; allow plenty of time.

Calella de Palafrugell is a former fishing village of white houses and boats pulled up on the beach, linked to nearby coves by the coastal path, the Camí de Ronda. Further north the road crosses the hills to Cadaqués, a white village on a bay where Dalí’s house at Portlligat can be visited with advance booking.

Cap de Creus is the easternmost point of mainland Spain, with wind-carved rocks, hidden coves and a lighthouse; in summer car access to the cape may be restricted. Inland, Figueres is home to the Dalí Theatre-Museum, designed by the artist as his own work of art and topped with giant eggs.

The route ends in Girona, with its cathedral steps, medieval walls and colourful houses along the river Onyar. The roads to Cadaqués and along the GI-682 are winding and narrow, and parking is limited in summer; large motorhomes should use campsites and car parks outside the villages.