Barcelona: Marimurtra Blanes Costa Brava /+ Wine Tour +Tapas

Traveling from Barcelona to the Costa Brava offers a refreshing change of scenery — rugged coastlines, lush gardens, and charming towns. This tour, rated 5 out of 5 by past travelers, combines a visit to the breathtaking Marimurtra Botanical Garden, a wine tasting experience, and free time in the coastal town of Blanes. It’s a well-rounded day that balances natural beauty, delicious local flavors, and relaxed exploration.

What makes this trip special for us is its organized yet flexible approach. You get a taste of the stunning landscape, enjoy top-quality wines at a seaside winery, and still have a bit of free time to soak up the ambiance of Blanes. The potential downside? If you’re not a fan of guided tours or prefer more personalized time in each spot, this structured itinerary might feel a bit tight. Still, for those seeking a hassle-free way to see a few highlights, it’s a fantastic option.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate scenic views, enjoy wine and tapas, and want a taste of authentic coastal life without the fuss of planning every detail. It’s especially ideal for first-timers in Barcelona wanting a comprehensive day-trip adventure.

Key Points

• Stunning Location: The Marimurtra Botanical Garden offers breathtaking sea cliffs and exotic plants.
• Convenient Transport: Hotel pick-up and drop-off make logistics simple.
• Local Flavors: Optional wine tasting and tapas add a delicious local touch.
• Flexibility: One hour of free time in Blanes allows personal exploration.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Well-reviewed guides enhance the experience with insights and recommendations.
• Value for Money: At $205 per person, it offers a balanced mix of sights, tastes, and relaxation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: A Day of Natural Beauty and Coastal Charm

Starting Point: Easy Pickup and Comfortable Transport

The tour begins with a hotel pickup, usually in a private vehicle or minivan. This is a real plus, especially after a long day of travel or sightseeing in Barcelona — no need to navigate public transport or worry about parking. The small-group setting (booking is for four people, but larger groups can be accommodated with extra charges) ensures a relaxed and personable experience.

The Marvel of Marimurtra Botanical Garden

The highlight of the day is a visit to Jardi Botanic Marimurtra, perched high on the cliffs above Blanes and overlooking the Mediterranean. The garden is famed for its panoramic sea views and an extensive collection of over 4,000 exotic plant species. The garden’s layout is as much about the vistas as the flora, with winding paths leading visitors through lush greenery, terraces with benches to soak in the scenery, and carefully curated plant collections that reflect Mediterranean, tropical, and subtropical climates.

Past visitors, like Ashley, noted the stunning views and thoughtful stops. She mentioned, “the spots we went to (a winery, Jardin Marimurtra, and Blanes) were all beautiful and thoughtful stops as well!” The guides often share interesting tidbits about the plants, the history of the garden, and the area’s geology, adding layers to the visit.

Free Time in Blanes: A Coastal Town with Authentic Charm

After soaking in the garden’s beauty, you’re given one hour of free time in Blanes. This is enough to stroll along the seafront promenade, relax in a beach café, or wander through the narrow streets filled with local shops and eateries. Many visitors appreciate this time to unwind or find a quiet spot for a coffee or ice cream.

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Optional Wine Tour and Tapas

As a perfect closing touch, you can opt for a wine tasting at a beautiful seaside winery. This is a highlight for many — sampling premium Spanish wines in a relaxed setting, often paired with tapas or light snacks. The guides are knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is often described as “picturesque,” making it an indulgent end to the day.

The wine experience is an add-on, but many find it well worth the extra cost for the chance to taste local varieties and enjoy the scenic vineyard views. Ashley’s review praises the guides’ care and the thoughtfully curated stops, hinting that the wine tasting adds a special flavor to the trip.

Practical Details: Timing, Transport, and Cost

The entire day runs smoothly, typically lasting around 8 hours including pickup, travel, and sightseeing. The transportation is comfortable, with a private car or minivan, and pickup is arranged conveniently from your hotel in Barcelona.

At $205 per person, this tour offers good value considering the inclusions: entrance to Marimurtra, a guided experience, and the flexibility of adding wine tasting. Keep in mind, the price is based on a group of four; smaller groups may incur an additional fee.

What We Love About This Tour

Beautiful Scenery and Gardens: The garden’s clifftop location provides some of the most spectacular views of the Mediterranean. The exotic plants and thoughtfully designed paths make for memorable photos and peaceful moments.

Ease and Comfort: The hotel pickup and drop-off remove the usual worries of transportation, especially in a busy city like Barcelona. The small group makes it intimate and easy to ask questions or get personalized recommendations.

Authentic Local Experiences: Sampling wines at a seaside winery and wandering through Blanes’ streets adds a genuine touch to the trip. You’re not just seeing sights — you’re tasting a bit of local life.

Well-Reviewed Guides: Ashley’s glowing review highlights the guides’ attentiveness and helpfulness, making the day feel seamless and insightful.

Things to Keep in Mind

While the tour is well-organized, the one-hour free time is relatively brief, so you’ll want to prioritize what interests you most in Blanes. Also, the price is for a group of four, so if you’re traveling solo or as a smaller party, the cost might be slightly higher.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a stress-free way to explore Costa Brava’s highlights without the hassle of arranging transport or tickets. It’s ideal for first-time visitors to Barcelona eager to see scenic gardens and coastal towns, as well as those interested in tasting local wines.

If you’re looking for a relaxing day with beautiful visuals and authentic flavors, this experience ticks many boxes. It also suits those who appreciate guided insights and don’t mind a set schedule — the small group size keeps it intimate and friendly.

The Sum Up: The Value of a Scenic Coastal Escape

This tour offers a balanced day of sightseeing, tasting, and relaxing in one of Spain’s most beautiful coastal regions. The combination of stunning views at Marimurtra, a chance to sample premium wines, and free time in Blanes makes it a compelling choice for those wanting a taste of Costa Brava without the full-day commitment of multiple separate trips.

The knowledgeable guides and thoughtfully curated stops elevate the experience beyond just ticking boxes, creating memorable moments and insider tips. The price reflects the quality of the scenery, the ease of transport, and the chance to indulge in local flavors — making it an excellent value for travelers seeking a comprehensive yet relaxed day trip.

For anyone wanting a scenic, flavorful, and hassle-free escape from Barcelona, this tour promises a delightful day full of beauty, good wine, and gentle coastal charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, making logistics simple and stress-free.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation in a private car or minivan, entrance to the Marimurtra Botanical Garden, and one hour of free time in Blanes.

Can I add the wine tasting and tapas?
Yes, the wine tour and tapas are offered as optional add-ons, which can be arranged after booking.

How long does the entire tour last?
The full experience typically lasts around 8 hours, from pickup to drop-off.

Is there a minimum group size for booking?
The listed price is based on a group of four. Smaller groups may need to pay an additional fee.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is available in Catalan, English, and Spanish.

What makes Marimurtra Garden special?
It’s renowned for its cliffside location, spectacular sea views, and over 4,000 exotic plant species, making it one of the most beautiful gardens in the Mediterranean.

Will I have enough time to explore Blanes?
Yes, you get one hour of free time, which is generally sufficient to stroll, relax, or grab a quick bite.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most likely yes, especially since it’s a relaxing day with scenic spots and optional wine tasting. However, families with young children should consider the walking involved at the garden.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended, especially if you plan to explore the garden or town. You might also want to bring a camera for the stunning views.

This detailed review should help you decide whether this trip hits the right notes for your Costa Brava adventure. It’s a thoughtfully crafted experience that combines scenic beauty, local flavors, and easy logistics — all key ingredients for a memorable day out of Barcelona.

You can check availability for your dates here: