Overview
Traveling from Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) to the coastal village of La Pola i Giverola opens the door to Costa Brava’s quieter charms. Located 120 km northeast of Barcelona, this journey takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes by road. La Pola i Giverola offers a blend of Mediterranean beaches, medieval architecture, and authentic Catalan culture – a perfect escape for travelers seeking tranquility beyond Barcelona’s bustle.
Getting to Know La Pola i Giverola
Nestled between Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guíxols, La Pola i Giverola (officially Santa Cristina d’Aro) combines coastal beauty with inland heritage. Key highlights include:
- Castell d’Aro: A well-preserved medieval fortress at the village core
- Camí de Ronda: Coastal hiking trails with cliffside sea views
- Local gastronomy: Family-run masías (farmhouses) serving suquet de peix (fish stew)
- Platja d’Aro: A 2 km Blue Flag beach 10 minutes south
This area attracts travelers who value authenticity over crowds, making reliable transportation essential for exploring its scattered attractions.
Arriving at Barcelona El Prat Airport
Barcelona Airport has two terminals (T1 and T2) with clear multilingual signage (Catalan/Spanish/English). After baggage claim:
- Currency exchange/ATMs available in both terminals
- Free Wi-Fi for immediate connectivity
- Taxi ranks and rental car desks located outside arrivals
- Pre-booked private transfers typically meet at designated “Meeting Points”
Pro tip: Download offline maps before landing, as some rural areas near La Pola i Giverola have spotty cellular coverage.
Barcelona Airport to La Pola i Giverola Transfer Options
Public Transport (Budget-Friendly)
- Train to Girona:
- R2 Nord line from Airport → Barcelona Sants (20 mins)
- Transfer to R11 train to Girona (1h 10m)
- Final leg: Taxi from Girona to La Pola i Giverola (30 mins, ~€50)
- Bus Alternatives:
- Sagalés Bus to Girona (€15, 1h 30m), then taxi
- No direct buses to La Pola i Giverola
Best for: Solo travelers with flexible schedules. Check timetables via Renfe and Moventis.
Taxi & Rideshare
- Metered taxis: €180-220 one-way
- Rideshares (BlaBlaCar): Rare on this route
- Watch for: Unofficial taxis charging flat rates without meters
Car Rentals
Major agencies (Europcar, Avis) operate at BCN:
- Compact car: €40-70/day
- Considerations:
- Toll roads (AP-7) add ~€15
- Narrow village streets require confident driving
- Parking widely available but check hotel restrictions
Private Transfer: Stress-Free Luxury
For seamless Barcelona airport to La Pola i Giverola transfers, services like A2B offer:
- Fixed pricing (€150-190) with no surge charges
- Flight tracking and 60-minute free wait time
- Vehicle options from sedans to 8-seaters
- English-speaking drivers familiar with rural routes
Example journey:
- Pre-book online with flight details
- Driver meets you at arrivals with name sign
- Direct route via C-32 and GI-682 highways
- Optional stops (e.g., Tossa de Mar) by request
Choosing Your Transfer Method
Recommendations:
- Families/Groups: Private transfers for child seats and luggage space
- Business Travelers: Pre-booked transfers to maximize productivity
- Budget Explorers: Train + taxi combo with advance planning
Travel Tips & Local Insights
- Scenic Detour: Take GI-682 through Sant Feliu de Guíxols for coastal vistas
- Peak Times: Avoid Friday afternoon departures (Barcelona weekend traffic)
- Currency: Carry €10-20 cash for rural tolls/parking
- Language Basics:
- “Good day” = Bon dia (Catalan)
- “Where is…?” = On és…?
Local quirk: Many restaurants close 4 PM–8 PM; plan meals accordingly.
Reaching Your Final Destination
Most accommodations in La Pola i Giverola are within 5 minutes of the village center. If staying at a rural masía:
- Confirm exact coordinates with your host
- Share location with driver via WhatsApp (widely used in Spain)
- Consider a luxury transfer Barcelona airport to La Pola for properties up mountain roads
Where to Get More Info
- Costa Brava Tourism Board – Official activity guides
- Barcelona Airport Updates – Real-time flight info
- Tossa de Mar Tourism – Nearby attraction details
FAQ: Barcelona Airport to La Pola i Giverola Transfers
Q: How long does a private taxi from Barcelona Airport to La Pola take? A: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes in normal traffic. Private transfers often match or beat taxi times due to optimized routing.
Q: Is there a Barcelona airport to La Pola i Giverola shuttle service? A: No direct shuttles exist. Private transfers via A2B provide the closest equivalent with door-to-door service.
Q: What’s the cost difference between taxi and private transfer? A: Private transfers average €150-190 vs. taxis at €180-220, with added benefits like flight tracking and fixed pricing.
Q: Can I request child seats for La Pola i Giverola taxi service? A: Reputable providers like A2B offer free child/booster seats when booked in advance.
Q: How early should I book transfers during peak season (June-August)? A: Reserve at least 72 hours ahead for best vehicle selection.
Safe travels! With the right transfer choice, your Catalan coastal escape begins the moment you land.
