I couldn't find a direct train service for Madrid, but there is a very good service to Barcelona from all along the costa brava.

Try this site

http://www.renfe.es/cercanias/barcelona/index_horarios.html select " origen" and "destino", then click horario

Hope this helps

Lynne

Hi Liz12467, what type of holiday would you like, sight seeing, relaxing on a beach, type of accommodation, camp site hotel etc, and what is the make up of your party?

Have limited experience of the Costa Brava, but I would recommend it as a more relaxed friendly type of Costa holiday.

Hi, I have this weekend returned from a holiday in Costa Brava, a very nice town called Begur. There is a centre square in Begur with three cafe/bars that are open all day every day. Some of the bars were not open in the evening as they had not begun the season full.The food was delightful, finding a very good restaurant tucked away in a shopping arcade. The owners are German and have been there for 2 years. I would most definately recommend this for food.
There are some lovely beach coves around, but you do need a car, as they are all down really steep hills.
We travelled to Barcelona by train in 2 hours, got there for 10am and had a very pleasant time. We also travelled across the border to France and that was just over an hour by car.

I will have some pictures shortly. If you wish to see them just let me know by email.
***

Good luck
Chris

*Email removed for members protection from spam. Please use pm to make contact - Glynis*