The cosmopolitan city of Barcelona is an excellent starting point to explore the Spanish geography. If you like this idea, note down these road trips near Barcelona for your next getaway.
Road trips near Barcelona
Barcelona has a strategic location, which makes it a prime province to explore. Between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains, you can explore both the beaches of the Costa Brava or the Costa Dorada, or venture inland to the Pyrenees in search of medieval towns.
But precisely because of the variety of options, there is nothing like having your own rental car to get around with ease. Keep in mind that there are always places that are not very accessible, or even if they are, public transportation has its limitations.
What’s more, with your vehicle you can make impromptu stops whenever and wherever you like. And best of all, if you choose OK Mobility, you can pick up your car in Barcelona or other provinces such as Zaragoza, Santander or Asturias, among others.
Now that you have your plan, here are the best road trips near Barcelona:
Costa Brava: coves, towns and turquoise sea
The Costa Brava is undisputed as one of the best options to get to know the wonders that this area has to offer. You can drive from Blanes to Portbou, on a road that winds between cliffs and hidden coves. In addition to complete tranquility, you will love the crystal-clear waters.
Some mandatory stops are: Tossa de Mar, known for its walled old town; Begur, in the heart of the Empordà, has Colonial houses and the best beaches in the area; and in Cadaqués Salvador Dalí found his inspiration, and you only need a glance to understand why.
If you like hiking, take advantage of the Camino de Ronda to walk along some sections of coastline. And if you prefer aquatic activities, you can dive or snorkel in the Medes Islands, near L'Estartit. To complete the route, head to Cap de Creus, with a rocky landscape that blends with the blue Mediterranean.
Montserrat and the Penedès wineries
A little more than an hour by car, another of the road trips near Barcelona that we recommend is one that runs through Montserrat. This place combines nature with spirituality and breathtaking views. Its monastery is well known for being nestled in the mountains. But if that doesn’t captivate you, you can also go up by cable car or funicular and walk some of the trails that cross the natural park.
From Montserrat, head to El Penedès, which is the birthplace of cava. In this region, the vineyards are the main protagonists, and you can taste the quality of their grapes in many wineries. For example, in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia or Vilafranca del Penedès.
La Garrotxa: volcanoes and medieval towns
La Garrotxa is a drastic change of landscape. It is volcanic in origin, located in northern Catalonia. It is perfect for hiking routes between craters and beech forests, such as those of the Fageda d'en Jordà nature reserve.
Another key stop in this area is Besalú, a medieval town that preserves a beautiful bridge over the Fluvià river. Also worth a visit is Castellfollit de la Roca, a small town built on a basalt cliff with spectacular views.
Costa Dorada and Roman Tarragona
We return to the beaches south of Barcelona, on the Costa Dorada, which are known for their fine sand and calm waters. Sitges is the first stop; a town with lots of atmosphere, beautiful beaches and a charming old town.
If you follow the coast, you will reach Tarragona, a historic city that houses Roman remains, such as the amphitheatre overlooking the sea, the circus and the aqueduct. And if you are looking for an adrenaline rush, head to PortAventura.
The Pyrenees: nature and adventure
If you are travelling in winter, you can visit ski resorts such as La Molina or Baqueira-Beret. And in summer, you can hike between lakes and small mountain villages. Vall de Núria is one of the most special places, accessible by car to Ribes de Freser and then by a rack railway that climbs through the mountains. Another essential place is Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici, the only national park in Catalonia.
Create your own plan and rent your car in Barcelona with OK Mobility to start your travel arrangements, we are waiting for you at OK Mobility!
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