Finding the perfect itinerary for a Catalonia road trip can be tedious. Looking for all the attractions, fitting them into the limited number of days, and then, of course, there’s the budget. All this within your free day? Sounds impossible!
Actually, it is totally possible. We have created the perfect itinerary for a Catalonia road trip including the main attractions, the best hotels to stay in, and the delicacies you should try on the way. So, let’s get started!
The Best Way to Get Around in Catalonia
Rent A Car (Best Option)
As car rental prices in Catalonia are quite reasonable. This is, in our opinion, the best option. You will be much more flexible with your plans and the journey will be less hectic. Moreover, the drive will be enjoyable because you could come across some of the best landscape views on the way and you can stop at any time you want.
Tip: Rental Cars website offers usually good deals in Catalonia. Check them out.
Public Transportation
You can travel around Catalonia easily and conveniently with public transportation. Catalonia has a well-developed public transportation system, with trains and buses that are generally affordable.
Its commuter trains can take you to a lot of locations all around several medieval villages. Buses are another option for getting to locations lacking train stations. There are various bus lines from which you can travel to outside areas.
Rad Also: 26 Incredible Medieval Towns In Europe That Are Not-To-Miss
On a Bike (Adventurous)
Catalonia was recently built with 200 km of cycling lanes, making it fun if you enjoy exploring the region on a bike.
Catalonia Road Trip Itinerary (8 Days)
Our Catalonia road trip gave us an incredible experience! From the botanical gardens of Barcelona to excursions on the shore and discovering charming mountain towns. The trip was really enriching
Shift your gear into the fun mode and take a look at what your 8-day road trip in Catalonia will be like 🙂
Day 1-2: Barcelona
All the tourists adore the seaside city of Barcelona with its abundance of historical and cultural landmarks. The lush green Collserola hills provide a backdrop for structures that span the millennia, from the Romanesque churches to Modernism’s eccentricity.
Tip: We had trouble fitting the beautiful region of Barcelona in just a day, so we’ve extended your trip for 2 days to explore the best sites in the city.
Look at the famous art pieces
The first stop in the metropolis of Barcelona is the picturesque paintings and art. Visit the Picasso Museum to view early Cubist works but not before having a lovely breakfast at Sandwicherie.
Then proceed to the Museum of Contemporary Art. The Sagrada Familia follows, of course; nothing else compares to its architectural styles that show Catalan Modernism.
Sightseeing at La Rambla
On the next day, it is a must to visit La Rambla. You will be moving through the live sculptures, street dancers, bird-sellers, and flower stands while walking beneath the shade of the tall trees. When in La Rambla, do not miss out on the traditional Catalan cuisine at Pinotxo.
Stroll through Park Guell
Another must-see in Barcelona is Park Güell. Its terrace has a fantastic view overlooking the city and is adorned with brilliant mosaic tiles. Don’t miss out on the famous football ground of Camp Nou.
After that, you will move on to sightseeing in the Gothic quarter where you will come across gothic architecture with detailed stonework. Here you will hear the stories and legends behind the oldest districts of Barcelona.
If you get hungry, visit Escribà for delicious pastries and desserts. After that, we’ll ascend to Montjuic, a magnificent hill that overlooks the city.
Tip: Visit Park Guell as early as possible during the day to avoid the crowds.
If you want to step out of that car for a while, you can take the cable car to the Old Port which is open from 10 am to 9 pm for 16 Euros. for fun, and head straight to the Barcelona beach for a relaxing time. The Port Cable Car will be available from the Passeig de Joan Borbó path. For dinner, choose among the city’s many adorable tapas eateries.
Hotel Recommendations in Barcelona
Praktik Èssens
Situated in the heart of Barcelona, Hotel Praktik Essens is a stunning boutique hotel. It occupies a gorgeous historical building from the 19th century that was transformed into a true fragrant pyramid. You’ll always remember Barcelona thanks to their carefully curated selection of house scents and perfumes!
Motel One Barcelona
Motel One Barcelona is a lovely accommodation for people like you. Guests can also enjoy the on-site rooftop bar in the evening for delicious food and drinks with a view.
Day 3: Girona
The historic city of Girona is the next stop on your road trip. You can reach here by train for as low as $10 or take a 1.5-hour drive. You can book the train tickets from RailEurope.com. Girona is a cultural candy box filled with galleries, museums, and churches that are all connected by charming cobblestone streets.
Enjoy the scenery at Arab Baths and Jewish Quarters
Despite being small, this beautiful city is jam-packed with things to do. Start your day by admiring the scenery of the city walls, then go to the Arab Baths and Jewish quarters. You will see historic city ruins wherever you go. You can explore the old streets and taste Catalan food at one of the local restaurants.
Arab Baths
Jewish Quarter
Take a cultural tour around the Passeig Arqueolgic
Explore the Força Vella fortress ruins and stroll around the Passeig Arqueolgic, a path that follows the city’s historic walls. For breathtaking views of the foothills of the Pyrenees, make your way to a watchtower. If you want to learn about the culture, you can give the Dali museum a visit. The Dali theatre museum showcases the talent of Salvador Dalí.
If that’s not enough, then visit the Castell de Sant Ferran and take a look at the huge military fortress.
Think about also visiting the ice cream shop Rocambolesc for some pop culture, where you can get a blood-orange dessert shaped like Jaime Lannister’s hand from Game of Thrones.
Have a cinematic experience at Girona Museum
If you’re interested in learning more about the development of cinema in Catalonia and around the world, you should visit the Girona Museum of Cinema; it’s definitely worth the €6 entrance fee.
After that, you can go around driving in the village of Santa Pau for a ride in the nature. Be sure to visit the Fluvià and Toronell rivers in Castellfollit de la Roca.
Hotel Recommendations in Girona
Hotel Casa Cacao
The Casa Cacao Hotel is housed in a completely renovated historic property in the center of Girona. It is a friendly place with 15 attractive rooms as well as a magnificent terrace where you can enjoy breakfast.
Tip: You can also experience the customary chocolate factory on the hotel’s ground level.
Hotel Nord 1901 Superior
This locally owned hotel is a terrific option if you’re looking for luxurious accommodation in Girona. Additionally, it is conveniently close to Girona’s most popular attractions due to its central location.
Day 4: Montserrat & Tossa de Mar
You can choose to start exploring Catalonia outside of Barcelona on Day 4 of your trip by taking a day trip to breathtaking Montserrat and Tossa de Mar by driving for 1.5 hours.
This stunning neighborhood, which is only a short drive from Barcelona’s city center, seems like a completely different world.
Check the religious aspects of Montserrat
This stunning location is known for its stunning mountain scenery and Benedictine monastery.
Be sure to visit the monastery and discover the background of this neighborhood. Regardless of your religious affiliation, seeing the Black Madonna at Montserrat is a meaningful and spiritual experience. Don’t forget to take your lunch at Restaurant Abat Cisneros for the best food on the Mediterranean coast.
Unwind in Tossa De Mar’s beach
Even though Tossa de Mar is one of Catalonia’s lesser-known tourist destinations, it is unquestionably one of the greatest. You must stop by this picturesque beachside town while on this road trip.
When you arrive in this town, you’ll be welcomed to a clean and beautiful beach and some breathtaking views of Platja Mar Menuda. You can enjoy a walk on the beach or enjoy some water sports. The castle at the end of the sandy beach called Muralles de Tossa de Mar is a striking landmark in the vicinity. The top floor of the castle provides fantastic views of the surroundings.
Tip: End off your day at the Portal Restaurant to enjoy some Spanish delicacies.
Hotel Recommendations in Montserrat & Tossa de Mar
Since this is a one-day trip, you don’t need to book a hotel for the entire day. You can choose a rental lodge at the end of the day that is inexpensive to take some rest and then move on to Day 5 of the road trip.
Hermes Hotel
Hermes is located near the beach which allows guests to enjoy the calming sound of beach waves. It has the local color portrayed in their rooms along with a beautiful view of the beach.
Tossa Beach Center
Offering the perfect balance of price, comfort, and convenience, Tossa Beach Center has a peaceful environment with a number of amenities tailored for guests just like you. The resort also has a pool and a lounge for a pleasurable stay.
Day 5: Tarragona
We vividly recall arriving in Tarragona and being completely captivated by the sight of the Roman amphitheater set against the vibrant turquoise of the sea. It goes without saying that the city’s rich Roman heritage and not to forget the wineries of Vilafranca del penedès attract a lot of tourists.
Take a day to explore the Roman ruins, such as the amphitheater, circus, and Roman fortresses. It goes without saying that you must visit the city’s main market at Pl. de Corsini, where you can sample regional specialties and learn about Tarragona’s culture. You should also unwind at the beach if you are visiting Tarragona in the summer.
Tip: We suggest going to the renowned local eatery El Celleret for lunch since it is surrounded by vineyards.
Mediterranean Balcony is about a two-minute stroll from Tarragona Amphitheater and it overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. It’s said that touching the railing here will bring you luck!
Amazing Food in Celleret Restaurant
At El Cau, close to the amphitheater, taste inventive tapas such as black sausage with sautéed apples or deer burgers with caramelized onions. El Call de Montblanc, located in the countryside, offers a fusion of Catalan and Basque food in a charming ambiance.
Hotel Recommendations in Tarragona
SB Ciutat de Tarragona
This hotel is conveniently situated in Imperial Tarraco Square and offers a rooftop pool and a jacuzzi. Its contemporary rooms have marble flooring and a vintage look. The hotel provides immediate access to the airport and is located near the Tarragona Bus Station.
H10 Imperial Tarraco
This elegant hotel is a 9-minute walk from Tarragona railway station and is located off a beautiful pedestrian lane with views of the Balearic Sea. It has a spa for the guests to unwind after a busy day.
Day 6: Siurana and Reus
We’d recommend dividing your time on day 6 between two distinct locations in Catalonia: Siurana and Reus. They appear to be nearby on the map, but the trip will probably take an hour or more.
Check out the Moorish Fortress
Situated in Northern Spain, the Moorish fortress and the Baroque ruins of Escaladei provide charming places for discovering the Garnacha-based remains of this renowned wine region. You can reach here by car in under an hour or take a bus from Tarragona to Siurana.
Anyone who enjoys a decent view will be amazed by the breathtaking landscapes. You can explore a number of tempting local drinks tasting opportunities throughout the penedès wine region.
Visit the famous Santa Maria
There are many historical locations around that are all easily accessible by car. The church devoted to Santa Maria, which is Romanesque in design and features a doorway with a tympanum embellished with numerous patterns, is the most significant structure in Siurana.
Tip: If you want to engage in something more than simply stroll through this charming village, there are many options for a lovely hike in Pantano De Siurana.
Wandering around the city of Reus
It’s time to get back in the car and resume the road trip to the city of Reus after leisurely seeing this charming village. This small city is full of examples of legendary modernist architecture.
Reus is an excellent site to return to the beginning of Gaudi’s life after visiting some of his most well-known works. After all, the brilliant architect was actually born in Reus.
Visit the popular Gaudi Center
The Gaudi Center is the first stop to learn everything you can about his life. This is a pretty interesting museum visit with loads of interactive exhibits, movies, and displays. Once you’ve had your share of Gaudi, head to Reus’ central square for ice cream.
Then, stroll through the streets of Reus for seeing modernist architecture. Numerous stunning and ornate buildings, including those by renowned Catalan architects, can be found all throughout the city center.
Hotel Recommendations in Reus
You will be visiting two places in a day, so it is advisable to get a nightcap in Reus.
Hotel Gaudi
This relaxed hotel is located on a tree-lined street and is a 5-minute walk from the Gaud Center. Its amenities include a bar and a restaurant to enjoy Catalan delicacies.
Mercure Atenea Aventura
Travelers visiting Vila Seca should consider staying at the Mercure Atenea Aventura, which provides a welcoming ambiance for families with a number of convenient amenities to make your stay more enjoyable.
Day 7: Costa Dorada
Let’s move on to our beach day on Costa Dorada, which is in the southern part of Catalonia, and has about 60 fantastic beaches, rivers, and mountains.
Relaxing beach walks at Salou
Just like Lloret de Mar, there are a few places in Costa Dorada to enjoy water sports. The first option is to book parasailing in Salou since it’s a tranquil activity, and the scenery is stunning. You can see several of the locations you’ve been to on this Catalonia road trip.
It will surely take up your morning and go on late into the afternoon with all the activities on the beach.
Paddle your way into La Cova del Llop
You can also sign up for a paddleboarding tour to La Cova del Llop, a little cave a few kilometers along the beach. The cave can only be accessed by water. You can choose to swim there, unwind on the rocky beach, or look for limestone caves and crystals once you’re there.
Enjoy the local festivals
You can ask around about the Catalan festivals happening around. The Catalans enjoy festivals, and there are events all year long. The Castells celebrations are among the most stunning because participants balance on top of one another to build human towers that are up to ten stories tall!
Children are likely to be amazed by the sight of these human pyramids, despite the fact that these gatherings can get very busy. These have a peak season that begins in April and lasts until the beginning of October.
Tip for Accommodation: Since Costa Dorada isn’t that far from Reus, you can choose to stay in the same hotel for an extended day.
Day 8: Pump up your adrenaline at PortAventura World
After spending your road trip looking at historical buildings, you should end it at the popular theme park, PortAventura Park, for adventurous rides and roller coasters.
You will enjoy being at the PortAventura world if you are an adrenaline junkie. The various regions of the world are represented by separate sections of PortAventura World.
The two biggest attractions of the park, Shambhala and Dragon Khan, allow you to experience some insane G-forces.
You will enjoy the numerous roller coasters as the adrenaline takes your fun to another level. If you are traveling with kids, there are many rides for them as well.
Hotel Recommendations in Port Aventoura
PortAventura Hotel
This resort is the best option for people who do not want to travel to and from the PortAventura theme park because it is located inside the park itself. It is made to look like a Mediterranean fishing village and offers unlimited entry to the park.
Apartamento Salou
Apartamento Salou Port Aventura offers lodging with a bar and a garden with a seasonally open swimming pool in Salou. There is a terrace on the property, and the apartment is near hiking and fishing opportunities.
Must-Try Food in Catalonia
The traditional food of Catalonia is just as well-known and diversified as its history and architecture. Catalan cuisine is rich because it combines regional foods that are found between the ocean and the mountains. Here are some of the must-try dishes in Catalonia that you cannot miss on your road trip.
Pan con Tomate
Pan with Tomate has raised the bar for the combination even though it can be mistaken for other tomato and bread combos like bruschetta. Catalans take delight in using very precise foods to create the Pan con Tomate excellence they are so fond of.
The base will be the finest Coca bread, and some rich olive oil will be drizzled over it. The most notable stage is the application of wonderfully soft, red tomatoes to the bread, followed by the addition of salt to complete the masterpiece.
Canelons
Canelons are a gift from Italy to Catalonia, probably as a result of the long history of trade between them. This pasta dish with Italian roots, which is somewhat similar to lasagna, is composed of meat-filled pasta tubes covered in a rich bechamel sauce. The dish is frequently served during Christmas, with chefs using the night before’s leftover meat to make pasta.
Calcots
A variety of green onions known as a Calcot is eaten in February and March in Catalonia to celebrate the arrival of spring! They are best consumed outside, where you can enjoy the traditional dish’s sloppy side. They have extra-large stems and a richer flavor than regular onions.
Usually, Calcots are cooked till charged over a grapevine-fueled fire. To protect the texture and flavors of this distinctive vegetable, they are wrapped in newspaper to cool down.
Escalivada
Escalivada is a side dish that is very common in restaurants and on Catalan family tables because it is very simple. This dish is served cold and the simplicity of preparation masks the health advantages because it is high in fiber and low in calories.
The three vegetables, red peppers, aubergine, and onion, are cooked whole until tender. They can be grilled or baked. After cooling, the veggies are cut into strips, peeled off their skin and seeds, and then seasoned with olive oil and salt. They are frequently served in establishments with black olives and anchovies.
A Bomba
Bomba is a specialty of Catalonia and a mainstay on all respectable tapas menus in the region. Bomba is a mashed potato ball that is stuffed with meat and then deep-fried. It is said that this dish was first created in the Barcelona neighborhood at a tapas bar named La Cova Fumada. This delectable ball is typically served with both a hot sauce and an aioli garlic sauce.
In honor of the anarchist rebels who used Barceloneta’s tavern-lined streets to plan attacks against the city’s fascist forces, a Bomba was created specifically to resemble a bomb and served with an extremely hot sauce.
Fun Facts to Know about Catalonia
Catalonia is an autonomous region of Spain that is situated on the Mediterranean coast. Here are some fun facts to know about Catalonia.
- Catalonia makes up 16% of Spain’s population with 7.5 million people.
- The people of Catalonia are fluent in three languages: Catalan, Spanish, and Occitan.
- The Catalan language is not a dialect of Spanish; rather it stems from Latin.
- They have an ancient Catalan festival known as correfoc, where participants dress as devils, let off fireworks, dance to drumbeats, and enact dramatic retellings of the struggle between good and evil.
- Despite being a relatively small state, it accounts for over one-fifth of Spain’s GDP and has an economy worth more than 215 billion euros.
- The Sagrada Familia cathedral, which started construction in 1882 is still under construction and is anticipated to complete between 2024 and 2026, which is more than 140 years.
- One of history’s most well-known artists, Salvador Dalí, was a native of Catalonia.
- Tourism accounts for 12 percent of Catalonia’s GDP since it has grown in importance over the past few years.
- One-fourth of the tourists that visit Spain, go to Catalonia.
- Another outstanding artist who was born in Catalonia is the well-known architect Antoni Gaud with seven of his works designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- During the rule of Francisco Franco in Spain, he banned Catalan in schools and public administration and Catalonia became an important part of the history of Iberian Peninsula.
Spanish Words that Will Save Your Life
Catalonia has established a reputation as one of the most interesting places in Europe, drawing tourists back repeatedly with its vivacious Catalan culture and chic international flair. Try your hand at the language if you want to survive in Catalonia’s colorful culture.
Common Greeting Words
- Hola: Hello
- Buenos días: Good morning
- Buenas tardes: Good afternoon
- Buenas noches: Good evening/night
- Adiós: Good-bye
- Por favor: Please
- Muchas gracias: Thank you
Common Words for Meals
- Tenedor: Fork
- Cuchillo: Knife
- Cuchara: Spoon
- La carta: The menu
- Menú del día: Daily set menu
- Bebidas: Drinks
- Primero: Starter
- Segundo: Main courses
- Postre: Dessert
- Desayuno: Breakfast
- Almuerzo: Lunch
- Cena: Dinner
- La Cuenta, Por Favor: Check, Please
Words for Getting Around
- Perdona/Disculpa: Excuse me
- Estoy perdido: I’m lost
- Busco la estación de tren/metro: I’m looking for the train/metro station
- Necesito un taxi: I need a taxi
- Un billete para ___, por favor – A ticket to ___, please.
Conclusion
This itinerary for an 8-day road trip through Catalonia will take you past the top attractions in the area.
Driving is the perfect way to experience everything that Catalonia has to offer, from relaxing on beaches, trekking in the mountains, and discovering cultural sites. Fasten your seat belt and get on the road to your trip to the wonderful land of Catalonia.
Read Next: The Perfect Mallorca Itinerary to Add to Your Bucket List.
