The capital of Spain’s Catalonia region is a cosmopolitan city bursting at the seams with colourful art, quirky architecture, sunny beaches and delicious food. Barcelona truly has a little bit of everything, making it a can’t-miss stop on this Barcelona road trip.
Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí’s fantastical designs can be explored in a day, starting with La Sagrada Familia, his still unfinished masterpiece basilica. Visit the unusual Casa Milà and Casa Batlló next, then head to Park Güell, a whimsical wonderland of colourful mosaic tiles with beautiful views over the city.
Football fans will enjoy a visit to Camp Nou, home of FC Barcelona, while the beautiful sands of Barceloneta Beach might also be calling your name. Visit the Gothic Quarter for bohemian cafés and plentiful tapas bars, but bear in mind that dinner rarely starts before 21:00 in Barcelona.
Later, head to the nightclubs of Eixample or El Born, where locals keep dancing well into the early morning.
Once a Roman colony, the pretty port city of Tarragona is just a short drive from Barcelona. Explore well-preserved ancient ruins in and around the medieval centre, starting with the Tarragona Amphitheatre.
Built in the 2nd century, the Mediterranean Sea served as a bright blue backdrop for fierce gladiatorial battles. Are you not entertained?
On the outskirts of town, the Ferreres Aqueduct is well worth the short drive. Also known as Pont del Diable, this stunning marvel of ancient construction is a beautiful spot for a picnic or a scenic walk.
Back in town, pop into the Tarragona Cathedral to see stunning stained glass and take a leisurely stroll around the city’s oldest quarter, Part Alta, where many warm, cosy tapas bars and bistros beckon.
Montserrat's an easy day trip from Barcelona, but it's also an ideal place to stop overnight on a Barcelona road trip by campervan. We suggest arriving at the campsite in the evening and getting up early to enjoy a full day exploring the monastery and the walking trails.
Originally founded in the 11th century, Santa Maria de Montserrat remains one of the most important religious sites in Catalonia.
The abbey itself is free to visit and is mainly accessed by cable car — an incredibly scenic ride high into the jagged Montserrat mountain range. Legend has it that this was once the home of the Holy Grail.
There are also numerous walking trails to wander for truly epic panoramic views, including Sant Miquel's Cross, Sant Jeroni and the Stairway to Heaven.
Girona’s star is on the rise, largely thanks to the production team behind Game of Thrones. As you take a stroll through the old Jewish Quarter and past the Girona Cathedral, you’ll recognise scenes from the “free city” of Braavos as well as King’s Landing. (Hopefully, you’ll have more luck visiting the city than the show’s characters.)
The Passeig Arqueològic is a walkway leading past landscaped gardens and old watchtowers along medieval Girona’s ancient city walls.
Visit the Banys Àrabs, a 12th-century Roman-style bathhouse, then wander south along the River Onyar, where colourful houses line the riverfront on both sides.
In addition to its magnificent architecture and history, Girona is an ideal destination for foodies. Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca has been named one of the world’s best restaurants and is the perfect treat to wrap up an incredible week-long Barcelona road trip. Adéu, Catalunya!
