Barcelona Road Trip | Campervan Hire

Stop 1: Barcelona

Highlights:

La Sagrada Familia: Gaudí’s still unfinished basilica masterpiece.
Parc Güell: Impressive, mosaic-covered park overlooking the city.
Camp Nou: Home of FC Barcelona with stadium tours and a museum.
Barceloneta Beach: Swim or sunbathe on a lovely, sandy beach.

Where to Eat:

Bar El Tomas ($): Tapas bar with the best patatas bravas.
Nou Celler ($$): Cosy spot for traditional Catalan cuisine.
La Boqueria ($): Get there early or book a guided market tour.

Where to Park for the Night:

Barcelona, where colour and cuisine converge

The capital of Catalonia is a cosmopolitan city bursting at the seams with colourful art, quirky architecture, sunny beaches and delicious food. Barcelona really has a 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 lovely sands of Barceloneta Beach might also call your name. Visit the Gothic Quarter for bohemian cafés and plenty of tapas bars, but bear in mind that dinner rarely starts before 21:00 in Barcelona.

Later, head to the nightclubs in Eixample or El Born, where locals keep dancing well into the early morning.

Stop 2: Tarragona

Highlights:

Amfiteatre de Tarragona: Seaside ruins of a Roman amphitheatre.
Aqüeducte de les Ferreres: Ancient Roman aqueduct, also known as Pont del Diable.

Where to eat:

Koop ($): Cool and cosy Catalan restaurant.
Txantxangorri ($$): Stylish Basque bistro with a rustic vibe.

Where to park for the night:

Pàrquing Pont del Diable de Tarragona ($$): Parking area near Pont del Diable.
Las Palmeras Camping: ($$): Beautiful beachfront spot 10 minutes from town.

When in Tarragona, do as the Romans do

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 provided a bright blue backdrop for fierce gladiatorial battles. Not entertained?

On the outskirts of town, the Ferreres Aqueduct is well worth the short drive. Also known as Pont del Diable, this stunning feat of ancient engineering 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.

Stop 3: Montserrat

Highlights:

Santa Maria de Montserrat: The main attraction, a Benedictine monastery.

Where to Eat:

Restaurante Abat Cisneros ($$$): Your best option, though a bit pricey.

Where to park overnight:

Aeri de Montserrat ($$): Park at the station and take the cable car up.
Camping Freixa ($$): Short drive to the monastery from Manresa.

Head to the mountains and the majestic Montserrat

Montserrat is an easy day trip from Barcelona, but also a great place to stop overnight on a Barcelona campervan road trip. 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 is still one of Catalonia's most important religious sites.

The abbey itself is free to visit and is mainly reached by cable car, an incredibly scenic ride high into the jagged Montserrat mountain range. Legend has it this was once the home of the Holy Grail.

There are also plenty of walking routes to wander for truly epic panoramic views, including Sant Miquel's Cross, Sant Jeroni and the Stairway to Heaven.

Stop 4: Girona

Highlights:

Jewish Quarter: Historic district with fortress and secret archways.

Banys Àrabs: 12th-century Roman bathhouse.

Where to eat:

La Penyora ($$): Mediterranean fusion meets an art gallery.

El Celler De Can Roca ($$$$): Treat yourself at one of the world’s best.

Where to park for the night:

Pàrking Vayreda la Devesa ($$): Convenient for the city centre.

Camping Girona Can Toni Manescat ($$): Just a 15-minute drive from town.

Medieval walls and Michelin stars in Girona

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 riverside 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!