Barcelona Road Trip: Catalonia and the Best Around its Capital

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 part 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 of the city.

Football fans will enjoy a visit to Camp Nou, home of Barcelona FC, while the beautiful sands of Barceloneta Beach might also call your name. Visit the Gothic Quarter for bohemian cafés and plentiful tapas bars, but know that dinner rarely starts before 9:00 pm 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 road trip 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 place for a picnic or scenic walk.

Back in town, peek into the Tarragona Cathedral to see stunning stained glass and take a leisurely stroll around the city’s oldest quarter, Part Alta, where a number of warm, cosy tapas bars and bistros beckon.

Montserrat is an easy day trip from Barcelona, but also an ideal place to stop overnight on a Barcelona road trip by campervan. We suggest arriving at the campground in the evening and rising early to enjoy a full day exploring the monastery and hiking 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 visitors and accessed mainly via cable car, an incredibly scenic ride high up into the jagged Montserrat mountain range. Legend has it that this was once the home of the Holy Grail.

There are also numerous hiking 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 for Game of Thrones. As you take a stroll through the old Jewish Quarter and past the Girona Cathedral, you’ll recognize 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 weeklong Barcelona road trip. Adéu, Catalunya!