8 Best Road Trips From Barcelona [2024]: Best Of Catalonia

Whether you’re visiting Barcelona and want to explore more of Catalunya, or you’re an ex-pat living in Barcelona now and want to have some fun with weekend trips from Barcelona, keep reading. I lived in Barcelona for 2 years and had a lot of time exploring all these Catalonia places. We went on a road trip with my friends and it was one of the best trips of my life.

Thanks to my experience, I’ve compiled the top 8 road trips from Barcelona. All of them can be done in a day. The list includes history, cities, beach relaxation, interesting facts, and fantastic hiking trails. Everyone can find a perfect trip from Barcelona, depending on your interests.

Let’s explore Catalunya together!

List Of The 8 Best Road Trips From Barcelona & Map

1. ANDORRA

2. MONTSERRAT

3. TARRAGONA

4. GIRONA

5. FIGUERES & BESALÚ

6. TOSSA DE MAR

7. EMPURIABRAVA

8. PORTAVENTURA

1. ANDORRA

Visit another country not so far from Barcelona. Yes, a real country is close to Barcelona, and it’s not France. Andorra belongs to the smallest countries in the world (it’s the smallest in Europe). 

From the political point of view, it’s a co-principality ruled by 2 princes. Interestingly, none of them comes from Andorra. One of them is the current President of France, and the co-prince is Bishop of Urgell.

Interesting Facts About Andorra

Here are some interesting facts about Andorra:

✅ Capital City: Andora La Vella – highest capital city in Europe (1023m/3356feet)
✅ Official Currency: EURO
✅ Hasn’t been part of any conflict & it remained neutral in WWII. (lack of natural resources, location in the Pyrenees mountains)
✅ Tax Heaven: thanks to its mass production of tobacco
✅ Official Language: Catalan; locals also speak Spanish and English

Best Things To Do In Andorra

🔅 Go Hiking
🔅 Drive through Andorra with breathtaking views
🔅 Enjoy natural baths & spa
🔅 Explore Andorra La Vella
🔅 Visit Romanesque churches
🔅 Taste local food

🔅 Go Hiking In Andorra

Andorra is home to 3 natural parks: Valle de Sorteny, Madriu-Perafita-Claror, Valls de Comapedrosa. Enjoy its beautiful hiking trails and the atmosphere of the Pyrenees mountains.

🔅 Drive Through Andorra With Breathtaking Views

Drive through and enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and valley – honestly, Andorra is worth driving through with a car. Tiny, curvy roads will lead you to the mountains with amazing views. 

Then back to stunning valleys full of stone bridges and houses with Romanesque style… the entire country is incredible, so spend some time driving there.

We did it with my friends during our road trip, and it was, after hiking, the best activity of all.

🔅 Enjoy Natural Baths & Spas

Andorra is pretty famous for its spa. One of the best spas is Caldea. Check it out and have a nice relaxation after your hiking experience. 

🔅 Explore Andorra la Vella

Go duty-free shopping in the capital of Andorra. After, visit some of the highlights in the city:

• Casa de la Vall – the building was constructed in 1580 and is now home to the parliament.
• Tobacco Museum – Andorra is known for its tobacco production, so stop by and learn about its history

🔅 Visit Romanesque Churches

Find Romanesque churches and admire their architecture, such as the Church of Sant Joan de Caselles, Sant Esteve, or Santa Coloma.

🔅 Taste Local Food

The most typical Andorran dish is Esudella – a stew made with meat and pasta shells. Another typical dish is Trinxat, a side dish made of cabbage leeks, potato, and pork.

You’ll often find trout on the menu in Andorra, coming for its fresh waters.

How To Get From Barcelona To Andorra?

Andorra is located 190 km/118 miles from Barcelona. It’ll take you around 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there by car.  Just follow the highway until you reach Andorra la Vella, the capital city.

Is Andorra Worth A Day Trip From Barcelona?

Yes, Andorra is worth a day trip from Barcelona. It’s a must-visit place if you’re in Barcelona. If you plan your day well, you can do a scenic drive through the Andorras mountains and visit Andorra La Vella in the afternoon.

One day is fine for Andorra if you don’t have more time. However, I highly recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in Andorra to experience its mountains and natural spas fully.

👉 READ ALSO: Barcelona Itinerary 3 Days: Explore The Highlights

2. MONTSERRAT

The Montserrat monastery is almost 1000 years old. About 80 monks live in the monastery nowadays.

Montserrat is a Catalan word and translates to English as ‘saw a mountain.’ The main attraction you come to admire here is the monastery, Benedictine Abbey, with the Montserrat Sanctuary carved right into the massive rocks of Montserrat.

It’s also a popular destination for hiking and climbing enthusiasts. 

Best Things To Do In Montserrat

🔅 Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey
🔅 The Black Madonna
🔅 La Botiga
🔅 Hike to the Cross

Suggested Itinerary For Montserrat

First, go to the Abbey and its Basilica to see ‘La Moreneta’. The Black Madonna, The Virgin of Montserrat, and saint patron of Catalonia. Her statue represents Romanesque Art.

FUN FACT: Some claim the reason for the Madonna to be black is that some shepherds found the statue in a dark cave, and others claim it is made from dark wood, and the candles darkened the statue even more.

After, go to the main shop La Botiga and taste cookies and coques made by the nuns. Outside are usually markets, where you can taste local food. They sell things like local cheese, honey, sweets, chorizo, and a lot more.

Enjoy the stunning views from Montserrat and soak up the atmosphere.

Montserrat is also famous for its beautiful hiking paths. Hike up to the cross on the other side and get the best views of Montserrat and its monastery.

How To Get From Barcelona To Montserrat

Traveling to Montserrat is one of the most iconic road trips in Catalonia. It’s a beautiful, curvy road leading up to the mountain where the monastery is built. You’ll love the views and the entire scenery, I’m sure.

Montserrat is 58 km/36 miles away from Barcelona, and it’ll take you about an hour to get there by car.

Is Montserrat Worth A Day Trip From Barcelona?

Yes, Montserrat is worth the day trip from Barcelona. It’s one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona. You can drive there by yourself or even take an organized tour.

Montserrat is situated 57km away from Barcelona center, around 50 minutes drive by car.

You can also join this organized tour from Barcelona to Montserrat. It’s a great way to travel if you want to skip the planning.

✅ NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE? Check out Safety Wings: Cheap & Flexible Insurance For Travelers

3. TARRAGONA

The city was founded before the 5th century BC. Tarragona was inhabited by several cultures and nations in the past, including the settlement of Hispanic tribes after being captured by the Roman forces, then ruled by Muslim Caliphs and Christian Kings. Today, it’s home to many Catalans and ex-pats.

In the past, Tarragona hosted a Roman colony, and that’s the reason why you’ll find many Roman archaeological sites, including the Roman Amphitheatre, which is one of the main attractions here. Also, check out the old aqueduct, which transported fresh water back in Roman times.

Thanks to its petrochemical industry, it’s the second most important financial center of Catalonia. The city also has a busy seaport with a lot of importance.

Tarragona is also a great place to see Castell, Catalan tradition. The point is that people climb on top of each other, creating a giant statue named Castell. It’s very impressive.

How To Get From Barcelona To Tarragona?

Tarragona is 96 km/59 miles away from Barcelona. It’ll take you about 1 hour and 10 minutes to get there by car.

4. GIRONA

Welcome to the hotspot of Game of Thrones fans. Many parts of the movie (season 6) were shot in several locations here in Girona, including the Jewish Quarter, Cathedral, and the River Onyar.

Sightseeing In Girona

You can look forward to ancient history, colorful architecture, and great food in Girona:

🔅 Jewish Quarter – between 982 and 1492, Jews lived in Girona, and this is one of the best-preserved Jewish Quarters in the world. You can also visit the Jewish Museum if you’re interested.

🔅 Girona Cathedral – walk through the famous staircase where Game of Thrones was shot.

🔅 Roman Arabis-style baths

🔅 Eiffel Bridge – Gustav Eiffel built this bridge before his masterpiece, the Eiffel Tower. He proposed constructing the Eiffel Tower in Barcelona, but local authorities refused. So he at least built this small bridge in Girona before heading to Paris.

🔅 Onyar River

🔅 Placa Independencia – the square is a great place to get food or sit for a café and have a break.

If you are more interested in this city’s history, visit the city history museum.

Try to catch some Catalan words, as the locals speak mostly Catalan, no Spanish. But, of course, if you speak Spanish, then do so, and they’ll reply. But Catalan is far more important here.

How To Get From Barcelona To Girona?

Girona is located 106 km/65 miles from Barcelona. Girona takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes from the Barcelona center.

You’ll be driving near the stunning Costa Brava in Spain, which has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. So, on the way back, you can stop by, relax, and swim in the sea.

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Spain Itinerary: 14 Days In Spain

5. FIGUERES & BESALÚ

Come and explore the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, the surrealist artist born and raised in Spain here in Figueres. See his bizarre images and unique architecture. 

Best Things To Do In Figueres

🔅 The Teatro Museum – Dalí’s main museum, hosted in a red theatre he renovated. Admire its white eggs, local yellow bread, and golden statues. He is also buried in this building.

🔅 Dalí Jewels Collection – admire Dalí’s collection of jewels, paintings, and drawings here.

🔅 Casa Natal de Salvador Dalí – visit the birthplace and house where he was born and grew up.

🔅 Castle of San Ferran – is one of the largest fortresses in Europe, dating back to the 18th century.

🔅 La Rambla de Figueres – I get you if you didn’t enjoy La Rambla in Barcelona. But don’t worry, the street in Figueres is much less touristy and quieter. So get some food, stop for a coffee, and watch people.

🔅 The Toy Museum of Catalonia (Museu del Jouget de Catalunya) – a great place to visit with kids.

🔅 The Technology Museum of Emporda – showcases technology exemplars from the 28th and 19th centuries. 

BESALÚ

On the way back to Barcelona, you can stop and visit Besalú.

Besalú was the country’s capital of Besalú, the large French region extending to these areas, which are now part of Spain.

The town is worth visiting and going through. You don’t have to visit museums or monuments; walk in and soak up the unique medieval atmosphere.

Best Things To Do In Besalú

🔅 Puente de Besalú – walk through the bridge to access the old town. It was built in the 11th century and will take you back to medieval times.

🔅 Old Town – enjoy the old town, stroll through its streets, observe locals, and have a good café in the center.

🔅 The monastery at Sant Pere – many monasteries didn’t survive until today, and this is one of those that have been standing here for ages.

🔅 Jews Baths – Jews settled here in the 9th century, as in many other parts of Spain, and have left beautiful architecture and important landmarks throughout Catalonia. These baths are one of them, so check them out.

How To Get From Barcelona To Figueres & Besalú

Figueres is located 150 km/93 miles from Barcelona center, so it’ll take you around 1 hour and 10 minutes by car to get there. 

I recommend stopping at some beaches of Costa Brava on the way back to Barcelona. Costa Brava has some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, so you can’t miss them.

After, continue to Besalú, just 24km away from Figueres (20-minute drive). Then you can head back to Barcelona.

6. TOSSA DE MAR

Tossa de Mar was one of the highlights for me personally when I was making a road trip through Catalunya. It has its charm and special atmosphere, despite being sometimes crowded with holidaymakers and travelers. It’s the top place to visit on Costa Brava.

Stroll through the streets of the old town and get to the beach. Have a nice café and continue to the Castle (Castillo de Tossa de Mar). You’ll get stunning views of the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea and the town from above.

Tossa de Mar is also the first place that banned bullfighting globally.

This road trip from Barcelona is worth it for those who like relaxing on a beach and seeing a few historical monuments and a nice medieval old town.

How To Get To Tossa De Mar From Barcelona

Tossa de Mar is 107 km/66 miles away from the center of Barcelona. It’ll take you around 1 hour and 20 minutes of driving.

You’ll drive through the E-15 highway from Barcelona. After the town of Santa Seclina, you’ll turn right at the roundabout and drive directly towards the sea, Tossa de Mar.

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Southern Spain Itinerary 10 Days

7. EMPURIABRAVA

Venice in Spain? Yes, it also exists. Come and explore this unusual town in Costa Brava – Empuriabrava. It’s the largest residential marina worldwide. It has 24 canals and nearly 5,000 jetboats.

Take a boat trip through the canals of Empuriabrava and drive yourself. It feels like being in Venice, except on an electric boat. Canals have no particular order or direction, so stay aware of how to return to the dock where you started.

You can rent the boats on the spot; there is no need to book anything in advance.

How To Get From Barcelona To Empuriabrava

Empuriabrava is located 157 km/97 miles from Barcelona center. It’ll take you almost 2 hours to get there. It’s close to Figueres, so you can also visit the place on the way back to Barcelona.

8. PORTAVENTURA

Are you ready to have some fun? Plan the entire day and even a night for this road trip from Barcelona. It’ll take you back to your childhood, scare a * out of you, and the adrenaline will pump inside you.

PortAventura is an amusement park with hundreds of roller coasters, theme parks, and fun stalls in the southern part of Catalonia, Spain.

It’s Europe’s leading theme park, and you’ll surely have an unforgettable experience.

PortAventura: 6 Themed Areas With World Parts

It’s made out of 6 themed areas, of which 5 represent different parts of the world, including Asia, the American Far West, imperial China, Mayan Mexico, Polynesia, and fishing villages in the Mediterranean.

Recently, they added the Ferrari park, which is dedicated to the legendary Italian team. The most famous attraction is the Red Force, 112 meters high, accelerating from 0 to 185 km/h in just 5 seconds. Crazy, right?

Enjoy the roller coasters and water parks, and get lost in the Selva del Miedo in the evening. Waiting for the selva del miedo (scary forest experience) is worth waiting for. I was part of it, and it was a unique experience.

How Do You Get From Barcelona To PortAventura

PortAventura is 120 km/74 miles away from the center of Barcelona. The drive takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

PortAventura is a great day trip from Barcelona. However, you can easily spend 2 full days, which I also recommend. In this case, it’s also a perfect weekend trip from Barcelona.

You can stay overnight at the PortAventura Hotel. If you have more time, don’t miss the Scary forest Experience (Selva de Miedo).

Tips For Renting A Car In Barcelona

All of these trips are self-drive road trips from Barcelona. So you’ll need a rental car. It’s possible to take a bus or a train from Barcelona to explore these places. Still, you won’t have as much flexibility.

So rent a car for these road trips. The best way to do so is online. Thanks to online aggregators, you’ll get a selection of different cars with various prices and from distinct companies. So you can choose the right one now and only pick it up afterward.

Discover Cars offers the best prices for rental cars. The only disadvantage is that sometimes the company ratings don’t match. So first, choose your car, then look at the company rating on Google, and if the rating is good, then book your car and pick it up in Barcelona.

How To Choose The Right Road Trip From Barcelona

To make navigating through this list easier, I’ve divided it into 3 sections.

The first section contains road trips where you can see beautiful nature, go hiking, and even explore a new, exciting country. The second section is full of cities and exciting history. The third section has places on Costa Brava to choose if you want a more relaxed day trip on a beach.

The last road trip from Barcelona on this list is an amusement park, which is great if you travel with kids. But believe me; it’s so great that even for adults.

3-Day Road Trip From Barcelona

Here is my suggestion for a 3-day road trip from Barcelona that you can follow:

DAY:	DESTINATION:
1.	Enjoy the beaches in Sitges
2.	Visit Tarragona
3.	Have fun in PortAventura

5-Day Road Trip From Barcelona

If you have 5 days and want to spend it road-tripping through Catalonia, this is my itinerary for you:

DAY:	DESTINATION:
1.	Explore Andorra (the capital city)
2.	Go hiking in Andorra
3.	Visit Figueres & Empuriabrava (Venice of Spain)
4.	Visit Girona
5.	Enjoy Costa Brava and its beaches in Tossa de Mar

BONUS: 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary

If you’re also visiting Barcelona, check out my itinerary for 3 days. It’ll show you the highlights, suggest the best activities, and walk you through the most important areas.

I spent 2 years living in Barcelona and designed this itinerary from my experiences. To see the best things to do and see in Barcelona by clicking on the image below:

FAQs

To help you plan your visit even more, I’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions. So check the answers below:

What Cities Can You Travel To From Barcelona?

Within one day, these are the closest cities you can travel to from Barcelona: Saint Cugat, Sabadell, Girona, Figueres, Tarragona, Zaragoza, Lleida, and Valencia. You can visit these cities on a day trip from Barcelona.

How Many Days In Barcelona Is Ideal?

The ideal time for Barcelona is 5 days. You’ll have 3 days to explore the city fully. Spend the extra 2 days making road trips to other places, such as PortAventura, Girona, Tarragona, or Costa Brava and its beaches.

What Are The Best Countries To Visit From Barcelona?

The best countries to visit from Barcelona are Andorra, France, and Portugal.

Andorra and France are the closest to Barcelona. Visit Andorra if you want to see the smallest country in Europe, enjoy beautiful mountain views cute villages, and even do some hiking. Or head to France to drink delicious wine and enjoy the luxurious French Riviera.

For surfing, stunning rock formations, and beautiful historical cities, travel to Portugal.

WRAP-UP: Best Road Trips From Barcelona

These are my top 8 ideas for a road trip from Barcelona. They’ll show you the highlights of Catalonia, bring you closer to the culture and history, and you’ll see even more Gaudi sights. So choose one based on your interests and explore more than Barcelona.

If you have any questions or need a customized itinerary for Spain Catalonia, you can contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I’ll gladly help you.

Happy Travels!