Road trip through Catalonia

I’ve been living in Catalonia since 2016 and together with my husband and kids I have spent countless weekends exploring its coastlines, mountains, and charming little towns. Every road trip shows us a new side of this amazing region in northern Spain and we’re still not done discovering.
In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite routes and stops so you can plan your own epic Catalonia road trip.

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The ultimate Catalonia road trip itinerary

This road trip itinerary in Catalonia will guide you through the must-see cities, scenic coasts, and charming lesser known towns, perfect for a 2–3 week adventure, or even longer if you want to explore at a slower pace.

Barcelona

(Recommended stay: 3 nights)

Every road trip needs a starting point, and for me, in Catalonia there’s no better place to begin than Barcelona. Funny enough, when I first came here, I didn’t expect to fall in love with the city. I thought it would be too crowded, too touristy. But after living here for a while, I completely changed my mind, Barcelona truly has it all. You can spend your mornings exploring Gaudí’s masterpieces, your afternoons relaxing on the beach, and your evenings drinking sangria while watching the sun set over the Mediterranean. Culture, beaches, food, mountains, everything is within easy reach.

Of course, you can’t miss famous places like the Sagrada Família and the Gothic Quarter, but there’s so much more beyond the big attractions. I always recommend wandering through Gràcia, one of my favorite neighborhoods. It’s full of cozy cafés, little squares, and it has much more of a local vibe than areas around Plaça Catalunya. Other places not to miss are the Arc de Triomf, Ciutadella Park, Plaça d’Espanya, and the Montjuïc National Palace, especially around sunset. If you’re looking to discover truly lesser-known spots, this blog about Hidden Gems in Barcelona is a great source of inspiration. If you are planning to visit a lot of museums and sights, it might be a good value for money to buy the Barcelona Card.

Barcelona is easy to explore on foot or by bike. When I lived here, I used my bike every day, and it’s still my favorite way to get around. The city is mostly flat, and the network of bike lanes has grown a lot in recent years. You can rent bikes easily around the city or you can join a guided bike tour to explore the highlights, while hearing fun stories about the city’s history and architecture. I always recommend Baja Bikes, as their tours are relaxed and informative.
If walking or biking isn’t your thing, the metro system is excellent and connects all major parts of the city. You can buy a multi-day transport card if you’re staying longer than a couple of days.

I recommend choosing accommodation in one of the central areas of Barcelona, like El Born, Eixample, or Gràcia. These neighborhoods offer easy access to major sights but still give you that local feel.

After three or four days, it’s time to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and explore the rest of Catalonia.

Tarragona

(Recommended stay: 2 nights)

After spending a few amazing days in Barcelona, the next stop on your Catalonia road trip is Tarragona. On the way there, it’s worth making a few small stops to break up the drive and enjoy a long lunch by the sea.
A great first stop is Castelldefels, where you can walk for miles along the beachfront promenade and grab lunch at one of the many seaside restaurants. Another lovely beach town near Barcelona is Sitges, known for its charming old center, relaxed atmosphere, and beautiful beach. This is also worth a stop if you have the time.
Once you reach Tarragona, you’ll quickly see why it’s part of this road trip through Catalonia. The city is full of history, with several Roman ruins and narrow streets winding through the old quarter. Be sure to visit the Cathedral of Tarragona, the ancient amphitheater, and the Balcó del Mediterrani, a viewpoint at the end of Rambla Nova offering spectacular views of the sea.
You’ll find plenty of small squares where you can stop for a drink or a bite to eat, Plaça de la Font is one of my favorite spots to relax. If you’re in the mood for the beach, you can, it’s just a short walk from the old town.
Before or after visiting the city, make a small detour to see the Aqüeducte de les Ferreres, an ancient Roman aqueduct located only 6 km from the center. It’s a great quick stop if you’re exploring the area by car.
If you want to explore Tarragona in more detail, check out my Tarragona Travel Guide for more ideas on things to do, where to eat and where to stay.

Parque Natural del Delta del Ebro

(Recommended stay: 2 nights)

Further south in the province of Tarragona lies one of Catalonia’s most unique landscapes, the Ebro Delta Natural Park. This watery paradise at the mouth of the Ebro River is made up of rice fields, wetlands, and vast empty beaches.

The Ebro Delta is a haven for birdlife, including flamingos and herons, and it’s a must-visit for nature lovers. Several birdwatching towers (like Mirador del Zigurat and Observatori de la Tancada) offer fantastic opportunities to spot wildlife. The views in the Delta are even better at sunset. If you don’t want to miss out on the best views I’d recommend joining a guided sunset tour, to make sure you see as many birds as possible.

You can explore parts of the delta by car, but I recommend taking time to walk or cycle through the quieter sections. One of my favorite hikes is from Platja de la Marquesa to the remote Fangar Lighthouse (Far del Fangar). It’s only accessible on foot, and at times it feels like walking through a desert. The 4 km trail (each way) is surreal and unforgettable. If you like cycling, this is one of the best ways to see the Ebro Delta. You can read everything you need to know about it in my guide Exploring the Ebro Delta by bike.

Parc Natural de la Serra de Montsant & Muntanyes de Prades

(Recommended stay: 3 nights)

The next stop on this Catalonia road trip takes you inland, to two stunning mountain ranges that are right next to each other: Serra de Montsant and Muntanyes de Prades. This part of Catalonia is perfect if you love nature, mountain scenery, and picturesque villages.
You’ll find plenty of beautiful hiking trails in the area, like the one at Gorg de la Febró, which leads you through forested paths and rocky landscapes. If you prefer a scenic drive, you can also visit several spectacular viewpoints, such as Mirador de la Mussara, where you’ll get incredible panoramic views of the mountains below.
There are also several villages that I can recommend. One of my absolute favorites is the village of Siurana, which is built dramatically on a cliff at 737 meters above sea level. To get there, you’ll drive up a winding mountain road, so if you tend to get carsick, be prepared! But once you reach the top, it’s absolutely worth it. The views are spectacular, especially over the Siurana Reservoir (Embalse de Siurana) and the surrounding mountains. Take your time to wander through the narrow stone streets, admire the medieval church, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. You can also visit the reservoir below and walk across the dam for a different perspective of the area.
Another lovely place to visit nearby is Prades. Prades makes a great base for exploring both Serra de Montsant and Muntanyes de Prades. The town itself is peaceful and charming, with a nice central square where you can sit on a terrace and enjoy a coffee.
If you have some extra time, make sure to visit the Monastery of Poblet (Monestir de Poblet). This Cistercian monastery is one of the most important in Spain and is still active today. Before your visit, there’s a short video presentation that gives you a glimpse into the daily lives of the monks. The site itself is impressive, with beautiful architecture and peaceful courtyards that make it easy to imagine life here centuries ago.

Montserrat

(Recommended stay: none)

After exploring the wild beauty of Serra de Montsant and Muntanyes de Prades, your Catalonia road trip continues north toward Montserrat. You can spot Montserrat’s jagged mountain peaks from a distance. At the heart of the mountain lies the Monastery of Montserrat, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Catalonia. The monastery is home to the Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia. Even if you’re not religious, Montserrat is worth visiting for its spectacular views. You can reach the monastery by car, cable car (Aeri de Montserrat), or the rack railway (Cremallera) from Monistrol de Montserrat.
It is possible to visit the basilica, but if you’re not interested in this, it’s worth to take a short hike up to Cruz de San Miguel for great views. If you want to hike further, there are numerous options. The hike to Sant Jeroni, the highest point of Montserrat at 1,236 meters, is the most popular. It’s a moderately challenging trail, but the panoramic views of Catalonia are absolutely worth it.

Vic

(Recommended stay: 1-2 nights)

Vic is a charming town and a great place to experience authentic Catalonia, away from the crowds. The town has an impressive Plaça Major, a large central square surrounded by beautiful old buildings. If you visit on a Tuesday or Saturday, you’ll find the traditional market taking place, which is perfect for picking up local cheese, cured meats and fruit. Vic also has plenty of cozy cafés and restaurants.

Besalú

(Recommended stay: none)

Girona

(Recommended stay: 2 nights)

This city has a perfect mix of history, culture, and laid-back charm. One of my favorite experiences here was walking along the Girona City Walls. From the top, you get incredible views over the old town and the cathedral. When we visited in November, we had the walls all to ourselves, which made the experience even more beautiful.
The colorful houses along the Onyar River are another must-see in Girona. They’re best viewed from one of the pedestrian bridges, such as Pont de Sant Feliu. Girona’s Old Quarter (Barri Vell) is a maze of stone alleys, hidden squares, and charming terraces. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Santa Maria, with its dramatic staircase, and the Jewish Quarter (El Call), which is one of the best preserved in Europe.
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll love discovering the filming locations scattered throughout the city, there are even guided walking tours that take you to the exact spots used in the show.

Costa Brava

(Recommended stay: 4 nights)

After soaking up Girona’s charm, it’s time to hit the coast. The Costa Brava is the perfect place to end your Catalonia road trip.
Sure, there are the bigger resort towns like Lloret de Mar and Calella, but my heart belongs to the smaller, more peaceful coastal villages. My favorites include Cadaqués, Begur, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, and Tossa de Mar. Each of these towns has its own character, but they all share something in common: crystal-clear water, traditional Spanish architecture, and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe. Around Begur and Calella de Palafrugell, you can explore hidden coves and walk through the medieval villages of Peratallada and Pals, two of the most photogenic spots in the region. A bit further to the south you find Sant Feliu de Guíxols, which is great for hiking and diving. Cadaqués in the northern part of the Costa Brava is a great place for this as well.

Getting around Catalonia

When coming to Catalonia choosing the right way to get around will make a big difference in how much of the region you get to experience. Here are the main options to explore this Northern region of Spain:

By car or campervan

Renting a car or campervan gives you the ultimate freedom to discover Catalonia at your own pace. Driving lets you reach places that trains and buses can’t, such as medieval villages, mountain viewpoints, and coastal coves. When visiting bigger cities having your own car or campervan is less convenient, since parking in Barcelona or Girona can be challenging. If you’re planning to explore these cities during your trip, it’s often easier to park your car outside of the city center and use public transport for sightseeing.

Public transport in Catalonia

If you’d rather not drive, public transport in Catalonia is efficient, affordable, and easy to navigate. Trains and buses connect most major cities and towns, making it a great option for budget travellers or those who prefer a more relaxed trip.
For train schedules and tickets (for both high-speed AVE and local Rodalies trains), check Renfe.com.
Buses cover many areas that trains don’t reach and are often the cheapest way to travel between smaller towns. To plan routes, visit Mou-te.gencat.cat, which is the official public transport portal of Catalonia.

In Barcelona, you’ll find an excellent metro and tram network, perfect for getting around quickly. If you’re heading somewhere the metro doesn’t reach, taxis and rideshares are easily available and reasonably priced.
Tip: Google Maps works great for planning public transport routes across Catalonia.

Walking or cycling in Catalonia

If you love active travel, Catalonia is a fantastic region to explore on a bike or on foot. There are scenic cycling routes both along the coast and through the countryside. Be aware that the inland areas can get quite hilly, and roads sometimes mix with traffic, but the region has made great progress in becoming more bike-friendly in recent years.

A unique highlight are the Vías Verdes, former railway lines that have been turned into peaceful cycling and walking paths. There are several routes across Catalonia, and they’re perfect for a leisurely ride through nature.

If hiking is more your thing, Catalonia has endless trails, from mountain routes to coastal paths like the famous Camí de Ronda, which lets you walk between hidden coves and fishing villages.

Organized tour

If you’d rather not plan every detail yourself, several travel companies offer organized road trips through Catalonia. It’s a stress-free way to explore the region, with your accommodations, routes, and highlights already planned for you.

When to plan your Catalonia road trip

One of the great things about traveling through Catalonia is that it’s a year-round destination. Spring and fall are ideal for a road trip, because the weather is warm, there are fewer crowds, and the hiking conditions are perfect. Winter is surprisingly pleasant, especially along the coast, and great if you prefer a quieter trip. Summer brings long sunny days and lively coastal towns, though popular spots can get busy and for me personally it would be too warm to explore Catalonia in summer. If you like warm weather though it’s a great time to come here. Read more about it in our monthly weather blog.

Final thoughts on a road trip through Catalonia

A road trip through Catalonia is so much more than just a scenic drive, it’s a journey through culture, nature, and everyday Spanish life. From wandering the medieval streets of Girona to soaking up the sun along the Costa Brava, every stop reveals a different side of this incredible region.
What I love most about Catalonia is the balance between vibrant city life and untouched landscapes. One day you’re sipping cava in a lively plaza, the next you’re hiking a quiet coastal trail or discovering a tiny village perched high in the mountains.
Whether you have two weeks or a full month, this Catalonia itinerary gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, and to fall in love with the region just as I did. So pack your bags and start your Catalonia road trip adventure.