Barcelona, the vibrant city located on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, is an ideal starting point for exploring the breathtaking scenery offered by driving to nearby tourist destinations.
With a perfect combination of coastline, mountains and picturesque villages, there is a wide variety of walks that will allow you to discover fascinating places. In this article, we suggest two exciting car rides departing from Barcelona for you to enjoy memorable adventures.
The best thing about a road trip is that you have all the options at the wheel, always at your fingertips. If you have your own vehicle capable of this type of escapades, great, but if you do not have it is no reason to get discouraged, there is always the possibility of renting a car and enjoy it in style.
A very convenient option that we suggest for this purpose is Discover Cars.
Discover Cars is a car rental platform internationally recognized for its excellence and quality of service. Their dedication and commitment to customer satisfaction have been recognized with several industry awards.
One of the most outstanding awards Discover Cars has won is the title of “Best Car Rental Website” at the prestigious World Travel Awards for three consecutive years. This award demonstrates the trust and preference of users towards this platform, supporting its efficiency and the quality of its services.
Well… now that we have a car… Let’s go!
Costa Brava: the charm of the sea and medieval villages
One of the most impressive trips you can take from Barcelona is to the Costa Brava, a beautiful stretch of coastline that stretches from Blanes to the French border. The first step is to reach Blanes.
Take the AP-7 freeway northbound, take the exit towards Blanes and voilà, your journey along the Costa Brava has begun.
From Blanes to Tossa de Mar
From there a next stop can be Tossa de Mar, known for its ancient walled city and beautiful beaches. The road is immensely enjoyable, as you will take the GI-682 road, one of the most beautiful roads in all of Europe.
This road winds along the Mediterranean coast, offering panoramic views of the bright blue sea and picturesque coastal scenery. It is a popular route for tourists wishing to explore the natural beauty of the region and discover the charming villages that dot the coast.
Once in Tossa de Mar, start exploring its impressive old town, known as “Vila Vella”. Immerse yourself in history as you walk through the narrow cobblestone streets, admire the medieval walls and visit the imposing 12th century castle.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean from the top of the wall and explore the quaint stores and restaurants inside. Afterwards, you can take a dip in one of the beautiful beaches of Tossa de Mar, such as the main beach, Platja Gran, or the picturesque cove of Es Codolar. Relax in the sun, swim in the crystal clear waters or just enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade.
From Tossa de Mar to Cadaqués
The section of the route between Tossa de Mar and Cadaqués will take you through some of the most impressive and picturesque landscapes of the Costa Brava. Get your camera ready and enjoy a trip full of panoramic views.
Cadaqués is a picturesque and charming village that has been home to many artists over the years. Stroll through its cobblestone streets and admire the picturesque white houses with their balconies decorated with colorful flowers.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Salvador Dalí House-Museum, which offers a unique insight into the life and work of the famous artist. Afterwards, head to the main beach of Cadaqués, Platja Gran, where you can relax in the sun and take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Finally, don’t leave without enjoying a delicious meal at one of the seaside restaurants, where you can taste Mediterranean flavors and local dishes, such as fresh fish and seafood.
Shall we continue to Figueres or turn back?
Montserrat: nature and spirituality
A different choice of destination for your trip is Montserrat, famous for its Benedictine monastery and its iconic rock formation.
Despite being located only 50km from Barcelona, the trip offers a variety of perspectives: as you move away from the city, you will begin to notice how the urban landscape transforms into hills and fields. Soon, you will see the imposing silhouette of Montserrat looming on the horizon.
As you approach the mountain, the road winds through rolling hills and picturesque curves, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Vineyards and olive groves dot the land, adding a touch of Mediterranean charm.
Once you arrive at Montserrat, you will find yourself in an environment of natural beauty and spirituality. The sacred mountain is famous for its Benedictine monastery and a very recognizable rock formation. Park your car and take the time to explore the monastery and its idyllic setting.
The Monastery of Montserrat is a place of deep spiritual significance and one of the most emblematic attractions of Catalonia, located in the majestic mountain of Montserrat. Located about 50 kilometers northwest of Barcelona, this Benedictine monastery is an important pilgrimage destination and a meeting point for those seeking a unique religious experience.
The natural environment in which the Monastery of Montserrat is located is impressive.
The mountain of Montserrat, with its unique rock formations and scenic beauty, provides a spectacular backdrop for this sacred site. As you approach the monastery, you will be captivated by the majesty of its location.
The monastery itself is an impressive building of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, which blends in perfectly with the mountainous surroundings. As you enter, you will be greeted by the sounds of the children’s choir of the Escolania de Montserrat, one of the oldest children’s choirs in Europe, famous for its heavenly music.
The Monastery of Montserrat is especially revered for housing the Virgin of Montserrat, also known as “La Moreneta”. This small statue of the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus is a devotional figure for Catholics and attracts thousands of pilgrims each year. The image of the Virgin of Montserrat is considered miraculous and is believed to have healing powers.
In addition to the spiritual experience, the Monastery of Montserrat offers the possibility of enjoying outdoor activities in its surroundings. You will be able to explore the trails that wind through the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. There are hiking trails for all levels, from gentle walks to more challenging ascents to the top of the mountain.
The Monastery of Montserrat is a place that combines spirituality, natural beauty and history in a unique setting. Whether you are looking for a religious experience, a connection with nature or simply wish to enjoy culture and art, this sacred site will captivate you with its magic and aura of serenity.
If you like hiking, Montserrat is a paradise on earth. There are a variety of hiking trails that will take you through breathtaking landscapes and allow you to enjoy incredible panoramic views. Do not miss the hike to the top of Sant Jeroni, the highest point of Montserrat.
Sant Sadurní d’Anoia: A must for wine lovers.
Sant Sadurní d’Anoia: A must for wine lovers.Located in the beautiful Penedès wine region, just 45 kilometers southwest of Barcelona, is the charming town of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. Known as the birthplace of cava, this picturesque Catalan town is an essential destination for lovers of good wine and wine culture enthusiasts.
Sant Sadurní d’Anoia is a special place, where tradition, history and excellence merge to create a unique experience. Arriving in the city, you will be greeted by extensive vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. This idyllic landscape is home to some of Catalonia’s most prestigious wineries, where cava, the region’s signature sparkling wine, is produced.
One of the most popular activities in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia is to visit the wineries and participate in wine tastings. You will be able to explore the facilities, learn about the cava elaboration process and discover the secrets that make this drink a true treasure of Catalan oenology. Immerse yourself in the wine culture while tasting different varieties of cava and discover the unique nuances and aromas that distinguish it.
You can not miss the Cava Museum, located in an old winery in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia.
This museum will take you through the history and evolution of cava, showing you tools and utensils used in the past, as well as interactive exhibits that will allow you to learn more about this fascinating world.
In addition to its wine-growing importance, Sant Sadurní d’Anoia also has a charming old town worth exploring.
The stretch of road between the C-55 and Sant Sadurní d’Anoia will take you through an enchanting landscape in the Penedès wine region, giving you a picturesque experience as you make your way to the cava capital of Catalonia. Get ready to enjoy bucolic views, rolling vineyards and the promise of tasting the famous Catalan sparkling wine.
From the C-55, you will enter the heart of the Penedès wine region. As you drive, you will be surrounded by vineyard-covered hills that stretch as far as the eye can see. The landscape is captivating, with rows of vines unfolding in a sea of green and gold colors.
As you approach Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, you will begin to notice the wineries and wine estates that dot the landscape. Some of the most outstanding wineries are located along this route, and we invite you to stop at one of them to discover the secrets of cava.
Where would you continue your journey from there?
