The 6 best road trips to take from Barcelona

Barcelona

Have you ever dreamed of going on a road trip like in the movies? While some might imagine the iconic Route 66, you don’t have to go that far to have a road trip adventure: you can find the best driving routes starting from Barcelona. By hiring a car your trip will have no limits!

In Spain, we can proudly boast beautiful landscapes and stunning natural trails. In Catalonia, and especially around Barcelona, there are many hidden villages with a long medieval history and Romanesque architecture that attract the attention of the most curious tourists looking for adventure.

At DoYouSpain, we’ve decided to provide you with the best road trips to take from Barcelona. Some will take you half a day, while others require the whole day—but what’s really important is that you have a safe and affordable vehicle to get around.

If you're from the region, great! But what if you’re visiting Catalonia and don’t know its most remote spots? No worries, this option is definitely doable, and in that case, hiring a car is essential.

Why take a road trip from Barcelona?

There are beautiful villages surrounding Barcelona—places rich in history that will take you back in time as you wander through them. Romanesque culture can be found in the cathedrals, and stone houses create unforgettable scenes for visitors.

However, it can sometimes be difficult to find these places on the first try, as they are typically hidden away, far from the urban center. That’s why we’ve compiled the best road trips from Barcelona for you!

To travel easily without worrying about schedules, it’s recommended to use a car, especially a rental car, which offers many advantages and conveniences. Are you traveling with family or friends? In that case, the most important thing is to find a safe and reliable car model. Your journey is waiting for you!

The best road trips from Barcelona

DoYouSpain offers a list of 6 road trips from Barcelona, perfect for enjoying with a group or solo. Before you start your trip, don’t forget to check the tolls you’ll need to pay. Are you ready for an adventure?

Nostalgia in the villages of the Llobregat Valley

Romanesque Catalonia invites you to explore its heritage: dive into the history of its ancient villages, where every house and monastery will remind you of its past. This is the perfect road trip for all countryside lovers.

This route starts in Corbera de Llobregat, passing through Abrera, Sant Hilari d'Abrera, and Monistrol, where the famous Montserrat Abbey is located. You can complete it in one morning while enjoying the beautiful Llobregat Valley.

A natural route through the Ebro Delta

This road trip from Barcelona, longer than the previous one, is definitely worth the detour. It’s a path of white sandy beaches, dune fields, and incredible nature, where you’ll never want to return to civilization. If you are a big fan of beaches, you can always add Barcelona’s best beaches to your itinerary.

Start in Alcanar, then head towards Sant Carles de la Rapita, and its beautiful port, located in the heart of the Ebro Delta. Drive towards the Encanyissada, the largest lagoon in the Delta: it’s a must-see stop! The trip ends at the Punta de la Banya, connected to the Delta by the Trabucador isthmus. This area is considered one of the most important Mediterranean sites for bird nesting.

Romanesque art in the Bohi Valley

If what truly interests you is a road trip from Barcelona to discover the beauty of Romanesque art, here’s a must-see list!

The Bohi Valley is almost four hours and 186 miles from the city and consists of a group of nine Romanesque churches, all classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Church of Saint Clement of Taüll
• Church of Saint Mary of Taüll
• Church of Saint Eulalia of Erill-la-Vall
• Church of Saint Felix
• Church of Saint Mary of Cardet
• Church of the Nativity
• Chapel of Saint Quirc
• Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption

The Historic Triangle on the Cistercian Route

The Cistercian Route is an area of three Catalan regions rich in culture, nature, and tradition, but it is especially known for its Cistercian monasteries: Santa Maria de Vallbona, Santa Maria de Poblet, and the monastery of Santes Creus.

For history lovers, this destination is perfect, as the architectural richness and cultural significance of these three sites have made the surrounding regions a popular destination for those looking to take road trips from Barcelona. Moreover, near the Poblet Monastery lies the village of Montblanc, a symbol of Catalan medieval history. Don't miss it!

The Beaches and Sea Breeze of the Costa Brava

Head north from Barcelona, around 45 miles, towards Blanes. This route may take you the entire day, so make sure your rental car is equipped with all the essentials, including food, music, and good company. Don’t forget to visit the Marimurtra Botanical Garden!

After this stop, continue to Tossa de Mar and then Palamos, where you can enjoy the sea breeze and charm of the coastal villages. Finally, reach Cadaques, a major tourist destination known for its endless beaches and attractions such as Salvador Dali’s house.

A Road Trip to the Costa Dorada

In the opposite direction of the Costa Brava, discover the Costa Dorada, which is also a lengthy journey. This road trip from Barcelona is very interesting, as it is one of the most touristy spots in the province, known for its beaches and towns.

The first stop is Sitges, a coastal town surrounded by the Garraf Natural Park. What’s most surprising in this area? A walk along the seafront, admiring dozens of large villas.

Next, head to Tarragona, one of the most important Catalan cities for its Roman historical remains. You can visit the Tarragona amphitheatre, the Roman circus, and some nearby ruins by the sea, offering a postcard-perfect view. Finally, we recommend heading to Reus, to taste its excellent hazelnuts or visit the Gaudi Museum.

Book your rental car now and don't miss any opportunity

These amazing road trips from Barcelona attract many tourists who are eager to discover the most spectacular and lesser-known spots. However, getting around will be impossible without a quality rental car.

Log in and book a car with DoYouSpain. We offer the best prices on the market thanks to our car rental price comparison tool. Don't miss the chance to take a road trip from Barcelona!