Catalonia is a region that we just can't get enough of, known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, endless tapas, pristine beaches, and coastal towns. It has a strong emphasis on tradition and regional pride, allowing for an authentic exploration of northeastern Spain. We can’t wait to share this Costa Brava road trip itinerary with you. Taking you through the best places to visit in Catalonia, we had a lot to fit into a six-day route. But this itinerary will take you through medieval towns, cultural hubs, and plenty of seaside resorts. Without further ado, let’s get on the road!
Getting there
Let’s discuss how you’ll get to the starting point of this road trip in Catalonia. This itinerary starts in the beloved city of Barcelona on Spain’s northeastern coast, so if you’re bringing your own motorhome, you’ll need to drive from the UK to Barcelona. Keep in mind that this is a lengthy journey to undertake but also a very beautiful adventure. You’ve got two options for getting to mainland Europe:
Option A: Channel Tunnel (Eurotunnel): Depart from Folkestone and arrive in Calais, France in just 35 minutes. This is a quick, convenient option, especially suited to motorhome travel.
Option B: Ferry: Take a ferry from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk. The crossing takes about 90 minutes, allowing you to relax onboard and enjoy the journey.
Once in France, follow major highways (A16 and A10) south. Before reaching the Spanish border, you’ll pass through cities like Rouen, Tours, and Bordeaux. From there, continue south into Spain via the Basque region, or head through cities like Biarritz and San Sebastián, then follow signs toward Barcelona on the AP-7 highway.
Alternatively, you can fly to a nearby airport and hire a motorhome in Spain.
Keep in mind
Spain is known for its high temperatures and gorgeous sunshine, which can be pretty overwhelming in the peak of summer. Consider travelling in spring or autumn to enjoy fewer crowds and lower costs throughout your journey. Be sure to stay hydrated and use proper sun protection. For hikes, set out early in the morning or later in the afternoon – just not so late that you risk finishing in the dark!
An obvious point but always worth mentioning: they drive on the right side of the road in Spain, just like the rest of Europe. Spain has many toll roads, but if you prefer a more scenic route, you can avoid tolls by selecting this option on your GPS or Google Maps. If you’re bringing your own motorhome, be sure to have a UK sticker displayed on your vehicle.
While road signs across Europe are standardised mainly, you might encounter a few unique to Spain. Take the time to check out this guide to Spanish road signs or a simplified version focusing on Spain-specific signs before crossing the Channel.
Day 1 - Barcelona
Now, this is a matter of preference. If you’ve been to Barcelona before, you could skip this day’s itinerary and head straight to Costa Brava. However, we’ve yet to find someone who wouldn’t gladly visit this bustling city again. Another option is to tack this day onto the end of your trip as a way to round off your itinerary. We personally prefer starting in a city as after a week of nature and our motorhome, we don’t really fancy the crowds and bustle as much. But the choice is yours!
Let’s talk about Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia. It is easily one of the most famous cities in the world, renowned for its gastronomy, culture, architecture, and of course, art! Whether you’re an artist or simply an appreciator of the arts, you’ll be blown away by the museums and galleries dotted around this vibrant city. Barcelona is at the top of every list of the best places to visit in Catalonia, and it won’t take long to see why.
Things to do:
Stroll through the Gothic Quarter, a labyrinth of narrow streets brimming with history. You can explore the medieval buildings, visit the Barcelona Cathedral, and stop for refreshments at the many cafes and shops.
There is so much incredible architecture to see in Barcelona. La Sagrada Família is an iconic basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí, and the intricate facades are unlike anything you’ve seen before. Another of Gaudí’s masterpieces, Casa Batlló, is known for its organic shapes, vibrant colours, and elaborate ceramic tiles.
If you’re looking to escape the bustle of the city for a bit, head to Park Güell. This colourful park is filled with whimsical structures and mosaic tiles. Wander through the gardens, enjoy the views of the city, and take plenty of photos at the famous dragon fountain.
Staying at: Camping Tres Estrellas
Located about twenty minutes from Barcelona and situated near the airport, Camping Tres Estrellas is the perfect place to rest your weary head on the first night of your road trip! It’s a beach-side campsite which offers easy access to Barcelona via public transportation. It has motorhome pitches with electric hookups, a pool, a restaurant, and activities like beach volleyball.
C-31, km 186,2, 08850, Barcelona, Spain
41.272431, 2.042636
Day 2 - Barcelona to Costa Brava
We won’t judge if you decide to spend another day in Barcelona, especially if it’s your first time in the city. Alternatively, you can also choose to finish with another day in Barcelona (and a table full of tapas!). For now, let’s continue with our Costa Brava road trip and head to its namesake. This drive should take about an hour and a half. Costa Brava is known for its seaside resorts and endless sandy beaches. But there’s a lot more than that, as within Costa Brava, you’ll also spot snow-capped peaks, hidden coves, Greco-Roman ruins, Romanesque churches and Dali’s surrealist legacy. There’s a lot to see, so let’s get started!
Things to do:
Explore charming villages like Palds and Peratallada. Filled with charming cobbled streets, ancient stone buildings, and vibrant local markets, you can take in the atmosphere of these well-preserved medieval towns. This is also a great chance to try some local delicacies.
Visit the Dalí Theatre Museum. Located in Figueres, this museum showcases his artwork and eccentricity. With mind-bending sculptures, paintings, and installations, many consider it to be one of the most fascinating museums in Spain.
After all that exploring, it’s time to relax at one of the many secluded beaches in Costa Brava. Head to Cala Sa Tuna (near Begur), Cala Aigua Xelida (near Tamariu), or Platja del Castell (near Palamós). You can swim, snorkel, or simply doze on the golden sands.
Staying at: Camping Begur
A well-equipped campsite nestled in the natural beauty of the Costa Brava, Camping Begur is just a short drive from Begur's historic centre and nearby beaches. The biggest highlight of this motorhome site is the stunning outdoor swimming pool, ideal for soaking after a long day of walking and driving. Aside from the pool, it offers spacious pitches for motorhomes, Wi-Fi, and easy access to scenic hiking trails along the coast.
Ctra. d'Esclanyà, 4, 17255, Girona, Spain
41.939967, 3.200403
Day 3 - Costa Brava (Begur) to Cadaqués
Hopefully, you didn’t catch a sunburn yesterday, as we’ve got a packed itinerary for today! Drive north along the Costa Brava to Cadaqués, which should take about an hour and a half. Along the way, consider taking a break at the charming coastal village of L’Escala. Before continuing, you can grab a coffee and stroll through the small town centre.
What can we say about Cadaqués? Known for its rocky coastline, beautiful beaches, and secluded coves, Cadaqués is often considered one of the best places to visit in Catalonia. It’s the perfect nautical escape from the bustle of daily life and has long been a haven for artists and bohemians — and now for motorhomes!
Things to do:
Visit the Salvador Dalí House-Museum, located in Port Lligat. Housed in the surrealist artist's former residence, you’ll find a museum showcasing his life, work, and quirky style. The house is filled with Dalí’s personal items and offers stunning bay views. We recommend booking your tickets beforehand as there’s a limited capacity.
Wander Cadaqués' charming old town, with its narrow, cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and flower-covered facades. Don’t miss the beautiful Església de Santa Maria at the top of the hill for unbeatable views.
Time to pull out those hiking boots! This region is filled with incredible walking routes of varying abilities. In particular, we recommend traipsing across the rugged landscapes of Cap de Creus, where unique rock formations meet the Mediterranean Sea. You can combine this with a boat trip to explore the hidden coves.
Staying at: Wecamp Cadaqués
A charming campsite located in the picturesque village of Cadaqués, this campsite offers a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by nature and stunning views of the Mediterranean. Wecamp Cadaqués features spacious pitches for motorhomes, modern facilities, and easy access to nearby beaches and the town.
Av. de Salvador Dalí, 23, 17488 Cadaqués, Girona, Spain
42.291813, 3.283223
Day 4 - Cadaqués to Besalú and Garrotxa Volcanic Zone
Good morning! Make yourself a nice cup of coffee or tea, and then it’s time to continue with our Catalonia road trip itinerary. We’ve got two stops planned for today, so fuel up with some delicious breakfast before you pack up and leave.
Drive inland to the medieval town of Besalú, about 1.5 hours away. Park your motorhome here and stroll along the Pont Vell, a 12th-century Romanesque bridge with seven arches and a gateway tower. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Besalú. Then, discover Besalú’s rich Jewish heritage by wandering through the Jewish Quarter, which dates back to the 13th century. Visit the Mikveh (Jewish ritual bath), one of the few medieval baths still preserved in Europe. You might want to take a guided tour here to learn more about the history and significance of the Jewish community in Besalú.
Then, it’s a twenty-minute drive to Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, which is a hiker’s paradise. Pull on your walking boots and head out into the lush landscapes and ancient volcanoes. Just be sure to return before it gets dark, and keep an eye out for any eruptions…
Staying at: Càmping Ecològic Lava
Tonight, you’ll be staying in the heart of the incredible Garrotxa region at Càmping Ecològic Lava. This campsite offers a range of facilities for motorhomes, including spacious pitches, a swimming pool, and various outdoor activities that promote sustainable tourism. It’s perfectly located for numerous hiking routes, and you’ll likely have the deepest and most peaceful sleep of your entire trip at this natural site.
Carretera d'Olot a Santa Pau, km 7, 17811 Santa Pau, Girona, Girona, Spain
42.152465, 2.547345
Day 5 - Garrotxa to Montserrat
Another day, another destination on our Catalonia road trip itinerary! Drive 1.5 hours south to the iconic Montserrat Mountain, known for its unique rock formations and the Montserrat Monastery. It is part of the Catalan Pre-Coastal Range, and the panoramic views will make the journey worth it. Just remember that it is quite a difficult and uphill terrain, so ensure that your motorhome can handle this and take things slow.
Things to do:
Montserrat offers a variety of scenic trails ranging from easy to challenging. Popular routes include the Sant Jeroni peak, which provides panoramic views of Catalonia, and the Holy Cave (Santa Cova), where the Black Madonna is said to have appeared. These routes are rocky and steep, so wear sturdy shoes and bring abundant water.
If you don’t feel like hiking up, the Sant Joan Funicular takes you to a higher vantage point on Montserrat. The Santa Cova Funicular also leads you down to the Holy Cave, which is worth a visit.
Finally, visit the Montserrat Monastery and Basilica, home to the famous Black Madonna statue, a revered religious icon. You can attend a service, hear the boys' choir (Escolania de Montserrat), and explore the basilica’s intricate architecture.
Staying at: Camping El Pasqualet
This might just be the most beautiful motorhome site on this itinerary! Camping El Pasqualet is a serene campsite located in Caldes de Montbui, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and thermal hot springs. This site is known for its friendly staff, ideal location, and bus route directly into Barcelona.
Carretera BV-1243 a Sant Sebastià de Montmajor km 0,3, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Barcelona, Spain
41.644597, 2.155365
Day 6 - Montserrat to Barcelona
Can you believe we’ve reached the final day of our road trip in Catalonia? We’ll have to make this a lovely day while also heading back to the starting point of Barcelona. Since this is a circular road trip, you can also take it in the opposite direction if you prefer, and start here. We were simply too excited to visit Costa Bravas to leave it until the end!
Start your day by driving about an hour to Sitges, a lively coastal town known for its beaches, culture, and historic architecture. Stroll along the promenade, visit the Maricel Museum, and relax on the beach.
Then you can either drive the forty minutes to Barcelona and camp in your first motorhome site or stay at this local campsite.
Staying at: Camping El Garrofer
We’ve got a real treat for you for the final night of your itinerary. Camping El Garrofer is a family-friendly campsite located near Sitges, nestled among lush pine trees and just a short distance from the beach. The site offers a range of amenities, including spacious pitches for motorhomes, a swimming pool, and organised activities for both children and adults. Pull up a chair on your grassy pitch and toast to the end of a great road trip!
C-246a, Km. 39, 08870 Sitges, Barcelona, Spain
41.233389, 1.781176
There you have it, the best places to visit in Catalonia condensed into a six-day itinerary. This Costa Brava road trip allows you to explore some of the most famous destinations in this region, although there are plenty more that we could ramble on about.
Check out our motorhomes and campervans available for hire in Spain and set off on your Catalonian road trip adventure.
