Visit Catalonia in 1 week

This itinerary is perfect to discover Barcelona and the North of the Costa Brava without spending too much time in the car. You will get to see big cities, small traditional villages and beaches… If you have one week of vacation ahead of you, stop thinking and embark on this road trip!

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in this 1-week road trip in Catalonia:

• Admire the view over Barcelona from Montjuic Park
• Stroll through the Vila Vela in Tossa de Mar
• Hike the Camino de Ronda, which passes from cove to cove in Palafrugell
• Go to the Mirador Josep Pla for a breathtaking view of the Pals area
• Stroll through the traditional market in Castelló d’Empúries
• Visit Salvador Dali’s house museum in Cadaqués
• Discover Sant Ferran castle, near Figueras
• Stroll along the walls of Girona and admire the view

If you are coming from another European country, note that some low-cost airlines land in Girona. So if you want to save a few bucks, land there, then head to Barcelona or do this itinerary the other way around. There are shuttles between Barcelona and Girona.

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Itinerary of a 1-week road trip in Catalonia

 

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Some practical information before your road trip to Spain

 

For this itinerary, we recommend renting a car from Hertz. It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

You want to buy a paper travel guide? We recommend this one! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date!

Need a road map to prepare your 1-week road trip in Catalonia? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read!

The best period to do this road trip in Spain is from june to august. It’s when the temperatures are the most enjoyable regardless of the region, and the sea temperature is perfect. More information here.

As well as discovering the heritage and culture, you’ll also get to know the local gastronomy on this itinerary. Here are a few specialities that are well worth trying! First of all, escalivada, a kind of salad made with grilled vegetables, and fideuà, a tasty little dish made with noodles and seafood. For those with a sweet tooth, try the bunyols, small fried doughnuts, and the famous crema catalana, kind of the cousin of crème brûlée.

 

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Contents: 1-week road trip in Catalonia

1- Barcelona – Stop 1 of the 1-week road trip in Catalonia
2- Tossa de Mar – Stop 2 of the 1-week road trip in Catalonia
3- Palafrugell – Stop 3 of the 1-week road trip in Catalonia
4- Pals – Stop 4 of the 1-week road trip in Catalonia
5- Castelló d’Empúries – Stop 5 of the 1-week road trip in Catalonia
6- Cadaqués – Stop 6 of the 1-week road trip in Catalonia
7- Figueras – Stop 7 of the 1-week road trip in Catalonia
8- Girona – Stop 8 of the 1-week road trip in Catalonia

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1-week road trip in Catalonia: step by step

 

What to do in Barcelona?

A few days in the city of Gaudi, a must of this 1-week road trip in Catalonia.

• Go down the Ramblas and walk through the neighbourhood of Barrio Gòtic… People, a lot of people, but a must-see!
• On the Ramblas, make a stop at the Boquería market, full of local specialties. We can recommend this great tour in which you will also be able to make your own paella!
• Have a drink on the patio of the 7th floor of La Isabela.
• Be sure to go see the Sagrada Familia, the Parc Güell, the Casa Batlló and the Casa Milà, all designed by the famous Gaudi.
• Head towards the beautiful Montjuic Park, from up there, you will be able to enjoy a great view over the city. Most of summer evenings, a free light and sound show is presented at the fountain.
• Have a traditional paella at Xiringuito Escribà facing the sea.
• Eating out is the best in barceloneta… Enjoy a glass of cava (local sparkling white wine) in the Cava bar called “Can Paixano” (La Xampanyeria).
• Want to chill on the beach? In the city center you will find the beach of Sant Sebastia near the W Hotel. You can even try stand-up paddle! And if you want to get out of the city, head to Castelldefels, at a 30-min drive.
• Our tip: you can buy the Barcelona Card to enjoy public transportation unlimitedly and at a reduced price during your stay. To buy it, click here.

 

Where to sleep in Barcelona?

 

• Mid-range: The Praktik Èssens is located in the centre of the city and has a terrace with great views. It has exceptional bedding but also a tranquillity that is rare in the heart of Barcelona’s city centre.
• High-end: The charming Hotel El Palace Barcelona welcomes you to their elegant, classically styled rooms close to Barcelona’s most popular sights and the Ramblas. The hotel features a luxurious Mayan-style spa and, most importantly, a chauffeur-driven limousine service available on request. Feel free to live the life of a star.

 

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What to do in Tossa de Mar?

Also called “blue heaven”. 

• You have to taste the “Besos de Ava Gardner”, pastries in tribute to the actress of the same name. There is even a statue of her… Will you find it?
• Get lost in the small streets of Vila Vella (fortified city).
• Find the “Devil’s Hole” and you’ll get to enjoy a very nice creek.
• Taste the local speciality, the Simitomba, a traditional fishermen’s dish made of fish, potatoes, aioli, etc. It’s not to be missed on this 1-week road trip in Catalonia!
• During the summer, get out of the city center and go find a secluded creek… Often hard to access, it also means that it will be less crowded, and we love that!
• And for those who can’t lie on their towels for more than 5 minutes, you have a large choice of water activities. You can go paddle boarding or go scuba diving for example.

 

Where to sleep in Tossa de Mar?

 

• Mid-range: with its warm, modern decor, the Hotel Windsor will welcome you with open arms! Perfectly located between the beach and the city centre, it’s the ideal place to put down your bags and enjoy the gentle Catalan way of life. Its strong points? Its 2 swimming pools, tennis court, excellent breakfast and private parking. 
• High-end: Treat yourself to a stay at the Gran Hotel Reymar, right on the seafront. Its terrace, pools, views, massage and water sports equipment hire services, pretty rooms and excellent breakfast are sure to please! 

 

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What to do in Palafrugell?

Half a day in the beautiful white village of Calella de Palagrugell and its small port: Port Bo. Maybe you’ll fall for this town and won’t ever want to leave… It’s up to you to tailor this 1-week road trip in Catalonia to your own tastes! 

• Take a break in the botanical garden of Cabo Roig and enjoy the beach below El Golfet.
• Walk on the coastal trail, the “Camino de Ronda“, and hop from creek to creek… Magical!

 

Where to sleep in Palafrugell?

 

• Mid-range: discover Palafrugell and the surrounding area at your own pace by staying at the Arrels d’Emporda aparthotel. With friendly staff, bright, modern flats and access to the swimming pool, this is the perfect place for those who like to remain independent when travelling! The icing on the cake is a small market just 500 metres from the accommodation, where you can shop and cook in your apartment. 
• High-end: treat yourself to a dreamy night in a former 18th century farmhouse. Located just outside Palafrugell, in a quiet, green setting, Hotel Mas Pastora is the perfect place to recharge your batteries after a day of exploring. You can relax in the superb rooms, enjoy a delicious breakfast, cool off in the swimming pool or take a stroll in the garden.  

 

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What to do in Pals?

Go back in time… in Medieval time! 

• Go to the Torre de las Horas, tower of the former castle, now a bell tower. This is where its name comes from, as it means “tower of the hours”.
• Enjoy the view from the Mirador Josep Pla, best viewpoint over the Medes Islands, the Montgrí, the Canigó and the Sierra de l’Albera.
• Take a break and have a drink in the historic city center on the Plaça Major. Hungry? Taste the  Arròs de Pals a la cassola, a traditional rice dish.
• Pals is famous for its rice plantations, be sure to take a walk or a bike ride in the middle of the rice fields. There also is a small train ride for kids. PS : in June, Pals celebrates the traditional Sowing of the Rice! During this event, you can see people plant the rice by hand.
• Just 10/15 minutes from Pals, a stroll through Peratallada is a must. In the narrow streets of this charming town, enjoy a salted ice cream at Angelo’s, voted best ice cream maker in the world. In fact, you’ll find his ice creams in several towns on this 1-week road trip in Catalonia.

 

Where to sleep in Pals?

 

• Mid-range: stay at the Hostal Barris, perfect for a stopover in Pals. Comfortable, clean rooms, well located, it has everything you need for a good night’s sleep. 
• High-end: stay in the historic atmosphere of Pals, by staying a few kilometres away in a beautifully renovated old building. We recommend Masía Rural Can Poch or the hotel Es Portal. In both cases, the setting is magnificent and the establishment has a very special charm.

 

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What to do in Castelló d’Empúries?

A charming village. 

• Book a trip in the swamps of the Parque natural de las Marismas del Ampurdán.
• Experience the traditional market on Tuesday mornings, a time rich in culture during this 1-week road trip in Catalonia.
• Visiting the Castello d’Empuries is quite lovely.

 

Where to sleep in Castelló d’Empúries?

 

• Mid-range: sleep in a typical Catalan house, just a few kilometres from Castelló d’Empúries, at Can Gusó. An authentic experience awaits you in this accommodation in the heart of nature, with private parking and an excellent breakfast. It’s great value for money.
• High-end: opt for proximity to Castelló d’Empúries by staying at the Hotel Emporium, with its modern rooms and friendly staff. Alternatively, stay by the sea at the Hotel Maritim. Modernity, cleanliness, superb surroundings, delicious breakfast – it’s all there!

 

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What to do in Cadaqués?

Experience the Spanish bohemian life, in the city of Salvador Dali’s second home. 

• You have to walk in the street called Es Call and go enjoy the viewpoint from the Santa Maria Church over the Cadaqués bay. It’s a must-see on this 1-week road trip in Catalonia.
• A few km/miles away, take the time to unwind at Creus Cape. For the sporty ones, you will love it as there are many hiking trails there. You will be able to explore the various beautiful views.
• Enjoy a picnic and a little sunbathing on the Platja del Ros cove, sheltered from the wind.
• You can also go visit Salavador Dali’s Museum-House. It is located near the beach of Port Lligat, a bit outside the city center. To visit, it is mandatory to booking in advance.

 

Where to sleep in Cadaqués?

 

• Mid-range: stay at the charming Hotel Nou Estrelles, with its clean, comfortable rooms, just a 5-minute walk from the old town. It’s the perfect place to spend the night before hitting the road again.
• High-end: treat yourself to an entire house for a relaxing break with family or friends. Book Casa Margot, with its warm decor, superb location high above the city and swimming pool. For those who prefer hotels, we’ve got just the thing: the Boutique Hotel Villa Gala. With its superb decor, swimming pool, terrace with views and comfortable rooms.

 

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What to do in Figueres?

Salvador Dali was born here.

• The main reason to come to Figueres is the Dali Museum, much more than a museum. With its distinctive architecture, it’s an icon of this stop in the 1-week road trip in Catalonia.
• A 10 min walk away, visit Sant Ferran Castle, one the biggest fortresses in Europe.
• Children at soul, head to the Toy Museum!
• A walk on the ramblas is always welcome.

 

Where to sleep in Figueres?

 

• Mid-range: spend the night at the friendly Hotel Restaurant Bon Retorn after your visit to Figueres. Spacious rooms, top-notch staff and, above all, a delicious restaurant – that’s what you can expect if you choose to stay at this reasonably priced establishment.
• High-end: stay in the centre of Figueras, at the Hotel Pirineos, with its superb wooded decor. The rooms are clean, spacious and cosy, the food delicious and the staff friendly. You’ll have everything you need for a comfortable night’s sleep!

 

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What to do in Girona?

The underrated city of Catalonia. 

• On the road between Figueras and Girona, 30 minutes north of Girona, we recommend a small detour to Bésalu, a charming little fortified town that feels like it’s out of time. You will even be able to take a refreshing dip in Lake Banyoles.
• Go up the bulwark called Passeig de la Muralla and enjoy the view over the city.
• Enjoy nature in the gardens of Francesca.
• Get lost in the old jewish district, Call Girona.
• Go from bridge to bridge on Onyar river and take pictures of the colourful hanging houses. A beautiful landscape to round off this 1-week road trip in Catalonia.
• While you’re in this beautiful city, why not take a guided tour? For fans, there are even some Game of Thrones themed.

 

Where to sleep in Girona?

 

• Mid-range: sleep in the pretty, minimalist but comfortable rooms of The Bloom hotel, located in the heart of the historic centre.
• High-end: end your stay in style at the Hotel Nord 1901, in a chic and elegant atmosphere. As well as comfortable rooms, you can enjoy the swimming pool, charming patio, bar and great city centre location. We also recommend staying in one of the Apartaments Catedral – Baltack. You can book the flat, the loft or the penthouse – the king’s choice! All 3 are modern, bright, clean and spacious. They’re in a great location, and are fully equipped so you can fully enjoy your last days in Catalonia.

 

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Learn more about your 1-week road trip in Catalonia…

 

• You want to know all the information about the country? It’s here.
• To rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
• To book a flight at the best price, we recommend this website.
• You are looking for a great travel insurance for your road trip? We recommend you this one!

 

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!

 

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If you have any information, good tips, or simply something to say about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below! The whole team will be happy to hear from you!