For this purpose, it's best to rent a car in advance. If you're planning a summer trip, a convertible with a retractable roof would be an excellent choice, while for family trips, a comfortable crossover would be preferable.
We recommend starting your journey from Malaga. This beautiful city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea is famous for its picturesque beaches, cultural landmarks, and exquisite cuisine. By renting a car at Malaga Airport with SOLO, you can freely and comfortably explore the surroundings and embark on an unforgettable journey along the coastline.
After enjoying the beauty of Malaga, we suggest embarking on an exciting journey to Barcelona. This city, located on the coast, will undoubtedly captivate you with its atmosphere and architectural masterpieces. The capital of Catalonia attracts creators, geniuses, art enthusiasts, and beauty lovers from all over the world.
How to get to Barcelona
Of course, a fast and comfortable way is an airplane. Barcelona's El Prat International Airport (Aeroport de Barcelona - el Prat) is one of the largest in the world and receives over 40,000,000 visitors and tourists annually. There are flights from any country, so finding the optimal flight with or without transfers, depending on your budget, will not be difficult. Alternative - railway (Barcelona Sants train station) or bus. Most often, both routes will run through Paris. This is certainly interesting, but tedious and takes a lot of time. After a bus ride through the whole of Europe it is very difficult to relax in the auto tour.
It is worth noting that car rental can be arranged directly at the airport or train station. This service helps to save on the transfer and to avoid the associated discomfort. Get the keys to the car immediately after arrival and put your luggage there - this is the best option for tourists.Where to stay in Barcelona
As befits any tourist mecca, in this city there are a huge number of offers for every taste and budget from hostels to luxury palace hotels with a rich history and VIP service. You can spend the night in any area, but, of course, the closer to the historical center and the sea - the more expensive. In total, according to approximate calculations, there are about 240 hotels without hostels, campgrounds and private apartments, of which there are a lot. With such an abundance it is worth noting that during the season almost everything is occupied, so, like the car, it is better to book accommodation in advance, especially if you are disrespectful to it.
Separately, I would like to mention the so-called boutique hotels. Catalonia is the capital of art, including avant-garde, so you can take a chance and spend the night in design hotels that are incredibly interesting in terms of decor or choose a more traditional interior. On average, you will have to pay 200 Euros for a room, and 10 for a bed in a hostel on the outskirts.
It should be noted that since you are planning to become an auto-tourist, you need to look for accommodation with parking. Do not think that this is a matter of course. With parking in Barcelona is not so easy - they are expensive, they are few, and leaving the car in the wrong place you can earn a large fine and drive the vehicle to a fine area.
Read the signs very carefully: some parking lots work at different times of the day, on certain streets on even days you can park on the left, and on odd ones - on the right. Usually, everything is clear and accessible.Sights of the capital of Catalonia
Are you ready to get to know each other? If you ask experienced travelers how to start an acquaintance, they will all respond differently, as this is an incredibly versatile city. We will go over the “must be seen” list, which is enough for you for a couple of days of walking.
La Rambla
If you have only an hour, then you can maximize its color by visiting one street - La Rambla. Here it is all the controversy of the Spaniards, who on the one hand invented passionate dance "pa", and on the other hand during the times of medieval Europe were very pious people. At first glance, this central street, which leads us to the seaport and the Columbus monument (he recalls, with the blessing of the Spanish royal couple, set off for his remarkable voyage), is fun and carefree. A colorful market, boutiques of the world's “giants” of shopping, restaurants and a beautiful promenade. But it is worth peering into the sad faces of famous living statues, turning left into the narrow streets of the terrible Gothic quarter and in front of you will grow a monumental structure of the XIII-XV centuries, the residence of the archbishop - the Gothic style cathedral. It amazes with its size and reminds tourists of the times of the Inquisition and the strict piety of the Catholic monarchy.Redemptive Temple of the Holy Family
Visiting Catalonia and not seeing Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família is a crime. This structure is capable of capturing the imagination of even the most creative dreamers. The temple is fascinating for its scale and ambiguity. Before the three facades of the Sagrada Familia, you can stand forever, examining each element corresponding to the holy scripture from the origins of religion (the facade of the Nativity of Christ, the Passion of Christ and the Glory of Christ - all three are made in a completely different design style, so cause a slight sense of confusion). Its creator, Antonio Gaudi, is considered a genius of architectural and engineering thought. By the way, some of his projects have not yet been brought to life. Unfortunately, the author of the cathedral and several other fantastic buildings (obligatory to visit), died without seeing the completion of construction. Yes, and he could not live so much, because the temple is still listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest construction in progress (beginning in 1882, they plan to complete construction by 2026, but this date has been repeatedly postponed). To the quaint constructions of the authorship of Gaudi also belongs Park Guell. For his visit it is better to allocate at least 4 hours.
Camp Nou
What else is the Spaniards famous for except dancing, the ability to cook delicious rice with seafood and drive bulls (By the way, Catalonia is a region where bullfights are officially banned)? Of course, the same hot football fans. The world-famous Barça Club and their “home” Kampnou Stadium with a museum is the patrimony of all fans of this game. The locals treat their favorite team almost with trepidation. Of course, you can visit the tour, but we warmly recommend to go to a real match and feel all the adrenaline from this atmosphere.
You can continue the list ad infinitum, since there is also an aquarium, singing fountains, squares, a government building and other interesting sights, but for several days there will be enough impressions and a glut will not be good. We offer to go further.Lloret de Mar - Girona - Vila Sacra
After a short journey just 70 km from Barcelona, you will find yourself in the wonderful atmosphere of the sea resort town of Lloret de Mar. In addition to the azure sea and a good beach in this small resort town there are a lot of interesting sights: a mountain path, the chapel of Saint Cristina, the gardens of Saint Clotilde, the castle of San Juan. Not far from here is the huge amusement park Port Aventura. But if you are looking for a quiet rest and solitude, then Lloret de Mar will not let you relax. At night, he turns into a hive of club life. Loud music is playing on every corner and disco staff invite tourists to dance all night until you drop. We propose to allocate at least a couple of days to this resort, because after the number of cocktails drunk per night, in the morning you will not be able to set off.
From Lloret to Girona is only 35 kilometers. This city, as soon as they do not call: the mecca of Salvador Dali, Florence in Spain and the immortal fortress. In fact, the great creator and artist lived in Figueres, where his famous house-museum is located. The enemies of the city fortress of Girona attacked 25 times since it was not founded, but it withstood all the sieges. Although this town is not as popular as Barcelona, but from this it does not lose its appeal: wide canals and the Embankment of Onyar, colorful houses of the 17th century with amazing facades. Sometimes it seems that they have just finished shooting a historical film, and all this is scenery. One of the most famous attractions is the Plaza Catalunya, which, in fact, is a bridge over the river, as well as the 14th century Cathedral.Going further to Vilasacra, you can plunge into the life of this province of Catalonia. Just 20 km from Girona, you will find real (non-touristic) Spanish cuisine, fine wine and quiet cozy hotels - this is the perfect place to “recharge” during long journeys. Having a snack in the morning and with new forces you can go further on the road.
Empuriabrava-Besalu-Castellfollit de Ła Roca
At the entrance to Empuriabrava in luxury villas and apartments you understand that this is a bohemian city. It is called the Spanish Venice, and for good reason - it is riddled with canals with a total length of more than thirty-five kilometers (for a second, a world record). Prosperous city dwellers have access to the canal facade of their houses and often move on boats and yachts. But the cars here, unlike Venice - not a wonder. So you can safely drive through the colorful streets and get an unforgettable experience.
Of course, you should make time to visit the endless sandy beaches. By the way, the sand of the Mediterranean coast in Spain has a remarkable property not to stick to the skin. So, in Empuriabava there are actually only two beaches, but very huge: one is fashionable and comfortable, the second is wild.Immediately we hurry to disappoint lovers of old or beautiful architecture - the city is relatively new and there is nothing to surprise you with in this regard. But in Besalu, records of which date back to the tenth century, there are plenty of historical sites. We can say that every house just breathes history. In fact, the territory is quite small - only 5 square kilometers and two or three hours to inspect the houses, the castle of El Castel and the famous bridge El Fluvia, as well as to comprehend the former greatness will be enough for you.
Do not rush to close the book on history, as the neighboring village of Castelfiolit de la Roca was founded in the Middle Ages right on the rock, or rather, in it. It seems that time has stopped its turn. Each time turning the corner of a narrow street you expect a knight to ride you on a horse and in armor. The original architecture and buildings worthy of attention are impressive. We advise you to visit the church and museum of San Salvador - there is an observation deck with an incredibly picturesque view (likes on selfies are provided). Surprisingly, the village is not very popular with guidebooks, so enjoy the authentic atmosphere will work in full: you will not interfere with the constant monotonous stories of guides and groups of Chinese tourists. But more than a couple of hours there is nothing to do here, therefore, enjoying the sunset from the observation deck, it is better to return to Vilasacra and rest. Moreover, tomorrow you will find a long journey of 350 km and a meeting with the Pyrenees mountains.
Villa Sacra - Seira
We are glad to please you - the roads in Spain are very good, especially paid high-speed autobahns. But, if you do not want to spend money, then, as a rule, there is always a parallel in parallel of the autobahn just expensive in the same direction, just more tortuous and crossing settlements.
So, our path lies in the Pyrenees and it is quite possible to overcome it by car for 4-5 hours. We chose Sayra for your acquaintance with the majestic mountains. This is a very nice and cozy village, steeped in the traditions and spirit of the province of Spain. Also, here you can stay in excellent two-storey apartments for the price of a room in a three-star hotel in Madrid. As such attractions, except for nature, you will not find, but the neighborhood of Seira deserve attention. For the incredible beauty you need to go to the dam Estany de Cavallers. You can go there only if you have a car, so you should definitely take this opportunity to admire the slopes without the company of tourist groups. Bring food with you - this is an ideal place for a picnic. Near the dam there are specially equipped tables. After you have refreshed, we advise you to take a walk in Aiguestortes Park. The car will have to say goodbye, as the trails are designed for hiking for lovers of trekking. The most unpretentious can be viewed for a couple of hours, while plunging into almost pristine nature: mountain rivers, cliffs, lonely houses and emerald fields.
Go back before dark. Of course, to reach Sayra by hand (only 80km), but a narrow and winding serpentine at night is not a safe route.Seira - Benasque
It is necessary to allocate a day for the next town with only 2000 inhabitants. One of the most popular and picturesque ski resorts in Europe is Benasque. Of course, in the winter at the resort is not overcrowded, but in the summer - very nice and atmospheric. There are a lot of trails in the district for trekking amateurs and professionals, and no photograph will convey the beauty of this mountainous nature. This is not just a modern resort, but rather a historically quite rich location, where you can find beautiful architecture and sights on simple streets: a 13th century church, the palace of the Count and the houses of wealthy Spaniards, who were also attracted by this type of recreation.
Not far from here you can also visit Lake Escarpinosa and the park in its vicinity. Lovers of hiking and nature claim that this is the most beautiful that can be found in the Pyrenees mountains.
The road to Sayra will also please you with views to which it is difficult to remain indifferent, and with tunnels right in the rocks, which along the way you will have to pass not a little.
Of course, you can also spend the night in Benasque in the summer - the prices in “off season” do not bite here.
Seira-Monserrat
After completing the main route through the Pyrenees, you must definitely visit the spiritual mecca of all Spaniards and not only. One of the most inspired, sacred and inspiring places for Catholics of the whole world and simply spiritually rich people is a monastery in the rocks of Montserrat, which is more than 11 centuries old! The monastery is still active, although due to the harsh living conditions in the mountains, no more than 20 monks live there permanently. The most important shrine of the monastery is the statue of the Black Virgin of Montserrat. Of course, what tourists see now is the building reconstructed and rebuilt in the 19th century under the guidance of the architect Antonio Gaudi, who is known to us from the Sagrada Familia. Realizing his project, he tried to embody the idea of harmony and unity of man with nature and God. Indeed, finding themselves on one of the viewing platforms, you begin to experience strange and slightly mystical feelings of unity with the Universe, which makes this place so mysterious for many. Perhaps one of the reasons is the incredible beauty and a special kind of these rocks - they have a unique structure in the form of a pile of boulders and are not found anywhere else in the world.
How long will you stay in Montserrat? We cannot answer unequivocally - one is enough for several hours, the other is not enough of a lifetime. If you plan to spend the night - in the vicinity there is a hotel, but the prices in it are the most "tourist".
On this familiarity with Catalonia, you can finish and go further to choose either in central Spain (Zaragoza and Madrid), or on the Costa del Sol (Malaga, Marbella and Seville). From there, by the way, close to Portugal. There is also an option from Madrid to go up to the Bay of Biscay.
To finish the journey by car in Spain, we recommend all the same Madrid. Moreover, it is much easier to return home from the capital (Madrid-Barajas airport - Madrid Barajas and Atocha railway station - Atocha).
The capital of Spain, we believe, is undeservedly in the shadows. This is where the heart of bullfighting is located - Arena Las Ventas, the Royal Palace and the main museums of the country. In architectural and cultural terms, the capital can be called less avant-garde and controversial than all of Catalonia, but this is its charm.The Prado Museum
This treasure of art is sometimes put on a par with the Paris Louvre. More than 400 sculptures, about 6000 canvases of famous masters and incredible wealth of precious jewelry. In the halls there are works by Titian, Raphael, Velasquez, Rubens and Botticelli.
The museum is part of the golden triangle of Madrid, a must-see for lovers of fine and applied art: the Prado, the center of contemporary arts of Queen Sofia with the works of Picasso and Dali, as well as the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, among which canvases are works by Chagall and Kandinsky.
Central square and royal palace
Plassa Major used to serve both as an arena for fighting bullfights, and as a trading and public square. Today it is the central and most beautiful of the capital squares. The luxurious facades of dozens of buildings with balconies, from which even the most colorful festivals can be seen today, look at it from four sides.
The palace, like most residences of royal families in Europe, today open only on holidays. It has long become a museum and a repository of works of art. Even the facade impresses with its scope, and inside - truly rich interiors, furnished for the royal personages.
Camp Nou
How long will you stay in Montserrat? We cannot answer unequivocally - one is enough for several hours, the other is not enough of a lifetime. If you plan to spend the night - in the vicinity there is a hotel, but the prices in it are the most "tourist".
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