Discover the Amazing Destinations You Can Reach with a Car Hire from Barcelona
Nestled along the Mediterranean coast of Spain, lies the vibrant Capital of Catalonia - Barcelona. Renowned for its unique blend of rich history, striking architecture, and buzzing atmosphere, Barcelona draws millions of tourists from across the globe. Visitors are captivated by the dynamic arts scene, world-class cuisines, lively street life and distinct Catalan identity. This city has the ability to awe you with its deep history, then charm you with the modern rooftop bars. The unique magic of Barcelona will have you wanting to extend your stay, and with surrounding areas that are just as exciting as Barcelona, you'll never want to leave!
With so much to see and plenty to do, where an earth does one start?! Don't worry, not only are Holiday Cars here to help you pick the perfect vehicle, but we'll also help you plan where to drive your new car hire!
Montserrat
A one hour drive from Barcelona will land you in the drop dead gorgeous mountain range that will have your eyes popping out of their sockets. Not only is Montserrat a nature lover's haven, but it also holds incredible religious significance and is a place of pilgrimage for those seeking spiritual guidance and solace. The name "Montserrat" in Catalan translates to "serrated mountain", describing its jagged peaks and unique rock formations which have tourists flocking to snap photographs.
Right in the heart of Montserrat lies a monastery which is a beloved religious complex for millions of pilgrims as well as hermit monks since the 9th century. The monastery is home to the 'Black Madonna' statue, which is believed to have miraculous powers. Pilgrims will line up to catch a glimpse of the Black Madonna as well as perform prayers. Outdoor enthusiasts are able to jump onto one of the hiking trails that zig zag through the mountains taking you to viewpoints that showcase the spectacular views of Catalonia.
From striking mother nature, to religious history, Montserrat is a day trip that will leave you mesmerised and grateful that you made the effort to visit.
Costa Brava
If you fancy charming fishing villages and beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean coastline, then start driving north-east towards the French border. After an hour and a half of travelling through stunning scenery, you'll enter the breathtaking region of Costa Brava, which translates to "rugged coast". Once you hop out of the car, be prepared to be captivated by the dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal clear turquoise waters. Costa Brava attracts both types of visitors- the one who wishes to relax and laze the day away on the golden sandy beaches, and the adrenaline junkie itching to climb cliffs and dive into the ocean. Make sure you pack your swimming gear as there are plenty of outdoor activities such as snorkelling, diving and kayaking. History buffs will also be looked after as Costa Brava also offers a rich cultural experience with its mysterious historic towns, waiting for explorers to unravel its secrets of the past.
Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, culture or history, Costa Brava has the ability to fulfil everyone's desires.
Girona
Calling all "Game of Thrones" fanatics, as the city of Girona is none other than one of the filming locations for this hit series. You'll pass Girona on the journey to Costa Brava, and it's definitely worth a stop, or even a full day trip. Brimming with culture, a treasure trove of history and captivating charm, this city will leave you enchanted. It's history dates back to the Roman era, which you can explore through its winding cobbled streets, well-preserved medieval architecture, and mesmerising old town. You'll feel as though you've been zapped into another world when wandering past the ancient walls, impressive Cathedral, colourful buildings, and Eiffel Bridge. Visitors will also be well fed and watered with the city's excellent culinary scene, offering Michelin star restaurants as well as local markets allowing you to dive into Catalan traditional foods.
Girona boasts a certain elegance that has the ability to captivate even the most sceptical of tourists. You'll certainly understand why Girona was chosen as a filming location for "Game of Thrones" after visiting!
Sitges
A short 40-minute breathtaking drive south-west of Barcelona, will have you arrive into the most charming coastal town. A place where one can escape the hustle and bustle of Barcelona, yet still be close enough to pop into the city. Sitges has a unique blend of natural beauty, artistic flair and vibrant atmosphere. Its stunning beaches are renowned for featuring dramatic hilly backdrops, deep blue sea and golden sand. Alongside the picturesque landscapes, Sitges has a name for its lively environment with events such as the renowned Sitges Film Festival as well as other various festivals. The social scene is another alluring aspect to Sitges, with the town's boutiques, galleries and cafes dotted along the narrow streets of the historic centre. To top it off, Sitges is also known for its vibrant gay scene with plenty of LGBTQ+ friendly clubs and bars, further adding to the town's diversity.
Overall, Sitges promises a therapeutic escape where one can re-charge their batteries, and wash all of their worries away.
Tarragona
Further south from Sitges lies a historic city nestled on the north-eastern coast of Spain. Tarragona attracts visitors from far and wide with its ancient Roman heritage juxtaposed with modern urban life. The city offers a journey back in time as you wander down its cobbled streets and squares soaking in the preserved archaeological treasures. Water enthusiasts will feel right at home with the city's Mediterranean beaches hosting sparkling sands with lazy waves. Alongside the relaxed atmosphere of Tarragona, lies an enticing social scene with its bustling markets, local eateries and cultural events providing a taste of Catalan life. Tarragona has seamlessly blended ancient marvels with modern day life, making it a destination well worth visiting.
Barcelona Airport
Another great factor of Barcelona, is that the city hosts its own airport, providing travellers with that extra bit of convenience. Situated approximately 12 kilometres southwest of Barcelona's city centre, offering two main terminals, this airport serves a wide range of airlines and destinations. This bustling hub stands as the primary international gateway to the world of Catalonia, as well as connecting Spain to the rest of the globe, resulting in it being one of the busiest airports in the world.
Whether travellers are arriving or departing, they'll receive a seamless travel experience with the airport's vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Spanish charm, strategic location, as well as range of services from duty-free shops to restaurants.