Explore Catalonia On A Grand Tour Of The Region

 

Catalonia, situated in northeastern Spain, is a captivating region known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. From the rugged Pyrenees mountains to the sparkling Mediterranean coast, Catalonia offers a stunning array of natural beauty that enchants visitors throughout the year.

Along the famed Costa Brava, travellers are greeted by dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters that define this iconic stretch of coastline. The region’s blend of scenic beauty and cultural treasures is on full display in towns like Cadaqués, where the artistic legacy of Salvador Dalí lives on, and Tossa de Mar, with its medieval charm and historic fortifications. Beyond the coast, Catalonia’s countryside unfolds into rolling vineyards, ancient monasteries, and picturesque villages that preserve centuries of history and tradition.

A journey through Catalonia also promises a gastronomic delight, with fresh seafood, hearty stews, and world-renowned wines complementing the experience. Whether it’s exploring the vibrant streets of Barcelona, hiking in the Pyrenees, or unwinding along the sun-soaked Mediterranean beaches, Catalonia offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Compact yet diverse, it’s a region ripe for self-drive exploration, where every turn reveals a new facet of its enduring charm.

Find exactly what you’re looking for via the links below – or keep scrolling to discover the delights of Catalonia for yourself:

Grand Tour – Section 1 | Grand Tour – Section 2 | Grand Tour – Section 3 | Grand Tour – Section 4Grand Tour- Section 5 | Grand Tour- Iconic Route | Blog: All The Reasons You Need To Explore CataloniaVisiting Catalonia Throughout The Year | View the Grand Tour of Catalonia on YouTube

The Grand Tour Of Catalonia

Inspired by the great journeys that began in the mid-19th century, the Grand Tour of Catalonia, a route of more than 2,000 kilometres, is conceived to be travelled in two ways by a motorised vehicle: on a 13 days’ single route or in 5 sections of 5 and 7 stages each.

Discover the highlights of each of the Tour’s sections below along with the full, single route…

Section 1 | Vineyards With A Taste Of The Sun

Barcelona to Tarragona – 462km of travel, 6 stages

Highlights:

  • Admire Barcelona’s heritage-listed buildings, including modernist works such as Casa de les Punxes, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló
  • Visit the stunning Botanical Gardens, and museums such as the Joan Miró Foundation, the National Museum of Art in Catalonia and the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion
  • Head to Santa Coloma de Cervelló to visit the crypt of Colonia Güell, a spectacular work from Gaudí’s naturalist period
  • Witness the sunrise over Montserrat and take an early morning walk around the peaceful paths
  • Ride the ‘Aeri’, a mountain cable car that overlooks the Llobregat Valley
  • Spend time exploring the cobbled streets of the medieval town of Mura
  • Marvel in the landscapes of Solsonés and Penedès, where wine and Cava are made under two historic denominations of origin
  • Stroll along the promenade of Sitges and climb the stairs to the Sant Bartolomeu i Santa Tecla church for panoramic views of Sitges’ beaches

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Section 2 | In Search Of History

From Tarragona to Lleida – 418km of travel, 7 stages

Highlights:

  • Watch the sunrise in Tarragona, a World Heritage city, from the Balcó del Mediterrani – an ancient Roman amphitheatre
  • Enjoy a traditional vermouth in Gaudí’s birthplace of Reus
  • Follow the ‘Modernist Route’ of 26 important buildings such as Casa Navàs, Casa Rull, Casa Gasull and the Pere Mata Institute
  • Explore a diverse coastline ranging from fine sand to beautiful rocky shores and turquoise waters
  • Learn how high-quality honey is produced in the village of El Perelló
  • Sail through Fangar Bay and sample the freshest mussels and oysters
  • Listen for the birdsong of the Delta de l’Ebre, one of the most important wetlands in Europe
  • Take a stroll in the monumental town of Tortosa
  • Walk the trails of Rocques de Benet and admire the incredible sunset
  • Cycle Val de Zafán, a flat route that connects Sant Carles de la Ràpita and the delta
  • Kayak on the Ebro River by the picturesque town of Miravet

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Section 3 | Very Close To The Heavens

Lleida to La Seu d’Urgell – 357km of travel, 5 stages

Highlights:

  • Visit Castell de Gardeny, that was home to the 12th century Templar knights
  • View in awe the famous Congost de Mont-Rebei rock formation and Noguera-Ribagorçana river
  • See the impressive starry sky from Àger
  • Explore Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park and its 200-plus lakes of glacial origin and huge peaks
  • Vall de Boí is an ideal place to try hearty Pyrenean cuisine: mushrooms, shepherd’s cheese and a meat cooked ‘a la llosa’, served in the local restaurants
  • Take photos of the gorgeous stone churches and structures that appear around the Val d’Aran
  • Get up close to some impressive glacial-fed waterfalls such as Els Uelhs Deth Joeu
  • Walk amongst the forests that are home to marmots and large deer populations
  • Opt to relax at Banhs de Tredòs, the highest-altitude thermal spa in Europe, with a stunning location in the heart of nature
  • Navigate around a portion of the largest lake area in the Pyrenees, the Colomèrs cirque
  • Appreciate the many examples of Renaissance architecture found in the quaint villages and towns

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Section 4 | Ode To Nature

La Seu d’Urgell to Figueres – 357km of travel, 5 stages

Highlights:

  • Stay in the interesting city of La Seu d’Urgell and visit Catalonia’s only Romanesque cathedral of Santa María
  • Head out on a cycle ride along the foothills of the iconic Pedraforca mountain
  • Take a stroll through the picturesque village of Bagà after a visit to the magnificent Benedictine cenotaph of Sant Llorenç
  • Explore the medieval fortress town of Bellver de Cerdanya
  • Enjoy time in Castellar de N’Hug, at the source of the Llobregat River
  • Head up to Santa María de Ripoll Monastery, founded in the year 879
  • Admire the vistas from the head of the Vall de Núria
  • Opt for a small guided excursion by horseback to the Verge forest
  • Ride the rack railway to Ribes de Freser and visit Camprodon to try their famous artisanal buscuits
  • See Castellfollit de la Roca, perched on a basalt cliff, that emerges from the landscape like the bow of a ship
  • Consider a hot-air balloon flight over La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park
  • Go glamping in Banyoles and sleep under the stars

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Section 5 | From Surrealism To Modernism

From Figueres to Barcelona – 525km of travel, 7 stages

Highlights:

  • Follow the Dalí triangle and visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum
  • Cross the Cap de Creus Natural Park to reach the Dalí house in Portlligat
  • Drive through the vineyards of the Empordà DO, which stretches from the Pyrenees mountains to the beaches of the Mediterranean
  • Stop for lunch in Cadaqués, one of those perfect postcard villages on the Catalan coast
  • See the ancient Empúries Ruins
  • Sample the local produce of juices, jams and vinegar in Palau Sator, in the ‘Apples of Girona’ lands
  • Join a cooking workshop at the Espai de Peix and learn to cook like a historic fisherman
  • Enjoy the views from the walls of Tossa de Mar
  • Visit the Santa Clotilde Gardens, planted on an impressive bluff overlooking the sea
  • Hike around Tavertet and see the Sau Reservoir and check out the exotic pine and fir tree forests by the Ter River
  • Explore the towns of Collsacabra, a natural landscape of mountains with dizzying cliffs, streams, and waterfalls
  • Relax at one of the sandy beaches of the Maresme coastline
  • Visit one of the wine cellars around Alella

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Iconic Route | Grand Tour Of Catalonia

One journey, many roads – 1,496km of travel, 13 stages

Further highlights to the previously listed sections:

  • In Barcelona, watch the light illuminate iconic buildings such as the Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Enjoy a relaxing swim in the waters of Barcelona before taking a sunset catamaran trip
  • Spot the iconic Caball Bernat rock from a Montserrat walking trail
  • Follow the Miravinya Route for panoramic views of the vineyards found in the DO Penedès region
  • Walk the Camí de Ronda trail between Tarragona and Tamarit Castle, checking out caves and beaches
  • Go sailing in the mouth of the River Ebre
  • Cross the landscape of the Prades Mountains to Poblet, one of the three monasteries along the Cistercian Route, still inhabited by monks today
  • Marvel at the spectacular Sant Esperit waterfall in Aigüestortes
  • Visit the isolated Pyrenean hamlet of Montgarri
  • Ride the white-water rapids of the Noguera Pallaresa River
  • Explore the medieval villages of Empordanet by electric bicycle
  • Opt to experience a parachute jump from 4k high, with views of the Pyrenees and Montserrat during the descent

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Road close to Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey

All The Reasons You Need To Explore Catalonia

Exploring Catalonia on a self-drive adventure offers a unique and immersive way to experience the region’s rich tapestry of culture, history, gastronomy, and outdoor activities. With its well-connected roads winding through picturesque landscapes, Catalonia invites you to discover medieval towns, vibrant cities, and hidden coastal gems at your own pace.

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Family on the beach in Creixell, Catalonia

Visiting Catalonia Throughout the Year…

  • Spring in Catalonia offers a delightful mix of blooming landscapes and vibrant festivals. In regions like Girona, you’ll find the lush countryside dotted with wildflowers, making it a picturesque time to explore. Temperatures in May can hover around 20°C, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking in Montserrat or cycling through vineyards. Coastal areas, such as the Costa Dorada, are quieter than in summer, providing a peaceful atmosphere for those looking to unwind by the sea
  • Summer in Catalonia brings long, sunny days with temperatures reaching up to 30°C, especially along the Mediterranean coast. This is the ideal season for beachgoers to enjoy the sandy shores of the Costa Brava or take part in water sports like sailing and kayaking. Inland, Barcelona comes alive with vibrant festivals such as La Mercè, offering a mix of cultural events, music, and parades. The Pyrenees offer a cool retreat for those seeking mountain adventures, with opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and exploring nature reserves
  • Autumn in Catalonia presents a stunning display of colours, particularly in the vineyards of the Penedès and Priorat regions. As the grape harvest begins, temperatures cool to around 22°C in October, making it a great time for wine tasting tours. Cities like Tarragona and Lleida also host cultural festivals celebrating the region’s history and gastronomy. Autumn’s mild weather is perfect for exploring Catalonia’s medieval towns and castles, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk along the coast
  • Winter transforms the Pyrenees into a winter sports paradise. Snow covers the mountain peaks, offering excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions in resorts such as La Molina and Baqueira-Beret. After a day on the slopes, visitors can relax in cosy mountain villages and enjoy traditional Catalan dishes like escudella (hearty stew) and botifarra (Catalan sausage). For those seeking a more urban experience, Barcelona’s winter months are perfect for exploring its cultural landmarks with fewer crowds, or enjoying festive markets and holiday lights

 

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