3-Day Road Trip from Barcelona: Costa Brava & Priorat Wine Region
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If you’re looking for a 3-day road trip from Barcelona to escape the city, it can be tough to know where to go and how to make the most of your time. Not to mention where to stay, the logistics of “do I drive?!” or not, and so many other things that go into planning a mini-getaway.
Here are 2 fantastic options for road trips I recommend close to Barcelona, one heading north to the beaches of Costa Brava, the other heading south to the Priorat wine regions.
✅ 3 Days In Costa Brava: Great for Relaxing, doing some coastal hikes, and heading north into the town of Cadaques.
✅ 3 Days in Priorat Wine Region: Great for wine and hiking around Falset, a hidden local gem of a town, and a bit more off-the-beaten-path. Think cute mountain towns and vineyard visits.
I stand by these road trips because I’ve actually done them when I’ve visited Barcelona. What’s more, they are locally approved by my friends in the city. One girlfriend even asked, “How did you find Falset?! It’s a Spanish secret of a town” Travel blogger mission accomplished!
On a personal note, Barcelona holds a special place in my heart because this is where I spent my study-abroad semester in college. It was one of the home base cities when I started traveling in Europe, and even though I’m on foreign soil, Barcelona is familiar and feels like a home to me.
FULL ITINERARY: 3-Day Road Trips From Barcelona
If you have 3 days in Barcelona, you can easily visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in the city itself, but this is about getting out of the city. Where do the locals go? Well, they hit the road and either go south to Sitges and the vineyards of the Prades Mountains or north to the beaches of Costa Brava.
- Beach Life: 3 Days in Costa Brava [Great for Relaxing, More Luxurious]
- Wine Life: 3 Days around Falset [Hidden Local Gem, Off the Beaten Path]
Both of these road trips are within a 2-hour driving distance and I’ll share the full itinerary I did and recommend, where to stay, and some of my favorite spots along the way.
🏖️ 3 Days in Costa Brava [Beach Life]
This itinerary is for those who want to experience an authentic slice of Catalonian life on beaches that will rival the California coast. Located on the northeastern coast of Spain 2 hours north of Barcelona, Costa Brava is known for its dramatic coastline, hidden sandy beaches, and Mediterranean vibe.
Where to Stay
I recommend the small town of Cadaqués right near the border of France or the even smaller town of Palafrugell nearby. Both are little tucked-away gems that can be used as a hub to visit the area.
📍Hotel Playa Sol in Cadaqués – Worth booking the room with a view. Fantastic terrace overlooking the sea and the town of Cadaqués.
📍Casa Sol Y Platja in Palafrugell – This is where I stayed (a small town outside of Cadaques). loved the view, the fact that parking was easy, and while it was a bit more remote, the little village was enough of an outing for dinner for a long weekend.
Day 1: The Hidden Gem Town of Palafrugell
I spent a whole weekend in Palafrugell on a girls’ trip last year, and it was a wonderful surprise in a little seaside village. There is an amazing coastal walk starting in the town to Mirador Punta de Canyers that we loved.
Get ready for some spectacular views. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to get a bottle of wine, your bathing suit, and a towel so you can catch the sunset from some of the lookout points.
For dinner head to the tiniest of little beach restaurants, Restaurant Fiego. I’m telling you right now, it won’t seem like a very fancy place, as you’ll practically have your feet in the sand, but it’s excellent, local, and authentic.
Day 2: The Dali Museum, Girona, and the Fishing Villages of Cadaqués
While Barcelona claims the prize for top museums, if you’ve decided to spend your 3-day road trip on Costa Brava, you have to spend a day visiting the Dali Museum in Figueres and exploring a few fishing villages.
➡️ DALI MUSEUM TICKETS: I would recommend the Dali Museum in the morning and definitely get the guided tour for this one (tickets here) because the man is an onion of surprises.
Dali is one of the most famous surrealist artists, but he’s also a notorious fascist who aligned himself with the infamous Franco regime to benefit himself. And while we can continue to enjoy his art, it’s important to understand the big picture as well – which is why the tour is a must!
Grab lunch and wander around Girona for the afternoon, and head to the fishing villages of Cadaqués for sunset – Far de Cap de Creus for live music and an excellent dinner.
Day 3: Hiking & Kayaking in Costa Brava
On the last day of your 3-day road trip from Barcelona, I want you to step out of your comfort zone and explore the sea and the cliffs of Costa Brava – but for real! Pack accordingly because this is an adventure day.
Start your morning with some hiking and a via Ferrata in Cala Moli. If it’s your first time or you don’t have the gear with you, grab this Via Ferrata de Sant Feliu de Guíxols guide and bon voyage!
For the afternoon, a more relaxed Kayak and Snorkel Adventure in Sant Feliu to wrap up a day in the sun.
🍷 3 Days In Priorat Region [Wine Life]
My last recommended 3-day road trip from Barcelona takes you to wine country. It’s a 2-hour drive south to the town of Falset, where I spent the weekend. I only discovered this little gem thanks to a few local friends of mine who escape Barcelona for these wineries as frequently as they can.
Where to Stay
I stayed 2 nights in the town of Falset near the mountains and 1 night in the beach town of Sitges on my way back to Barcelona
📍 Priorat Aparthotel – probably one of the cutest places in the town of Falset with a rooftop terrace and wonderful local hosts.
📍Hotel Lotus Priorat – I stayed here and it was magical – the rooms were cute and the restaurant patio for dinner is fantastic.
📍 Calipolis in Sitges – Super nice beachfront hotel with a view of the sea, great for 1 night!
Day 1: Falset and Hikes in Serra de Montsant
Once you’re settled into your lodging, stretch your legs by heading out into nature. Park here and do a quick little hike to St. Gregori Chapel to enjoy the views of Falset from up high. Dinner will be back in town at the Restaurant Hotel Lotus, where the octopus (pulpo) was my favorite.
Day 2: Wineries in the Priorat Region
Today is a full, all-inclusive tour – and you will want to book this to get into the wineries without a specific reservation. My tour was excellent in its education around the history of the area, the cuisine, and the wine – my favorite day of the weekend!
➡️ Loved this Private Wine and Oil Tour – highly recommend it! ⬅️
Day 3: A Beach Day in Sitges
On the last day of the road trip, I actually drove back towards Barcelona and stopped in the town of Sitges for the day. Sitges is known for its nightlife and an active LGBTQ community. This alone was a big sell for me because traveling in Europe can sometimes feel a bit closeted. I missed seeing pride flags openly showcased, something I’m used to at home in Austin.
I spent the day exploring the little town and sunbathing on San Sebastian beach. Dinner will need to be at the cutest little spot, El Castell.
3-Day Road Trip From Barcelona
What MORE can you do in Spain for 3 Days?
OMG so much! If you’re starting in Barcelona, there are a few 3-day road trips you can take. Some of these, like Mallorca and Sevilla you would have to fly to, but it’s a quick 1-hour flight.
- Beach Life: 3 Days in Costa Brava, great for coastal walks, hikes, and beaches
- Wine Life: 3 Days around Falset, a local gem wine town, off the tourist path
- City Life: 3 Days in Barcelona – stay in the city and enjoy it like a local would.
- Island Life: 3 Days in Mallorca, fly to Palma de Mallorca, and spend a weekend road-tripping the island.
- Spanish Culture: 3 Days in Sevilla – fly to Sevilla and spend a weekend in Andalucia, eating tapas and enjoying flamenco.
3-Day Road Trip From Barcelona
Getting Around Spain
You’ll need a car rental for any of the 3-day road trips from Barcelona, as you’ll be driving up and down the coast into little towns where the train or bus is either not available or inconvenient. You will need an International Driver’s Permit to rent a car from Barcelona.
➡️ Check Discover Cars for the best rental prices in Spain. ⬅️
What is Driving in Spain like?
Driving in Spain is easy enough. The roads are in good condition, and the highways are well-marked. Regarding driving style, Spanish drivers tend to be fast but they follow good driving etiquette. Tolls are rare on this road trip, but if you do run into any, they are easily paid via credit card.
What are some tips for road trips in Spain?
The great part about these 3-day road trips from Barcelona is that nothing is more than a 2-hour drive from the city. That said, make sure you check these off the list before you go.
9 Tips for Packing Comfy Road Trip Outfits
Go through my checklist for what to pack for road trips (summer and winter) and how to make sure I’m maximizing outfits and minimizing luggage. Take it from a pro!
7 Unique Ways to Spend Time on a Road Trip
From games to play, ways to make up time, and what to bring, this is the motherload of all things to do so you don’t get bored compiled into one post. Plus my favorite road trip albums – from rock to rap!
3-Day Road Trip From Barcelona
When Is The Best Time to Visit Barcelona?
The best time to visit Barcelona for a 3-day road trip really depends on what you want to see and do. If you’re interested in exploring the city’s museums and attractions, then the spring or fall is ideal. The weather is pleasant, but not too hot, and there are fewer crowds than in the summer.
However, if you’re more interested in spending time on the beach and partying, then you’ll want to visit during the summer months. July and August are when the weather is at its hottest, but it’s also when the city comes alive with music festivals and outdoor activities.
3-Day Road Trip From Barcelona
FAQ: Road Trips Around Spain
Here are a few logistical things to consider for a long weekend around Barcelona or Spain.
Is a road trip from Barcelona to Costa Brava worth it?
Yes, yes, and yes! Costa Brava is where the locals in Barcelona go for a beach weekend, so why not you? The thing is, the beaches in Barcelona are nice, but not the best Spain has to offer. Plus, they get quite crowded.
Renting a car is super easy and cheap in Barcelona, and Costa Brava is an easy 2-hour drive north along the coast.
Are 3 days enough if I stay in Barcelona?
Honestly, there are not enough days in the year to explore all of Barcelona, so the idea is to take it in stride – one neighborhood at a time, a few highlights at a time, and several glasses of cava and tapas at once! That said, check the 3-day itinerary options above and do your best to follow along!
Is there a high-speed train from Barcelona to San Sebastián?
San Sebastian is a gorgeous resort town northwest of Barcelona, almost to the border of France. It’s a coastal provincial town, tucked in between mountains and the sea, and is stunning – a good getaway from the city.
You can either take a 1-hour direct flight from Barcelona to San Sebastian (around $60) – which is what I recommend (see Skyscanner price comparison to find the cheapest/fastest flight). Alternatively, you can grab the Alvia high-speed train (around $40), which lasts between 6-8 hours depending on the schedule for the day. I use Omio to search and book most of my trains.
Is there a high-speed train from Barcelona to Valencia?
Yes, Barcelona to Valencia by train is the best way without renting a car. I use Omio to search and book most of my trains – the ride should be around 3 hours (300 km), and there are about 10 departures a day.
Is there a ferry from Barcelona to Mallorca? How long is the boat ride?
Yes, but taking the ferry is not the best way to go. Flying is the best way to get to Mallorca. A flight from Barcelona to the island of Mallorca should take about 50 minutes for about $50. Check out Skyscanner’s price compares to find the cheapest/fastest flight for this.
You can of course, also ferry. This will take you about 6.5 hours each way and cost about $40 (ticket link).
Final Thoughts: Beyond A 3-Day Road Trip From Barcelona
As you can see, there are quite a few 3-day road trip options from Barcelona. Some include:
- Beach Life: 3 Days in Costa Brava, great for coastal walks, hikes, and beaches
- Wine Life: 3 Days around Falset, a local gem wine town, off the tourist path
- City Life: 3 Days in Barcelona – stay in the city and enjoy it like a local would.
- Island Life: 3 Days in Mallorca, fly to Palma de Mallorca, and spend a weekend road-tripping the island.
- Spanish Culture: 3 Days in Sevilla – fly to Sevilla and spend a weekend in Andalucia, eating tapas and enjoying flamenco.
If you have a few more days and can string 2 weekends together, are an absolute foodie, want to take a hike through the Picos de Europa, or want to check the Guggenheim Museum off your bucket list, consider choosing a few stops from this itinerary and making it a trip! One of my favorite road trips was through Northern Spain for a couple of weeks, from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela. Get to planning!
