Road Trip Spain
Catalonia
Actually, in Catalonia, you’re navigating a separate state that doesn’t really belong to Spain at all. At least that’s how many Catalans see it, who have always felt they belong more to France and Italy than to mainland Spain. This is also expressed in the language.
In Catalonia, the language spoken is not Spanish, but Catalan. This dialect is much more like Provençal than Spanish. But don’t worry, Spanish and English will get you everywhere.
Hikers are drawn to the mountains
Hikers and climbers will be happy in the Pyrenees. In the only national park in Catalonia, the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici, nature lovers get their money’s worth. But also the many small towns in the hinterland are worth a visit. Here you can still get to know unadulterated Spanish life.
However, you should not choose the early afternoon for a visit. Then the siesta takes place and it is sacred to many Spaniards. The shops are closed and especially the small towns seem to be deserted.
Sun worshippers are drawn to the wild coast
The Costa Brava has a battered reputation. It was one of the first destinations to be discovered for mass tourism. Tourists invaded in droves on buses and planes. Unbridled construction boom followed. But even in this region, there are still the small hidden beaches that offer solitude and tranquility. Your sense of discovery is called for. Follow the coastal road. Choose the small roads that lead to places that are not in the travel guide and let yourself be surprised. After all, with a hire car you are unbound.
Barcelona – fascinating culture in a vibrant city
An absolute highlight is Barcelona, capital of the province of Catalonia. But before you plunge into the city bustle, you should first park your hire car. Even though Barcelona has become safer in recent years, it is advisable to park your hire car in a multi-storey car park. Now you are ready to go. First, stroll along the Ramblas, the city’s large pedestrian zone, and soak up the atmosphere. Stop at a small bodega and enjoy a glass of cava and the irresistible tapas, small bites with great taste. Now that you’re refreshed, you can turn your attention to the city’s cultural wealth. Be sure to visit the impressive Sagrada Familia church. It was designed by Antoni Gaudí, who is considered the most important representative of modernism. Gaudí also designed many other buildings and parks. If you stroll through the city with your eyes open, you will encounter him at every turn. A true son of the city is the artist Joan Miró, whose museum is another highlight. Miró is considered one of the leading exponents of surrealism.
The way is the goal – and the night is not just for sleeping
Barcelona offers such a variety of cultural attractions that many visitors fail to really experience the city’s appeal. Rather, pick a few cultural highlights and let yourself drift. Stroll the streets and feel the pulse of the city. And don’t go to bed too early. Like everywhere else in Spain, the real life in Barcelona doesn’t wake up until after 9pm. The trendy bars often don’t get going until after midnight. You should plan at least two days to visit Barcelona. But at some point it will be time to turn your back on the city and continue your Spain road trip south.
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