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HomeSingapore Travel10D Barcelona Itinerary for First Timers — Highway Journey Round Catalonia

10D Barcelona Itinerary for First Timers — Highway Journey Round Catalonia


This epic Barcelona itinerary goes past town. Go skydiving in Girona, mountaineering in Montserrat, and see first-century Roman ruins in Tarragona!

Up to date on 16 Feb 2022.

Like most first-timers to Spain, my data of Catalonia was restricted to its capital — Barcelona. I appeared ahead to seeing Gaudi’s works and consuming plenty of tapas.

Sagrada Familiar Barcelona - Barcelona Itinerary

However this journey proved there’s a lot extra to the area surrounding Barcelona. There are dormant volcanoes to hike into, quirky museums (from among the most good artists on this planet) and even Sport of Thrones filming areas!

Catalonia Girona La Garrotxa Volcanic Park Vol de Coloms Hot Air Balloon Ride - Barcelona Itinerary

For these unfamiliar with Catalonia, right here’s a brief introduction: Catalonia is made up of 4 areas — Barcelona , Girona, Tarragona, and Lleida.

Regardless of being a part of Spain, Catalonia has its personal flag, language, and traditions not discovered wherever else within the nation. Like the game of constructing human towers (beneath), Castells!

Castellers de Sarrià Performance - Barcelona Itinerary

Castells are underneath the UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage checklist!

Excellent news for these hoping to go to as effectively; Singapore introduced a Vaccinated Journey Lane (VTL) with Spain! Learn on for our 10-day itinerary exploring Barcelona and surrounds.

Pre-trip Necessities

Barcelona Airport - Barcelona Itinerary

Picture credit score: @angelacompagnone by way of Unsplash

COVID-19 associated:

Coming into Spain — You’ll want the next paperwork:
1) 48 hours pre-departure: Full the Spain Journey Well being Type to obtain a QR code. You’ll must current this upon arrival in Spain.
2) Earlier than check-in: Obtain your Digital Vaccination Certificates by way of Notarise.

Catalonia’s COVID-19 web page right here.

Returning to Singapore (Replace as of twenty-two Feb 2022) — Travellers coming into Singapore (residents included) by way of the VTL are required to take a supervised ART inside 24 hours of arrival.

Do examine the newest VTL necessities when planning your journey.

Social distancing restrictions: Most services and occasions are again at 100% capability. Face masks have to be worn indoors and a few outside areas reminiscent of amusement parks.

Extra pre-trip necessities beneath reminiscent of the place to get knowledge and a Google maps with all of the areas pinned!

Barcelona and Surrounds Itinerary Overview

This 10-day Catalonia street journey itinerary covers highlights within the Barcelona, Tarragona, and Girona areas in a clockwise route.

Day 1-3: Barcelona

Park Guell Busker Gaudi Landmark - Things to do in Barcelona

We spent six weeks based mostly in Barcelona as a part of Airbnb’s Dwell Anyplace Program and nonetheless left feeling like there’s a lot extra left to see!

For those who’re solely in Barcelona for a number of days, right here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

La Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia Barcelona Antoni Gaudi Architecture - Barcelona Itinerary

No Barcelona itinerary can be full with out seeing the Sagrada Familia — Gaudí’s final and arguably best work. 40 years of his life was devoted to constructing the Sagrada Familia, and his final 12 years have been spent working solely on it up until his loss of life in 1926.

Sagrada Familia Church Interior - Barcelona Itinerary

The inside is in contrast to another church. Our eyes have been instantly drawn to the ceiling — large granite columns branching as much as the sky. Gaudí’s predominant inspirations have been nature and light-weight and each element within the church mirrored that!

La Sagrada Familiar Church Interior Barcelona - Barcelona Itinerary

The church remains to be present process building and was slated to be accomplished by 2026, however will almost definitely be delayed because of the pandemic. Entrance features a detailed audio tour, however you’ll be able to guide guided excursions (€49) as effectively.

Entrance charge: €26, €24 for these underneath 30 years outdated — tickets can solely be bought on-line)
Opening hours:
9AM – 6PM
Learn how to get there: Take the L2 or L5 metro line to Sagrada Familia station. Alternatively, take bus 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50, 51, B20 or B24 and get off on the Sagrada Familia cease

Park Güell 

Park Guell Dragon Stairway Antoni Gaudi - Barcelona Itinerary

Park Güell is one other Gaudí must-see in Barcelona. Essentially the most iconic a part of the park is the Terrace, a superb vantage level overlooking town embellished with vibrant mosaic tiles!

Park Guell Overlooking Barcelona - Things to do in Barcelona

The challenge was meant as a personal property for upper-class households in 1900, however was purchased over by the Metropolis Council in 1922 because of the lack of consumers. No complaints there as a result of Park Güell can now be loved by everybody!

Different notable picture spots right here embrace the Greek Theatre, Dragon Stairway, and Hypostyle Room.

Entrance charge: €10 (~S$15.43) — buy on-line beforehand as there are time slots for entry
Opening hours:
9:30AM – 5:30PM
Learn how to get there: Take the L3 metro line to Lesseps or Vallcarca stations and stroll 20min from both station. Or, take bus H6 or D40 and stroll 10 min.

Casa Batlló

Casa Batllo Gaudi Exterior - Barcelona Itinerary

Picture credit score: @casabatllo by way of Instagram

Glimmering scaled-roofs and mask-shaped balconies; the outside of Casa Batlló stands out like a sore thumb — in the absolute best method. The inside isn’t any much less fascinating. For one, you’ll discover no straight traces! Each door, window, and tile exudes character, creating Casa Batlló’s full of life persona.

Casa Batllo The Noble Floor Stained Glass Window - Barcelona Itinerary

Entrance features a free audio tour sharing the historical past of Casa Batlló and Gaudí’s inspirations whereas designing it.

Entrance charge: €35 (~S$54), free for kids underneath 12 — tickets might be bought on-line or in-person
Opening hours:
9AM – 6:30PM (Tue – Thu), 9AM – 8PM (Fri – Mon)
Learn how to get there: Take the L2, L3 or L4 metro line to Passeig de Gràcia station or bus H10, V15, 7, 22 or 24 and stroll 3min

La Rambla

Barcelona La Rambla Shopping Street - Barcelona Itinerary

Singapore has Orchard Highway, Barcelona has La Rambla. This 1.2km-long avenue stretches from Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell on the coast. Past massive manufacturers like Primark and Zara, there’s additionally avenue artists and performers right here!

*Professional-tip: Take your time to discover the facet streets. There are a great deal of charming bakeries and classic outlets (See Carrer de Tallers avenue) within the space.

Opening hours: Most outlets shut by 9PM, however eating places open until a lot later
Learn how to get there: Take L1 metro line to Catalunya (exit in the beginning of La Rambla at Plaza Catalunya) or L3 metro line to Liceu (exit in the midst of La Rambla)

La Boqueria Market

La Boqueria Market Main Street - Barcelona Itinerary

Boqueria Market isn’t only a vibrant feast for the eyes. Salami and cheese bouquets, contemporary fruits, and native pastries are some gems you’ll discover! We loved snacking on avenue meals, however a spotlight was stopping at one of many seafood bars for tapas.

La Boqueria Market Ramblero Seafood Bar - Barcelona Itinerary

We settled at Ramblero for some calamari, mussels, and grilled octopus. The invoice got here to €38 (~S$58), however verdict — we’d gladly return for extra.

Barcelona La Bouqueria Market Ramblero Seafood Bar - Barcelona Itinerary

Spoiler — we truly did return. Couldn’t depart with out making an attempt their seafood platter (€60) 😂

*Professional-tip: Some stalls begin closing round 4PM so it’s good to go earlier!

Entrance charge: Free
Opening hours:
8AM – 8:30PM (Mon – Sat, Closed on Solar) 
Learn how to get there: Take the L3 metro line to Liceu station. The doorway of La Boqueria is positioned on La Rambla

For those who’d prefer to discover markets the locals frequent, Barcelona has 38 different meals markets scattered all around the metropolis! Simply the Eixample district alone has a number of — like Ninot Market, and Sant Antoni Market.

Gothic Quarter

Bishop’s Bridge Gothic Quarter - Barcelona Itinerary

The Gothic Quarter, or Barrio Gothic, is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Barcelona. It’s one of many oldest neighbourhoods within the metropolis — a labyrinth of bars, outlets, and timeless structure.

Gothic Quarter Plaça Reial - Barcelona Itinerary

Stroll the identical streets as Picasso, who frequented the restaurant Els Quatre Gats as a younger artist within the 1900s. It was right here he held one in every of his first exhibitions! The Gothic Quarter can also be residence to Barcelona’s oldest restaurant, Can Culleretes — a family-run eatery since 1786.

Within the space, make sure to go to the Cathedral of Barcelona, the Bishop’s Bridge (first picture) and Plaça Reial (second picture).

Entrance charge: Free
Opening hours:
24 hours
Learn how to get there: Take the L3 metro line to Liceu station. The Gothic Quarter is positioned reverse La Boqueria.

Scorching Chocolate and Churros

Hot Chocolate and Churros - Barcelona Itinerary

Churros con chocolate (Churros with chocolate) is a must-try in Barcelona. And no, it’s not fairly the new chocolate you’re used to — extra like pure, sinful melted chocolate to dip the churros in. There are various locations promoting this snack however one in every of our favourites was Churrería Laietana!

Value: €1.70/serving (+ €2 for a cup of melted chocolate)
Opening hours:
7AM – 1PM, 4:30PM – 8:30PM (Mon – Fri), 8AM – 1:30PM (Solar), Closed on Sat
Deal with: Through Laietana, 46, 08003 Barcelona

Lodging in Barcelona (3 Nights): Keep within the Exiample or Gothic Quarter space for simple entry to the principle sights. Our Airbnb was positioned in Exiample and had a number of eating choices close by.

Learn additionally: 16 Greatest Issues to do in Barcelona In addition to the La Sagrada Familia

Day 4: Tarragona

Hire a Automobile in Barcelona and Drive to Tarragona

Tarragona Monumento a los Castellers - Catalonia Road Trip

Distance: 97.6km 
Drive time: 1h 13min

The primary cease on this Catalonia street journey is Tarragona, a coastal metropolis well-known for well-preserved historical Roman ruins. It was the primary Roman stronghold in Spain, relationship again to 218 BC.

Search for automotive leases by way of doyouspain.com and choose to choose it up from Barcelona Sants (prepare station). We acquired a five-seater SUV with automated transmission from OK Hire A Automobile at €153 (~S$236) for six days (excl. zero extra for insurance coverage).

PortAventura World

PortAventura Park

Tarragona PortAventura Park Ride - Barcelona Itinerary

Begin the street journey on a excessive with a go to to PortAventura Park. This thrill-seeker’s paradise has 43 rides throughout six themed worlds so that you received’t be capable of cowl all of them in a day.

Tarragona PortAventura Park Dragon Khan Roller Coaster - Barcelona Itinerary

Our favourites have been the large coasters like Furius Baco, Shambhala, Dragon Khan, and El Diablo. Regardless of the lengthy estimated ready instances for the rides, we waited not more than quarter-hour for many of them.

Ferrari Land

Tarragona Ferrari Land Themepark Red Force Roller Coaster - Barcelona Itinerary

Proper subsequent to PortAventura Park is one other theme park — Ferrari Land, whose predominant attraction might be noticed from afar. The journey Crimson Pressure stands at an intimidating 112m and goes from 0 – 180km/hr in simply 5 seconds. Ferrari Land is way smaller and might be coated in simply half a day.

If we needed to decide only one park, it’ll be PortAventura Park. It’s virtually thrice larger, with much more rides.

Entrance charge: From €48 (PortAventura Park), from €20 Ferrari Land). Alternatively, pay €58 for each parks
Opening hours: Varies
Deal with: Av. Pere Molas, Km 2, 43840, Tarragona

Lodging in Tarragona (1 Evening): Our Airbnb was positioned proper in entrance of Mercat De Tarragona (Tarragona’s Central Market) and only a 15-minute drive from the theme parks. Decide an Airbnb or hostel in the identical space for simple entry to the principle landmarks.

Day 5: Tarragona to Montserrat

Spend the primary half of the day exploring Tarragona earlier than driving as much as Montserrat. The principle sights are all positioned inside strolling distance of each other.

Tarragona Market

Catalonia Tarragona Market Exterior - Barcelona Itinerary

The Tarragona Market is the center of town. Regardless of being round since 1915, the within is fashionable with minimalistic cast-iron columns. Contemporary meat, veggies and cooked meals are bought on the principle flooring, whereas the basement homes a big grocery store.

Entrance charge: Free
Opening hours:
8:30AM – 9PM (Mon – Sat, Closed on Solar)
Deal with:
Plaça de Corsini, 43001 Tarragona

Tarragona Amphitheatre

Roman Amphiteatre Tarragona Catalonia Spain - Catalonia Road Trip

Alongside the coast lies Tarragona Amphitheatre, which has been round for the reason that second century. This was the backdrop of bloody gladiator fights and public executions, witnessed by as much as 14,000 spectators.

Tarragona Praetorium and Roman Circus Catalonia - Catalonia Road Trip

In addition to the amphitheater, there are a number of Roman landmarks round Tarragona. Just like the Roman Circus (above), which used to carry chariot races! A single attraction ticket prices €3.30. Alternatively, get bulk tickets to 4 Roman monuments and two noble homes for €11.05.

Entrance charge: From €3.30
Opening hours:
Varies relying on the season
Deal with:
Parc de l’amfiteatre, s/n, 43003 Tarragona (Roman Amphitheatre)

Mediterranean Balcony

Tarragona Balcó del Mediterrani Catalonia - Barcelona Itinerary

Only a two-minute stroll from Tarragona Amphitheatre is the Mediterranean Balcony. Right here you’ll get the perfect views of the Mediterranean ocean from Tarragona. In response to legend, touching the railing brings good luck!

Entrance charge: Free
Opening hours:
24 hours
Deal with:
Passeig de les Palmeres, s/n, 43004 Tarragona

Different landmarks in Tarragona embrace the Monument als Castellers sculpture and Plaça del Sadassos.

Las Ferreres Aqueduct

Tarragona Las Ferreres Aquaduct - Catalonia Road Trip

A 16-minute drive from the principle metropolis will take you to Les Ferreres Aqueduct, also referred to as Satan’s Bridge. This construction has been round for the reason that first century A.D. and used to produce town with water. Nowadays, guests can take pleasure in a scenic stroll throughout the remaining 217-metre lengthy stretch.

Entrance charge: Free
Opening hours:
24 hours
Deal with:
43007 Tarragona

Lunch at El Celleret

La Familia Torres El Celleret Restaurant Catalan Cuisine - Barcelona Itinerary

For lunch, we advocate stopping by El Celleret — a highly-rated native restaurant surrounded by vineyards. It’s roughly a 40-minute drive from Les Ferreres Aqueduct. This institution is run by the Torres household, a five-generation wine empire since 1870.

El Celleret La Familia Torres Set Lunch Starters - Barcelona Itinerary

They’ve an a la carte menu, however we settled on the set lunch (€38/pax) which included 5 starters and two bottles of wine to share, plus a predominant and dessert every. Dishes function generally used components from the realm, like wild mushrooms, potatoes and grilled Iberian pork. 😋

El Celleret will get fairly packed, so name forward to guide a desk.

Value: From €15 for a predominant
Opening hours:
1PM – 4PM (Wed – Mon), Closed on Tue
Deal with:
Finca el Maset, s/n, 08796 Pacs del Penedès, Barcelona

Drive to Montserrat from El Celleret

Montserrat Mountain Range Barcelona Day Trip - Things to do in Barcelona

Distance: 54km 
Drive time: 52min 

Escape town and head to the jagged peaks of Montserrat! Montserrat, or “serrated mountain” in Catalan, is one in every of Catalonia’s most well-known landscapes. This can be accomplished as a day journey from Barcelona by way of prepare, so be at liberty to reshuffle the itinerary.

Montserrat Monastery and Escolonia Boy’s Choir

Abbey of Montserrat - Barcelona Itinerary

Based over a thousand years in the past, Montserrat Monastery is one in every of Catalonia’s most recognised landmarks.

Montserrat Escolania de Montserrat Boys Choir - Catalonia Road Trip

Finish the night time with a efficiency by Escolanía de Montserrat within the Montserrat Basilica. This prestigious all-boys choir is one in every of Europe’s oldest singing teams, with a historical past of over 700 years!

Entrance charge: Free
Efficiency timings: Escolanía de Montserrat sometimes performs twice day by day, within the afternoon and at night time [schedule]
Deal with: 08199 Montserrat, Barcelona

Lodging at Montserrat (1 Evening): Abat Oliba Hostel is conveniently positioned simply beside the Abbey of Montserrat and presents each dorm beds and household rooms.

*Professional-tip: There are restricted eating choices at Montserrat. La Cafeteria is essentially the most funds choice nevertheless it closes early (4:30PM on weekdays, 6:30PM on weekends). Pack some meals and snacks earlier than driving up.

Day 6: Montserrat to Girona

A preferred hike right here is to the height of Sant Jeroni and there are two methods up. You can begin from the bottom which can take round six hours roundtrip. For those who’re pressed for time, you’ll be able to lower that journey in half by taking the Sant Joan Funicular up and hike the remainder of the best way.

Sant Joan Furnicular

Montserrat Sant Joan Furnicular - Barcelona Itinerary

Sant Joan Furnicular takes you from the decrease station close to the Abbey of Montserrat as much as 1,000m above sea stage.

For those who’re mountaineering up, there’s a clearly marked path on the appropriate facet of Higher Sant Joan Station resulting in the summit, Sant Jeroni.

Value: €9.10 for a single journey, €14 for return
Opening hours:
Varies
Deal with:
08293 Monestir de Montserrat, Barcelona

Hike up Montserrat’s Peak, Sant Jeroni

Montserrat Hike to Sant Jeroni from Sant Joan Furnicular Catalonia - Barcelona Itinerary

The trail is well-marked and never too steep, so youngsters can tackle this hike too. We even noticed mountain goats alongside the best way!

View near Sant Jeroni Montserrat Hike - Barcelona Itinerary

It’ll take round 2.5hrs to get to Sant Jeroni (1,236m), however there are various viewpoints alongside the best way so look out for these as effectively.

Montserrat Hiking Stairs to Sant Jeroni Peak - Barcelona Itinerary

The final stretch features a lengthy flight of steps however belief us, the view on the prime is price it.

Montserrat Hike Pla dels Ocells from Sant Jeroni - Barcelona Itinerary

After that, both return to Sant Joan higher station and take the furnicular down or take an alternate mountaineering path to Montserrat Monastery.

For those who’re choosing the latter, look out for a Y-junction on the best way down from the height. Take the trail labelled “Pla dels Ocells” (the place the hiker is standing). It’ll take roughly an hour from right here to return to the Monastery.

Drive to Girona from Montserrat

Girona Old Town View from City Walls - Best of Catalonia

Distance: 131km 
Drive time: 1h 38min 

A 1.5-hour drive from Barcelona, most guests simply expertise Girona Outdated City as a day journey. However we advise staying in a single day to expertise extra of what Girona province has to supply!

Lodging at Girona (3 Nights): Decide a hostel or Airbnb inside Girona Outdated City.

Day 7: Girona

Girona Outdated City

Girona Cathedral in Girona View from Eiffel Bridge - Catalonia Road Trip

Begin the day visiting the iconic vibrant homes alongside the River Onyar — greatest seen from Pont de Ferro, a vivid pink iron bridge constructed by Gustave Eiffel. The title ought to ring a bell; he’s the identical architect who constructed the Eiffel Tower in Paris!

Cathedral of Girona Game of Thrones - Barcelona Itinerary

The Girona Cathedral is town’s crown jewel. It was constructed between the eleventh and 18th centuries and homes one of many world’s widest Gothic naves.

View from Girona Cathedral in Girona Old Town - Catalonia Road Trip

Enjoyable truth: From the sixth season of Sport of Thrones onwards, the crew stopped filming in Dubrovnik and used this church as an alternative because the Nice Sept of Baelor.

Girona Old Town Sant Marti Sacosta Game of Thrones Filming Location - Best of Catalonia

The Sant Marti Sacosta church is one other GOT spot that shouldn’t be missed. The steps to the doorway are the identical ones Arya Stark took when she was working from the Waif in Braavos!

Girona Old Town City Walls - Catalonia Road Trip

One other great point to do in Girona is strolling alongside the 1.6km-long Metropolis Partitions — no entrance charge! 🥳

For those who’re a Sport of Thrones fan, go for a GOT tour. The tour comes with an skilled information who will introduce the distinguished filming areas in addition to the attention-grabbing historical past of Girona.

Girona Sport of Thrones Strolling Tour
Value: €30/pax
Tour timings: 10:30AM and 3PM
Assembly level: Plaça Sant Feliu, 08028 Barcelona

Native Delicacies in Girona

Girona Rocambolesc Gelateria Ice Cream Catalonia - Barcelona Itinerary

Rocambolesc Gelateria was arrange by Girona native Jordi Roca, who was topped “World’s Greatest Pastry Chef” in 2014!

Many dishes in Girona function regionally produced components like mushrooms, meats, and wines — and the individuals listed below are actually happy with their meals scene.

Really useful eateries embrace Rocambolesc Gelateria (connoisseur ice cream), Regular (conventional Catalan delicacies), Bubbles Gastrobar & Restaurant (signature tapas).

Day 8: Girona

Possibility 1: Scorching Air Balloon over La Garrotxa

Hot Air Balloon Ride in Girona La Garrotxa Volcanic Park - Barcelona Itinerary

An hour’s drive from Girona Outdated City is the beautiful volcanic area of Garrotxa. The realm is thought for medieval villages and a variety of dormant volcanoes. We opted to begin our morning on a excessive with the perfect view of La Garrotxa — from a scorching air balloon!

Vol de Coloms Hot Air Balloon Champagne - Barcelona Itinerary

Pink cava (glowing wine) and native cake is served onboard!

The balloon ascends two meters per second, as much as heights of two,100m. However don’t fear, you’ll hardly discover as you’ll be fully transfixed with the view — there’s the Pyrenees and Montserrat on the horizon, and the Santa Margarida volcanic crater proper at your ft.

Rides final between an hour to an hour and a half relying on wind circumstances.

Vol de Coloms Hot Air Balloon Lunch Spread - Catalonia Road Trip

Have a good time one other merchandise ticked off the bucket checklist with a Catalan brunch — botifarra (a kind of sausage), haricot beans, bread with tomato, and a salami platter. For drinks, there’s wine, espresso, tea, and a shot of ratafia (a neighborhood liquor, a very potent one).

Value: €170 (Weekdays), €185 (Weekends and PH)
Meet up time:
7:30AM
Deal with:
Afores, s/n, 17811 Santa Pau, Girona

Discover Surrounding Outdated Cities

Catalonia Santa Pau Medieval Village - Barcelona Itinerary

Go to surrounding medieval villages like Santa Pau for those who’ve acquired time to spare. It’s a very good base to go on hikes across the space!

Possibility 2: Hike up at Santa Margarida

Santa Margarida Hike Girona Catalonia - Catalonia Road Trip

There’s additionally a number of mountaineering routes within the space for individuals who’d favor to discover La Garrotxa on foot.

A type of we explored was the dormant Santa Margarida Volcano, well-known for a lone hermitage constructed within the centre of the crater. Not a lot is thought concerning the deserted shack, apart from it has a Roman origin.

Girona Catalonia La Garrotxa Volcanic Park Santa Margarida Crater Hermitage - Barcelona Itinerary

There are numerous routes round right here however the quickest can be to park at Santa Margarida Automobile Park. Parking is free and the doorway is clearly marked.

Girona Catalonia La Garrotxa Volcanic Park Santa Margarida Crater - Barcelona Itinerary

For those who’re up for the problem, there’s a 11km route (~4.5hrs) which additionally covers Croscat Volcano and Faeda d’en Jordà Forest.

Lunch at La Deu in Olot

Olot La Deu Volcanic Cuisine Cod - Barcelona Itinerary

Candied cod loin with candy potato puree. Yum.

La Garrotxa’s wealthy fertile soil produces high-quality crops, and it’d be a sin to depart with out making an attempt some volcanic delicacies. We checked out Restaurant La Deu for lunch (a ~10min drive from Santa Margarida). It’s one in every of La Garrotxa’s oldest eateries, round since 1885!

Olot Volcanic Cuisine La Deu Restaurant Mushrooms - Catalonia Road Trip Itinerary

The mains and desserts have been yummy, however we have been fully bought on the starters — blended mushrooms and a creamy pumpkin soup with Garrotxa cheese.

Value: From €23.95 for a set meal incl. a starter, predominant and dessert
Opening hours:
10AM – 10:30PM (Mon – Sat), 10AM – 7PM (Solar)
Deal with:
Carretera de la Deu, s/n, 17800 Olot, Girona

Day 9: Figueres to Barcelona

Skydive Empuriabrava

Boarding the Plane at Skydive EmpuriaBrava Catalonia - Barcelona Itinerary

One other method to soak up the view from the highest is at Skydive Empuriabrava! Empuriabrava’s mixture of ocean and mountain views make it a rewarding place to strive skydiving — particularly if it’s your first time, because it was for me.

Tandem Skydive at Skydive EmpuriaBrava Catalonia - Spain Road Trip

After a security briefing by skilled instructors, we have been ushered onto a small plane. I’ll admit I used to be barely (learn: extraordinarily) nervous throughout the ascent to 4000m.

However as soon as the sunshine turned pink and we exited the aircraft, I felt my worry depart as effectively. After a 30-second free fall to 1,500m, your shoot is deployed. Our instructors even allow us to strive navigating the parachute! The entire expertise was liberating — actually one of the best ways to soak up the views.

Value: From €280 (prime up required for pictures and movies)
Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM
Deal with: Sector Aeroclub, s/n, 17487 Empuriabrava, Girona

Drive to Figueres from Skydive Empuriabrava

Distance: 15.3km
Drive time: 21min

Lunch at Txot’s Sidreria in Figueres

Sidreria Txot's Tapas Lunch Catalan Cuisine - Catalonia Road Trip

Txot’s Sideria is nice for tapas — there’s over 100 objects listed on the menu. Order a pair to share!

Value: ~€12/pax
Opening hours: 12PM – 12:30AM
Deal with: Avinguda de Salvador Dalí i Domènech, 114, 17600 Figueres, Girona

Dali Theatre-Museum

Dali Museum Exterior in Figueres Catalonia Spain -  Spain Road Trip

The Dali Theatre-Museum is the principle cause why individuals go to Figueres. However even for those who’ve acquired no clue who Dali is, this museum is price a go to! Dali was an eccentric artist and his work is equally eccentric. For starters, the outside is roofed with eggs.

Figueres Dali Theatre Museum Catalonia -  Spain Road Trip

The within is simply as fascinating. Most artwork museums have a minimalistic format with only one or two work per wall. Not the Dali Theatre-Museum — there’s artwork in every single place you look (ceilings included!).

Entrance charge: €14 (~S$21.62)
Opening hours: 10:30AM – 6PM (Examine the museum calendar earlier than visiting as they shut on sure dates)
Deal with: Plaça Gala i Salvador Dalí, 5, 17600 Figueres, Girona

Drive to Barcelona from Figueres

Distance: 145.5km
Drive time: 1hr 32min

After the Dali Theatre-Museum, drive again to Barcelona and return the automotive.

Lodging in Barcelona (1 Evening): Identical as the primary three nights.

Day 10: Barcelona and Flight Residence

Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Tibidabo Amusement Park - Barcelona Itinerary

Go to different sights just like the Tibidabo Amusement Park, Mercat dels Encants (secondhand market) or Casa Mila earlier than heading to Barcelona Airport.

There’s a shuttle bus service (€5.90 a technique) to the airport from Placa Catalunya and Placa Espanya which departs each six minutes.

Bonus: Keep in a Thirteenth-century Farmhouse

Girona Farmhouse Airbnb Las Heras - Barcelona Itinerary

This Thirteenth-century farmhouse on Airbnb was slightly out of the best way (1.5hr drive from Barcelona or 30min drive from Girona), however we beloved it a lot I simply needed to point out it.

Heat hospitality, fantastically embellished rooms, and cute donkeys exterior — this was a keep we received’t quickly neglect. For those who can afford to increase your journey by one or two days, that is an expertise price together with!

Suggestions for Planning Your VTL Journey to Spain

Catalonia Road Trip Car Rental - Barcelona Itinerary

Youthful, attractive, lively and tradition — that was my impression of Spain. After spending a while right here, it’s nonetheless true.

Our 10-day street journey round Catalonia packed sufficient journey to make up for the shortage of journey for the previous two years.

We acquired to tick off bucket checklist experiences like skydiving and taking a scorching air balloon journey, visiting a number of UNESCO World Heritage Websites, and consuming a great deal of good meals!

La Garrotxa Girona Hot Air Balloon Vol de Coloms - Barcelona Itinerary

We knew we’d love Spain earlier than arriving however now it’s official — Spain is up there on our checklist of favorite locations. Hoping to go to? Listed below are some pre-trip necessities:

Connectivity: A 12GB SIM card plan from Vodafone prices €10 (~S$15.45) and is legitimate for 30 days

Transport inside Barcelona: The Hola Barcelona Journey Card contains limitless rides on trams, buses and metros. Select from 48, 72, 96 or 120 hour playing cards from €16 (~S$24.72). Alternatively, buy pre-paid rides from the machines at metro stations. A single journey inside zone 1 prices €2.40 however 10 rides value €11.35 — helpful for those who’re planning to stroll more often than not.

Language: Most locals can converse English, however favor to talk Spanish or Catalan. It’ll be helpful to study fundamental Spanish earlier than visiting. These few phrases ought to make it easier to get by:

English Spanish Catalan
Hi there Hola Bon dia
Thanks Gracias Merci
Sorry Lo siento Ho sento
How a lot does it value? Cuanto cuesta? Quant costa això?
Examine, please! La cuenta, por favor! El comte, si us plau!
Do you converse English? Habla Inglés? Parla anglès?

Google Map with pinned areas:

Planning a VTL journey? Take a look at our journey guides:
Information to Singapore’s Vaccinated Journey Lane (VTL) with South Korea, Europe, and North America
Singapore-Korea VTL — 13 Important Issues We Wished We Knew Earlier than Planning Our Journey

What are you wanting ahead to most on this Barcelona itinerary? Share with us within the feedback!


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