Cheap 12-Day Spain Road Trip from Barcelona to Girona, Tarragona, Valencia, and Vilanova i la Geltru

Your exciting road trip through Spain starts when you reach the incredible city of Barcelona, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Barcelona and begin your adventure in Spain.

Barcelona is a popular cheap holiday destination in Spain with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Spain, Barcelona is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

A cheap, budget vacation in Barcelona should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Barcelona, try some of our top recommendations.

We recommend a local favorite like Viana Barcelona. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,578 customers.

BORO Bar is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Barcelona. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,248 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Barcelona you might want to check out is RAO Restaurant. RAO Restaurant is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 964 reviews.

Enjoy a drink or two at Hemingway Gin & Cocktail Bar. Around 893 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Locals also enjoy the cocktails at La Whiskeria - Whisky & Cocktail Bar, where you can relax and have some fun. La Whiskeria - Whisky & Cocktail Bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 743 customers.

Another top-rated bar option is Cerveseria Catalana, averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars in 14,751 reviews. This bar is known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Spain!

Day 2 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Barcelona, proving that cheap holidays in Spain can be extraordinary.

Touring the best attractions in Spain offers you a glimpse of the country’s history and culture. But, you’ll be surprised to know that there’s more to Spain you are yet to discover. Take part in an eye-opening experience to make the best of your affordable vacation in Spain. Choose from all of the popular and budget-friendly tickets and activities available on this day of your cheap holiday in Spain.

A cheap, budget vacation in Barcelona should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Barcelona, try some of our top recommendations.

Visit the popular El Nacional. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 23,496 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Spain is El Bosc de Les Fades. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 14,606 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Ciutat Comtal. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 12,951 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Enjoy a drink or two at Ocaña. Around 8,052 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Locals also enjoy the cocktails at Elsa y Fred, where you can relax and have some fun. Elsa y Fred is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,884 customers.

Another top-rated bar option is El Xampanyet, averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,394 reviews. This bar is known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Spain!

On day 3 of your budget-friendly road trip adventures in Spain, you’ll go deep into Barcelona, making the most of your 1 night in the city. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Barcelona, and meet locals along the way!

Make your vacation in Spain more memorable and epic without spending a fortune. Take advantage of the cheap holiday deals you'll find in Spain and add budget-friendly activities to your travel plan.

Savor the culinary delights of Barcelona, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Paradiso. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,403 customers.

CocoVail Beer Hall - Craft Beer Barcelona is another local-favorite restaurant in Barcelona. CocoVail Beer Hall - Craft Beer Barcelona serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 3,235 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Disfrutar is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Barcelona. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 of 5 stars from around 2,164 customers.

Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Bobby's Free and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,003 customers.

Restaurant El Foro is another great place to hang out and unwind. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,552 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Dr Stravinsky, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,837 customers.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Barcelona!

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Spain, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Barcelona and Girona. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Girona.

Start your day with a visit to Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. This extraordinary catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 62,263 visitors.

Next, make your way to Mercado de La Boqueria. This top attraction is a point of interest with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 160,835 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Casa Batlló. This tourist attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 125,060 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit La Pedrera. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 85,188 travelers.

Today is also your chance to spend some time at Museu de la Ciència CosmoCaixa. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 37,537 travelers.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Girona. This car ride takes around 1 hour 9 min.

Girona offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Spain. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Spain shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Girona is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

Visit the popular El Celler de Can Roca. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,112 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Spain is Massana Restaurant. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 607 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful La Fabrica Girona. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,135 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit La Pedra, one of the top bars you could visit in the city. La Pedra is an excellent place for a refreshing evening drink and is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,060 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals at Bagels & Beers. Around 257 customers have rated their experience at Bagels & Beers an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Brots de Vi also belongs to the list of the best bars in the Girona, and its ratings and reviews are proof of this claim. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,192 bar-goers.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Girona!

Day 5 of your road trip across Spain is another proof that cheap holidays in Spain can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 3 wonderful destinations — Girona, Figueres, and Tarragona.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Pont Palanques Vermelles. This bridge is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Girona, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,071 visitors.

Girona Cathedral is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 16,744 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Muralles de Girona. Visitors have rated this city walls an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,195 reviews.

After soaking in Girona’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Figueres. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 45 min. When you arrive in Figueres, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you’ve had your share of Figueres, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Tarragona. Your travel time is around 2 hours 29 min.

While exploring Spain is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Tarragona has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Tarragona on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

A cheap, budget vacation in Tarragona should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Tarragona, try some of our top recommendations.

You could check out EL VERGEL VEGGIE RESTAURANT, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,368 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Restaurant Casa Balcells is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,900 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at AQ. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. AQ has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,289 customer reviews.

CReeA is a must-visit. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 605 customers.

You can also enjoy having some snacks and drinks at El Galliner de l'Antiquari. This bar is a popular hangout spot among locals and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 799 customers.

Ol’ Dirty Burgers La Cantonada is another top-rated city bar we recommend in Tarragona. Rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,311 customers, this bar is a great place to cap off the night.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Spain with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Spain!

Day 6 of your road trip across Spain offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Tarragona and Valencia. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Valencia.

Kick off the day at Roman circus of Tárraco, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This chogang elementary school is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,761 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Tarragona Amphitheatre. Tarragona Amphitheatre is a roman amphitheatre with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,655 reviews.

Balcó del Mediterrani is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This scenic viewpoint is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,291 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Monument als castellers (Tarragona). This sculpture is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,474 visitors.

Lastly, don’t miss out on The Ferreres Aqueduct, a famous park in Tarragona. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,777 travelers.

When you’ve had your share of Tarragona, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Valencia. Your travel time is around 2 hours 34 min.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Valencia. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Valencia, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Valencia, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Asador El Porteño. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,693 customers.

Restaurante Asador Argentino Gordon 10 is another local-favorite restaurant in Valencia. Restaurante Asador Argentino Gordon 10 serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,075 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Restaurante Belmonte is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Tarragona. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 of 5 stars from around 1,179 customers.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Cafe de las Horas, claiming it’s one of the best. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,922 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option in the city is Puerta del Mar. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,372 customers.

Bar Tonyina is yet another top-rated place where you can easily spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,516 customers.

A road trip vacation in Tarragona can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Spain!

Day 7’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Valencia, proving that cheap holidays in Spain can be extraordinary.

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Valencia. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Valencia, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

You could check out Restaurante Canela, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,818 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Navarro is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,045 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Restaurante Flor de Valencia | Arrocería. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Restaurante Flor de Valencia | Arrocería has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,561 customer reviews.

Bar Vermudez is an excellent example of a great bar in Valencia offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,200 customers.

You can also hang out at Beer & Travels, another of locals’ go-to bars in Valencia. Beer & Travels is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 1,028 customers having rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

El Lleón bar is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Valencia. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from more than 1,124 bar-goers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Spain with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Spain!

Day 8 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Spain, Valencia. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Valencia!

Keen to do something new and one-of-a-kind today? There are many experiences you can add to your cheap vacation package. Check out all the budget-friendly activities and tours below and bag a cheap holiday deal.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Spain shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Valencia is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Valencia is La Salita de Begoña Rodrigo. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,370 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Valencia, Central Bar is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,369 diners.

USUAL resto-bar offers many snacks and liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 811 customers.

If you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Valencia, check out Apotheke. This bar is an excellent place to hang out and relax after a busy day, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 649 customers.

To ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination, visit Casa Montaña. Casa Montaña offers affordable drinks and snacks and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,465 reviews.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Spain! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Valencia!

Day 9 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Spain. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Valencia!

Visiting the most popular travel destinations in Spain sometimes leaves you longing for more. Fortunately, there are plenty of unique and cheap tours to try out in Spain. Spain has something for everyone, and you can easily pick an activity you can add to your affordable vacation package. Check out all of the budget-friendly tours in Spain that will fill you with new inspiration.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Spain, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Valencia that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Éter Valencia is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,186 customers.

A huevo Restaurante is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 894 customers.

One great example is Sagardi Valencia Centro. This bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices and has an impressive average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 5,245 customers.

Bar Mistela is another popular bar in Valencia. If you ask the 4,177 customers who have rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars, Bar Mistela is the perfect place to hang out for a drink or two.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Spain!

Day 10 of your self-drive vacation in Spain will take you to the city of Vilanova i la Geltru, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Vilanova i la Geltru, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Spain, including Valencia, Peníscola / Peñíscola, and Vilanova i la Geltru.

Make Plaça de l'Ajuntament one of your first sightseeing stops in Valencia. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,316 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Jardins del Real de València is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This urban park is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17,212 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Valencia and set your GPS to Peníscola / Peñíscola. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 36 min. Upon reaching Peníscola / Peñíscola, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Vilanova i la Geltru. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 2 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Vilanova i la Geltru offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Spain. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Spain, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Vilanova i la Geltru that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Xiringuito Miramar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,468 customers.

Another dining option is L'Oganpetit. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. L'Oganpetit has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,275 reviews.

Make sure to stop by La Bien Pagá for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 648 customers have rated the irresistible La Bien Pagá an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in Vilanova i la Geltru, Celler Cal Puput. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,532 customers.

Travelers and locals alike also recommend Hotel Ceferino. This bar has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,777 customers.

Bar Restaurant Izan is another popular place for a drink, considered one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 595 customers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Spain with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Spain!

On day 11 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Spain, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Salou and Barcelona. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Barcelona.

Salou’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Vilanova i la Geltru behind. This drive usually takes around 51 min. Salou welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Barcelona. This car ride takes around 1 hour 26 min.

While exploring Spain is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Barcelona has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Barcelona on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Barcelona offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Spain.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is ARTiSA Barcelona. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,771 customers.

Vinitus is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,462 customers.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Spain! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Barcelona!

Your budget road trip vacation in Spain is about to end. Day 12 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Barcelona.

On your last day in Spain, take time to indulge in shopping at Barcelona’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Spain. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

Before you conclude your road trip in Spain, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Barcelona.

You’ll then say farewell to Barcelona. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Spain!