7-Day Spain Road Trip from Barcelona traveling south to Valencia

Say hello to Barcelona! Your exciting road trip through Spain is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Barcelona for 3 nights before you continue your adventure!

Barcelona is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Parc de la Ciutadella or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Barcelona. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Spain. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Barcelona. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Start your culinary exploration in Barcelona by securing a reservation at Lasarte. This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of creative cuisine. For another dining delight, visit ABaC, celebrated for its delectable creative menu. This acclaimed 3-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Cocina Hermanos Torres, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative menu. With a 3-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Hemingway Gin & Cocktail Bar. Alternatively, go to Bobby's Free, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Torre Rosa provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Spain!

Day 2 of your road trip across Spain promises a magnificent time exploring Barcelona. You have 2 nights left in Barcelona. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Park Güell. This sculpture garden is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 181,403 visitors.

Sagrada Família is another popular attraction you could visit today. This minor basilica has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 226,955 visitors. Sagrada Família attracts up to 4,527,427 visitors every year.

La Pedrera is also highly recommended by travelers. This monument has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 85,188 visitors.

Casa Batlló is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This tourist attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 125,060 reviews.

Another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today is Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. This fountain has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 85,986 travelers.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your travel plan. Spain is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Barcelona. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at ARTiSA Barcelona, a top-rated dining destination in Barcelona. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant El Foro, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Braseria La Selva Barcelona. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Barcelona this evening.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Dr Stravinsky, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, El Xampanyet offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Spain!

On day 3 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Barcelona. You’ll stay in Barcelona for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Mercado de La Boqueria. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 160,835 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 62,263 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. This church has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 33,464 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Palau de la Música Catalana. This concert hall is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 40,217 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Arc de Triomf. This triumphal arch is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 77,887 visitors.

You can learn more about Barcelona today by going on a tour. Barcelona offers many top-rated tours and unique experiences that will inspire you. You can browse and select your favorites below.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Barcelona's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a delicious meal at CocoVail Beer Hall - Craft Beer Barcelona, a top-rated dining destination in Barcelona. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider El Nacional, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ciutat Comtal. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Barcelona this evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Spain!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Tarragona and Peníscola / Peñíscola, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Valencia. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Barcelona, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Tarragona. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 12 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Tarragona Amphitheatre, a remarkable roman amphitheatre where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 15,655 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Balcó del Mediterrani. This scenic viewpoint has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,291 travelers.

Roman circus of Tárraco is another must-visit attraction. This renowned chogang elementary school offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,761 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

After soaking in Tarragona’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Peníscola / Peñíscola. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 32 min. When you arrive in Peníscola / Peñíscola, it's time to take a break from the road.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Peniscola Castle. This monument is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 61,572 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Valencia, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Valencia. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Have a memorable dining experience in Valencia by booking a table at El Poblet, renowned as a 2-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional creative menu. For a different culinary experience, Ricard Camarena shines as one of the top destinations known for its delicious creative cuisine in Valencia. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Fierro is known as a top local spot for its delicious modern cuisine in Valencia. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Keep the evening going at Café Negrito, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Cafe de las Horas, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks.

Say good night to Valencia and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Spain!

Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Valencia has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Valencia by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Take the opportunity to see Instal·lacions dels Jardins del Túria. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 37,810 visitors.

Mercado de Colón is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This building has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 37,146 travelers.

Valencia is also the home of L'Oceanogràfic. Around 76,085 people have rated this public aquarium an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is City of Arts and Sciences. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 125,881 reviews, a visit to this tourist destination is a great idea.

One of the most unique ways of discovering what else Valencia has to offer is by going on a top-rated tour. Be sure to check out all the experiences Valencia offers and add your favorites to your Spain travel package below.

As you explore more of Valencia, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Casa Montaña, a top-rated dining spot in Valencia. If you're in the mood for something new, try La Salita de Begoña Rodrigo, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at El Lleón bar. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Valencia.

Head back to your accommodation in Valencia and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Spain!

On day 6 of your road trip in Spain, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Valencia. In the evening, you’ll end up in Barcelona, where you will stay for 1 night.

Drop by the renowned Mercat Central. This popular market hall has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 79,570 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Plaça de la Reina (València). Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 28,058 visitors, this square deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Plaça de la Mare de Déu. This square has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 32,170 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Serrano Towers. This fortified tower and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 39,998 local and international travelers.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Barcelona. Barcelona offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Barcelona.

Dine in style at Elsa y Fred, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Antigua boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Viana Barcelona. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Barcelona.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Spain!

Day 7 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Barcelona before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As you approach the end of your journey in Spain, take a moment for some retail therapy in Barcelona’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Spain, a variety of items are waiting for you. Hold onto the magic of Spain with these wonderful souvenirs, ensuring your memories never fade.

Take the opportunity to see Plaça de Catalunya. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 175,036 visitors.

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!