Affordable 9-Day Relaxed Spain Road Trip Vacation from Barcelona to Tarragona

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Spain begins when you reach Barcelona, where you’ll stay for a total of 4 nights.

Barcelona is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Plaça de Catalunya. Around 175,036 visitors have rated this fascinating square and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Barcelona offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is Disfrutar. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,164 customers.

RAO Restaurant serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Barcelona has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 964 reviews.

La Whiskeria - Whisky & Cocktail Bar is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 743 customers, La Whiskeria - Whisky & Cocktail Bar is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Barcelona looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Viana Barcelona, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,578 reviews.

BORO Bar offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Barcelona. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,248 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Hemingway Gin & Cocktail Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 893 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Spain! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Spain!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, you'll explore the best attractions in Barcelona at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Barcelona, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Museu de la Ciència CosmoCaixa. This incredible museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 37,537 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Spain by seeing another popular site in Barcelona, the wonderful Park Güell. This sculpture garden is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 37,537 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Sagrada Família. This minor basilica has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 226,955 visitors. Up to 4,527,427 people visit this popular attraction each year.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable La Pedrera. This monument is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.6 out of 5 stars from 85,188 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Casa Batlló. This amazing site is a wonderful tourist attraction with more than 125,060 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Spain. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Barcelona itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Spain extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Barcelona. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Con Gracia. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 604 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at El Nacional, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. El Nacional is rated 4.4 stars out of 5 by 23,496 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Ciutat Comtal. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 12,951 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Barcelona and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular La Whiskeria - Whisky & Cocktail Bar. This vibrant bar is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 743 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Cerveseria Catalana. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 14,751 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is El Bosc de Les Fades. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. El Bosc de Les Fades has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 14,606 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Spain gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Barcelona and visit more of its attractions.

Barcelona has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Spain. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Montjuïc Castle, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Montjuïc Castle has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 50,433 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. This city feature got an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from its 28,394 guests. Every year, around 718,000 visitors spend time marveling at this amazing art museum.

Another place of interest in the city of Barcelona is the notable Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. The popular Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is a highlight of many travel packages in Barcelona. As a matter of fact, this remarkable fountain has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 85,986 travelers.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Barcelona by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Barcelona.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Barcelona, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Braseria La Selva Barcelona is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Barcelona-based food place has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,957 guests.

If you’re looking for another option near your accommodation, Antigua is also one of the best restaurants you can try in the city. Antigua proved an excellent choice for around 3,938 visitors, who gave the restaurant an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Another local favorite in Barcelona is Paradiso, which has an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 3,403 individuals’ reviews.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Barcelona, Ciutat Comtal. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.4 over 5 stars given by 12,951 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Ocaña. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.5 over 5 stars by 8,052 customers.

If you prefer another place to unwind, Elsa y Fred may be a more excellent choice for you. This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from. Around 4,884 customers have rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Toast to an amazing time in Barcelona and end day 3 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Spain on a great note!

Day 4 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Spain gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Barcelona. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Tarragona, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 4 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Mercado de La Boqueria is waiting for you. This must-see tourist destination has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 160,835 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. This unique catholic cathedral is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 62,263 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Palau de la Música Catalana. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 40,217 visitors, this concert hall is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. This popular church and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 33,464 people.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Barcelona has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Spain. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Tarragona. In Tarragona, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Spain.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,368 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing EL VERGEL VEGGIE RESTAURANT.

Locals also recommend AQ as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at AQ as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,289 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at El Llagut. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,375 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Restaurant Casa Balcells. Restaurant Casa Balcells is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,900 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is CReeA. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 605 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to El Galliner de l'Antiquari. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. El Galliner de l'Antiquari is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 799 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Spain!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, you'll explore the best attractions in Peníscola / Peñíscola at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Peníscola / Peñíscola, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Bufador. This incredible best-rated sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,367 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Spain by seeing another popular site in Peníscola / Peñíscola, the wonderful La Casa de las Petxines. This top-tier point of interest is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,367 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Lighthouse of Peñiscola. This top-tier point of interest has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,438 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Peniscola Castle. This monument is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.6 out of 5 stars from 61,572 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous El parc d'artilleria. This amazing site is a wonderful park with more than 1,485 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Spain. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Peníscola / Peñíscola itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Spain extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Peníscola / Peñíscola. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Restaurant Can Bonachí. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,189 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at El Terrat Restaurant, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. El Terrat Restaurant is rated 4.6 stars out of 5 by 1,082 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Filosofia. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 867 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Peníscola / Peñíscola and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Ol’ Dirty Burgers La Cantonada. This vibrant bar is rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,311 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular La Botifarra. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 894 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is TERRASSA tapes i música. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. TERRASSA tapes i música has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 208 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 6 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Spain serves as your introduction to Tarragona. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Spain and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Tarragona, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 2,161 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 4-star Hotel Tarraco Park. With an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 1,798 guests, Hotel Tarraco Park is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star B&B Hotel Tarragona Centro Urbis offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. B&B Hotel Tarragona Centro Urbis is a top-rated budget hotel in Tarragona with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 5,956 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Tarragona. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Tarragona, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding The Ferreres Aqueduct. This park and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Tarragona. The fascinating The Ferreres Aqueduct has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,777 travelers.

Tarragona is also home to the captivating Monument als castellers (Tarragona), a local sculpture and another popular attraction in the city. About 4,474 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Roman circus of Tárraco is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Spain. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,761 travelers, Roman circus of Tárraco proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Balcó del Mediterrani. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing scenic viewpoint and attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 16,291 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic Tarragona Amphitheatre. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating roman amphitheatre and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 15,655 visitors have rated the famous Tarragona Amphitheatre an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Tarragona, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Spain.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Spain. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Tarragona, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Tarragona is Racó de l'abat. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 859 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Vadegust for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Tarragona. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 817 customers.

Another alternative is ELIAN RESTAURANT. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 812 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Tarragona. At Korxo, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 310 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Bar Cafetería Transit Gran Prix, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 194 reviews.

Baires Bar is also one of the best places in Tarragona where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 127 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Spain!

Day 7 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Spain serves as your introduction to Vimbodí i Poblet. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Spain and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Vimbodí i Poblet, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 2,161 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 4-star Hotel Tarraco Park. With an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 1,798 guests, Hotel Tarraco Park is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star B&B Hotel Tarragona Centro Urbis offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. B&B Hotel Tarragona Centro Urbis is a top-rated budget hotel in Vimbodí i Poblet with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 5,956 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Vimbodí i Poblet. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Vimbodí i Poblet, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Poblet Monastery. This church building and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Vimbodí i Poblet. The fascinating Poblet Monastery has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,113 travelers.

A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you.

Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Vimbodí i Poblet, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Spain.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Spain. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Vimbodí i Poblet, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Vimbodí i Poblet is La Caleta Restaurant Tarragona. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 631 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Braseria Taula Rodona for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Vimbodí i Poblet. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 744 customers.

Another alternative is La Morada. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 500 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Vimbodí i Poblet. At Hotel Tarraco Park, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 1,661 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at 4 Latas Tarragona, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 328 reviews.

The Cube Night is also one of the best places in Vimbodí i Poblet where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 165 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Spain!

Day 8 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Spain gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Salou. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Barcelona, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Tutuki Splash is waiting for you. This amusement ride has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,942 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Font Cibernètica Salou. This unique park is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,851 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Salou has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Spain. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Barcelona. In Barcelona, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Spain.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Torre Rosa. Torre Rosa is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,590 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is El Xampanyet. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,394 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Paradiso. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Paradiso is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,403 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Spain!

Day 9 of your relaxed road trip in Spain is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Barcelona.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Barcelona once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Spain on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Arc de Triomf is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Barcelona. This top sight is a popular triumphal arch, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 77,887 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 9 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Barcelona or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Barcelona and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 9-day relaxed road trip in Spain is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.