When our daughter chose Barcelona as her trip with mom and dad, we were thrilled! Besides the city, we looked for what to do near Barcelona that could add to our trip.
Since we love nature travel, we also wanted to get out of Barcelona and see the surrounding areas. We found the perfect way to see the beauties of Barcelona, 3 countries and the coast.
Since this was a trip with one of our kids, all the options here are kid friendly (Except maybe the hike in Andorra if you have little ones! It was a bit steep!) If you are sight-seeing with kids, make sure you check out these tips for making it more enjoyable for them.
Renting a Car in Barcelona
In order to do this itinerary, you would need to rent and drive your own car. Here is why we love the rental car option.
If you rent a car in Barcelona, yes, you will pay much much more for parking in the city. However, your rental car will most likely be inexpensive (ours was $110 for the whole week!!). Even with our extra parking costs in the big city, we still saved money to rent it for the whole week, with the added flexibility to go when and where we wanted.
Having your own car will allow you to get to amazing places that most tourists can’t. Within the city limits of Barcelona, public transit is awesome. Plus, there is so much to see on foot. You may want to wait to rent a car until after you are done in Barcelona. We decided we didn’t want to spend the time later to go back to the airport to get a car, so we paid a little extra for our 2 days in the city.
Day 1 Barcelona
Park Guell
This is the perfect start to your trip because it embodies all the design work of Gaudi with a spacious area to walk or run. Plus, the views overall of Barcelona is great.
Sagrada Familia
Of course, the gem of Barcelona needs to be one of the first stops. I suggest going up the Nativity Towers.
At the Sagrada Familia we found the best churros ever down from the KFC across from the park. Stuffed with Nutella or cream. A.Maze.ing
La Rambla
This street offers all the touristy things you want in food, souvenirs, churros and some history. We loved this ![]("//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0989226751&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL110_&tag=flybyourpants-20")
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“>scavenger hunt book during our walk down La Rambla.
Stay the night in Barcelona. We used points at a Marriott to enjoy free breakfast!
Day 2 Barcelona and Monserrat
Gothic Quarter
I liked this more than I thought I would. Just wander through the narrow streets and shops. Its beautiful.
Barcelona Cathedral
Its in striking contrast to the busy, spacious nature of the Sagrada Familia, you’ll enjoy comparing the differences in architecture and style.
Picasso Museum
Did you Picasso had more phases of art than just the cubist art we are use to seeing. He was sculptor, painter, ceramist and more.
Parque de La Ciutadella & the Arc de Triomphe
This park is so interesting. People watching, fountains, and beautiful art was my favorite part. Let me know if the Main fountain is fix and improved yet, because it looked incredible but wasn’t working when we went.
You don’t have to go to Paris to see the Arc de Triomphe. And don’t forget your “>scavenger hunt book to make this more meaningful.
Mosaicasos
After being immersed in the art of Gaudi, you are ready to try your hand at creating your own mosaics. My daughter absolutely loved creating her own souvenir jewelry box with her own tile creation. This is a highlight and a must for your trip to Barcelona. And its located in the coolest tiny streets!
Monserrat
After spening the morning in Barcelona, you’ll enjoy some down time in the car while driving to the Monastery in the Mountains.
While the monastary was beautiful and interesting, my favorite part was walking back into the mountains. The large boulders and sweeping valley views make this hike incredible.
Stay the night in a real castle at the Parador De Cardona
An hour from Monserrat, you can find the most amazing Parador! It is a castle turned into a modern and functional hotel room. They offer triple rooms with a queen and a twin. The food, the grounds and roof tops views were incredible. Stay in this incredible castle for a night to remember.
Day 3 Andorra
We debated long and hard whether it was worth a 3-hour drive to get to a new country Andorra. All we knew about the country was that it was famous for shopping since it is tax-free. We aren’t much of shoppers, so we didn’t know if we would like it. But decided we didn’t want to be ‘this close’ and not make it.
Bring an audio book for the kids and they won’t even notice the drive.
We woke up early and drove from the Parador de La Cardona nearly 2 hours to Andorra. After our long walking in Barcelona and hiking at Monserrat on Day 2, we were ready for a slow and easy day.
It was very easy to cross the border from Spain into Andorra.
The views in Andorra are incredible. Crossing the country line really shows the difference in a rich country. It is a beautiful country nestled in a valley underneath very steep mountains.
We hiked up to a small lake- Lake Engolasters. Basically, we pulled off the main road and started climbing straight up. It was so steep, but flattened out with some great views.
We loved just going to a grocery store and a fancy city park in Encamp. It’s amazing to experience the difference in countries.
Sunset at Carcassone
After spending the day in Andorra, drive nearly 3 hours to Carcassone. Try to get there right before sunset and you’ll capture amazing photos of the fortified city lit up. Parking is free after 8 so spend your time touring the deserted city without the crowds
Stay the night in Carcassone, France
We stayed in an Airbnb apartment for under $35. It included one bedroom, a kitchen, futon bed in the kitchen/living area and a remodel bathroom. It fit us perfectly, for a perfect price!
Day 4 Carcassone, France & Costa Brava
Carcassone is a fortified medieval city restored to it majestic glory. Carcassone is the #2 visited tourist sight in France, right after Effiel tower. However, due to its location, it is a bit difficult to get to. In this itinerary, it is a bit of a drive, but we don’t mind seeing the country as we travel in comfort.
Get to the city as early as you are able as the crowds will start streaming in.
The Chateau comtal and Ramparts and the shops don’t open until 10. Be first in line for the Chateau tour. Its a good one, but you don’t want to be stuck in the crowds.
Walk around the wall of the city. Check out the historical school. Go in the cathedral. Eat a Turkey Leg and buy a souvenir. All before noon.
As we were leaving the city around 12, tourists were streaming in by the hundreds. It was getting very crowded. We were happy that we got to experience the empty streets and beautiful views both late the night before and early this morning.
Costa Brava
Now its time to head to the beaches of the Costa Brava Area. I don’t think you can go wrong with many of the stops along this area, but here is where we went and it was incredible.
Cap De Creus
The drive out to this pennisula is a bit long, but you have to climb up a mountain and the down the other side to enjoy the charming town of Cadaques
Cadaques
Walk along the coast, skip rocks and enjoy the beautiful blue doors in this incredible coastal town.
Begur
There is a cute round tower at the top of this town with incredible coast views.
Stay in Girona
The Marriot is a perfect location, beautiful view and a gorgeous hotel. Free Parking.
Day 5 Girona & Barcelona
Girona City Wall
Girona has a huge wall around one side of the city. I suggest walking the wall all the way to the cathedral. Then descend into the city and make your way through the gorgeous walking zone back.
Girona Flower Festival
We happen to visit Girona during the Flower Festival. I highly recommend planning this incredible experience into your travels.
After spending most of the day in Girona, we headed back to Barcelona to finish up a few unseen things.
More Barcelona Sights
Depending on how long you spent in Girona, you’ll have time to enjoy anything you missed in Barcelona earlier. The Chocolate Museum, time on the beach, Mont Juic Castle, Casa Batllo, La Pedrera (Casa Mila) or the Barcelona Zoo would be great stops.
Mont Juic Magic Fountain Show
Do not miss this incredible water, light and music show. The fountain show only happens on Thurs- Sunday. The shows times change throughout the season so be sure to check the schedule.
In 5 days, we fit in 3 countries, an incredible city and the region of Catalan. History, culture, nature, and fun combined to give us variety and send us home with the best memories.
What else would you add to this itinerary?
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