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5 campervan getaways from Barcelona to unwind for a weekend
Barcelona has a hard-to-match advantage: in less than three hours you can go from urban bustle to hidden beaches, mountains, medieval towns or natural parks. That is why more and more travellers choose campervan or motorhome getaways, a way of travelling that allows you to improvise, change route as you go and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
For those who want to try this type of travel without owning a vehicle, there are camper-van hire platforms in Barcelona that make it possible to choose the vehicle, dates and collection point according to the needs of each trip. One of the best-known options is Yescapa, where it is possible to find campers and motorhomes of different sizes with insurance and assistance included during the trip.
If you are thinking about a weekend break, these are some of the best routes to discover from Barcelona.
1. Costa Brava: coves, fishing villages and roads beside the Mediterranean
Costa Brava remains one of Barcelona residents' favourite getaways. The combination of sea, nature and charming small towns makes it a perfect route to explore by camper.
A good itinerary can begin in Tossa de Mar and continue towards Calella de Palafrugell, Begur or Cadaqués. Between one destination and the next, there are viewpoints, coastal paths and hidden coves that are worth stopping at.
Travelling by motorhome also makes it possible to avoid rushing and adapt the route according to the weather or atmosphere found in each place. An afternoon on a terrace overlooking the sea or a walk along Camí de Ronda can easily become the best memory of the weekend.
2. Montserrat: mountains, hiking and spectacular views
Less than an hour from Barcelona lies one of Catalonia's most distinctive landscapes. The impossible shapes of Montserrat mountain have fascinated travellers, hikers and pilgrims for centuries.
In addition to the famous monastery, the area offers numerous trails for all levels. Some routes lead to viewpoints from which a large part of central Catalonia can be seen.
The advantage of travelling by camper is being able to arrive early, avoid the busiest hours and make the most of the mountain's calm when visitors begin returning to the city.
3. La Garrotxa: volcanoes and forests that look as though they belong to another country
Although it tends to appear less often on tourist lists, La Garrotxa is one of Catalonia's most surprising regions. Its volcanic landscape and the famous Fageda d'en Jordà create a setting completely unlike the one many people associate with the Mediterranean.
The trails cross ancient craters and forests that change radically with the season. The medieval town of Santa Pau and the city of Olot are excellent stopping points along the route.
The area is especially well prepared for those travelling by motorhome, with easy roads and several spaces adapted for this type of tourism.
4. Catalan Pyrenees: fresh air and mountain villages
When the heat arrives, or when people simply feel like a change of scenery, the Catalan Pyrenees become one of the best possible refuges.
La Cerdanya, Valle de Boí and Parque Nacional de Aigüestortes offer nature in its purest form. Lakes, forests, stone villages and panoramic roads make every journey part of the experience.
Depending on the time of year, the break can include hiking, cycling routes, wildlife watching or even snow. And one of the advantages of the motorhome is precisely the flexibility to adapt the plan according to the weather or the desire for adventure.
5. Ebro Delta: nature, rice fields and endless sunsets
If you are looking for a different kind of break, the Ebro Delta offers one of the most distinctive landscapes in the entire peninsula.
The roads cross expanses of rice fields, lagoons and protected areas where flamingos and other migratory birds are commonly seen. The pace here seems to slow down.
The beaches are broad and sparsely developed, ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. In addition, local cuisine is another of the trip's great attractions: rice dishes, fresh fish and products from the delta are an essential part of the experience.
The sunsets over the mouth of the Ebro are probably one of the most beautiful natural spectacles that can be enjoyed within a few hours of Barcelona.
A different way to travel
Weekend breaks no longer have to be limited to booking a hotel and following a fixed itinerary. Travelling by camper makes it possible to improvise, discover unexpected places and adapt the trip to the moment.
Perhaps that is why this type of tourism continues to gain followers. The possibility of leaving Barcelona on a Friday afternoon and waking up the next day by the sea, in the heart of the mountains or beside a volcanic forest has something difficult to match.
And best of all, many of these destinations are close enough to turn any weekend into a small adventure without having to travel hundreds of kilometres.