Road Trip: a route through the treasures of the Costa Brava

When you take the wheel of your car rented from Europcar, you can embark on a journey of discovery through the streets of Catalonia and explore the numerous treasures of this region, which is so proud of its identity and heritage.

The journey begins in Barcelona, the economic and cosmopolitan capital known for its festive atmosphere and historical treasures. In the rearview mirror, you can admire the diverse landscapes of the coastal areas of the Costa Brava, characterized by small fishing villages, picturesque monasteries, unspoiled rocky coves, relaxing beaches, and wine-growing regions.

A trip to Lloret de Mar along the coastal route

After leaving behind Les Rambles, the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and other attractions of the Catalan capital, you can take the highway along the coast to reach other treasures of the Costa Brava by car, located about 80 kilometers away.

Lloret de Mar is a city full of contrasts; you can attend the wild celebrations of Catalan youth or take walks through the unspoiled landscape. This small town was built on an area rich in tradition and history and offers numerous cultural celebrations, such as the week-long holidays of European students, the “Spring Break.”

If you take the national road GI-682, you will drive along the coast and explore another aspect of Lloret: it is not only a popular tourist resort but also has unspoiled land areas with numerous rocky coves, shady pine forests, and many beaches with golden sand inviting relaxation, such as Santa Cristina, Canyelles, or Cala Banys, which can be reached by car from Sant Joan Castle.

The destination: Girona, the true heart of Catalonia

It takes only half an hour to cover the 42 kilometers that separate the bustling city of Lloret from the peaceful Girona, and to discover the authentic Catalonia, where numerous festivals are celebrated in honor of the local history and traditions of this province, proud of its identity.

Once, Girona was a city on the Via Augusta built by the Romans, the strategic link between Gaul and the Iberian Peninsula. Not only for this reason is it worth a visit today. With the Pyrenees landscape in the background and four rivers converging there, Girona offers unparalleled charm. Is it the picturesque city with its city wall, cathedral, or the old and historically significant Arab baths that captivate the visitor? Or the art of living that can be felt in the marketplaces and bustling streets? And perhaps you are tempted by a culinary journey of discovery awaiting you in the restaurants, not only because of the 13 establishments awarded stars but also because Girona combines local and traditional cuisine with gastronomic innovations? In any case, you will not regret your excursion to the “Catalan Florence”!

Empúries: the gateway to historical Catalonia

From Girona, it takes less than an hour to reach Empúries via the Catalan roads, the port through which the civilization of ancient Greece arrived on the Iberian Peninsula and where the Olympic flame arrived in 1992. You can leave your car about two kilometers north of the Escala bathing station and explore the Greco-Roman ruins of this archaeological site. You simply cannot resist: you too will fall under the spell of Empúries and admire the magnificent ruins stretching over several kilometers of beach.

Cadaqués, a place worth a detour

Cadaqués lies between the sea and the east of the Iberian Peninsula and is one of the beautiful villages of the Costa Brava that should also be on your itinerary. You reach Cadaqués via Roses by following the winding roads that stretch between sandy or rocky coves over a length of about 20 kilometers. Take your time during your journey and stroll between the church and the small houses of Cadaqués and enjoy the unspoiled charm that has already inspired painters like Picasso or Dali.

At Cap de Creus: from the rocky road to the wine route

At the far east of the Iberian Peninsula and the Pyrenees, your journey takes you to the Cap de Creus Natural Park, the promontory located next to the blue waters of the Mediterranean. The rocky route will offer you unforgettable views of the dizzying cliffs and unobtrusive coves.

Make a culinary stop during the journey and discover the unusual delicacies of the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees: chicken with lobsters, squid, and meatballs.

You can also indulge your palate on the wine route in the Empordà region near Cap de Creus and enjoy the benefits of wine tourism, thus discovering the true taste of Catalonia and its tradition. The wine-growing areas of the region lie between the sea and the mountains and are known for withstanding the Tramontane and producing Grenache wines with a controlled designation of origin.

In the local restaurants, you can then discover the hearty red wines, fresh white wines, and light rosé wines. But take your time before getting back behind the wheel!