Top Places to See When Driving from Barcelona, Catalunya to Vitòria, Comunitat autònoma del País Basc

Driving from Barcelona to Vitòria can be a fantastic way to experience the beauty and diversity of the Spanish countryside. From stunning coastlines to historic cities, there's something for everyone along the way. Here are our top picks for places to see when driving from Barcelona to Vitòria in Spain.

First, it's important to note that the drive from Barcelona to Vitòria takes around 5 hours, depending on traffic. Therefore, we recommend taking your time and making stops along the way to truly enjoy the journey.

Beautiful Coastal Towns

One of the highlights of the drive from Barcelona to Vitòria is the stunning Mediterranean coastline. Here are our picks for the most beautiful coastal towns to visit on your way:

1. Tossa de Mar - Located about an hour and a half north of Barcelona, Tossa de Mar is a picturesque coastal town. It's home to a medieval castle, narrow cobblestone streets, and beautiful beaches.
2. Cadaqués - This quaint town sits on the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Thanks to its popularity with artists such as Salvador Dalí, Cadaqués has become a hub for art and culture.
3. Hondarribia - As you approach Vitòria, make a stop at the colorful town of Hondarribia. The Old Town is a maze of narrow streets and brightly colored houses, and the views of the Bay of Biscay are breathtaking.

Historic Cities

Spain is home to some of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe, and there are a few that you won't want to miss on this drive. Here are our top picks:

4. Girona - Just 99km north of Barcelona, Girona is a fascinating city that should definitely be on your itinerary. The Old Town sits on a hill above the River Onyar and is packed with winding streets, beautiful architecture, and restaurants serving up traditional Catalan dishes.
5. Pamplona - Famous for its annual running of the bulls, Pamplona also has a rich cultural and historic heritage. Head to the Old Town to see the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria and the city walls.
6. Vitoria-Gasteiz - Your final destination on this drive, Vitoria-Gasteiz is the capital of the Basque Country. The medieval Old Town is home to a number of historic landmarks, including the 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria and the stunning Plaza de la Virgen Blanca.

Natural Wonders

The drive from Barcelona to Vitòria takes you through some of Spain's most beautiful natural landscapes. Here are our top picks for natural wonders to stop and see:

7. Montserrat - Just a short drive from Barcelona, Montserrat is a stunning mountain range that's home to a number of hiking trails and breathtaking viewpoints. The Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, nestled into the mountain, is also worth a visit.
8. Urkiola Natural Park - About halfway between Barcelona and Vitòria, Urkiola Natural Park is a must-see for nature lovers. The park offers a spectacular landscape of mountains, forests, and ravines, perfect for hiking and exploring.
9. Rioja Wine Region - As you approach Vitòria, take a detour to explore the Rioja wine region. This area is known for its beautiful vineyards and world-class wineries, many of which offer tours and tastings.

Conclusion

Driving from Barcelona to Vitòria is a wonderful way to experience the beauty and diversity of Spain. Whether you're interested in beautiful coastal towns, historic cities, or natural wonders, this drive has something for everyone. Plan your route carefully, take your time, and enjoy all that Spain has to offer.