Why Barcelona and the Costa Brava
We had tickets to the Spanish Grand Prix, and instead of flying in and out for the race, we decided to build a full week around it. Barcelona as a base, day trips up the Costa Brava coast, and the F1 race on the weekend. It turned into one of our favorite trips.
Barcelona
We spent our first few days exploring the city. The Sagrada Familia is worth every bit of hype — book tickets online at least two weeks ahead because they sell out fast. The interior, with its tree-like columns and kaleidoscope of stained glass light, is unlike any cathedral you have ever seen. Gaudi’s other works are scattered across the city: Park Guell for the mosaic terraces and city views, Casa Batllo on Passeig de Gracia for the surreal facade.
The Gothic Quarter is where we spent most of our evenings. Narrow medieval streets open into small plazas with restaurants spilling out onto the cobblestones. We ate patatas bravas, pan con tomate, and jamon iberico at almost every meal and never got tired of it.
Barceloneta beach is a 15-minute walk from the Gothic Quarter. Not the prettiest beach in Spain, but it is right there in the city and the seafood restaurants along the boardwalk serve excellent paella.
The Costa Brava
We rented a car for three days and drove north along the Costa Brava. This stretch of coastline between Barcelona and the French border is stunning — rocky coves, turquoise water, and medieval hilltop towns.
L’Estartit and the Medes Islands
Our first stop was L’Estartit, a small beach town with views of the Medes Islands just offshore. You can take a glass-bottom boat tour or go snorkeling. The town itself is low-key and uncrowded compared to the bigger resorts.
Calella de Palafrugell
One of the prettiest spots on the entire coast. White buildings stacked up a hillside, rocky coves with turquoise water, and small fishing boats pulled up on the beach. It is the kind of place that looks Photoshopped but is somehow real. We had lunch at a restaurant overlooking the water and did not want to leave.
Tarragona and Sitges
We booked a guided day trip south from Barcelona to Tarragona, an ancient Roman city with remarkably well-preserved ruins. The amphitheater overlooking the Mediterranean is the highlight — you can sit where Romans watched gladiator fights 2,000 years ago. Sitges on the way back is a charming beach town with a beautiful old quarter and a lively restaurant scene.
Tossa de Mar
Another coastal gem north of Barcelona. Tossa de Mar has a medieval walled town perched on a headland above the beach. We took a boat tour along the coastline — the views of the cliffs and coves from the water are spectacular.
The Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is about 30 minutes north of Barcelona in Montmelo. We went for qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday.
Getting There and the Experience
We drove and parked in one of the official lots. Get there early — parking fills up and the walk to the entrance takes 15-20 minutes. The Spanish GP is known as a good starter F1 race because the facilities are solid, the weather is reliably warm, and the circuit layout means you can see a lot of action from most grandstands. We had seats at Turn 1, one of the best overtaking spots. The sound of the cars at full speed is something TV does not prepare you for.
Tips for F1 at Barcelona
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water — there is almost no shade in the grandstands
- Ear protection is essential, especially for kids
- Friday practice sessions are the cheapest way to experience F1 live
- The fan zone has simulators, merchandise, and team displays worth exploring
- Food inside the circuit is overpriced — bring snacks or eat in Montmelo before entering
Note for 2026: The Spanish Grand Prix has moved from Barcelona to Madrid starting in 2026. The new street-style circuit around the IFEMA convention center is a completely different experience. If you are planning a trip, research the Madrid venue separately.
What It Cost (Two People, 7 Nights)
- Flights: ~$900 round trip from NYC
- Hotel: ~$900 total for 6 nights
- Rental car (3 days): ~$180
- F1 tickets (Turn 1, Sat+Sun): ~$350 per person
- Food and activities: ~$800 total
- Total for two: ~$3,700
Would We Recommend It?
Absolutely. Barcelona gives you the perfect base — world-class city, incredible food, beautiful beaches — and the F1 race adds an unforgettable weekend on top. The Costa Brava day trips were the surprise highlight. If you are planning an F1 trip, building a vacation around the race is the way to do it.