Nestled on the Catalonian coastline, Barcelona boasts an expansive road network. Discovering the treasures of this city and the surrounding region is easy, with motorways and dual carriageways connecting the numerous highlights of the coastline, as well as those waiting to be found inland.

If you’re picking up your rental car from El-Prat Airport, drive along the B-10 or C-31 to reach the city centre – it’s around 30 minutes away. Two major roads encircle Barcelona - you’ll find the B-20 in the west and the B-10 in the east, which can take you in and out of the city. One of Spain’s major motorways, the Autovia del Mediterraneo or, as it’s commonly known, the AP-7, stretches past Barcelona, on to Valencia, Alicante and through to Marbella. Roll the windows down and take in the idyllic views of the picturesque coast while you explore the wider Catalonia region.

Sun-baked stretches of road around Barcelona offer plenty of spots to drink in the Mediterranean scenery. Enjoy views of the sea as it sparkles in the sunshine on a coastal road trip along the C-32 past Sitges and onto Tarragona. Spend a day exploring the ancient port city and watch the sun melt spectacularly from the sky as you head back towards Barcelona.

While in Spain, you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits differ from Ireland too. On motorways and on dual carriageways the maximum speed limit is 120km/h. On rural roads, this drops to 90km/h and in Barcelona and other built-up areas, the speed limit decreases to 50km/h. If you’re on a family holiday, children under the age of 12 are not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat for safety reasons, while it’s necessary for the driver and all passengers to wear seatbelts.

Barcelona has a buzz all of its own. Amble through the characterful streets and watch its bounty of sights unfold before your eyes, the narrow streets of the Barri Gotic opening out into grand squares, the impossible visions of Antoni Gaudi casting a spell. Every spot in this city charms in a different way, from vibrant Las Ramblas to tranquil Park Güell.

Architecture comes alive

Be mesmerised by the eclectic patchwork of buildings clustered into Barcelona’s epic centre. In this city, medieval stone mansions are juxtaposed with contemporary glass wonders. To view the cityscape in all its glory, hop aboard the Montjuïc cable car at the port. Journey through the skies and enjoy panoramic views as you make your way to the top of the dramatic hillside.

Back on land, make for the icon of the city - La Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece. Wander the exterior of this medieval cathedral and admire its architectural detailing – while unfinished, it’s truly awe-inspiring. The interior is just as remarkable, with narrow passageways and vaulted ceilings of true majesty. Roam through Park Güell to examine more of Antoni Gaudí’s imaginative touches etched into the cityscape. Here you’ll find the colourful beauty of the columns, statues and gatehouses featured throughout the vast gardens. There are also gorgeous contributions from some of his long-time collaborators, with the much-photographed sinuous tile benches being the work of the unsung Josep Maria Jujol.

Gently make your way through the atmospheric alleyways of the Gothic Quarter to see further architectural highlights of the Catalan capital. Stop off at the Cathedral of Barcelona and examine the intricate façade or experience true serenity inside the hushed Santa Maria del Mar.

The joy of bread and ham

Take your taste buds on a culinary adventure in Barcelona and experience the depth of flavour Catalan cooking has to offer. Spend an evening exploring neighbourhood tapas bars, grazing leisurely on bite-size dishes before hopping on to the next. Dedicate one lunch stop to seafood – this city’s proximity to the sea ensures fresher than fresh catches.

Dine on platters of oysters, razor clams and Galician barnacles. The food here makes a virtue of elevating the humble – pan con tomate is simply bread and tomato, but much more than the sum of its parts. Ham, meanwhile, is positively ambrosial and hangs from the ceilings of bodegas, casting its scent into the air.

Stretch your legs and work off your meal on Las Ramblas, the city’s famed thoroughfare leading through the heart of Barcelona down to the sea. Duck into the shops, food markets and museums peppered along this bustling boulevard and make your way to the pretty port area. Take a seat at one of the promenade bars and watch the world go by.

The Catalan Coast

Don’t try to resist the lure of Catalonia’s idyllic beaches. Take a break from exploring the city and head out to one of the many coastal spots within easy reach of Barcelona.

Set your GPS for Cala Fonda - unspoiled coastal beauty is yours to explore here. Wander through lush and headily scented pine forest to reach the beach. Settle down on the sand, enjoy a picnic and watch the Mediterranean waves lap against the shore.

Head for Platja de Sant Sebastià to enjoy equally striking views, but of a different kind. As you soak up the rays, admire the pretty vistas of Sitges old town.

If you’d prefer to stay close to Barcelona, make for the urban beach near the harbour, where you can watch the boats and large cruise ships sail into the port.

A hire car is the perfect way to see Barcelona, both in the fascinating and generous city or on the long and languorous coastline all around.