On the Wave of Gaudi's Vibe

Wake up early and have breakfast at the campsite bar before setting off on your drive ready for an electrifying day.
I suggest you also book the parking spaces a little in advance. Check out this website to compare prices, this car park is one of the best ones as it is very close to the cathedral and not so much expensive.

Already from the outside, this work of art fills the eyes with infinite beauty. Think that there are still a few years to go before it is completely finished when it will become the tallest cathedral in the world.
The neo-Gothic mould denoted by the spires and towers is skilfully blended with elements of nature, religion and Catalonia desired by Gaudi. Barcelona would probably not be the same city without the works the artist left behind.
And each of them is imbued with his philosophy. Therefore, to be able to admire the Sagrada Familia with a conscious eye, I invite you to book a guided tour or rent an audio guide that will provide you with all the details about the cathedral.
I recommend you also include in your ticket the access to the towers, from which you can see the spectacular panorama of Barcelona from above. It is a challenge even for those who do not suffer from vertigo, especially the descent, but you will see that it is worth it.
If you want to access the tower remember to bring with you a small bag as for safety reasons it is not possible to bring bigger ones.
To book tickets use this online website. Opening hours vary depending on the season, from November to February the cathedral is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, in March and October it closes at 7:00 PM and from April to September it closes at 8:00 PM.

I hope you will have recovered from the shivers down your spine that you probably felt both from the immense beauty of the cathedral and the considerable height to which you will have climbed.
After this experience return to the car park to get your car and head off to discover Gaudi's next work, Park Guell.
Remember to pay for a ticket for a maximum of a couple of hours as you will be changing car parks.

Leave your car in this car park, which is a few minutes' walk from the park. Once again, I recommend that you pay for a maximum of three hours, because after lunch you will come back to pick up your car for the next stop.

The park is very large and it is normally possible to visit it free of charge. The most emblematic area, where precisely all of Gaudi's works can be found, is concentrated in a specific area.
Here again, my suggestion is to book a tour or hire an audio guide to really understand the art you will see also on this occasion.
The park represents an architectural and natural heritage, the highest expression of the artist's naturalist period. In fact, you will notice how the forms blend with their surroundings in total harmony.
As you stroll through the park, you will pass under the laundress's porch with its slanting walls creating a distorted visual effect, you will sit on the colourful benches surrounding the serpentine of the Greek theatre.
From here you will admire the view and walk down the famous dragon steps. In short, you will experience Gaudi's work as you walk through it.
Again, I recommend booking your tickets well in advance so you don't miss out on this marvel. You can buy them directly online at this website.
The park is open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM, opening in July and August at 9:00 AM.

To eat and delight your taste buds order the pulpo alla gallega that they prepare in this restaurant. Cooked just right, very tasty, and served with a side of potatoes.
If, on the other hand, you would like a meat option, try the cachopo or choose one of the many alternatives on the menu.
The restaurant is very simple and you will be surprised by the quality of the dishes and how tasty they are. The dishes on view in the display cases will confirm the authenticity of the preparations.
From Monday to Thursday the restaurant is open from 8:00 AM to 11:30 PM, while on Friday and Saturday it closes at 2:00 AM and on Sunday at 5:30 PM.
To book in advance you can call this number +34 930315235.

After lunch, return to the car park and get back to driving, this time climbing a few hundred metres up the Montjuïc hill.

Finally here you don't have to pay to leave your car and you can reach the castle by driving through the park.

Montjuïc park is really huge and you probably won't have time to see it all.
You can decide if you want to visit the castle from the inside or not, it is worth even just walking around the fortress and admiring the panoramic views from the different viewpoints over the city of Barcelona, Mirador de Migdia and Mirador del'Alcalde.
If you decide to tour the castle inside, you can book your guided tour online in advance or rent an audio guide in order to see the courtyard, the rooms, the ancient cells and to access the temporary exhibitions.
On Sundays, after 3:00 PM access is free, however, you must book anyway your ticket online. Opening hours are from March to October from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and from November to February from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

After exploring the fortress and contemplating the shoreline from above, it is time to return to the car park and head down towards the coast.

Before going to the beach, check-in at the hotel you have booked and leave your car in their private car park for an extra fee.
The hotel is in a strategic location, close to the main Rambla and the beach, ideal for spending the night.
The interiors are beautifully detailed while remaining simple with some traditional architectural touches. The structure is probably that of an old flat later revisited, as can be seen from the iron runners on the stairs and parts of the walls.
The rooms have all the essentials for a comfortable stay and are available at an affordable price. You can use the small fridge to keep your water fresh.
Check-in time is from 2:00 PM and check-out time until 11:00 AM. There is also the possibility of adding breakfast for an extra fee.

Dip your feet into the sand and walk along the shoreline of the beautiful Barceloneta beach.
Weather permitting, put on your swimming suit and jump into the water to relax later lying in the sun. Don't forget your sun cream and beach towel at the hotel!
The beach stretches all along the paseo de la Barceloneta, a long pedestrian area perfect for cycling, skating, or skateboarding.

After drying yourself and with the taste of salt still in your mouth and sand between your feet, walk until you reach the main Rambla.
It is a must to take a walk along this very long boulevard, in one of these little streets on the left side you will find Güell Palace, another artwork of Gaudi.
Once you reach Plaça de Catalunya continue to the scenic Casa Batlò, also bearing Gaudi's signature, and then turn back and venture through the narrow streets of the Gothic quarter.
You'll pass the city's Cathedral and the Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi as you lose yourself in the fascinating and magical atmosphere that reigns in the district.

Return to the Barceloneta district to dine at this typically Catalan tapas bar.
The memory of this dinner will not leave you so easily. In fact, although it may not seem like it in appearance, the food served is very fresh and of high quality.
Start by ordering as an appetiser the famous bombas, a dish from which the restaurant takes its name. These are homemade potato balls accompanied by a spicy sauce.
If you are a fan of cod, I would recommend trying it in a salad or as a main dish and ending the meal with a delicious crema catalana.
However, the menu is extensive and if you watch the waiters as they bring in the other dishes you will go crazy trying to figure out what to order, everything looks fantastic.
The popularity of this restaurant is also shown by the fact that it is not possible to make reservations. Opening hours are every day from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM and it is closed on Wednesdays.

After this hearty and satisfying dinner, I invite you to take a stroll along the seafront, which is even more charming and illuminated by the lights of the street lamps.
Continue all the way back to the hotel and rest in view after this wonder-filled day.