6 Unique and Charming Hotels Near Barcelona Airport Worth the Drive
- Maria DiCicco
- 2 minutes ago
- 5 min read
If you envision spending your first or last night in Spain oceanfront enjoying giant goblets of gin and tonic in a chiringuito, stick around.
If you enjoy staying in opulent medieval castles and renovated old homes, stick around.
If your version of ideal Spain doesn't include elbowing through crowds to be situated in the big city...stick around.
Because this list is for the travelers who don't want trendy, chic, or perfect hotels in the center of bustling Barcelona. This list is for travelers who want to try something off the beaten path, where seafood feasts await, moody centuries old furniture beckons, and hip little tapas bars invite you in with their aromas.
Up for an adventure? Let's get to the list!
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Where to Stay: Hotels Near Barcelona Airport if You Have a Car
Depending on how much time you have before or after your Barcelona flight, these great stays range from 'just down the road' to about an hour or so away in distance so you will definitely need a rental car.
The beauty of these stays is that many include on-site restaurants, PERFECT for that first or last night lodging. I hate to have to find a restaurant, ensure reservations are made, or roam the streets if I don't have to. It's the start of end of my vacation, and it needs to be low key.
In addition to on-site restaurants, many of these are situated in adorable little towns where you can stroll, people watch, perhaps go for tapas or siteseeing, and pair it with an activity, too.
Think of these stays as more than just hotels, they're part of the adventure!
Stay in Wine Country at Hotel Can Panyella
Situated near Penedes, the land of Cava, the small town of Gelida offers Hotel Can Panyella, a perfect one-night stay with an on-site restaurant.
The rooms are cozy, air conditioned, and the dinners are scrumptious (don't miss their incredible papas bravas sauce).
When we visited, we dined al fresco, where a live band even serenaded us through our meal. It was a lovely and easy stay just off the highway.
If you have time, add in a special cava wine tasting in Barcelona's Penedes region (just 15 minutes from this hotel, perfect for getting a little tipsy in the afternoon before a nice big dinner at Hotel Can Panyella).
Distance from BCN: 25 minutes
Average Price Per Night: $104
Stay in a Castle at Parador de Cardona
Yes, dreams do come true. A stay at Parador de Cardona is not only magically medieval, it is warm and inviting. Stay for as little as $92 a night and enjoy the amenities this very real, very renovated 9th century castle has to offer.
Book a table for the restaurant in advance!
Distance from BCN:Â 1 hr 14 minutes
Average Price Per Night:Â $92
Psst...still want to see Cardona but you can't make it work for your schedule? There's a tour from Barcelona that includes:
Walking Tour of Cardona
Tickets to Cardona Salt Mountain
Visit to Montserrat Monastery
Stay in a Quaint Beach Town at Hotel Capri
Sitges is my top recommended area for hotels near Barcelona airport, making it a perfect place to spend a good amount of time before or after a flight.
A self-contained mini vacation, enjoy beach activities, countless gourmet tapas bars, seafood, and boutique shopping.
There's plenty to keep you busy for one afternoon and evening, so detox from jet lag here to enjoy a bit of tranquility before or after your driving vacation around Spain.
As for where you will stay? Hotel Capri is my pick - a charmingly coastal retreat with a pool and great breakfast that is walking distance to town. Parking is included!
Distance from BCN:Â 23 minutes
Average Price Per Night:Â $133
Stay On the Beach En Route to Tarragona at Hotel Best Terramarina
For one trip we were heading south towards our friends in Xabia, but couldn't make the whole trip in one day due to jet lag. We decided to stay at the seaside town of La Pineda for the night.
With a typical beach promenade for strolling, an enjoyable stay can be spent going up and down the beach, stopping at the great playground if you have kids, and enjoying a proper seafood feast (I recommend Che Del Mar) before calling it a night.
There are several chiringuitos (beach bars) on the beach for an afternoon cocktail and many restaurants to choose from, including an onsite bar and restaurant at my hotel pick: Hotel Best Terramarina.
This hotel had a pretty huge spread for breakfast, with all the Spanish favorites. It's a GREAT way to start a trip to Tarragona, Valencia, and further down the coastline to Alicante.
Don't let the cheap price tag misguide you - this beachfront property is a STEAL for the wonderful amenities and comfortable room. Parking is easy too!
Distance from BCN:Â 1 hr 5 minutes
Average Price Per Night:Â $53-103
Stay Where the Hotel IS the Destination at Lo Palauet de la Muralla
En route towards the Pyrenees, the splendors of the Somontano Wine Route, and medieval villages like Alquezar and Ainsa, find the not-much-to-do town of Balaguer. There's some really nice restaurants there, but mostly I found this place based on the route and the ornate interiors of this beautiful stay.
The photos at Lo Palauet de la Muralla will probably pull you in, but perhaps the views of the river and a breath of something different will be the thing that really does the trick for you.
Distance from BCN:Â 1 hr 39 minutes
Average Price Per Night:Â $143
Stay in A Seaside Medieval Village at Camping Turismar
That's right, this one really takes the cake for touristy fun. With loads of options for dining and shopping Tossa de Mar is a surefire bet for a full day and night of fun.
This is on the north side of Barcelona, however, so be sure you have enough time to get through city traffic for your flight.
There are too many options to name in Tossa de Mar for lodging, but if you like a touch of adventure, we really enjoyed our stay at Camping Turismar, where you can rent a comfortable cabin or bungalow (dressed with linens and towels), that makes your first or last night extra special.
Distance from BCN:Â 1 hr 21 minutes
Average Price Per Night:Â $69
If You Are Visiting Barcelona...Don't Miss These Other Spanish Road Trip Spots!
Be sure to consult my blog for numerous ideas on day trips, especially from Aragon, where the city of Zaragoza boast Roman ruins, moorish architecture, infamous tapas lanes, and more - all without the crowds of Barcelona.
Learn more about Zaragoza and other Spanish road trip adventures right here:
Unique Day Trips From Zaragoza (Under 2 Hours Drive)
How to Plan a Trip to Spain for First Timers
Northern Spain Road Trip Planning Guide
Where To Stay In Zaragoza's Historic Center (From A Local)
7 Reasons Why Ainsa Spain is a Great Road Trip Stop
11 Picture Perfect Places to Visit on the French and Spanish Border
6 Best Ways to Travel Around Spain
and there's even more!
