Best Motorcycle Rides Along Mediterranean Coast and Barcelona
There aren’t many coastal routes around Barcelona and the wider Catalonia region that offer great riding experiences. The best routes tend to be in the interior, around the mountain ranges, as much of the coastline from Tarragona, past Barcelona, to the Spanish/French border near Cadaqués is relatively flat. The most scenic rides are where the Mediterranean meets the mountains, offering ideal riding conditions.
While the number of coastal routes is limited, Costa Brava is well known for its magazine-worthy coves (calas) and rugged coastline dotted with picturesque fishing towns. With whitewashed homes reminiscent of the Greek islands, these towns alone make the journey worthwhile. Here are the top coastal routes for motorcycle enthusiasts looking to explore the Mediterranean coast.
Barcelona to Sitges, C-31
Distance: 15 km
The C-31 is a well-known, popular road just outside Barcelona. Even though it is a main throughway to the coastal town of Sitges, the C-31 is a narrow, single-lane road carved into the mountainside, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. This route is popular because the highway running parallel is a toll road. However, the C-31 has some tight turns, and cars tend to drive cautiously, which may affect the enjoyment of the ride. For the best experience, ride before 10 a.m. on weekends, as Sundays are typically busy with cyclists.
Take this road if you are:
Making a trip to Sitges
Traveling south from Barcelona
Following the 4-Hour Motorcycle Tour of Barcelona
Visiting the Penedès wine region
Riding through the Prades Mountains in Tarragona
Tossa de Mar to Sant Feliu de Guíxols, GL-682
Distance: 22 km
This is my personal favorite coastal route in Catalonia. The GL-682 offers 40 minutes of engaging twists and turns, minimal traffic, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The route provides access to several secluded coves (calas) that are challenging to reach without a motorcycle, with Cala Futadera being a standout.
Both Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guíxols are traditional Costa Brava towns, with Tossa de Mar being particularly famous for its medieval historic center. It ranks among the top 5 coastal towns in Costa Brava. For more information on nearby towns, refer to our Best Coastal Villages Near Barcelona guide.
Other secluded beaches along the route:
Cala es Colador: Located in the medieval area ofo Tossa de Mar, this cove is not very secluded but is equally impressive and convenient if you’re spending time in Tossa.
Route to Cadaqués
Roads: D914 (France), N260, GL-612, GL-613, GL-614
Distance: 50 km
Cadaqués is the quintessential Costa Brava coastal town with its whitewashed houses, rich fishing heritage, and narrow alleyways that might remind you of a Greek island. For motorcycle travelers, the journey into Cadaqués is just as impressive as the destination itself. If you're traveling from France, begin your ride in Banyuls-sur-Mer. If you're coming from Barcelona, start from Figueres. For those not riding or driving, take a train to Figueres and then a bus into town. Cadaqués is best enjoyed over a couple of days rather than a quick day trip from Barcelona.
Nearby Towns: Cadaqués