Campervan getaways don't always have to involve a route that spans hundreds of kilometers. Often, the best plan is to find a spot you like—maybe near the ocean—set up camp, forget about the road for a while, and enjoy the moment for as many days as you'd like.
The Maresme Coast, just a few kilometers from Barcelona, offers several elements that are perfect for this type of trip: the Mediterranean, beaches, towns with a seafaring tradition, delicious cuisine, and good transportation links. So, if you’re thinking about planning a campervan getaway near Barcelona, we at Camping El Toro Azulhave put together these tips tohelp you get ready.
1. Don't drive more kilometers than the trip requires
If you only have a weekend or a few days, spending a good part of your getaway driving probably isn’t the best plan. Of course, if you enjoy driving, you’ll enjoy the trip just the same. But you should also set aside time to get out of the RV and unwind in your chosen destination.
Arenys de Mar is located about 40 km from Barcelona and is connected to the city by road and train. It also fits easily as a stopover on a longer trip along the Catalan coast.
It could be the destination for your next RV getaways around Barcelona or simply a convenient stopover before continuing on your route. If you have a few more days, these spots in the Maresme region—perfect for exploring Catalonia by RV —might inspire you to extend your trip.
2. Think about how you're going to set up your space and the space you'll need
It’s not the same to look for a place to spend the night and continue on your way the next day as it is to settle in for several days and make your life revolve around the vehicle. If you’re planning to stay longer, it’s a good idea to think about things that are sometimes decided too late. For example, are you going to set up a table and chairs? Are you traveling as a couple or as a family? Do you need electricity? Will you be spending your time around the camper? Are you driving a motorhome, camper, or large trailer?
The type of trip also plays a big role. A motorhome getaway near Barcelona, a campervan trip, or a travel trailer getaway may each require different amounts of space and have different needs. Choosing the right spot from the start ensures that your days off will be much closer to what you had in mind.
3. If you're looking for a beach, also think about how you're going to get there
Choosing a beach based on a pretty photo and then realizing you have to move the RV and find a parking spot isn't exactly the best way to start the day. Whenever possible, look for a spot within walking distance of the beach. That way, you can leave the RV parked and forget about driving for a few hours.
Arenys de Mar has about 3.7 kilometers of coastline and three main beaches: Cavaió, Picòrdia, and Musclera. And if you ever feel like swapping the beach for something else, there’s plenty more to do on the Maresme Coast without having to travel far.
4. Discover the flavors of the Maresme and experience a bit of local life
Taking your kitchen with you is one of the perks of traveling in a camper, but getting to know a place also means stepping outside of it. In Arenys, we recommend visiting the Municipal Market, strolling along the Riera, sitting at an outdoor café, or sampling the seafood cuisine and local specialties such as Arenys shrimp and squid.
There is also a particularly interesting time to visit the port: when the fishing boats come in. In the afternoon, the catch arrives at the fish market, where the fish auction takes place. It’s a great way to experience the connection to the Mediterranean that’s still part of daily life in Arenys. These are the perks of traveling at a leisurely pace. It also gives you time for these experiences: shopping at the market, asking what fish has come in that day, or strolling through the harbor and soaking up the atmosphere.
5. For a trip lasting several days, consider more than just a place to sleep
If you’re just looking to spend the night and continue on your way, your needs will likely be minimal. However, on a multi-day getaway, other factors start to matter. Being able to take a shower without using the vehicle’s water supply, connecting to electricity, filling or emptying tanks, doing laundry, or having outdoor space.
At the Camper Area of Camping El Toro Azul, we offer sites for campers, trailers, and RVs of various sizes, as well as camping services, restrooms, a laundry facility, a pool, a restaurant, and direct access to the beach. So, if you’re planning to stay for several days, think not only about where you’ll sleep, but also about how you want to spend your time.
6. If you want to visit Barcelona, leave the RV parked
Being close to Barcelona doesn’t necessarily mean you have to drive into the city in your camper or RV. From Arenys de Mar, you can take the train to Barcelona, leaving your vehicle parked at our campground during the day. And here, it’s worth setting a few limits on spontaneity. If you want to visit popular attractions like the Sagrada Família or Park Güell, it’s best to buy tickets in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season, on a long weekend, or on a weekend.
After that, there’ll be time to head back to the Maresme, pick up the RV, and decide what to do the next day. Because maybe that’sthe best advice of all: always leave something unplanned. Traveling in an RV is also about being able to decide on the fly whether tomorrow means hitting the road… or spending one more night enjoying the Mediterranean.
We look forward to seeing you at Camping El Toro Azul!
