Whenever clients ask me where to drive after they rent a sports car in Barcelona, I always smile. I’ve spent years exploring Catalonia’s roads behind the wheel of our Ferraris, Porsches and Maseratis, and I know how many breathtaking routes surround the city. Although most tourists stick to the typical highways, I prefer sharing the lesser-known ones — the ones locals whisper about because they reveal the true magic of this region.
Today, I’ll take you through five secret routes I personally enjoy the most. Each one brings its own personality, whether you’re driving a Ferrari Portofino, a Maserati GranCabrio or a Porsche 911 Cabrio. Furthermore, these roads offer the perfect blend of curves, scenery and excitement that make Catalonia one of Europe’s best driving destinations.
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Table of Contents
The Coastal Dream: Sant Pol de Mar to Sant Andreu de Llavaneres
I still remember the first time I took a Porsche 911 Cabrio through this stretch. As soon as I left Sant Pol, the Mediterranean opened up beside me. Additionally, the road hugged the cliffs, creating an amazing rhythm of gentle curves and short straights.
This is not a busy highway. Instead, it’s a narrow coastal ribbon where fishermen villages appear suddenly, and the sunlight reflects perfectly off the deep blue sea. Because of this, photographers and influencers love it. When the roof of the Maserati GranCabrio folds down, you can feel the marine breeze instantly. It makes even a short drive feel like an escape.
Moreover, the mornings offer the calmest traffic, and the light is ideal for pictures. Many clients come back saying this route became one of their trip highlights.
The Forest Escape: La Arrabassada Road (Barcelona to Sant Cugat)
Locals know this one, yet tourists rarely discover it. The climb starts right after leaving Barcelona and moves into the Collserola Natural Park. When I drive a Ferrari Portofino through here, the engine sound flows beautifully between the trees. The curves create a natural rhythm, and because the road is wide and well maintained, the experience feels extremely smooth.
Although it’s close to the city, it feels completely different — quiet, green and refreshing. I always recommend it to clients who only have an afternoon available but want a memorable experience. Furthermore, from the top you can enjoy a panoramic view of Barcelona that feels like a reward at the end of the climb.
The Vineyard Road: Sant Sadurní d’Anoia to Gelida
Catalonia’s wine region hides some of the best driving roads in Spain, and this small route is one of my personal favorites. It winds peacefully between vineyards, offering open landscapes and smooth curves.
Although the terrain looks simple, the experience becomes special when you’re inside a convertible like the Maserati GranCabrio. The air smells slightly sweet from the grape fields, and the road moves like a soft ribbon through rolling hills. Because the traffic is minimal, you have time to truly enjoy each kilometer.
Additionally, if you’re traveling with someone, stopping at a wine cellar for lunch adds a charming touch to the journey. Many couples choose this trip for a romantic day away from the city.
The Hidden Mountain Pass: Vallvidrera to Molins de Rei
Even though it’s just minutes from Barcelona, this road feels like stepping into a different world. The path starts in Vallvidrera and descends into a valley filled with nature. When I take a sporty convertible like the Porsche 911 Cabrio, the combination of tight curves and short straights feels incredibly balanced.
Moreover, during early mornings, the mist sometimes rises between the trees. It creates an atmosphere that makes the drive even more cinematic. Because of this, influencers often reach out asking for quiet scenic spots where they can shoot content, and this road never disappoints.
This is also one of the most “driver-focused” roads near the city, which explains why so many enthusiasts return to it again and again.
The Historic Route: Castellfollit del Boix to Manresa
This one is a true secret. I discovered it years ago when I needed a quiet place to test a Ferrari Portofino after servicing. As soon as I reached the first bends, I fell in love with the mixture of mountains, wide views and almost zero traffic.
Because this route passes through historical rural landscapes, every corner feels like entering a postcard. Furthermore, the layout includes several sweeping curves that allow the car to move with elegance and fluidity.
This is also one of the few places where I recommend stopping for a moment just to enjoy the silence. In a fast world, these roads remind you how relaxing a simple drive can be.
Why These Routes Are Perfect for Sports Cars
Whenever people rent a sports car in Barcelona, they usually want a memorable experience, not just transportation. These secret routes offer precisely that. Because each road highlights a different personality — coastal, forest, mountain or historic — drivers can choose the emotional experience they want.
Additionally, sports cars like ours are designed for these environments:
Convertibles let you feel every detail of the landscape.
Ferraris deliver powerful acceleration on open stretches.
Porsche models carve through curves with precision.
Therefore, combining a high-performance car with the right road transforms a simple outing into a story. Many clients tell me that these routes became the best part of their trip.
And whenever they ask for recommendations, I always encourage them to explore beyond the typical tourist areas. Catalonia has so much more to offer if you know where to go.
Conclusion
These five secret routes remind me why driving around Barcelona is such a special experience. Each road offers its own atmosphere, and when you combine it with a Ferrari, Maserati or Porsche, the journey becomes unforgettable. Whenever clients rent a sports car in Barcelona, I encourage them to explore beyond the usual tourist routes — because this is where the real beauty of Catalonia appears. If you need help choosing the right car or planning your drive, my team and I are always here to guide you.
Start your adventure today and enjoy these unforgettable routes with the perfect sports car at DDLuxurycar
FAQs
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Are these routes suitable for beginners?
Yes, absolutely. Although they are beautiful and engaging, none of them require advanced driving skills. The roads are safe, well-maintained and ideal for enjoying a luxury sports car comfortably.
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Which sports car is best for scenic coastal roads?
For coastal routes, I love recommending the Maserati GranCabrio or Porsche 911 Cabrio because driving with the roof down lets you enjoy the Mediterranean fully.
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Can these routes be completed in half a day?
Yes. Most of them take between 45 minutes and 2 hours. Because of that, they’re ideal for travelers who want a quick escape from Barcelona.
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Do I need GPS or can I follow road signs?
You can follow signs easily, but using GPS makes the experience smoother. We always help clients set up their route before departure.
