Weekend campervan getaway from Barcelona: 3 ideas
A weekend in the campervan doesn't need much planning: we hand over the California on Friday afternoon in Mataró (Via Europa area) and take it back on Sunday afternoon or Monday morning, depending on the package you choose. With four seats for travelling and sleeping, a pop-up roof, a kitchen on board and about 5.3 metres long (it parks like a car), you can be in the mountains or by the sea in under two hours without packing an extra bag.
This page covers three weekend trips under 150 km from Mataró — the Montseny and the Vic plain, the southern Costa Brava, and the Garrotxa — all designed for two or three days without worrying about mileage: with the 100 km/day included in the rental (extendable if you need more), there's plenty of room for the drive there and back, plus getting around once you arrive.
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How a campervan weekend works
Book online with a 30% deposit, then pick up the California on Friday afternoon in Mataró, Via Europa area (optional delivery in Barcelona if that suits you better). Return is Sunday afternoon or Monday morning — choose the package depending on whether you want one more night or to get back with time to prepare for the week ahead.
Doing your food shop before picking up the van makes a real difference: arrive with a full fridge and you gain the whole first night of the trip instead of losing it hunting for a supermarket. The California doesn't allow pets or smoking inside.
Idea 1 — The Montseny and the Vic plain (65 km)
Friday afternoon, about 65 km on the C-35 to Viladrau or Sant Feliu de Buixalleu, right by the Montseny massif. Saturday morning, a hike up the Turó de l'Home or along the Sant Marçal path (beech or holm oak woods depending on the season), then down to Vic in the afternoon: the market (on Saturdays), the cathedral, and a walk around the Plaça Major. Overnight at an area or campsite near Vic.
Sunday, an unhurried breakfast and the drive back to Mataró — the Montseny is close enough that you don't need an early start to fit it all in.
Idea 2 — The southern Costa Brava in two days (95 km)
The same 95 km as the longer Costa Brava route, compressed into a weekend: Friday to Calella de Palafrugell, then Saturday the coastal path to Llafranc, with a swim along the way. In the afternoon, Begur — the castle and a cove (Sa Riera or Aiguablava) if parking allows.
Overnight at the Palafrugell area or Moby Dick campsite, right by the beach. On Sunday, if there's still time before heading back, it's worth the detour to Pals to see the medieval old town before the road home.
Idea 3 — The Garrotxa express (110 km)
About 110 km to Olot, the gateway to the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. Saturday, a short walk through the Fageda d'en Jordà forest (flat and shaded — ideal on a hot day) and up to one of the craters, such as Croscat. In the afternoon, Santa Pau: the best-preserved medieval village in the area, with time for a thick hot chocolate.
Overnight at an area in Olot or Santa Pau. The Garrotxa is the furthest of the three, but the road is easy, and the volcanic landscape is worth it — you won't find anything like it closer to Barcelona.
Tips for making the most of 48 hours
Do your food shop before picking up the van — arriving with a full fridge saves that first supermarket stop and lets you cook dinner that same Friday at the area or campsite instead of hunting for a restaurant. Cooking 'at home' also means you can get up earlier on Saturday, which is when the day really counts.
Get up early: at spots with small car parks (Begur, Cadaqués, the Garrotxa villages) arriving before 10 am is the difference between parking right there or circling for a spot. And if you're heading back on Sunday, leave mid-afternoon instead of waiting until evening — you'll avoid the queue into Barcelona that builds up every Sunday in summer.
Frequently asked questions
How many kilometres does a campervan weekend cover?+
Between 130 and 250 km round trip, depending on the destination you choose — well under the 200-300 km included in a weekend rental (100 km/day, extendable to 200 km/day or unlimited mileage if you need it), leaving room to get around once you're there without watching the odometer.
Can you rent just for the weekend in August?+
No: during high season (July and August) the minimum rental is 7 nights. Standalone weekends are available from September to June.
Where do you sleep over the weekend?+
At motorhome areas and campsites — most between €10 and €25. Free overnight parking is regulated depending on the municipality, so the simplest approach is to book a spot at the area or campsite for each stop.
