From Barcelona you can ride four motorcycle day trips without leaving Catalonia: Montserrat via the C-55, the Montseny massif via Santa Fe, the Garraf coast to Sitges on the C-31, and the Collserola hills on the Rabassada road. All four start from Passeig de Gràcia, in the Eixample, and get you back to the city the same evening.
Which motorcycle day trips can you ride from Barcelona?
The four most practical rides are Montserrat, the Montseny, the Garraf coast and Collserola. They range from about 40 km to about 180 km round trip and from an hour and a half to four hours in the saddle, mixing mountain bends with coastal stretches. The table sums them up; distances are rounded and depend on your exact route.
| Route | Round trip | Riding time | Level | Suitable bike |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montserrat (C-55 and BP-1121) | about 120 km | about 2 h 30 | Intermediate | Adventure or roadster, A2 or A |
| Montseny via Santa Fe (BV-5114) | about 180 km | about 4 h | Experienced | Adventure bike, full A licence advised |
| Garraf coast and Sitges (C-31) | about 100 km | about 2 h 30 | Intermediate | Any bike, A2 or A |
| Collserola and Rabassada (BP-1417) | about 40 km | around 1 h 30 | Experienced | Roadster or light adventure bike |
How do you get to Montserrat by motorcycle from Barcelona?
The usual route leaves on the B-23 and A-2 towards Martorell, follows the C-55 to Monistrol de Montserrat and climbs to the monastery on the BP-1121, according to the Montserrat Mountain Board. It is about 60 km each way, and the final climb is the best part of the ride.
The BP-1121 strings together wide bends with views over the Llobregat valley up to the monastery, which sits at roughly 720 m. On the way back you can descend on the El Bruc side and rejoin the A-2, which turns the outing into a short loop. On a weekday, set off early: tour coaches fill the road from mid-morning. In autumn, morning fog is common, so at that time of year wait for it to lift before heading up. The obvious stop is the monastery terrace, with viewpoints over the rock pinnacles.
Which road climbs the Montseny via Santa Fe?
The climb to Santa Fe del Montseny is the BV-5114, which starts in Sant Celoni, at exit 11 of the AP-7, and runs through Campins. The Santa Fe car park sits at kilometre 21, according to the Montseny Natural Park. It is the longest of the four rides, about 180 km in total.
The climb covers some 24 km of tight bends through beech and chestnut woods, with close to 1,100 m of ascent. From Santa Fe the road drops towards Viladrau; you can return through Seva and the Coll Formic pass on the BV-5301, which leads back down to the valley. The road is narrow and busy with cyclists at weekends, so keep the pace relaxed. Spring and autumn are the best seasons; in winter, check road conditions before you set off.
How do you ride the Garraf coast to Sitges?
Between Castelldefels and Sitges, the C-31 follows the Garraf cliffs for about 23 km and more than 80 bends, with no toll. It is the easiest of the four rides: about 100 km round trip from Passeig de Gràcia, ideal for half a day with a stop by the sea.
The road alternates viewpoints over the Mediterranean with small coves, and its slow layout stretches that section to almost an hour. At weekends it is shared with many cyclists, so a weekday morning is more pleasant. For a quicker return there is the C-32, whose Garraf tunnels are still tolled, as the Diari de Tarragona reports. The Sitges seafront is the natural stop.
Why does the Rabassada road call for caution?
The Rabassada, the BP-1417, crosses the Collserola hills between Barcelona and Sant Cugat del Vallès. A former hill-climb course, it was for years ranked the most dangerous road in Catalonia, mainly because of motorcycle crashes, according to the newspaper Ara. Ride it at a steady, moderate pace.
Since 2022 several sections have lane separators. The short loop, about 40 km, climbs from the Ronda de Dalt ring road, crosses the natural park and reaches Sant Cugat, whose monastery is worth a stop. You can add the climb to Tibidabo and its viewpoint over the city. Choose a weekday morning and avoid the hours when local traffic builds up.
How do you get out of Barcelona quickly by motorcycle?
From the Eixample, the Ronda de Dalt takes you within minutes to the Rabassada and the B-23 towards Montserrat, and connects with the AP-7 towards the Montseny. To the south, the C-31 leads to Castelldefels and the Garraf. Avoid the morning rush hour, when the roads into the city are at their busiest.
The AP-7 has been toll-free since 2021, but the Vallvidrera tunnels on the C-16 and the Garraf tunnels on the C-32 are still tolled; rates are updated every year, as 3Cat details. Riding in Barcelona's low-emission zone is covered in a separate article.
Which motorcycle suits these Catalonia routes?
These rides call for a bike that is comfortable in slow bends and nimble in town. With an A2 licence, the Honda NX500 covers all four. With a full A licence, the Yamaha Ténéré 700 and the BMW R 12 G/S shine in the Montseny, and the Triumph Scrambler on the coast.
The deposit depends on the model, from €500 to €2,750: €1,500 for the NX500 and the Scrambler, €1,750 for the Ténéré 700 and €2,750 for the R 12 G/S. It is a card pre-authorisation, not a charge, released at the end of the rental. If you want to go further, the Costa Brava and the Catalan Pyrenees deserve a trip of several days, which we cover separately.
Frequently asked questions
Do these routes involve tolls?
Not necessarily. The C-31 along the Garraf, the C-55 to Montserrat, the Rabassada and the AP-7 towards the Montseny are all free. Only the Vallvidrera tunnels on the C-16 and the Garraf tunnels on the C-32 charge a toll, and you can avoid both without adding much distance.
Can you leave Spain on a motorcycle rented in Barcelona?
Yes, as long as you follow local rules. Riding is allowed across the European Economic Area, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Vatican City and San Marino. A rental always ends at one of our pick-up points, so plan the trip as a round trip. The details are in our FAQ.
When does the Barcelona pick-up point open?
The pick-up point on Passeig de Gràcia, in the Eixample, will open soon. It will run on a self-service basis, with collection and return 7 days a week, from 8 am to 10 pm. In the meantime, you can browse the models and plan your ride using the directions in this article.
Which route should you choose for your first ride in Catalonia?
The Garraf coast is the easiest: a slow road, sea views and a short distance that leaves time for lunch in Sitges. Montserrat is the logical next step. The Montseny and the Rabassada, which are more demanding, are best enjoyed once you know the bike and the local traffic.
To find the bike that best suits your route, browse our full range of models.
