Barcelona is the coastal capital city of Catalonia, home to over two miles of sandy beaches, and some of Spain's most iconic architecture. The city is Spain's second largest, and was founded in the third century by the Romans, while today its Catalonian traditions set it aside from the rest of the country in terms of cuisine and culture. Hire a car in Barcelona and you can take in the oldest part of the city, the Barri Gòtic, which is just off La Rambla, and is home to the Casa de la Ciutat and the Museu Picasso.
Barcelona's most prominent buildings are dotted around the city. The Gaudi designed cathedral, la Segrada Familia, can be found in the central location of Career de Mallorca. Park Guell, a park with Gaudi's sculptural buildings is further inland and Barcelona zoo is close to the port, and Camp Nou is three miles east from the city centre. To enjoy the countryside, rent a car in Barcelona and you can head out to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat. This 9th century structure is built into the side of a 1,200 metre mountain and is set in the Montersatt nature Park, 27 miles outside the city.