I am spending a week in Barcelona at the end of May with my boyfriend and we want to rent a car for 2 days and travel to a gorgeous near-by town/city. Actually, he suggested Valencia and I would agree that the sea-side drive would be beautiful. Any suggestions?

If you like beach and sea, go to Cadaque on the Costa Brava north of Barcelona. The drive is pretty hairy but the coastal town is wonderful. On the way to or from, stop in Figueres and see the Salvador Dali museum. This is really funky so even if you don't like museums generally, you'll probably find this amusing. Alternately, drive to Monserrat slightly south or southwest of Barcelona and see the mountains and monastery there. Also see the cava wineries if that interests you. Sitges is the beach town in that area. I've not been there but it's supposed to be nice. I'd advise against Valencia. It's a long (and not attractive) drive and Valencia is an enormous, sprawling city. Not attractive either IMO.

What is the best way to see the Costa Brava since you say that driving is a little hairy? Can you see it by train?

I drove from Barcelona to the Costa Brava a few years ago on a new motorway that was anything but hairy. I can't remember if it was toll or not. May have changed since then ??

Hi <BR><BR>I would agree with Cadaques, with a side trip to Port Legat (Dali's house) and maybe Perpignan, France.<BR><BR>The autoroute follows the coast, but cuts inland to cross the pyrenees to the North.<BR><BR>The coast road is slower, but not difficult.<BR><BR>In the last 30 years it has improved enormously. In fact, you would think it is a new road. It is beautiful.<BR><BR>Don't listen to the namby pamby's !<BR><BR>Peter<BR><BR>