Themed routes
Greeks at Empúries, Romans in Tarraco, Cistercian monks, medieval bridges and the last Cathar strongholds: these motorhome routes cover more than two and a half thousand years of history within a few hours of home. Here is what to see on each one.
A motorhome lets you follow a historical thread from start to finish: from the Greek colony of Empúries to Roman Tarragona, or from the Catalan Cistercian abbeys to the Cathar castles across the Pyrenees, sleeping each night near the next site. Arriving early pays off, as open-air ruins are far more enjoyable without the heat and the crowds. From our base next to Granollers, Empúries is about an hour away.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons; in summer, visit sites early and bring water and a hat. If you cross into France for Carcassonne or the Cathar castles, tell Segimon Rental before pick-up so we can confirm the insurance. And remember that monuments are fragile: please do not climb on walls or take stones, and respect fenced-off excavation areas.
Right by the sea, the 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre is the best-known image of Tarraco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Add the city walls, the circus and, just outside town, the Les Ferreres aqueduct, known as the Devil's Bridge.
See route: Tarragona and the Cistercian Route
Founded in the mid-12th century and listed by UNESCO, it is one of Europe's great Cistercian monasteries and holds the royal pantheon of the Crown of Aragon. A community of monks still lives here, so visits are quiet and respectful.
See route: Tarragona and the Cistercian Route
Perched on a cliff in the Priorat, Siurana was the last Muslim stronghold in Catalonia to fall, in 1153. Today it is a tiny village of stone lanes, with the Romanesque church of Santa Maria and viewpoints over the reservoir and the range. It is reached on foot: leave the motorhome in the car parks at the entrance.
See route: Priorat and Montsant
Its fortified Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià, with a gate tower halfway across, is one of the most recognisable medieval sights in Catalonia. The old Jewish quarter preserves a mikveh, a ritual bath of which very few examples survive in Europe.
See route: Garrotxa volcanoes
A double ring of walls with dozens of towers encloses the medieval city, restored in the 19th century by Viollet-le-Duc and listed by UNESCO. Vehicles cannot enter: park outside and explore it at dusk, after the tour groups have gone.
See route: South of France
On a rocky spur between two gorges in the Minervois, Minerve held out against Simon de Montfort's siege in 1210; after it surrendered, around 140 Cathars were burned at the stake. Today you reach it over a bridge across the canyon and wander among stone houses, natural bridges and vineyards. Check access for large vehicles beforehand.
See route: Cathar Country
Five or six days from Granollers lets you see Quéribus, Peyrepertuse, Lagrasse and Carcassonne calmly, with time left for Minerve or Narbonne. Roads in the Corbières are narrow and winding, so take it slowly.
The easiest option is to park outside the old town, wherever any vehicle may park, and walk to the amphitheatre, circus and walls, which are close together. The upper old town, the Part Alta, has narrow streets unsuitable for motorhomes.
It links the monasteries of Poblet, Santes Creus and Vallbona de les Monges, a short drive from one another inland from Tarragona and Lleida. Two days is enough to see them unhurriedly, combined with Tarraco or local wineries.
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