It was time to say goodbye to Barcelona and begin the next chapter of our journey. We picked up a rental car that would carry us for the next four weeks as we followed the stunning coasts of Spain and Portugal, winding our way west and north toward Normandy, France. With new landscapes, cultures, and historic regions ahead of us, we were excited for the adventures that awaited along this remarkable coastal route.
Leaving Barcelona Spain’s Mediterranean coast offers a rich blend of shoreline landscapes, historic cities, and changing regional cultures. The route follows the eastern shore through Catalonia and the Valencian Community, passing ancient Roman towns, fertile citrus groves, and long stretches of sandy beach. Cities such as Tarragona, Castellón, and Valencia make natural pauses along the coast, each offering its own layers of history and Spanish character.
Continuing south into Alicante and along the Costa Blanca, the scenery shifts to palm-lined promenades, rugged headlands, and bright coastal villages. Farther south, the road enters Murcia and then eastern Andalusia, where the terrain becomes more arid and dramatic. The historic port of AlmerÃa marks the gateway to the Costa del Sol, and following the coastline west brings travelers to the charming 
seaside town of Nerja.
Tarragona, perched above the Mediterranean in southern Catalonia, is one of Spain’s most historically significant coastal cities. Founded by the Romans as Tarraco, it became the capital of the Roman province of Hispania Citerior, and many of its ancient monuments remain integrated into the modern city. The seaside amphitheater, massive defensive walls, forum ruins, and the Praetorium tower all testify to its importance as a Roman stronghold.
Wandering through Tarragona reveals a seamless blend of eras: medieval alleyways lead to the majestic Tarragona Cathedral, while terraces and plazas overlook the sparkling coastline. The old port—once vital to Roman trade—remains an active harbor surrounded by cafés, promenades, and golden beaches.
With its layered history, relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, and well-preserved archaeological sites, Tarragona offers one of the richest glimpses into Spain’s Roman past while maintaining the charm of a vibrant seaside city. Click on thumbnail to view images
Valencia, on Spain’s eastern Mediterranean coast, is a city where the character of its **Old Town—El Centro Histórico—**lies at the very heart of its identity. Founded as a Roman colony in 138 BCE, the Old Town preserves more than two millennia of history within its winding streets, grand plazas, and remarkably layered architecture. Roman foundations, Moorish influences, and medieval Christian landmarks coexist here, creating a mosaic of cultures that have shaped Valencia over the centuries.
At the center of this historic district stands the impressive Valencia Cathedral, a structure that reflects the passage of time through its eclectic mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements. Built on the site of a former mosque—and before that a Roman temple—the cathedral symbolizes the city’s evolving religious and cultural story. Inside, visitors encounter beautifully carved chapels, soaring ribbed vaults, and the revered Chapel of the Holy Grail, which houses a chalice long associated with the Holy Grail tradition and venerated for centuries.
A highlight of our visit was Patty’s ascent of the Miguelete Tower, the cathedral’s iconic 14th-century bell tower. The climb up its narrow, spiraling stone staircase—over 200 steps—rewarding her with sweeping panoramic views. From the top, the rooftops of the Old Town stretch out in a pattern of terracotta tiles, punctuated by bell towers, church domes, and lively plazas. The distant shimmer of the Mediterranean completes the scene, offering a vivid sense of Valencia’s blend of historic depth and coastal beauty.
Nearby, the bustling Plaza de la Virgen and Plaza de la Reina form the social heart of the Old Town, where locals and visitors gather amid fountains, cafés, and centuries-old monuments. Together, these spaces—and the cathedral that anchors them—capture the enduring spirit of Valencia’s historic center.
The Old Town also showcases Valencia’s medieval prosperity through landmarks like the Lonja de la Seda, the Gothic Silk Exchange, whose ornate stone halls reflect the city’s former prominence in Mediterranean trade. The Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart, once part of the city’s defensive walls, still stand as monumental gateways into the historic center. Markets such as the Mercado Central, one of Europe’s largest and oldest covered markets, add to the Old Town’s vibrant daily life with stalls of fresh produce, seafood, and local specialties.
While the rest of Valencia has embraced modern design and the arts, the Old Town remains the city’s soul—an atmospheric district where Roman foundations, medieval towers, and lively street culture coexist. Its blend of history, architecture, and traditional Valencian life make it one of Spain’s most evocative historic quarters. Click on thumbnail to view images
From Valencia, our next destination was Alicante and the famed Costa Blanca, where we would spend several days soaking up Spain’s sun-drenched Mediterranean coast. Stretching for more than 200 kilometers, the Costa Blanca is known for its brilliant white-sand beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, and dramatic rocky headlands that create a coastline both rugged and serene. The region has long been celebrated for its mild climate, vibrant seaside towns, and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
Calpe, located on the Costa Blanca, is a striking blend of natural beauty, coastal charm, and ancient history. The town is dominated by the dramatic Peñón de Ifach, a massive limestone rock rising more than 300 meters above the sea. Once a lookout for ancient civilizations, today it stands as a protected natural park and one of the most iconic landmarks on the Mediterranean coast.
At its base stretch some of Calpe’s beautiful beaches, known for their clear turquoise waters and soft golden sands. Playa de la Fossa and Arenal-Bol Beach curve gently along the shoreline, offering calm waves perfect for swimming and long promenades lined with cafés, shops, and seaside terraces. The bright blues of the water, paired with the silhouette of the Peñón, create one of the most photogenic coastal scenes in the region.
Beyond the beaches, Calpe retains touches of its fishing heritage, with a lively harbor and daily fish auctions that offer a glimpse into traditional Mediterranean life. Whether relaxing on the sand, exploring the coastal trails, or simply taking in the sweeping views, Calpe captures the essence of Spain’s sunlit seaside culture.
Farther south along the Costa del Sol, Nerja offers a quieter, small-town atmosphere framed by dramatic cliffs and the foothills of the Sierra Almijara. Long before it became a beloved seaside retreat, Nerja was home to ancient Phoenician and Roman settlers who recognized the value of its sheltered coves and strategic coastal location. Remnants of aqueducts, old watchtowers, and early settlements still hint at this layered past.
The town’s most famous viewpoint, the Balcón de Europa, stands atop a rocky promontory overlooking turquoise waters and rugged coastline that traders and fishermen have used for centuries. From here, the Mediterranean stretches endlessly southward, framed by the cliffs and headlands that give Nerja its dramatic setting.
Despite its growing popularity, Nerja still retains the charm of a traditional Andalusian coastal village. Narrow, winding streets lined with whitewashed façades lead to small plazas filled with flowering plants, artisan shops, and lively tapas bars. Fishing boats pulled onto the sand, local markets, and evening strolls along the seafront all reflect the town’s enduring local spirit. Click on thumbnail to view images
