Motorcycle Rides in Barcelona: Tips & Routes by Our Vaquero Victor
Barcelona’s Tourism Question
Barcelona is the greatest city in Europe, in the biased opinion of a proud immigrant (Victor). Victor can confidently make that argument citing the scientific study of a personal, pre-move, pros and cons list, but this isn’t the place for that discussion. So we’re the greatest city in Europe, but it’s not without its faults. Aside from the “bureaucratic industrial complex” that plagues this city, we have a tourism problem. Barcelona welcomes over 12 million travelers each year, an average of 1 million visitors per month, a lot to ask of a city of 1,6 million inhabitants. The most salient impact has been the dilution of the city’s authenticity and the runaway issue of housing cost and supply, rent prices have increased by 50% over a three year period, and by diluting the authenticity of the city.
Exacerbating the issue, much of the tourism is concentrated in a few areas, overwhelming those neighborhoods and inversing the locals to tourist ratio. And the type of tourist the city can attract treats it as an adult playground where normal rules of law and social decency don’t apply – so does Victor say. ☺️
The Opportunity
The good thing is, there’s an opportunity. It’s one of the top reasons why Barcelona is the greatest city in Europe, and it can’t be found in the city. Unfortunately, tourists are unaware of the fortunes that lie just outside the city limits.
Within a 1.5 hour drive you can find:
- the criminally underrated Costa Brava, with coastal fishing towns that could be mistaken for an island of the Cyclades and secluded natural beaches that line the coast.
- wine region of Penedes, some of Spain’s best wineries, for a romantic getaway or a spontaneous day trip for a tasting.
- a proper mountain range in the Pyrenees that keep hikers, campers, mountain bikers, motorcycle riders, hang-gliders, and skiers occupied.
- and the quaint villages spread throughout these regions, physical reminders of Spain’s medieval past
Even after five years as a local, Victor still uncovers new hidden gems on my weekend motorcycle rides. As beautiful as La Sagrada Familia is, a more unique experience can be found in the detours that bring me to an “off-the-grid” country town, offering a glimpse into a world few other travelers will see. “I then enjoy a beer on the terrace of the town’s only restaurant and revel in my find as if he has just discovered it”, he adds.
It’s these serendipitous moments that he feels need to be shared with other travelers. Share the joy Victor has been fortunate enough to experience in hopes that it:
- spreads tourism out, providing relief to the city and spreads the financial benefits of tourism to other pockets of the region
- persuades a different type of tourist to visit Barcelona, one with curiosity and interest to explore rather than just consume.
What is Moto España?
Moto España was started with those goals in mind. To share these stories to a subset of the 12 million travelers, albeit a very niche subset: international motorcycle travelers. The company is dedicated to promoting Barcelona and its surrounding areas as a top destination for motorcycle travelers, a real rival to famous touring destinations in Europe like the Alps.
The idea is to reproduce the experience of riding in Spain through exposition and video representation to inspire those researching travel to Spain, or to those not yet aware of their desire to ride Spain. Then aid in the execution of their travel plans with GPS files of the routes, curated itineraries to follow with recommended cultural activities, motorcycle rentals and free community rides for anyone to tag along.
Ready to Explore Barcelona Like a Local?
Victor’s passion for uncovering hidden gems on two wheels led to the creation of Moto España, a gateway for motorcycle travelers to experience Spain’s most breathtaking routes beyond the city limits. Whether you’re seeking winding coastal roads, mountain adventures, or charming medieval villages, Moto España provides the inspiration and tools to make it happen.
Discover curated itineraries, GPS routes, and insider tips to ride Barcelona and beyond like never before.
🚀 Connect with Victor and start planning your adventure today at Moto España!
