I’m speaking in first person because, as a true foodie and part of the Adventure Campers team, I love combining the open road with good food. If you’re planning your holidays and considering renting a campervan, get ready to savor Catalonia and the Costa Brava with all your senses. Our fleet awaits you in Valencia, Madrid, and Barcelona, so hitting the road toward beaches, coves, and local markets is as easy as hopping in, turning the key… and working up an appetite.
Why is renting a campervan the best plan for foodies?
Because it gives you total freedom: have breakfast overlooking a vineyard in Empordà, shop for local products at the morning market, and cook them at sunset in your own kitchen on wheels. With Adventure Campers, I plan my route around fish markets, food fairs, and charming restaurants—no rush, no schedules. And if I fall in love with a place, I stay one more day. Easy, flexible, and above all, delicious.
A Flavorful Route Through Catalonia and the Costa Brava: Markets You Can’t Miss
Barcelona: color and flavor at every stall
- Mercat de la Boqueria: the classic place to start. Fruits, seafood, jamón, and fresh juices. Perfect to stock your fridge with top-quality products.
- Mercat de Santa Caterina: with its wavy roof and excellent fish and cured meats. Great for a varied shopping stop.
- Mercat de Sant Antoni: more local and spacious; seasonal vegetables, cheeses, and artisan breads.
Girona and surroundings: well-kept tradition
- Mercat del Lleó (Girona): a must for sausages, fuet, Garrotxa cheeses, and fresh vegetables.
- Figueres (weekly market): fruits, honey, and Empordà PDO olive oil to brighten any recipe on the road.
Costa Brava: from sea to table
- Palamós Fish Market: watch the auction and take home the famous Palamós red prawns (always respecting local rules and schedules). A Mediterranean treasure.
- L’Escala: home of the anchovy. Look for them in traditional salt curing; with bread and tomato, they’re pure bliss.
- Pals: known for its local rice variety—perfect for paellas and creamy rice dishes in your camper.
Charming Restaurants and Stops (for When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking)
- Barcelona – La Paradeta: seafood by weight, grilled on the spot. Simple and delicious.
- Barcelona – Can Solé (Barceloneta): traditional seafood rice dishes.
- Girona – Casa Marieta: classic Catalan cuisine in the city center.
- Calella de Palafrugell – Tragamar: fresh market cuisine by the sea (book ahead in high season).
- Palamós – local beach bars: perfect for tasting the catch of the day, no fuss.
- Cadaqués – Compartir: if you’re after something special, this place is perfect for sharing dishes—and smiles.
Personal tip: avoid peak hours in summer and book whenever possible. And if the restaurant’s full, a butifarra sandwich on a secluded cove is still a great plan.
Local Products I Love (and You Shouldn’t Miss)
- Anchovies from L’Escala: in oil or salt, the best companion for any appetizer.
- Palamós red prawns: sautéed for one minute—unforgettable flavor.
- Pals rice: flavorful, versatile, ideal for paella or creamy rice dishes.
- Empordà DO wines: mineral reds and fresh whites to pair with your route.
- Butifarra and fuet: perfect cured sausages for quick tapas.
- Garrotxa cheese: mild, nutty, and perfect with honey.
- Escalivada and romesco sauce: Catalan essentials that elevate any dish.
How I Make Easy Meals in the Campervan
A camper kitchen offers more than you think. Here are my go-to recipes for tasty, no-fuss meals:
- Turbo “pa amb tomàquet”: crispy bread, ripe tomato rubbed on top, Empordà olive oil, salt, and L’Escala anchovies. In 3 minutes, you’ve got a top-notch breakfast or dinner.
- One-pot Mediterranean pasta: in one pot, sauté garlic, add cherry tomatoes, basil, pasta, and just enough water to cover. Finish with grated cheese and olives.
- Butifarra tacos with escalivada: on a portable griddle, brown the sausage, add strips of roasted pepper and eggplant, and finish with romesco sauce.
- Pals rice with prawns: sauté garlic and onion, add rice, stock, and Palamós prawns at the end so they don’t overcook. Simple and spectacular.
My basic kit: nonstick pan, medium pot, cutting board, good knife, tongs, spices (paprika, oregano), sea salt flakes, and reusable bags. Pro tip: cook “in layers” (mise en place) and clean as you go to keep your camper spotless.
Practical Tips for the Perfect Foodie Road Trip
- Check market and fish market hours; many close at midday or on specific days.
- Bring cash for small local producers.
- Organize your fridge by expiration dates and use airtight containers to avoid odors.
- Buy small amounts often: with a campervan, you can stop anywhere and keep everything fresh.
- Respect local rules and recycle—leave every place better than you found it.
Ready to Taste the Road? Book with Adventure Campers
If your stomach’s already growling, it’s time to take the leap. With our campervan rentals in Valencia, Madrid, and Barcelona, we’ll help you choose the perfect model for your foodie getaway, advise you on your route, and share tips to make the most of your onboard kitchen.
Make your shopping list, set your GPS, and… enjoy Catalonia and the Costa Brava, bite by bite!
See you on the road. And remember: with Adventure Campers, the best table is always the one where you park.