Spain road trip experience
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Spain Road Trip Experience: Barcelona, Valencia & Beyond

Spain Road Trip Experience: A Dream Journey from Barcelona to Valencia

TL;DR – For The Impatient Traveler

A FIFA World Cup victory, a Bollywood movie, a dream that travelled all the way from a small town in Rajasthan to the highways of Spain, and a BMW X4 with a smashed window. Quite a combination, isn’t it?
Spain had been on my mind since its historic 2010 World Cup triumph, and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara only made that dream bigger. In 2018, I finally got my chance: an epic 16-day European adventure covering seven days in Spain, five in Portugal, and four around Nice and Monaco. A little business, plenty of pleasure, beautiful roads, Mediterranean sunshine, and the excitement of discovering a country I had wanted to visit for years.
But Spain had its own script ready for me. Within hours of landing in Barcelona, I was enjoying wine and paella beside the Mediterranean. A few hours later, I was staring at a broken car window and wondering how I would survive the next fifteen days without my backpack and belongings.
Welcome to Barcelona! My very own Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara had turned into a crime thriller before the road trip had even begun. What followed was a police station, an unexpected shopping spree, wonderfully understanding clients, and the determination not to let one bad experience ruin an adventure I had dreamed about for years.

Spain Road Trip at a Glance

Detail

Information

Country
Spain
Travel year
2018
Time in Spain
7 days
Total European trip
16 days
Starting city
Barcelona
Main destinations mentioned
Barcelona, Montserrat, Valencia, Madrid
Transport
Rental car
Vehicle
BMW X4
Travel style
Self-drive road trip
Inspiration
FIFA World Cup 2010 and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

The Lost Mumbaikar Says:

“Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara inspired me to discover Spain, but Spain gave me a story no movie could ever have scripted.”

Why Spain Was Always on My Travel Bucket List

From Morak to Spain, Some Dreams Take the Scenic Route

Growing up in Morak, a small town in Rajasthan, and later spending my college days in Kota, Spain was never really on my travel radar. Back then, travelling across Europe seemed like something that happened in movies, not necessarily in the life of an ordinary boy from a small town. The world was enormous, opportunities seemed distant, and the idea of one day driving through Spanish highways would probably have sounded rather ambitious.
But life has a beautiful way of changing our horizons.
In 2010, Spain won the FIFA World Cup, and suddenly the country captured my imagination. Iniesta, Xavi, Casillas and that incredible Spanish team had given the world something unforgettable. A year later, Bollywood took that fascination to another level with Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.
Three friends, one road trip, breathtaking Spanish landscapes, adventure, friendship and a philosophy that stayed with me long after the movie ended. It wasn’t just about visiting Spain. It was about living fully, stepping outside your comfort zone and not postponing the experiences that make life worth remembering.
Somewhere between the World Cup celebrations and Hrithik Roshan driving through those gorgeous Spanish landscapes, I made a promise to myself that one day I would experience those roads.
Not necessarily the skydiving or running with the bulls, but the freedom of driving through a beautiful country with no hurry to reach the next destination. This is undoubtedly one of the best travel movies ever made. If you’re looking for more films that inspire wanderlust, check out my separate blog featuring some of the best travel movies.
Seven years later, in 2018, that opportunity finally arrived.

How a Business Trip Became a 16-Day European Road Trip

A Business Trip That Refused to Remain a Business Trip

The opportunity came through work. Some of my valuable clients wanted to visit our office in Portugal, and since obtaining their Canadian visas( as my HQ was in Canada) was proving difficult, we decided to arrange their visit there instead.
Now, anyone who knows me knows that I have never been particularly good at flying halfway across the world, attending a few meetings and returning home without exploring. If there is an interesting road nearby, I will somehow find an excuse to drive it.
So why not turn a business commitment into a European adventure?
The plan was exciting: start in Barcelona, explore Spain by road, head towards Valencia and Madrid, continue into Portugal for our office visit, and then part ways. My clients would return home from Portugal while I would carry on towards Nice and Monaco through France.
Seven days in Spain, five in Portugal, and four in the French Riviera region. Sixteen days of travel, multiple countries, a BMW X4 and the promise of unforgettable experiences.
I was excited like a child. Finally, my own Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was about to happen.
Except that Bollywood had conveniently forgotten to include one important scene: someone smashing your car window and stealing your backpack!

Barcelona – Gaudí’s Architecture, Mediterranean Beaches and an Unexpected Welcome

I landed at Barcelona–El Prat Airport, collected my BMW X4 and drove my clients to their hotel. Since they had quite a bit of luggage, I gave them the entire boot and kept my own backpack on the rear seat.
The sensible thing would have been to head straight to my hotel, check in and leave my belongings safely inside.
But who wants to be sensible on the first day of a long-awaited Spanish adventure?
My first stop was the magnificent Sagrada Família, one of Barcelona’s most extraordinary landmarks and the lifelong dream of legendary architect Antoni Gaudí.
Standing before this architectural masterpiece was an experience in itself. The towering spires, intricate carvings and breathtaking details were unlike anything I had seen before. Gaudí drew much of his inspiration from nature, and his vision was to create a church where architecture, faith and the natural world came together. What fascinated me most was that he dedicated decades of his life to a dream he knew he might never see completed.
Some dreams are simply too extraordinary to be completed in one lifetime.
After spending time admiring Gaudí’s masterpiece, I decided to experience another side of Barcelona.
The Mediterranean was calling!
I headed straight to Barceloneta Beach, where the beautiful weather, lively atmosphere and unmistakable European holiday energy made everything feel just right. Sunshine, sea, restaurants and people enjoying life. Barcelona seemed to have everything I had imagined.
I found a lovely spot by the beach, ordered paella and a glass of wine, and spent a few hours soaking in the atmosphere. Sitting there, looking at the Mediterranean, I felt an incredible sense of satisfaction. The boy who had once dreamed about Spain from thousands of kilometres away was finally here.
Life couldn’t have been better.
Until I walked back to my BMW.
It was almost 10 PM, and as I approached the car in the darkness, something immediately caught my attention.
The window had been smashed. My backpack was gone.
For a few moments, I simply stood there, struggling to understand what had happened. All my clothes, essentials and personal belongings, carefully packed for a sixteen-day European journey, had disappeared on Day One.
I had heard plenty about Barcelona’s reputation for pickpocketing and tourist theft, but I had never imagined someone would break into my parked car. I wasn’t even sure when it had happened. Perhaps the thieves had struck after dark. Leaving my backpack visible on the rear seat had clearly been an expensive mistake.
Just a few hours earlier, I had been enjoying wine beside the Mediterranean, feeling like a character in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.
Now I was standing beside a BMW with a shattered window, feeling like I had accidentally walked into an episode of Crime Patrol.
From Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara to Crime Patrol, all in one evening!
What a welcome, Barcelona!
You certainly knew how to make my first day unforgettable.

Reporting the Theft – My Experience with Barcelona Police

The next morning, instead of beginning our much-awaited Spanish road trip, I found myself at a police station trying to explain the incident and obtain the necessary documentation.
If losing the backpack was frustrating, the police procedures weren’t particularly comforting either. There was waiting, paperwork, more waiting and very little sense of urgency. For me, it was a major setback in a foreign country. For the authorities, it seemed to be just another tourist theft complaint.
I eventually received the official police report, which later helped me recover some money through travel insurance. At least something positive came out of that otherwise exhausting experience. I have a separate blog explaining why travel insurance is one of the most important things to have while travelling.
Meanwhile, my clients were waiting for the road trip. We had planned to drive towards Valencia, explore the Spanish countryside and continue towards Madrid. Fortunately, they were incredibly understanding and cooperative. Rather than allowing the incident to spoil everyone’s mood, we decided to extend our Barcelona stay by another day.
And what did I do with that extra day?
Shopping, of course!
Not the enjoyable kind where you buy souvenirs or discover local brands. I was shopping for clothes and basic necessities for the remaining fifteen days of my trip. Imagine arriving in Europe with a perfectly packed backpack and then having to buy almost everything again within twenty-four hours.
It was an expensive lesson, but it also gave me something to laugh about later. After all, there was no point allowing a stolen bag to steal the entire holiday.

Finally, the Open Road – Exploring Spain by Car

With the police report secured, replacement clothes purchased and the initial frustration behind us, it was finally time to get the adventure moving.
There is something magical about getting behind the wheel in a new country, especially when you have been dreaming about its roads for years. Spain offered everything I love about road trips: beautiful highways, dramatic mountains, Mediterranean scenery, historic towns and the freedom to discover places beyond the usual tourist attractions. For a little more fun and entertainment, check out my YouTube channel, where I used to share videos during the early days of my travel adventures.
Around Barcelona, the spectacular mountains of Montserrat provided a striking contrast to the city’s beaches and busy streets. The rugged rock formations and the famous monastery surrounded by mountains reveal a completely different side of Catalonia, one that makes you appreciate just how diverse Spain’s landscapes can be.
The route towards Valencia offered another beautiful chapter, with the Mediterranean coastline, charming towns and changing scenery creating the kind of driving experience, I had imagined while watching Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.  Spain wasn’t just a backdrop for this Bollywood’ movie only. It also brought the fantasy world of Game of Thrones to life! From the magnificent Royal Alcázar in Seville to the medieval streets of Girona and the dramatic coastline of Dragonstone, Spain is a dream destination for movie and television lovers.
Valencia itself represented another fascinating side of Spain, with its bullfighting heritage, historic architecture, lively atmosphere and connection to the origins of paella.
Beyond Valencia lay Madrid, a city with a completely different personality from Barcelona. Where Barcelona celebrates its Mediterranean character, Madrid reflects the grandeur and cultural energy of Spain’s capital.
But for me, the greatest attraction wasn’t simply reaching another city. It was the journey between them. I have always believed that airports connect destinations, but roads connect experiences. When you drive, you begin to understand a country differently. You notice its landscapes changing, discover unexpected places and appreciate the small moments that rarely appear on a sightseeing itinerary.
And perhaps because the journey had started so badly, I enjoyed those moments even more. Every kilometre felt like leaving the frustration of Barcelona behind and getting closer to the Spain I had dreamed about.

The Lost Mumbaikar Reflections

Looking back at that 2018 journey, I often smile at the irony. I had spent years imagining Spain through football, cinema and photographs. I had carefully planned a European adventure, arranged the car and mapped out an exciting route. Yet within hours of arriving, I had lost my belongings and an entire day of the itinerary.
Would I have preferred a perfect beginning? Absolutely. Would I ever leave a backpack visible in a parked car again? Never. But would I allow that incident to define my memories of Spain? Certainly not.
What I remember today is much bigger than the theft. I remember the excitement of finally landing in Barcelona, the beautiful afternoon beside the Mediterranean, the kindness and understanding of my clients, the unexpected detour to a shopping mall, and the feeling of freedom when we finally returned to the Spanish highways.
I also remember how quickly our emotions can change when we travel. One moment, everything feels perfect; the next, we are dealing with something completely unexpected. And perhaps that is why travelling teaches us so much about life. It reminds us that we cannot control every situation, but we can control how we respond to it.
For someone who grew up in a small town in Rajasthan, these experiences carry a meaning that goes far beyond visiting another country. Every journey is a reminder of how far life can take us when we allow ourselves to dream beyond our immediate surroundings. From Morak to Kota, from my early working years to exploring the world, the road has never been completely smooth. But it has always been worth travelling.
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara inspired me to discover Spain, but Spain gave me a story that no movie could have written for me. The film celebrated friendship, freedom and living without regrets. My own journey added another lesson: sometimes you have to accept the unexpected, laugh at the absurdity of the situation and keep moving forward.
After all, the thieves took my backpack, not my passport to adventure. They stole some belongings, not the memories I was about to create.
And if there is one thing this Spanish adventure reinforced, it is that we should never wait for everything to be perfect before we begin living our dreams.
Because Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara; we don’t get to live this life twice.

FAQs About Travelling to Spain

1. Is Spain a good country for a road trip?

Yes. Spain is an excellent road-trip destination because it offers Mediterranean coastlines, historic towns, mountain landscapes and major cities. Driving gives travellers flexibility to explore places beyond the usual city attractions and enjoy the journey between destinations.

2. How many days are enough for a Spain road trip?

Around 10–14 days is a useful starting point for exploring several major Spanish destinations without rushing. A shorter seven-day trip can also be rewarding if you concentrate on a smaller region or a limited number of cities.

3. What are the best places to visit on a Spain road trip?

Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid are popular city destinations. Travellers can also consider Montserrat, Girona, Seville, Granada and Málaga depending on their route, available time and interests.

4. What is the best time to visit Spain?

April to June and September to October are generally good periods for visiting many parts of Spain. These months can offer comfortable conditions for sightseeing, although the weather varies between coastal, inland and mountainous regions.

5. Is Barcelona safe for tourists?

Barcelona is a popular international destination, but tourists should remain alert to pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft. Keep valuables secure, avoid displaying expensive belongings and never leave luggage visible inside a parked car.

6. Is it safe to leave luggage in a rental car in Spain?

It is best not to leave luggage or valuables visible inside a rental car. Even when stopping briefly, secure your belongings and use appropriate parking. This is an important lesson from my own experience of having a backpack stolen from my car in Barcelona.

7. What should you do if your belongings are stolen in Spain?

Move somewhere safe, report the theft to the police and obtain documentation of the incident. Contact your rental company if the vehicle is damaged, inform your travel insurer and block any stolen payment cards or devices. Spain’s emergency number is 112.

8. Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Spain?

Yes. Indian passport holders generally need a Schengen short-stay visa for tourism in Spain. Applications should be made through the appropriate Spanish visa process when Spain is the main or sole destination. Always verify the latest requirements with the Spanish Embassy.

9. Is it better to explore Spain by car or train?

Both are useful. A rental car is ideal for flexible road trips, smaller towns and countryside exploration. High-speed trains are often more convenient for journeys between major cities such as Barcelona and Madrid.

10. Can you drive from Barcelona to Valencia?

Yes. Barcelona and Valencia are connected by road, making the journey possible as part of a Spanish self-drive trip. Travellers should check their preferred route, traffic conditions, parking arrangements and driving requirements before departure.

11. What makes Montserrat worth visiting?

Montserrat is known for its dramatic mountain formations and historic monastery in Catalonia. It offers a different landscape from Barcelona’s urban attractions and Mediterranean waterfront.

12. Is Valencia worth including in a Spain itinerary?

Yes. Valencia combines Mediterranean coastal character, historic architecture, food culture and a distinctive local identity. It is a good addition to a trip that already includes Barcelona or Madrid.

13. Which places in Spain are associated with Zindagi Na Mile Dobara and Game of Thrones?

Spain’s landscapes and locations have featured in both film and television. Zindagi Na Mile Dobara helped inspire travel interest in Spain, while locations such as the Royal Alcázar of Seville and Girona are associated with Game of Thrones filming.

14. Is travel insurance important for a Spain road trip?

Yes. Travel insurance can help protect against eligible medical emergencies, theft, trip disruption and other covered events. Read the policy carefully because rental-car damage, baggage theft and personal belongings may have different limits, exclusions and deductibles.

15. Is Spain worth visiting after watching Zindagi Na Mile Dobara?

Absolutely. The film can inspire travellers to discover Spain’s landscapes and adventurous spirit, but experiencing its cities, culture, food and roads in person offers something far more personal. My own journey also taught me that an unexpected setback does not have to ruin an adventure.

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