Our route took us in four days from Dalí’s Figueres to the Pyrenees, through volcanic landscapes and small Catalan towns, ending at the Costa Brava. A hot air balloon ride over volcanoes, kayaking on the Ter, and an impressive via ferrata. This adventurous road trip was anything but basic.
A road trip with kids definitely doesn’t mean you have to drive from one playground to another. We personally always try to look for a combination of culture and nature with a good dose of adventure. And this time was no different.
Day 1 – Figueres & Vall de Núria
Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí
The first stop of our road trip takes us to the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, one of the greatest surrealist artists. A visit to the Dalí Theatre-Museum is a must. It showcases not just a few art pieces but is a complete surrealist artwork, conceived by Dalí himself.
The first idea emerged in 1960. Dalí chose the ruins of the old city theater as the location and remained involved in the design and decoration throughout the entire construction process. The result was ultimately unveiled at the opening in 1974, becoming his last major masterpiece.
Practical Information
Plan approximately 1 to 2 hours for a visit to the museum. It is best to purchase tickets online in advance. Tickets cost €22 for adults and €17.50 for students aged 9 to 17 years. Children under 8 years enjoy free admission. (Prices 2026)
Dalí Theatre museum
After our museum visit, we head into the city. There are plenty of charming shops and eateries. We sit down at Hotel Duran, a beautiful historical spot that Salvador Dalí also frequented. In the restaurant, traditional Catalan dishes with a modern twist are on the menu, prepared with high-quality ingredients. Children are also considered, with various child-friendly alternatives available.
Vall de Núria, by train to the Pyrenees
From Figueres, we drive 1.5 hours to the Ribes de Freser station, where we park our car. From here, we take the train “Cremallera” to Vall de Núria, a mountain valley in the Pyrenees at nearly 2,000 meters elevation. What’s special is that you can only reach this place on foot or by train. For a moment, it makes you feel far away from the inhabited world.
We sleep in hotel Vall de Núria, a three-star hotel that has integrated the building complex around the Sanctuary of Our Lady into its design. Diner and breakfast are served at a buffet. The fresh mountain air has worked up our appetite.
Day 2 – Vall de Núria, Ribes de Freser & Santa Pau
Hiking in Vall de Núria
The next morning we go for a hike in the mountains. We take the cable car next to the hotel up and head into the mountains together with a guide from Pura Vall. Along the way, our guide tells us more about the local fauna and flora, and we enjoy the beautiful views over Vall de Núria.
This organization offers various guided hikes in the region such as the Salt des Grills, 7 Gorgs, Fontalba – Vall de Núria, Pics de l’Olla de Núria,… The distances range from 5 to 27 km.
We enjoy a picnic before taking the train back to Ribes de Freser.
Interesting fact: in winter, this is a ski resort.
Via ferrata in Ribes de Freser
It’s high time to do something completely new! Upon our return to Ribes de Freser, our guide is waiting to tackle the impressive via ferrata “Roca de la Creu.” This volcanic rock on which the via ferrata runs is more than 400 million years old.
The via ferrata has a difficulty rating of K2/K3 and consists of two parts. The course is 350 meters long and includes 150 meters of elevation. It takes about four hours to complete this route.
On our way, we walk over suspension bridges and vertical passages, among other things. Sometimes it was quite strenuous and not always ideal for my fear of heights, but luckily our guide was able to put us at ease, allowing us to truly enjoy the effort and the breathtaking view over Ribes de Freser.
Pura Vall provides the necessary safety equipment and guidance. Be sure to bring sturdy footwear and enough water yourself. There is no shade on the via ferrata. Afterwards, you walk through a forest that is reasonably sheltered back to the station.
Sleeping, Swimming, and Dining in Santa Pau
From Van Ribes de Freser, our road trip takes us to the charming medieval village Santa Pau. The location proves ideal for exploring the volcanic region.
The village is located in the heart of the volcanic zone of La Garrotxa, the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa. There are more than 40 volcanic cones in the national park which we will admire extensively from above the next day.
We will stay at Hotel Cal Sastre, a beautiful boutique hotel with a swimming pool. Good to know: children are generally not allowed here.
The medieval village is beautiful and invites you for a leisurely stroll. You can find our sunset city walk here.
In the evening, we sit down for a tasting menu where the region itself appears on our plate. We start with an aperitif, followed by a tomato soup made with tomatoes from the organic vegetable garden.
Next comes a dish that immediately brings a piece of local history with it: “Empedrat” with the famous fesols de Santa Pau. These small white beans are a true specialty of the region. They have been grown for centuries in the volcanic surroundings and are renowned for their soft texture and fine flavor.
Next, we have a Catalan classic in a modern twist: butifarra cannelloni with a creamy mushroom béchamel sauce. Butifarra is a traditional Catalan sausage that fits perfectly with the flavors of Garrotxa.
We conclude with a light yogurt mousse, inspired by La Fageda d’en Jordà, the famous beech forest near Santa Pau.
Day 3 – La Garrotxa, Olot & Roses
Sailing Above Volcanoes in a Hot Air Balloon
The next morning, we have to get up early because we want to leave for the starting point of our activity at six o’clock. Luckily it’s just a ten-minute ride.
Vol de Coloms has been offering hot air balloon rides over the volcanic region of La Garrotxa for more than 30 years. Here you can find more than 40 volcanoes that have been inactive for thousands of years. It’s not the first time we’re going up in a hot air balloon, but it’s still quite exciting!
One by one, we see the hot air balloons ascend into the sky. In the end, we are the last to depart. The wind carries us towards the coast over the nature reserve filled with volcanoes. It’s incredibly impressive to see the large, green craters in the landscape. You can see an impression of our flight here.
The pilot doesn’t know in advance where he will land. Eventually, he finds a field, and we are picked up there. The jeep takes us back to the starting point where a lavish brunch of local specialties awaits us. In the meantime, we already know: bread with tomato, dried sausage, and cheese.
Practical Information
The flight lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Along the way, you’ll receive sparkling wine and cake, and upon return, a lavish brunch.You pay €650 for 2 adults and 2 children. (Prices 2026)
Visit to the Espai Cràter Volcano Museum
It’s a short ride to our next destination: Olot. Here, we visit Espai Cràter, an interactive museum built in the crater of an ancient volcano.The access to the museum is impressive, although I can’t reveal why yet…
Within, you will discover how volcanoes form and operate, the different types of eruptions that exist, and how scientists study volcanic activity. Additionally, you will become acquainted with various scientific instruments used to collect and analyze data.
Practical Information
Plan about an hour to visit the museum. You pay €7.5 for adults and €5.5 for children between 5 and 14 years old. Children under 4 may visit the museum for free. (Prices 2026)
Sleep at Camping Salatà
We are driving to Roses, a seaside resort on the Costa Brava, where we will stay for two nights at Camping Salatà. The bungalow features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living area with a kitchen, and a large outdoor terrace. An absolute gem.
For our kids, the swimming pool is a hit! You can also enjoy snacks and drinks, and many activities are organized as well. On the first evening, we will already enjoy a flamenco show.
Day 4 – Colomers, Aiguamolls & Roses
Kayaking in Parc del Ter
The next morning our road trip takes us to Colomers, half an hour away. We have an activity planned for the morning. We will kayak 7 km on the Ter river. There is some current, which sometimes requires a bit of steering to keep the kayak on course.
For Lucas, who is alone in a kayak, the journey turns out to be quite challenging. Especially steering against the current requires quite a bit of effort. After a while, fatigue begins to set in. In hindsight, we should have opted for a 3-person kayak so that we could distribute the burdens a bit better…
In the nature park, you can spot many birds, and with a bit of luck, you’ll also see turtles in and along the river. The landscape is certainly worthwhile, although it wasn’t personally our favorite activity of the trip.
Practical information
You must make an online reservation in advance for the kayak tour at Kayak Del Ter. Current prices can be found here. You can choose between two routes: Sobrànigues – Colomers (6.5 km) or Colomers – Verges (7.5 km). The route takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Provide clothing that can get wet.
Cycling Tour in Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Nature Park
We have lunch at the picnic tables by the entrance of the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà nature park. We need some extra energy because this afternoon a bike ride through the nature reserve is on the agenda.
In the park, there are various walking and cycling routes mapped out, from short loops to longer journeys that take you deeper into the nature reserve. Along the way, you will pass by several water bodies and observation points where, with a bit of luck, you can spot many bird species.
The park features a particularly diverse landscape, with marshes, lagoons, reed fields, grasslands, and small waterways. As a result, the Aiguamolls nature park is an important resting and breeding ground for birds.
Practical Information
Access to the nature park is free. Parking is paid. From the parking lot at the entrance, you can easily start one of the walking or cycling routes.
Evening Stroll in Roses
The seaside town of Roses has everything you need for a relaxing day on the Costa Brava. Along the coast, there is a wide sandy beach where you can swim, play, or simply enjoy the view over the bay. Behind the beach runs the promenade, lined with numerous cozy restaurants, cafés, and terraces where you can stop for a drink or a bite to eat.
And even when the sun slowly sets, there’s still plenty to experience. In the evening, the boulevard comes alive and you can stroll past various stalls at the evening market. From souvenirs and clothing to all sorts of fun knick-knacks: you’ll quickly find something to enjoy.
For four days, we combined culture, nature, and adventure, from the surreal Figueres to the volcanoes of La Garrotxa and the beaches of the Costa Brava. It turned into a well-filled road trip with children, where each day had something completely different on the agenda.
This four-day exploration of the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees was made at the invitation of the tourist office of Costa Brava and Pirineu. They organized the program of the road trip and took care of the various activities, visits, and meals during the press trip.
Also read: What to do in Costa Blanca with kids
Have any questions or comments about our road trip? Feel free to send me a message.