Barcelona

Bicycles in Barcelona

A bicycle is a perfect way to explore Barcelona. If you have your own I highly recommend using it to explore around the beach areas, the pedestrianised Gothic Quarter, and even as far out as La Sagrada Familia. There are lots of bike stands where you can secure bikes. There are several companies renting bikes also.

Parking and free camping in Barcelona

Parking isn't as big a problem in Barcelona as you might think. However crime is high here, so choose your spot well. A lot of streets, even close to the centre of the city have free parking. Equally many streets have metered parking.
Behind the beaches: For a spot close to town try behind the beaches, east of the main activity, where small vehicles can park in the free bays that are provided. Keep valuables out of sight. Discreet free camping is possible here for smaller vehicles, although it could be noisy. Further east are a number of large dirt car parks, but all have height restrictions, but low height panel vans should be fine. It is a bit of a walk back to town though, great if you have a bike.
Montjuic: Montjuic is a high hill overlooking the city. There is lots of parking here, most of it shaded by trees. It's a 20 minute walk into town, although it takes twice as long coming back as the hill is very steep. There is a metro stop here though, so you can be downtown within minutes. Head for the Jardins de Mossen Jacint Verdaguer gardens, or for the Castell de Montjuic, then look around for places to park. There are quite a few level shaded areas. This area is suitable for large vehicles. Smaller vehicles can park closer to town, further down the hill, and on the street of the metro stop, by heading towards Jardin de Miramar.
Eastern edge of the beaches: Whilst cycling along the beachfront I saw a sign for motorhome parking. I followed the signs, passing lots of car parks with high restrictions, before the road merged into the main road. I couldn't see any area suitable for motorhomes. If you know where this is please let me know.