Beach and Shopping Tour

If you’re looking for a way to see Barcelona that combines a bit of city buzz, some beachside lounging, and a touch of shopping, this Beach and Shopping Tour with GoCar Tours might just be worth considering. I haven’t personally taken this particular trip, but from what I’ve gathered, it’s a straightforward, laid-back way to get a taste of the city’s highlights without feeling rushed. Plus, those quirky yellow cars are pretty charming—definitely a conversation starter.

What really caught my eye are two key features: the route along Barcelona’s coast—with beaches, ice-cream stops, and beach volleyball opportunities—and the visit to Diagonal Mar, the city’s largest mall. Both add a nice mix of sun, shopping, and local flavor. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that this tour is more about relaxing and doing than intense sightseeing. It’s suitable for travelers who like a flexible schedule and enjoy a bit of casual exploration. If you’re after a quick hit of urban sights or a more in-depth tour, this might not fully satisfy. But for those wanting a relaxed day with a bit of everything, it’s a solid choice.

Key Points

• Flexible 3-hour experience with a focus on beaches and shopping
• Easy-to-drive, funky yellow cars with GPS and audio guides
• Includes unlimited mileage, insurance, and navigation—no hidden costs
• Stops at beaches, ideal for sunbathing or grabbing an ice-cream, plus a visit to Diagonal Mar mall
• Limited group size (up to 2 participants) for a more personal experience
• Not suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, or drivers under 21

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Beach and Shopping Tour

This tour offers a fairly relaxed approach to exploring Barcelona. Instead of a packed itinerary, it’s about taking your time, enjoying the scenery, and soaking up some local atmosphere. The starting point is Passeig de Pujades, close to the city center, making it convenient whether you’re staying nearby or coming from elsewhere. The tour lasts about three hours, which makes it a perfect half-day activity, especially if you want to combine it with other sightseeing.

What’s Included and What You’ll Need to Think About

The price of $57 per person seems reasonable, especially considering the unlimited mileage and included insurance—these add peace of mind. The GPS system keeps you on track, and the cars are designed to be easy to handle, even for first-timers. You don’t need to worry about parking or navigating through busy streets; the GPS and the guided narration (available in multiple languages) do most of the work.

However, there are a couple of things not included in the price: food and drinks, and hotel pickup/drop-off. If you’re planning to make a day of it, you’ll want to bring snacks, or plan a stop for a quick bite at the beach or the mall. Also, since there’s a deposit required (€300 or equivalent cash/credit card), it’s a good idea to make sure you have the necessary funds available.

The Itinerary: Beaches, Shopping, and a Coastal Drive

The tour kicks off with a spin around the city center, hitting the famous Las Ramblas, which is always lively and packed with street performers, cafes, and shops. From there, the route heads out to the coast, where the real fun begins. Expect to drive along Barcelona’s shoreline, passing every one of the city’s beaches—Mar Bella, Nova Icaria, and others—each offering a different vibe.

The stops along the water are what make this tour stand out. You can hop out for a quick break, grab an ice-cream, or even test your volleyball skills on the sand. The tour doesn’t schedule these stops rigidly; it’s more about giving you the freedom to enjoy the beach atmosphere at your own pace. If lounging and people-watching are your thing, you’ll really appreciate this flexibility.

Shopping at Diagonal Mar

One of the high points is a visit to Diagonal Mar, Barcelona’s largest shopping mall. It’s not just a mall but an experience—wide corridors, a good mix of brands, and plenty of space to browse and pick up souvenirs or bargains. We loved the idea of combining beach time with shopping, especially since Diagonal Mar is so accessible from the coast.

The review mentions that you’ll have enough time to browse, pick up a bargain or two, and enjoy the mall’s atmosphere. It’s a nice contrast to the beach, giving you a taste of urban shopping without the hassle of navigating public transport or heavy traffic.

More Great Tours Nearby

Poble Nou and Return

Before heading back to base, the tour takes a quick look at the Poble Nou district, an up-and-coming area with a creative vibe and modern architecture. It’s a short glimpse, but enough to see a different side of Barcelona away from the tourist-heavy center.

What Travelers Are Saying

The only review posted so far calls this experience “super,” emphasizing the fun of the guided narration and the overall enjoyment—“Super!!” is simple but speaks volumes. The fact that the cars are easy to operate and the route is scenic makes it accessible for most travelers.

Some notes to consider: the group size is small—just two participants—so if you’re looking for a more intimate, personalized experience, you’ll love this. Conversely, if you’re a large group or traveling with kids, it might not be suitable, especially given the age restrictions for drivers and passengers.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Charming, easy-to-drive cars make exploration fun and worry-free
– Flexible stops for beaches and shopping
– Great for relaxing and soaking up local vibes
– Multiple language options for narration and guides

Cons:
– Limited to small groups (up to 2 people)
– Not ideal for very young children or pregnant travelers
– No included food or drinks—bring your own snacks if you want to stay refreshed
– No hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the start point

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a low-key, flexible way to explore Barcelona’s coast and shopping scene. It’s suitable for those who appreciate a casual pace, enjoy scenic drives, and like the idea of exploring with a personal touch. If you’re traveling with someone who enjoys both beaches and shopping, this could be a highlight of your trip.

It’s especially good if you prefer to avoid large tour groups or crowded buses. The small group size and the freedom to stop and relax make it ideal for couples, friends, or even solo travelers who want to steer their own adventure.

Keep in mind, if you’re after a comprehensive city tour with detailed historical commentary or extensive sightseeing, this isn’t the right fit. But if your goal is to enjoy Barcelona’s seaside vibe, do some shopping, and have fun on a quirky little vehicle, you’ll likely find this a worthwhile, enjoyable outing.

FAQs

Do I need a driving license?
Yes, you must have a valid driving license in Spain, and you need to be at least 21 years old to drive.

Can I participate as a passenger?
Absolutely. Passengers need to be at least 7 years old. If you’re not driving, you can still enjoy the experience.

Is this tour suitable for families?
It’s not recommended for children under 7, and pregnant women or drivers under 21 are not allowed. It’s mainly geared toward adult participants.

What should I bring?
Just your driver’s license. Since you’ll be outdoors, it’s also smart to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially if you plan to spend lots of time at the beaches.

Are food and drinks included?
No, they aren’t. You’ll want to bring your own snacks or plan to buy something during your stops.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at Passeig de Pujades 7, Barcelona. The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so you’ll need to get there on your own.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers some flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Final Thoughts

The Beach and Shopping Tour offers a laid-back, fun way to see parts of Barcelona that many visitors might overlook if sticking to traditional sightseeing. The combination of scenic coastal drives, beach relaxation, and urban shopping makes it a versatile option—especially if you’re traveling with a partner or a small travel buddy who appreciates a leisurely pace.

It’s probably not the best choice if you’re after deep historical insights or extensive guided commentary, but if you love the idea of zipping around in a cute, easy-to-handle car while enjoying the sun and the shops, this tour could be just the thing. It’s casual, flexible, and offers enough variety to keep most travelers happy—a good addition to your Barcelona itinerary if you’re craving a relaxed, fun day out.

Hopefully, this detailed look helps you decide whether this tour matches your travel style. Barcelona has so much to offer, and sometimes a relaxed, personal approach like this can be just the right way to enjoy the city’s many sides.

You can check availability for your dates here: