8 Beautiful Days Trips from Barcelona Worth Taking
Barcelona, with its international airport and excellent public transportation system, makes for an ideal starting point to explore the wider region. With many options for a day trip from Barcelona, you will easily be able to find another part of the region to explore that will enhance your trip.
The location is strategically perfect: located between the Mediterranean and the mountains, it offers a diverse range of environments within a short travel distance.
Whether you’re craving some mountain air, historic towns, or sandy beaches, the surroundings of Barcelona offer it all.
This article covers several of these destinations outside the city that offer unique experiences, including Sitges, Tarragona, and many more. During your Barcelona Itinerary, do not forget to include these destinations!
Overview of Day Trips from Barcelona
Before getting too far into the article, I wanted to provide a quick summary of what we will discuss below, do you can tailor your choice based on your preferences.
- Monserrat- best for hikers
- Sitges- best for those wanting to explore a coastal, touristy city
- Tarragona- best for history buffs
- Catalonia- best for wine lovers
- Costa Bravo- best for people wanting to explore a quaint fishing village
- Girona- best for Game of Throne’s fans
- Figueres- best for art lovers
- Andorra- best for winter sports
Top Day Trips Near Barcelona
1. The Mountains of Montserrat
First stop, Montserrat, my favorite day trip of them all. If you’re a hiker like me, you will LOVE Montserrat. The mountain range has a peculiar silhouette of rounded and blunt stones that seem to pile up, instead of the usual sharp and pointy peaks – you don’t get to see those often.
It’s also known for its beautiful Benedictine Abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat, which is home to a world-famous statue of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. The abbey is gorgeous, one of the most beautiful I have visited in my life – and I have dozens of them.
The view from the top of the Mountain over the whole valley below is absolutely stunning, like no other in the region. Montserrat peaks so high, you can end up inside a cloud – like I did! Truly a memorable experience.
You can easily get to Montserrat via a 1h train trip from Barcelona – España train station. From there, it’s a short and scenic hike to the top, only 1 hour and 30 minutes for 5 km. For those with mobility issues, you can take a cable car up to the monastery instead, they leave every 15 minutes and a round trip ticket for an adult costs €13.5.
2. Sitges
Just a short train ride away (45 min), Sitges is famous for its beaches, festivals, and lively LGBTQ+ scene. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the Mediterranean vibe.
With over a dozen beaches, Sitges offers the full coastal town experience: beaches, nightlife, seafood, and the summer vibe. If you’re in town at the right time, don’t miss the annual Carnival, the Sitges Pride or the Sitges Film Festival.
The town’s vibrant atmosphere is contagious, and the sea views are the cherry on top. Truly a classic Mediterranean town experience, akin to Sorrento in Italy.
3. Tarragona
Tarragona is a treasure trove of Roman history, 1 hour south of Barcelona. The Roman ruins are scattered everywhere in the city, including the well-preserved, impossible-to-miss Amphitheater, the Circus, and the Pont del Diable, the aqueduct.
The ruins and the archeological museum offer an interesting look into Tarragona’s past as a major Roman city, and contrast with the medieval old town and its narrow, cobblestone lanes and historic buildings. The Roman sites, combined with the pure blue Mediterranean background, make for a striking picture.
The cheapest and most pleasant activity you can do is take a walk along Passeig Arqueològic (Archeological Promenade), the historic Roman walls surrounding the old town.
If you’re looking to combine Roman history and seaside leisure, Tarragona or Nîmes would be the place for you. Also, a tip from me, Tarragona has delicious fried octopus!
4. Catalonia
Catalonia is a prominent wine region with over 600 wineries, many of those within a short drive from Barcelona. Most of these wineries are family-run, with centuries of history and offers a variety of experiences from wine and cheese pairings to tours of vineyards with breathtaking views.
Highlights include Bouquet d’Alella, a family-owned winery, the closest to Barcelona, and Alta Alella, located in a natural park offering catamaran sailing and wine-tasting tours.
5. Costa Brava
Stretching north from Barcelona to the Spanish-French border, the Costa Brava is home to many rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and some of the most picturesque beaches in Spain.
In the same vein as Sitges, but less touristy, towns like Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc are perfect for enjoying the coast, the Mediterranean scenery and the fresh seafood. I really enjoyed my experience hiking the Camí de Ronda de Calella a Llafranc nature trail, it offers a stunning view of the coastline and on the way, you can visit the old 16th-century watchtower.
6. Girona
Girona, with its well-preserved medieval architecture, is more of an art and history kind of destination. So much to do, so little time! My top recommendation is to explore the Old Quarter Barri Vell, the Girona Cathedral, the Arab Baths, Banys Arab, and the Jewish Quarter, El Call.
The Old Quarter is a medieval neighborhood along the River Onyar, filled with colorful old buildings, picturesque bridges, and well-preserved historical sites. The Jewish Quarter is one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Europe, a bit of a maze of narrow medieval streets like we all love them.
And my personal favorite: the Arab Baths, built in the 12th century by the North African Moors, today one of the best preserved Romanesque Public baths.
And yes, Game of Thrones fans, you’ll recognize several filming locations! Including the iconic gothic Cathedral stairs. When you’re there, do not miss out on a Game of Thrones tour to hit all the filming locations.
7. Figueres
For art lovers, a trip to Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, is pretty much a pilgrimage. The Dalí Theatre-Museum, designed by the artist himself, is the world’s largest surrealist work, showcasing his work in a building as imaginative as his art.
Figueres also offers other attractions, including the imposing Sant Ferran Castle, a number of smaller museums and art galleries, and of course, its own charming streets.
A criminally underrated experience is the Figueres Toy Museum, also known as the Toy Museum of Catalonia, which houses an extensive collection of toys dating back to the 18th century. It’s always interesting to see how kids used to play before modern technology.
Plaça de l’Ajuntament is the hub of the old quarter with narrow streets, restaurants, and shops, so that’s where you’ll spend a good chunk of your time.
8. Andorra
Andorra is a small country located in the Pyrenees mountains between Spain and France. I’m aware this day trip is a bit of a stretch, but I’d still argue it’s doable if you make it a long day trip (leave early, come back late) or an overnight.
The journey by bus or car is already scenic and breathtaking, so it’s worth it on its own. Andorra is the best option when you’re in Barcelona during winter since a lot of the other options won’t work during that season – trust me, Sitges, Tarragona and Figueres are not pleasant under the rain.
Andorra is a fantastic skiing destination, and great for all kinds of winter activities in general: snowboarding, luge, mountain hiking, ice climbing, etc. What the country lacks in size, it makes up for in the quality of its ski resorts like Grandvaldira. It’s a fantastic mix of Catalan and Pyrénées culture, stunning landscapes, and modern amenities. Plus, the shopping is tax-free!
Final Thoughts
Barcelona and its surroundings offer a good range of experiences that cater to all kinds of travelers. From the serene heights of Montserrat to the lively streets of Sitges, to the rugged beauty of the Costa Brava, the rich history of Girona and Tarragona, the surreal artscapes of Figueres, the Catalan wineries and even the snowy slopes of Andorra, you have your pick of experiences.
You’ll find that Barcelona is not just a fantastic city, it’s a gateway to the exploration of the art, nature and history of the region. Happy exploring!
FAQs
What’s the best time of year for day trips from Barcelona?
Spring and summer offer the best weather, necessary to enjoy exploration and activities in most of these destinations. For the Andorra day trip, I recommend waiting for winter.
Do I need to speak Spanish or Catalan for these trips?
It’s helpful but not necessary. In tourist-frequented areas, many people speak English, and you’ll find menus, signs, and information brochures often available in multiple languages.
Are day trips from Barcelona suitable for families?
Absolutely! There are plenty of kid-friendly activities and sites to see. Many destinations provide child-friendly attractions, such as interactive museums, parks, and guided tours designed to engage younger travelers.
How much should I budget for day trips?
It varies depending on your activities, but public transport and entrance fees are generally affordable. A general recommendation for a comfortable day trip budget, including transportation, meals, and entry fees, would be around €50 per person, though this can be adjusted based on individual preferences and activities chosen.
Can I do these trips without a car?
Yes, all of these destinations are accessible by public transportation from Barcelona. The region’s extensive network of trains and buses connects Barcelona to most of the highlighted destinations efficiently and at a reasonable cost.
Can you recommend a less touristy alternative to Sitges on the Catalan coast?
The Costa Brava offers a fantastic alternative with its rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and picturesque beaches. Towns like Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc are perfect for enjoying the coast, Mediterranean scenery, and trying fresh seafood, all with fewer tourists.
Is Andorra suitable for a day trip from Barcelona, and what activities can be done there?
While Andorra is a bit of a stretch for a day trip, it’s feasible if you’re up for a long day or an overnight stay. Best visited in winter, it offers excellent winter activities options such as skiing, snowboarding and ice climbing. The mix of Catalan and Pyrenees culture, stunning landscapes, and tax-free shopping make it a worthwhile visit.
Author Bio: Hi! I’m Anya, founder of the travel blog Stop Going to Paris which focuses on underrated cities in Europe. I’m a passionate traveler but above all, a passionate adventurer always looking for the hidden gems that deserve more love. So far, I have 10 years of traveling and 70+ destinations under the belt. Fun fact, I live in… drumroll… Paris! That’s why the name of the blog is funny.
