Last Updated on 21st February 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
With its sunny climate and vibrant ambiance, Barcelona is one of my favourite cities in Europe. From hidden gems of architectural wonder, ancient ruins rich with history, to crystal clear sparkling seaside towns the surrounding Catalan countryside is certainly worth a visit too. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best day trips from Barcelona!
Barcelona is a vibrant city, famed for its architecture and delicious tapas- there’s a lot to love about this wonderful pocket in Spain! If it’s your first time in the city, then be sure to check out our suggestions for how to spend 3 days in Barcelona and our top Barcelona travel tips. That being said, beyond the boundaries of Barcelona lies so much more to explore.
Best day trips from Barcelona
Montserrat
Translated quite literally as ‘jagged mountain’ this geological wonder of intriguing rock formations, along with it beautiful historic basilica is amongst the most popular of day trips to make from Barcelona.
The highlight of visiting this picture perfect mountain range is to see, Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. Nestled between the mountain peaks, not only does the monastery offer breathtaking views, it also has an important role in the cultural and spiritual life of Catalonia (with the area hosting Catalonia’s most important religious retreat).
Hiking trails, rich with history and spectacular views, Montserrat truly is picture perfect and makes for an idyllic day trip from Barcelona!
That being said, if you don’t have too much time in Barcelona, we recommend possibly just doing an early morning tour to Montserrat so you still have plenty of time for other sights. Find tickets for a morning tour here.
- How to get there: take the R5 line Plaça Espanya Barcelona → Aeri de Montserrat. Then from Aeri de Montserrat station, you’ll need to take a cable car to the top.
- Journey time: Train: approximately 1 hour Cable Car: 5 minutes
- Price: Train: from €5-8 one way Cable Car: from €13.50 round trip
Colònia Güell
Located in Santa Coloma de Cervelló, Colònia Güell is one of the most pioneering purposefully built industrial villages of the 19th century.
Home to Cripta de la Colònia Güell, a crypt designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí! This hidden gem appears to perhaps be a precursor to the architectural techniques that were used in the building of La Sagrada Familia.
This spot can be either be visited together with Montserrat (if you’re pressed for time), or as a day trip in of itself.
- How to get there: the train from Barcelona Sants → Colònia Güell
- Journey time: approximately 25 minutes and trains run every 10 minutes on weekdays & 20 minutes on weekends.
- Price: from €2-4 one-way
Girona
One of the most beautiful places to visit in all of Catalonia is that of Girona, tucked away in the northeast this charming city is abundant with things to do, and home to one of the best preserved Jewish Quarters in the world!
Rich with history, the city is a haven for history buffs! Lined with gorgeous medieval walls, you can admire the remains of the 1st century Força Vella fortress, visit one of the historic monasteries, or take a guided tour around the Arab baths that were built in the Romanesque style in 1194.
It will come as no surprise that Girona’s Old Town made the perfect setting for the filming of Game of Thrones, where much of the sixth season was shot.
The surrounding mountains offer beautiful nature trails to explore, making it perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Not only that, it has a 200 kilometere stretch of soft, golden sandy beaches with sparkling blue seas that are calling your name!
Connected by high speed AVE trains, getting to Girona for the day is no hassle and there are at least 30 trains a day from Barcelona (alternatively, you could book this Girona and Costa Brava Full-Day Tour):
- How to get there: take a train from Barcelona-Sants → Girona stations
- Journey time: approximately 45 minutes to an hour
- Price: from €10 one way
Figueres
Once home to Salvador Dalí, Figueres is a trip for fans of all things unusual, quirky, and downright weird when it comes to artworks, a visit to the town of Figueres from Barcelona is an absolute must!
Located to the north of Barcelona and just half an hour from the border with France, you’ll soon become enthralled by all of the quaint town’s cultural attractions and cosy cafes. To note, some of the top must-see things are:
- Teatro Museo Dalí
- Sant Ferran Castle
- Museu del Joguet de Catalunya
- Església de Sant Pere
- Càlid Cafè
There’s so much to explore in the town that it can be overwhelming, so we’ve put together the ultimate self-guided tour of Figueres (including insider tips and some of the best guided tours of the area) so that you can get the best out of your trip! Alternatively, you could book this Girona and Figueres Full-Day Tour with Hotel Pick Up.
- How to get there: hop on the train at Barcelona Sants → Figueres—Vilafant
- Journey time: average time of 1 hour
- Price: single ticket from €12.05
Ruins of Empuries
A little off the beaten path lies Empúries, one of the finest historic settings in Catalonia and one of the best preserved examples of both Roman and Greek archaeological sites in the world.
If you have a love for history, then exploring the ancient Ruins of Empúries won’t disappoint! Named Empuries which translates as ‘market’, this coastal gem thrived in trading for almost 300 years until the Second Punic War.
Although Empuries is a bit of a trek from Barcelona, it’s only 40 minutes from Girona so you could consider doing them together if you fancy making a whole day excursion. It’s truly an unforgettable experience and piece of history, so well worth the trip if you have time for it!
- How to get there: there are several ways to get to Empuries, but none are direct unless driving. Find the best ways of getting there here.
- Journey time: driving directly takes 1.5 hours, public transport will take closer to 3.5 hours
- Price: can range from €13-26 one way
Tarragona
This coastal gem has one of the greatest densities of the remains of a Roman settlement, with an impressive amphitheatre that faces out on to the mediterranean sea.
Visitors can discover the history of Tarragona via the surviving main monuments that can be found along the Roman Route. There’s also the Mediterranean Balcony, a popular spot to stroll along for views of the sea, the beach and Roman remains.
Built up with new colourful houses for the town’s residents, Tarragona is a great place to see how its medieval past has become layered with the modern. Aside from its rich historical sites, the town is abundant with restaurants serving delicious local cuisine!
You can easily take the train to get to Tarragona, but if you want all of the details taken care of for you, then you could book a guided tour to Tarragon and Sitges like this one.
- How to get there: get the train from Barcelona-Paseo De Gracia → Camp de Tarragona rail stations
- Journey time: 36 minutes if you get a direct train
- Price: from €18 one way
Tossa de Mar
For those in search of a seaside escape, Tossa de Mar makes for a dreamy destination with its crystal clear waters and of golden sandy beaches.
Nestled within gorgeous landscapes, this charming spot is scattered with hidden coves that provide perfectly tranquil spots for swimming! The waters are rich with underwater flora and fauna, making it incredible for diving and snorkelling.
Like many of the day trips from Barcelona, Tossa de Mar is also rich with history to uncover. The Old Town is bountiful with medieval houses and pretty cobbled streets, as well as the intriguing 16th century tower Can Magi, situated on a hill previously used to protect the city from piracy.
- How to get there: the best way is by taking a bus from Barcelona Nord → Tossa de Mar
- Journey time: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
- Price: from €13 one-way
Prèmia de Mar
Yet another charming seaside day trip which is easy to reach from Barcelona is that of Prèmia de Mar, a little lesser known but beautiful all the same.
Situated on the coast the town is an eclectic array of architectural styles. There’s also a quaint little church called Sant Cristofol, which has a beautiful baroque-style archway with intricate stonework, which is worth a visit!
The idyllic spot for those who love sunbathing and water activities.
- How to get there: Barcelona → Premià de Mar on the R1
- Journey time: approximately 40 minutes
- Price: from €2-3 for a single
Sitges
A popular escape for residents of Barcelona over the centuries, Sitges is renowned for its scenic beaches, cultural festivals and prominent gay community.
Home to the annual Sitges Film Festival, this coastal town comes to life as it celebrates fantastic cinema from all over the world, while holding exhibitions and discussions on all things cinema.
Not only is the town lined with stunning beaches to lounge on, but the town itself has numerous restaurants that serve traditional Spanish cuisine. Particular highlights to see within the town include the old fisherman’s quarter and the gorgeous 15th-century Church of Sant Bartomeu of the town.
There are just two direct trains from Barcelona each day: You can easily take the train to get to Sitges, but if you want all of the details taken care of for you, then you could book a guided tour to Tarragon and Sitges like this one.
- How to get there: train from Barcelona Sants → Stiges
- Journey time: approximately 40 minutes
- Price: from €4 one-way
Begur
A hilltop town on the Costa Brava which is characterised by its pastel hued houses and topped with the ruins of a castle crumbling into the hillside, Begur is one of the prettiest day trips from Barcelona!
This hidden treasure lies just off the beaten track, colourful with traditional Spanish architecture and narrow cobbled streets, it also boasts of neoclassical mansions were built by local merchants returning from Cuba in the late 19th century.
Begur has eight coves and beaches, each unique with their own character and natural beauty, they make for the perfect spots to soak up the sunshine and enjoy a warming dip in the mediterranean sea!
- How to get there: easiest way is to take the bus from Barcelona Nord → Tossa de Mar
- Journey time: around 2.5 hours
- Price: from €17-23 one-way
Penedes, wine region
If you’re a fan of sampling local wines on your travels then Penedes is a must-visit for wine lovers (and foodies too!) Picturesque and the home of Spanish Cava, this is Catalonia’s most famous wine-producing region!
Located just an hour outside of Barcelona, the wine route is one of the most visited in all of Spain, and there are plenty of guided tours and day trips to take, which is possibly better than driving if you’re wanting to get the full experience of tasting all the delicious wines.
You can find a wide selection of the best wine tours & tastings here.
Cadaques
Home to treasures such as Salvador Dalí’s house, the Cap de Creus Lighthouse and stunning beaches and coves with sparkling blue waters, Cadaques is seductively beautiful! Of all the day trips from Barcelona, this is one with not only relaxed seaside vibes, but also plenty of history.
Easy to fall in love with, this quaint seaside town is filled with narrow cobblestoned streets, delicious tapas and the finest Spanish wine. Wandering through this enchanting spot you can feel the magical marks left by Dalí, everywhere you look people are making and selling art.
Possibly the least accessible of all the day trips, but a must-see if you are able to make the trip. The train journey usually requires one transfer in the middle, changing in Figueres, so even though it’s a little further out, there a two great destinations that make it worth the trip. Alternatively, you could book a guided tour that includes a trip to Cadaques like this one.
- How to get there: Barcelona Sants → Figueres (1-2 hours) then a bus to Cadaques (45 minutes)
- Journey time: approximately 3 hours
- Price: from €18 – €25 one way
PortAventura
Described as one of the ‘biggest and best‘ theme parks in Europe, for thrill seekers this is a must-visit destination!
PortAventura world is an entertainment park located in Salou, northeast in the Tarragona province. Home to a large selection of rides, including some terrifyingly tall rollercoasters! It’s also got lots of child friendly rides, making it an excellent choice for a day trip of family filled fun.
It’s recommended to book in advance. Find your tickets here.
- How to get there: Barcelona Sants → Salou – Port Aventura
- Journey time: just over 1 hour
- Price: from €9-12 one-way
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Charlotte is a photographer, cat lover and an avid knitter. When she’s not curled up on the sofa with her newest knitting project (and Rico her cat!) you can find her out and about on long walks. Currently living in the magical city of Edinburgh, she looks forward to travelling and seeing more of the world!
Source: solosophie.com
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
