19 Best Barcelona Day Trips
Catalonia is replete with an eclectic array of off-the-radar destinations sure to leave you in awe of its’ sprightly splendour. Whether you’re on the hunt for a beached-out day trip in a traditional seaside village or an action-packed escapade through the multitude of mountain ranges, I can guarantee you’ll be blown away.
Both the north and south of Barcelona are a haven for adventure enthusiasts, history fanatics, art lovers, and gastronomy-intrigued visitors alike. Let’s take a look at the 19 Best Barcelona Day Trips in Catalonia.
Here’s what we cover in this guide:
Top 19 Day Trips from Barcelona including Tarragona, Lloret de Mar, Andorra, Sitges & More
Barcelona Sightseeing Passes
Best Beaches Near Barcelona
FAQs
19. Girona
Sitting northeast of Barcelona, Girona is a colourful city illustrated by remarkable churches, historic monasteries, winding cobblestone alleyways, and fascinating museums.
Take a step back in time as you wander these centuries-old, medieval streets.
Check out the colossal-sized, Girona Cathedral, the Barri Vell de Girona, the flowing River Onyar, the Banys Àrabs and the Parc Natural De La Zona Volcànica De La Garrotxa.
With myriad monuments and a rich historical flair, Girona is most definitely worth visiting. This destination is seriously a top-rated day trip from Barcelona.
Make the most of your day trip from Barcelona by reading all about the best things to do in Girona.
How to get to Girona from Barcelona
From Barcelona’s city centre, head to one of the two main train stations, either Plaça Catalunya or Sants-Estacio. You can purchase your train ticket from the main boxes for under €20,00 return. The train will arrive in Girona after about one hour and a half.
Top tip: Book your train tickets online beforehand. It’ll work out a hell of a lot cheaper.
18. Catalan Pyrenees
The Catalan Pyrenées harbour a handful of hiking trails, cycling paths, ancient volcanoes, centuries-old towns, and luxury ski resorts. This region is the perfect fit for those who are seeking out a slice of nature. With an ample, mountainous landscape, this rural utopia even offers a fair few activities too. There are hot air balloon rides, intriguing museums, Medieval churches, and music festivals year-round.
From the Sant Climent de Taüll to the Aigüestortes i Estany of Saint Maurici National Park, the Catalan Pyrenees is undoubtedly one of the most adventurous day trips close to Barcelona. If you look to get active and explore, this destination is for you!
How to get to the Catalan Pyrenées from Barcelona
From Barcelona’s city centre, head to one of the two main train stations, either Plaça Catalunya or Sants-Estacio.
You can purchase your bus ticket from the main ticket boxes for around €20-30,00 one-way. The train will arrive in the Pyrenées after about 5 hours. I’d personally recommend you catch an overnight bus. This way, you can sleep the night before, and when you arrive in the morning, you can kick it off straight away.
Top Tip: Check out ALSA’s bus schedule and tickets online before embarking on your journey. You can get cheaper tickets by booking online in advance!
16. Montserrat
If you’re seeking a quick escape from Barcelona’s urban atmosphere, then this is it. Just outside the city lies the multi-peaked landscape of panoramic Montserrat. This rugged region boasts breathtaking views of unique rocky pillars and the quaint, Catalonian countryside. Mountainous Montserrat harbours a handful of highlights and hidden gems, making it easily one of the most unique day trips from Barcelona.
Don’t miss out on the wealth of masterpieces in the Montserrat Abbey, the Santa Cova (Holy Cave of Monsterrat), the Art Museum of Montserrat and the Benedictine Abbey. The vistas are that good, you’ll be saying no way José…
How to get to Montserrat from Barcelona
From Barcelona’s city centre, head to Plaça Espanya and hop on a Rodalies Line R5 train towards Manresa. You can purchase your train ticket from the main boxes for around €20,00 return. When you purchase your tickets, you’ll have to specify if you want to include the cable car or the Cremallera funicular.
The train will arrive in Montserrat after about an hour. Later on, to reach the mountain’s main observation platform, you’ll have to catch a funicular (cable car) for 5 minutes. Alternatively, you could also catch the train known as the Cremallera for a duration of 15 minutes.
Top tip: Book your train tickets online beforehand. It’ll work out a hell of a lot cheaper.
15. Tarragona
Nestled in the southwestern stretch of Catalonia, Tarragona is one of the top local picks for a summer escape.
Along with an extensive ensemble of UNESCO-Listed, Roman archaeological sites, Tarragona truly has it all. Replete with towering mountains and Mediterranean beaches, along with a lively port, there are ample, fascinating museums that are steeped deep in Spain’s ancient history.
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed beach bum, a culture vulture, or a history nut, this vibrant city has everything to satisfy your needs.
When you’re not enjoying the blissful beaches, head to the Roman Amphitheatre of Tarragona, Tarragona Cathedral, Circ Romà, Rambla Nova, Pont del Diable, and the Museo Diocesano de Tarragona for the best of the best.
After five years of living in Catalonia’s capital city, Tarragona is hands-down, my favourite day trip from Barcelona.
How to get to Tarragona from Barcelona
From the centre of Barcelona, all you need to do is head to one of the main train stations, either Plaça Catalunya or Sants-Estacio. You can purchase your train ticket from the main boxes for under €20,00 return.
If you catch a regional train, the journey will take around an hour. I’d recommend aiming for an express train to save yourself some time.
Top tip: Book your train tickets online beforehand. It’ll work out a hell of a lot cheaper.
14. Lloret de Mar
Nestled along the forefronts of the Mediterranean, this charming Catalonian town proffers possibilities for both avid adventurers, culinary fanatics and beach bums alike. Whether you want to sprawl around in the sun or eat your way into an unrelenting food coma, Lloret de Mar will leave you more than content, and quite possibly, crawling back for more.
Straddling the iconic Costa Brava coastline, this little piece of paradise is home to a wealth of hidden coves and turquoise waters. But the beauty lies beyond the eclectic beachfront. Yes, there is more to Lloret de Mar than what you’d typically expect.
This place is downright packed with attractions and activities to suit every age group. Check out the Best Things to do in Lloret de Mar.
How to get to Lloret de Mar from Barcelona
From Barcelona, hop on a train at one of the following stations: Sants Estacio, Plaça de Catalunya, Arc de Triomf, or El Clot-Arago. A one-way ticket costs €6,15. Catch the train in the direction of ‘Massanet-Massanes’, and get off at Blanes. The journey will take around 90 minutes, and once you arrive you can hop on a bus, or jump in a taxi. A bus ticket from Pujol Bus Company will only cost around €2,00.
The easiest way to get there is via car. From Barcelona to Lloret de Mar, it’s roughly a one-hour drive on the C-32. From Girona to Lloret de Mar, around 30 minutes in total via either the A-2 or C-63. For a guaranteed low price on top of convenient advance booking options, head over to myrentacar.com. This is easily my go-to for all trips outside of the city.
How to get to Vall de Núria
From Barcelona, catch the Renfe R3 Line to Ribes de Freser. You can purchase a combined ticket (train and rack railway) for around 33,60€. Vall de Nuria is only accessible via a rack railway, so if you’re driving there, you’ll have to park at either the Queralbs or Ribes de Freser stations. Alternatively, there is a 3-hour hike along the traditional pilgrim’s road to get there.
12. Sitges
Sitting just off the cusp of Barcelona, Sitges is a seaside town that’s scattered with some serious gems. This spot on Spain’s northwestern coast is where cosmopolitan meets medieval.
Navigate the charming backstreets and traditional spots, indulge in the awe-worthy gastronomy scene, explore the verdant hilltops and take a dip in one of the myriad beaches. With so many things to do and see, Sitges is ranked as one of the top-rated day trips from Barcelona.
This day trip offers a unique opportunity to discover a family-run vineyard, as well as all the magic of Sitges. Tour through the beautiful wine region and see where the grapes are grown, and how the wine is made, along with a few nibbles and wine-tasting.
Then you’ll head down the panoramic coastline to the fishing town, where you’ll be free to frolic. Dabble in the delight of tapas by the sea, set up camp at the beach, or dive into history. This Sitges day trip is a great escape from Catalonia’s capital city, and it’s well worth the journey!
How to get to Sitges from Barcelona:
By car, you can hop on the C-32 southbound and reach Sitges in under an hour. From Barcelona, trains run frequently on the R2S line in the direction of Vilanova i la Geltrú or Sant Vicenç de Calders. Tickets cost 4,20€ and can be purchased at the ticket offices or vending machines in the station. Find out more information on the Renfe website. There are also buses, which usually take around 45 mins in total, by vary depending on traffic and the time of day you choose to travel. For schedules and more information, check out their website. Tickets are relative in price when compared to the train, only costing 4,10€.
10. Andorra
Nestled right in between France and Spain in the Pyrenees Mountains, Andorra is filled with sheer, tumbling valleys, Romanesque churches, and rich heritage. This is one of Europe’s most seriously underrated tourist destinations.
As the 17th smallest country in the world, this off-the-radar location is home to a network of mountainous landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, trekking opportunities, and history-infused activities. Along with skiing and hiking, there’s canyoneering, rock climbing, mountain biking, snowboarding and canoeing. Read all about the best things to do in Andorra in this Destination Guide.
How to get to Andorra from Barcelona:
Due to Andorra’s mountainous landscape, it actually doesn’t have an airport or a railway system. The closest airports are Girona (Spain), Barcelona (Spain) and Toulouse (France). The most common route is via bus with ALSA, Andorra Direct Bus and Alsina Graells S.A. Buses from Barcelona costs around €40.00 - €50.00 return (depending on the season), with a duration of approximately 3–3.5 hours, depending on the traffic and weather conditions, and the need-for-speed of your bus driver.
*It’s important to note that Andorra is not a part of the European Union (E.U.), so think twice and bring your passport (if you’re an E.U. citizen).
9. Manresa
Tucked away in the rural countryside, Manresa is a history-packed town that proffers an interesting mix of both old and new. With Modernist buildings scattered in amongst the ancient architecture, topped with the mountains of the Montserrat Nature Reserve painting the backdrop, this is an idyllic spot located only a stone’s throw away from Barcelona.
Don’t miss out on the Basilica de Santa María de la Seo, which boasts Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance influences. Keep an eye out for the Pont Vell (bridge), Ayuntamiento de Manresa (City Hall), and the marvellous 16th-century Iglesia de San Ignacio de Loyola.
How to get to Manresa from Barcelona:
This is one of the best day trips from Barcelona by public transport, with cheap bus options making it all too easy. Buses to Manresa only cost around €3,00. Additionally, there’s a direct train from Sant-Estacio station. If you’re driving from Barcelona, hop on the C-16 Route and you’ll arrive in under an hour.
How to get to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona:
By car, you can reach Tossa de Mar by heading along the coastline. Do keep in mind that during peak season, traffic congestion can soar, so save yourself some time by hopping onto the E-15. If you’re travelling via public transport, it’s best to opt for a bus. The total time takes around 2 hours and costs less than 25€ for a round-trip.
7. Colònia Güell
The ever-so-captivating Colonia Güell is one of the best Gaudi attractions if you’re looking to step away from the massive crowds. Located just a quick drive away from Barcelona, this purpose-built village serves up a fascinating experience. Juxtaposed with an idyllic industrial layout, the tranquillity of this atmosphere provides quite the contrast from the inner city sites.
Threaded with a charming Modernist touch, this 19th-century complex upholds a rich historical and artistic importance. Amongst the panoply of picture-perfect architectural gems, you’ll find iron and ceramic details dotted throughout the scene, in addition to a UNESCO Listed crypt. Colonia Güell is a unique spot just outside of the city, and it makes for a top Barcelona day trip.
How to get to Colònia Güell from Barcelona: You can get to Colònia Güell from Barcelona takes around half an hour. Just hop on either the C-31 or B-10. To avoid traffic, the earlier you set out, the better. If you’re coming on public transport, take the S33, S8, and S3 or S4. From the Colonia Guell station, you’ll need to walk for 10 minutes.
How to get to Vic from Barcelona:
By bus, you can reach Vic via the Sagalés coach service near Plaça Catalunya. Additionally, you can hop on an L3 train from either Sants Estacio or Plaça Catalunya stations in Barcelona. Check out the train timetables beforehand. If you’re travelling with a car, jump on the C-17 and head straight. The journey will only take around 1 hour.
5. PortAventura Park
This one is for those with kids or those who are a kid at heart! PortAventura is made up of a collection of theme parks, each to its own serving as an adrenaline-seeker’s delight. As the biggest theme park in all of Spain, you can expect plenty of heart-racing rides and more than 100 song-and-dance shows packed with entertainment.
To escape the heat of the summer, head to the aquatic park, equipped with its own wave pool, man-made beach, and thrill-inducing water slides. For those who are chasing speed, get down to Ferrari Land for the best of the best. This part of PortAventura is home to the highest and fastest rollercoaster in Europe!
This day trip from Barcelona includes both a round-trip transfer and the PortAventura Theme Park ticket. Spend your day strolling through the array of attractions, and don’t miss out on the sky-diving simulator, the terrifying Dragon Khan roller coaster, and explore six completely contrasting, themed worlds.
How to get to PortAventura Park from Barcelona:
The theme park is only an hour and a half drive from Barcelona, just hop on the C-32 and AP-7. Otherwise, you can ditch the hassle of driving and take the train. Suss out all the important train information here. There is also a bus, however, it takes a bit longer. I’d recommend the bus as your last option, and you can further compare timetables here.
4. Cardona
Fringing the veritable valley of the Cardoner River, this quaint respite poses a peaceful getaway from Barcelona. Revel in the charm of Cardona and get whisked away in the wealth of Medieval finds and impressive history. Dating all the way back to the 8th century, you’ll stumble across ancient remnants sure to have your mind staggering.
Must-see attractions in Cardona include the Collegiate Church of San Vicente, the Calle Mayor, and the Castell de Cardona. This is the perfect day trip from Barcelona if you want to step away from the crowds, get in touch with a more local experience, and scrutinise the scope of historical gems on offer.
How to get to Cardona from Barcelona:
By car, you can simply get on the C-16 and C-55 for around an hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, there are buses available. Taking roughly two hours (depending on traffic), a bus is the savviest option if you’re on a budget.
How to get to Besalu from Barcelona:
Driving in a car only takes around an hour and a half. From Barcelona, jump on the AP-7 or C-17. Otherwise, you can get a train and then an urban bus to Besalu. Compare timetables and prices here.
2. Montblanc
Montblanc paints the scene for some of Catalonia’s most superb sites. With a rich Medieval background, there are architectural masterpieces and palaeolithic cave paintings to be found too. Don’t miss the Regional Museum, the medieval walls, the Church of Santa Maria la Major, and the Plaça Major.
If you’re travelling by car, be sure to drive along the Cistercian Route, which highlights a series of stunning monasteries in Poblet, Vallbona de les Monges and Santes Creues. If you’re looking for a day trip that’s completely off-the-radar, Montblanc is your best bet.
How to get to Montblanc from Barcelona:
The journey by car only takes around an hour and a half. Simply hop on the AP-7 and AP-2. You can also arrive in Montblanc by train, and there are five trains a day running from Passeig de Gràcia and Sants Estacio stations. Take the Renfe train to Camp de Tarragona, then the bus to Montblanc. Via public transport, it’ll take around 2 hours and 15 minutes in total.
How to get to Penedes Region from Barcelona:
Driving couldn’t be any easier, just hop on the C-32. No need to fret if you don’t have a vehicle, the Penedes region is an easy day trip from Barcelona by train. Head to Sants station and hop on a Renfe Rodalies R4 train. You’ll reach the region’s capital, Vilafranca del Penedes in around 50 minutes. Trains leave twice an hour, but you can check timetables and more information here.
Spain’s sprightly metropolis, bustling Barcelona, renders travellers from around the globe a prospect to peek at its plethora of magnetising attractions. In contrast to other rivalled European hot spots, such as Paris, Ibiza, and Rome, Catalonia proffers even the most penurious of travellers great value for money. In that being said, with entry fees hovering around the €5 to €25 mark, these costs can stack up surprisingly quickly if you don’t plan ahead….
The ample array of Barcelona Sightseeing Passes encompass discounted prices on the scope of tours and activities, in addition to entertainment and nightlife, shopping, restaurants, and transport. With the manifold of sightseeing passes out there, it can be overtly overwhelming when it comes down to making a decision.
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed culture vulture, a Gaudí-fanatic, or an avid academic, look no further, because I’ve got you covered.
After pouring in hours of scrutinising research, I’ve collated a comprehensive guide comparing the best of Barcelona’s Sightseeing Passes. Check out the link here for more details.
Beach-lovers, don’t think I’ve forgotten about you. ¡No hay lugar como la playa!
Catalonia is jam-packed with striking natural landscapes, salty turquoise waters and golden-sand beaches that will satisfy all of your Southern European summer cravings.
After spending three years living in the Catalan capital of Barcelona, it’s safe to say that I’ve explored some of the best beach spots on the scene. Check out the Best Beaches in Catalonia in my post here.
So that’s that, the best day tours and excursions from Barcelona, Catalonia. Beckoning in travellers from around the globe, Catalonia’s four provinces, Barcelona, Tarragona, Girona and Lerida render revealing hidden gems, sought-after sights, alluring activities and ample attractions.
FAQS
Is it worth going to Tarragona?
Tarragona is worth visiting if you enjoy a mix of sightseeing and beach time. With affordable prices, endless attractions and local restaurants, it’s a popular destination for many tourists.
What is the best number of days to spend in Barcelona?
At a minimum, 3 days are enough to see some of the highlights. You can visit the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Casa Batllo at ease, without having to rush around.
What beach towns are by train from Barcelona?
Barcelona sits on the cusp of many beach destinations. Some of the best include Garraf, Castelldefels, Gavà, the Costa Brava and SItges.
Is it worth visiting Sitges?
Sitges is often compared to Saint Tropez and Amalfi, just on a smaller scale. With plenty of beaches, vibrant nightlife and a delectable dining scene, it’s well worth visiting Sitges.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a beached-out day trip in a traditional seaside village or an action-packed escapade through the multitude of mountain ranges, I can guarantee you’ll be blown away. Both the north and south of Barcelona are a haven for adventure enthusiasts, history fanatics, art lovers, and gastronomy-intrigued visitors alike.
Whether you’re after a history-packed holiday or a beach day spent fluttering around in the sun, I can assure you that these Spanish hot spots will not disappoint!
After five years of living in Barcelona, I’ve explored many of Catalonia’s top spots. I can honestly say that these are the 19 Best Barcelona Day Trips.
Which city are you excited to visit?
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I’m calling it. This place is one of Spain’s most underrated travel destinations. If you’re planning a trip to Aragon, don’t miss these top 17 things to do in Zaragoza.