Barcelona is a prime destination in itself, but when you consider the fact that it’s close to gorgeous sunny beaches, the Pyrenees mountain range, wine regions, and countless must-see villages, a trip to Barcelona gets even better.
While there are tons of things to keep you busy exploring Barcelona, its also fun to get out of the city and explore the beautiful places nearby as well.
Let’s have a look at some of the best day trips from Barcelona to give you an idea of the variety of things you can do on Barcelona’s doorstep.
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1. Montserrat
Montserrat means “saw mountain” in Catalan, and when you get there you’ll quickly see why. You can spend a day hiking the trails in Montserrat and visiting the Abbey.
I’m not gonna lie, Montserrat is my all-time favorite day trip from Barcelona, and if you only have time for one, then Montserrat should be it. But you know, you do you!
The stunning, exposed cliffs of Monserrat will leave an impression on you.
And it’s not just the raw and rough landscape that will awe you; nestled in between the cliff faces and enormous chimney-shaped rocks is a grand monastery, the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey.
If your timing is right, you can attend a service at the Abbey and listen to the choir, then go for a hike.
A trip to Montserrat will let you get a flavor of the dry and rocky Mediterranean countryside.
You can get the train there from Placa Espanya in Barcelona, drive there, or get the Aeri de Montserrat cable car—the transport options make it one of the easiest Barcelona day trips on the list.
Not keen on doing Montserrat alone? No problem, you can also book this half-day tour to Montserrat and enjoy the trip in the company of others.
2. Costa Brava
The Costa Brava is known for its stunning white sand beaches nestled in between rocky cliffs, blue waters, and charming seaside villages.
It’s the perfect day trip if you want to swim, explore quaint towns, hike the coastal trails, and simply relax by the beach.
Make sure you add towns like Blanes, which has more than 4 km of beach to explore and a daily fish market, to your itinerary. It’s just an hour’s drive from Barcelona.
The easiest way to get to Costa Brava is by car. You might want to consider renting a car for a day or two so you can visit as much of the coast as possible, hassle-free.
Don’t want to drive? No problem, you can get buses to most of the popular spots. Or book this small group tour from Barcelona for a hassle-free day trip.
LEARN MORE: 25 Best Things to Do in Barcelona
3. Sitges
Sitges is a charming coastal village that has a small beach and a lively nightlife.
Hoping to relax for the day and party a little at night? You’ve come to the right place.
The town also hosts weird and wonderful events like the Horror Film Festival.
If you’re an art enthusiast you should visit the Museu Cau Ferrat, which was once the home of the Catalan artist Santiago Rusiñol.
Before you leave, walk along the Passeig Maritim and enjoy a cold beer and some seafood at a local chiringuito.
What’s the best way to get there from Barcelona? Well, you can take a Cercanias Renfe train from three of Barcelona’s train stations (Sants, France, or Passeig de Gracia) or get there in half an hour by car.
4. Girona
History fans are going to be delighted by this little day trip from Barcelona to Girona.
The town’s beginnings date as far back as 79 BC, and there are lots of monuments and architectural wonders to show for it.
Visit the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Girona, which mixes Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque architecture into one.
Then wander around the Jewish quarters, known as the Call, and enjoy the gorgeous narrow medieval streets that made it onto Game of Thrones! You can even take a GOT tour from Barcelona, it also includes lunch.
There are ancient Roman walls around the city that have views of the Pyrenees, and you can’t head home without a visit to the hanging houses along the bank of the River Onyar.
Girona is just a one-hour drive or a quick Renfe train from Sants station away from Barcelona.
5. Salvador Dali Museum (Cadaques)
Another village worth visiting is Cadaques, a small fishing town that is about two hours drive away from Barcelona and enchants its visitors with its narrow, winding streets and slow pace of life.
Cadaques is home to an ample collection of Salvador Dali’s graphic work that is exhibited in an old museum on Calle Santa Margarida 24.
The artist’s peculiar stretches, vibrant paintings, and freaky sculptures will take a few hours to admire and contemplate.
The town is just a two-hour drive from Barcelona, and getting there by car is by far the easiest way. If you’re going by public transport, be ready to do a few changeovers along the way.
6. Andorra
This tiny country is landlocked between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. Andorra has just over 77,000 inhabitants, and it’s the 6th smallest country in Europe (if you include the Vatican City).
Despite its size, it has a lot to offer. There are gorgeous hikes and great opportunities for winter sports in the mountains, as well as towns surrounded by hills and filled with culture.
You can get there in two and a half hours by car; going by bus takes just an hour longer.
It’s wonderful to think you can visit another country and still be back in Barcelona for tapas and happy hour all in one day.
And to make it easy, you can book a tour to Andorra from Barcelona – it includes a visit to Baga, Ax-les-Thermes, France too! Set foot in three countries all in one day, and leave the driving to someone else, not too shabby!
7. Priorat Wineries
Come to Priorat and take Insta-worthy photos at the picture-perfect vineyards in the region.
What could be better than spending the day at charming wineries with expansive wine menus? The garnacha and cariñena grape vines grown here make dense and delicious reds.
The best option is to take a wine tour from Barcelona, it’s the easiest way to get there, and then you can all enjoy a glass (or two, or three!) of wine.
Plus, you’ll have a guide who can tell you about the area.
8. Medieval Town of Vic
Vic has fascinating architecture, medieval town squares, historical monuments, and great food.
The cured meats are said to be some of the best in the country. Conveniently, Vic is just one hour away from Barcelona by bus and car.
Be sure to see the Placa Major, which is home to the 14th-century gothic town hall, Casa Cormellal, as well as the 11th-century Sant Pere Cathedral.
If you’re looking for an extraordinary adventure, go on a hot air balloon ride!
9. El Vendrell
The town of El Vendrell has a rich history as it’s along the old Roman Augustan Way.
It’s in the Penedès wine region near the coast, in the province of Tarragona, Catalonia.
But even if you’re not big on wineries, don’t worry. You can wander the winding streets and stop for a coffee (or beer) at the beautiful plazas dotted around El Vendrell.
You’ll be glad to hear that this wonderful day trip destination is under an hour’s drive and just over an hour by bus from Barcelona.
Final Thoughts
Yes, there’s tons of things to do in Barcelona, but sometimes you need a change of scene. These Barcelona day trips offer fun and adventure with little cost, and they’re easy to do on short notice. Enjoy exploring the beautiful places near Barcelona.
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