Barcelona attracts numerous visitors annually, many of whom are completely unaware of the incredible day trip destinations located just a short journey away. Whether you’re seeking stunning beaches, scenic hiking trails, or historical cities, you are guaranteed to find your perfect destination. Join us as we delve into our favourite destinations and help you discover the perfect day trip for you!
Beach Trips
Barcelona is renowned for its incredible beaches, however, equally enchanting coastal gems can be found with just a brief journey. These hidden treasures are often less crowded, offering a heavenly escape from Barcelona’s bustling beaches.
Garraf
This former fishing village, with its golden stretches of sand, coastal mountains, and seaside towns, is the perfect place to relax and embrace the tranquillity of Catalonia. The coastal region can be reached in just 30 minutes via public transport, making it a really easy day trip!
Things to do
Garraf is home to an array of lovely beaches, each providing a delightful retreat away from the crowds. Among our top picks are Platja de Garraf, Playa de Encarna, and Cala Morisca. Alternatively, for those seeking a serene escape away from the sandy shores, we recommend a visit to Palau Novella Buddhist Monastery. Here, you can immerse yourself in meditation classes, explore the enchanting grounds on guided tours, and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
Aside from its beaches, Garraf is also celebrated for its lush green landscapes. To truly appreciate its beauty, consider visiting Garraf Natural Park, a charming setting perfect for a leisurely stroll or a delightful bike ride. Whilst exploring the incredible scenery, be sure to also keep an eye out for the numerous vineyards and cellars that grace the area, many of which produce some of Catalonia’s finest wines.
Dining Recommendations
Garraf is home to a variety of different restaurants, all serving an array of cuisines. Two favourites amongst locals are La Cúpula Garraf, serving traditional Mediterranean cuisine, and La Cantina de Garraf, renowned for its delicious pizzas.
How to get there
This beautiful coastal region can be reached in just 30 minutes via the train, making it an exceptionally easy journey. Simply take the R2 Sud train from Barcelona-Sants or Passeig de Gràcia to Garraf.
Sitges
This enchanting coastal town beckons with its vibrant beaches, lively nightlife, and renowned annual film festival. Effortlessly blending seaside charm and a lively ambiance, the town should be a top destination for those seeking a mixture of relaxation and cultural exploration.
Things to do
The beaches in Sitges are truly magical, with our favourites being Playa d’Aiguadolç, San Sebastiàn Beach, and Playa de la Ribera. These coastal spots are connected by a palm tree-lined promenade called Passeig Maritim, providing a scenic route for a leisurely stroll with captivating views of the ocean.
Despite its modest size, Sitges offers a wealth of exploration opportunities. Wander through the charming Old Town, where you’ll uncover a delightful array of small cafés, boutiques, and bars. Enhance your journey by visiting the exquisite Palau de Maricel, a majestic structure celebrated for its graceful architecture, vibrant mosaics, and timeless panoramic views.
For those visiting in February, you can’t miss the lively Sitges Carnival, where the usually serene streets transform into a vibrant spectacle with colourful parades and extravagant costumes.
Dining Recommendations
Sitges boasts a plethora of restaurants that provide a genuine experience of traditional Spanish cuisine. Among these, La Punta stands out as a popular choice, offering an extensive array of delectable Spanish tapas dishes. Alternatively, for those seeking a beachside dining experience, Vivero Beach Club Restaurant is a compelling option, serving high-quality and traditional Spanish dishes.
How to get there
The journey to Sitges is really simple, just take the R2 train from Barcelona-Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, or Estació de França to Sitges
Blanes
For those in search of a beach escape, Blanes is a destination not to be missed. This picturesque seaside town is reachable in approximately an hour by car or just under two hours by train. Despite being a slightly longer journey, it stands as a true haven, boasting breathtaking beaches, an expansive boulevard, and a plethora of dining options.
Things to do
When it comes to beaches, Blanes offers an abundance of choices. For a truly spectacular beach day, we recommend exploring Playa de Blanes, S’Abanell, Cala Punta Santa Anna, and Cala San Francesc. Alternatively, if you prefer enjoying the incredible sea views from above, consider visiting Jardí Botànic Marimurta, one of the most beautiful botanical gardens on the Mediterranean.
Furthermore, for those keen on immersing themselves in the history of this charming town, a visit to Castell de Sant Joan is a must. This exquisite castle, dating back to 1041, offers a vantage point to admire Blanes from above. From here, you can also spot Sa Palomera Rock, a significant landmark for the town which marks the starting point of Costa Brava.
Dining Recommendations
For a delightful culinary experience paired with breathtaking Mediterranean views, Es Blanc Restaurant and Lounge Club is the perfect choice. Another option is Can Miquel, offering delicious Mediterranean dishes that truly capture the essence of seaside dining.
How to get there
Although the journey is slightly longer than other destinations, it is still super easy! Just take the R1 train from Barcelona-Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, or Estació de França to Blanes, and you’ll be there in under two hours.
Mountain Day Trips
For those yearning for a departure from golden sands and sea views, a journey to the breathtaking Montserrat mountain range awaits. Venturing on a day trip to this location ensures a truly unforgettable experience, providing an opportunity to admire Catalonia’s natural splendour and appreciate its history. Although the journey to Montserrat demands a bit more travel time, it is undeniably an incredible destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Montserrat
As one of Catalonia’s most iconic mountain ranges, Montserrat is the ideal destination for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and nature. Beyond its breathtaking scenery, it also holds religious significance and even houses a very famous monastery.
Things to do
To ascend the summit of Montserrat, you have the choice of either the Cable Car or the Rack Railway. For optimal enjoyment of breathtaking views, we recommend the Cable Car, as this enables you to admire the panoramic vistas throughout the entire journey.
Upon reaching Montserrat, a plethora of activities await. Visiting the monastery should be non-negotiable as it provides a truly enriching experience. Entry into the monastery is free, however, there are numerous donation boxes on the premises which we recommend contributing to.
Additionally, you can appreciate numerous pieces of artwork by visiting the Montserrat Art Museum, which features pieces by renowned artists like Dalí, El Greco, Monet, and Giordano. Furthermore, whilst exploring the grounds, be sure to keep an eye out for La Escalera de Paraiso, a stunning piece of art paying tribute to the Majorcan philosopher, poet, and theologian, Ramón Llull.
How to get there
To reach Montserrat, you will need to take the R5 train from Plaza España to Manresa, or the S4 train to Olesa de Montserrat. From here, take the cable car or rack railway to Montserrat.
History Destinations
Catalonia boasts countless stunning and historically rich destinations that are perfect for a day trip. Whether you’re a history enthusiast eager to delve into the past or someone simply seeking to immerse themselves in the Catalonian cultural heritage, there are plenty of options for a captivating day excursion.
Tarragona
Located in the northeastern part of Spain, the delightful coastal city of Tarragona beckons exploration. With a harmonious mix of ancient architecture and vibrant cultural heritage, it emerges as a perfect day trip from Barcelona, especially for those yearning for an immersive historical experience.
Things to do
Embark on a journey of cultural exploration in Tarragona, where a plethora of treasures await your discovery. Among Tarragona’s highlights is the Amphitheatre, a captivating open-air theatre constructed in the 2nd Century. Previously, it was a venue for gladiatorial battles and executions, but now it stands as a historical gem, providing mesmerising views of the Mediterranean Sea.
No visit to Tarragona is complete without immersing yourself in the history of the Roman Circus. Once dedicated to chariot racing, the site now stands as one of the most recognisable landmarks in Tarragona, perfect for history enthusiasts. As you wander through the city, be sure to marvel at Tarragona Cathedral, an emblematic structure that adds a touch of grandeur to the cityscape.
For those wanting to venture off the beaten path, we recommend heading 4 km north of Tarragona, where you’ll discover Pont del Diable. This architectural gem was originally designed for water transportation into the city, but it now stands as a must-visit site.
Dining Recommendations
When hunger strikes in Tarragona, consider indulging in the culinary delights offered by Casa Balcells and Restaurant Taranta. Renowned for their exceptional Mediterranean dishes, both establishments are nothing short of divine, providing a delectable dining experience that promises to satisfy.
How to get there
The journey to Tarragona is easily accessible in just over an hour by car or for those using public transportation, it can be reached in just under an hour and 30 minutes by boarding the regional train from Barcelona-Sants to Tarragona.
Girona
Girona, located in the northeastern region of Catalonia, is renowned for its mediaeval charm and beautiful architecture. Featuring a captivating blend of history and picturesque beauty, this is an excellent destination for those that want a day trip full of history and culture.
Things to do
At the top of your Girona must-do list, we suggest a visit to the Girona Art Museum. Housed in a converted palace, this museum showcases an impressive collection of both historical and modern works, offering a captivating experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Furthermore, we recommend delving into the charm of the Old Town, with its labyrinth of narrow streets, brick houses, and hidden paths, you’re bound to uncover remarkable historical treasures. Following your exploration of the Old Town, venture across the lively Eiffel Bridge, which links to the New Town, and extend your exploration even further.
Additionally, for fans of the popular TV show Game of Thrones, Girona boasts numerous filming locations. You can explore them on your own or opt for a guided tour to ensure that you don’t miss any of the iconic spots!
Dining Recommendations
Girona is the perfect destination for those wanting to experience authentic dishes. With a plethora of restaurants, you are sure to find one to take your fancy. However, we strongly recommend Casa Marieta, serving delicious Catalan cuisine, or Restaurant Occi, offering incredible Mediterranean food.
How to get there
Reaching Girona is very easy, you simply take the AVE high speed train from Barcelona-Sants to Girona. The journey time varies depending on which train you take, however, it can typically be reached in approximately 40 minutes.
So, with all these destinations located just a short journey away from Barcelona, which one will be your favourite?
