10 Day Trips From Barcelona: My Complete Guide + Practical Tips
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Welcome to my blog post on the best day trips from Barcelona. If this is your first time here, welcome! I hope you landed here because you are planning a trip to Barcelona and are looking for something to do outside of the city. Barcelona honestly has no shortage of day trips if you are looking for a break from the business city and want to explore some majestic mountains, coastal cliffs, and just enjoy the fresh air. All of these day trips are an easy train ride or drive from Barcelona, and I am excited to share my experiences, some tips, and itineraries to make the best of your trip to Barcelona.
Introduction: Day Trips From Barcelona
If you are planning your trip to Barcelona, besides enjoying the excursions within the city itself, I highly recommend also considering a few day trips from Barcelona. There is something about escaping the busy city to explore all the majestic scenery, mountains, towns, and more that Spain has to offer. In this guide, I will dive into my curated list of the best day trips from Barcelona that I have either experienced myself or that my travel clients have experienced and absolutely loved. Now, let’s dive into all of the amazing day trips from Barcelona that you need to add to your Barcelona itinerary.
1. Montserrat: A Spiritual and Scenic Escape
I feel like no matter how many times I visit Barcelona, one day trip that always makes the Barcelona itinerary is a day trip to Montserrat. It literally takes my breath away every time I visit. Taking the train here, which is about an hour each way, enjoying the views, and observing all of the rock formations, I literally feel like I am entering a completely different world.
As a solo traveler, this day trip always makes me feel calm, relaxed, and in a state of zen. I am not sure if it’s the views, the fresh air, or just the feeling of being here, but it is honestly one of my favorite day trips from Barcelona.
Since the weather changes depending on the time of year you visit Barcelona, it may be cooler, so always be prepared with layers. I would also recommend taking a short hike above the monastery for the most incredible views that you’ll ever see.
Pro Tip: Try and catch the earliest train or the earliest guided tour to Montserrat, as it gets quite busy later in the day.
2. Girona: A Journey Through Time
Another great day trip from Barcelona to add to your Barcelona itinerary is a trip to Girona. This 45-60-minute journey from Barcelona will take you back in time to medieval times, as it was the set for Game of Thrones.
Wandering the Jewish Quarters, soaking in the history, and the narrow alleys, there is something magical about visiting Girona. I love visiting this town first thing in the morning, finding a little cafe, and enjoying my espresso outside, while I people-watch.
As a solo female traveler, I felt incredibly safe visiting Girona on my own, exploring the cathedrals, riverfront, and pastel houses, all just felt really magical.
3. Figueres
If you are into museums and sculptures, then you will want to day a day trip to Figueres to your Barcelona itinerary. This journey will take about an hour to an hour and a half, so if you do this day trip, I would recommend starting your journey first thing in the morning. It’s within walking distance from the train station, so very easy to get to if you travel by train.
This theater-museum will make you feel like you are in the heart of the artists’ work of art. Between the enormous egg sculptures and the magnificent exterior, you have a mix of feelings between fascination and weirdness. At least that’s how I felt.
Pro Tip: Make sure you book ahead and get a reserved day and time to ensure you can get in. I would also make sure you have time to explore both the exterior and interior, so allow for ample time.
4. Sitges
If you are looking for a slower pace, near the water, with fun restaurants along the water that are perfect for lunch, then you will want to visit Stiges. This beautiful coastal town is about 40 minutes from Barcelona, and a great escape from the city if you are looking for a change of pace.
My favorite thing to do is find a cozy lunch spot, order delicious fresh seafood paella, and just enjoy the sea breeze, the people, and the views.
The beach here is very clean, the city is safe for walking around and getting lost, and the city center is full of fun little boutiques and cafes that you can also enjoy in the afternoon.
Pro Tip: You can combine Sitges and Tarragona and tackle both day trips on the same day.
5. Tarragona
If you a history nut like I am, then you will want to potentially add Tarragona to your Barcelona itinerary. This quiet town is full of ancient Roman treasures. This slower version of Barcelona has an old quarter, great Roman walls, a cathedral, and cozy plazas that will remind you of Barcelona on a smaller and quieter scale.
I prefer to start my excursion at the seaside amphitheater, where you see the picturesque Mediterranean literally in the background of the ancient ruins. I feel like this day trip is very underrated, and it’s great for solo travelers or families, because it’s extremely walkable.
Pro Tip: If you love taking great photos, then go to the theater first, as the morning light over the water makes incredible photos for Instagram.
6. Penedès Wine Region
I haven’t personally been to the Penedes wine region, but I have several travel clients who have, and they have all raved about it. So, if you are a wine drinker, and are looking some some incredible vineyards that are less than an hour from Barcelona, then Penedes should be added to your itinerary.
This would be a great and relaxing day trip from Barcelona, and I hear the views here are incredible. If you are into wine tastings, rolling hills, and just a relaxed and social experience, then this day trip to Penedes is a great choice!
Pro Tip: Always book reservations ahead of time, as this is a popular day trip for folks from Barcelona.
7. Costa Brava & Cadaqués
Another great day trip to add to your Barcelona itinerary is a trip to Costa Brava & Cadaques. This day trip is what I call perfection. Think about coastal cliffs and paths, amazing views and beaches, and cute whitewashed homes in charming villages.
For me, as a solo traveler, this day trip was a great escape from the businesses that most large cities bring, and was a great escape to just enjoy the scenery, the views, and disconnect. I loved just walking around, eating some incredibly delicious seafood, and just capturing some incredible photos of the breathtaking coastline and jaw-dropping cliffs.
8. Colònia Güell
If you are a fan of the work by Gaudí, then Colonia Güell is what I like to call a hidden gem that is only 20 minutes from Barcelona. This UNESCO-listed Gaudí Crypt is where Antoni Gaudí trialed architectural ideas for the La Sagrada Familia.
The 19th-century town that surrounds this area gives you such an authentic feel and has tons of striking buildings. Visiting this area will give you such a cultural experience without a lot of crowds.
Pro Tip: Combine this with another half-day destination nearby to maximize your day.
9. Tossa de Mar / Lloret de Mar
Tossa de Mar is one of the most picturesque towns on the Costa Brava. The medieval fortress rising above the beach feels like something from a fairytale. I always hike up to the viewpoint for sweeping views of the bay, and it’s absolutely worth it. Tossa is quieter and more relaxed, perfect for solo travelers looking for beauty and calm. Lloret de Mar, on the other hand, offers a livelier atmosphere with nightlife and wide beaches.
Pro Tip: If you want peace, choose Tossa. If you want energy and nightlife, Lloret is your spot.
10. Besalú & Medieval Villages
Besalú feels like you’ve slipped several centuries into the past. The medieval bridge alone is one of the most iconic sights in Catalonia. I love wandering through its narrow cobblestone streets, discovering hidden courtyards, and popping into tiny artisan shops and cafés. It’s an ideal day trip if you enjoy slow, intentional travel and historic charm.
Pro Tip: Weekdays are quieter, giving you the bridge and plazas nearly to yourself.
Conclusion: Day Trips From Barcelona
IN my opinion, you cannot visit Barcelona without doing a day trip or two. With so many amazing city escapes, there is a day trip from Barcelona for every traveler type. All of these day trips offer something different, just depending on what you are interested in and what you want to get out of your trip. My recommendation is to pick a day trip that matches your likes, whether that is a beach, wine tasting, or a cultural experience, and have a memorable experience.