Barcelona Day Trips: 5 Top Picks

I've visited Barcelona multiple times in the past few years, and I've had fantastic day trips from the city, which I highly recommend. What's great is that these trips are just a short distance away from the lively city. The ease of getting around truly makes a significant difference; the excellent transportation options make it simple to venture from the vibrant streets of Barcelona to various cool spots. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or coastal charm, there's something for everyone.

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Explore these five fantastic day trip options from Barcelona!

Day Trip 1: Montserrat Monastery

Overview: Escape the city buzz and embark on a spiritual journey to Montserrat, a stunning mountain range just 45 kilometers northwest of Barcelona. Renowned for its jagged peaks and the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, this day trip seamlessly combines natural beauty with cultural richness.

Transportation:

• Train: Take a train from Barcelona's Plaça d'Espanya to Montserrat. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.

• Car: Drive via C-58 and A-2 for about 1 hour, depending on traffic

Want to stay longer? Click here to check out hotel options for your day trip

Day Trip 2: Sitges

Overview: For a laid-back day by the Mediterranean, head to Sitges, a charming coastal town merely 40 kilometers southwest of Barcelona. Famous for its beaches, historic sites, and vibrant atmosphere, Sitges promises a delightful escape.

Transportation:

• Train: A direct train from Barcelona to Sitges takes around 30 minutes.

• Bus: Alternatively, buses run regularly from Barcelona's Estació Sants, with a journey time of approximately 45 minutes.

Want to stay longer? Click here to check out hotel options for your day trip

Day Trip 3: Girona

Overview: Immerse yourself in medieval charm by visiting Girona, situated 100 kilometers northeast of Barcelona. Known for its well-preserved Old Town, historic sites, and cultural richness, Girona is a captivating destination.

Transportation:

• Train: High-speed trains from Barcelona-Sants to Girona take approximately 40 minutes.

• Car: A drive along the AP-7 highway usually takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Want to stay longer? Click here to check out hotel options for your day trip

Day Trip 4: Tarragona

Overview: Step back in time with a visit to Tarragona, a coastal city just over 100 kilometers southwest of Barcelona. Explore impressive Roman ruins, stroll along the Mediterranean, and soak in the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Transportation:

• Train: Take a direct train from Barcelona-Sants to Tarragona in approximately 1 hour.

• Car: Driving via the AP-7 and C-32 highways typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

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Want to stay longer? Click here to check out hotel options for your day trip

Day Trip 5: Cadaqués and Cap de Creus Natural Park

Overview: Discover the picturesque beauty of Cadaqués and the rugged landscapes of Cap de Creus Natural Park, located about 170 kilometers northeast of Barcelona. The charming coastal town and the nearby natural park offer a perfect blend of art, nature, and tranquility.

Transportation:

• Train/Bus and Car: While there's no direct public transportation, taking a combination of train or bus to Figueres and then driving (approximately 2 hours) to Cadaqués is a common route.

Want to stay longer? Click here to check out hotel options for your day trip

Each of these day trips promises a unique experience, allowing you to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural richness that Catalonia has to offer, all within a comfortable distance from the vibrant city of Barcelona.