Best cities to visit near Barcelona- Day and weekend trips

Shreya

Updated on Jul 25 • 12 minute read

Whether you live in Barcelona or are just visiting, DON’T limit yourself to just exploring this city.
There’re plenty of beautiful places to visit around Barcelona– from mountains and monasteries to beaches and beautiful historic centres. No matter where you decide to go, it’s certainly worth doing a weekend or day trip from Barcelona by train or car.

11 all-time best day trips from Barcelona

With plenty of amazing places to go to near Barcelona, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your choices. To help, we’ve summed up 11 best day trip destinations from Barcelona that cater to history, art or culture buffs, adventure enthusiasts, and wine lovers.

Cadaqués
Tarragona
Girona
Begur
Sitges
Montserrat
Figueres
Vic
Andorra
Penedès
PortAventura Park

Beach recommendations are in the next section.

1. Cadaqués

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A town so picturesque that it became the muse of several artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Luís Buñel.

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Why we love Cadaqués is because it’s this quaint little fishing village located near the border of France. It’s unlike anything else you’ll see in Catalonia; a coastal town surrounded by beaches on one side and gorgeous mountains on another. And let's not forget, the white brick houses dotting the historic square make for a stunning view as well.

What to do in Cadaqués

Go for scenic boat rides, explore the beaches, walk along the cobblestone streets, or visit the Church of Santa Maria.

15-minute walking from Cadaqués's the neighbouring village of Portlligat where you’ll find one of Dalí’s homes. Reserve your tickets in advance as it’s almost impossible to get tickets on the spot.

How to get to Cadaqués

Cadaqués's 170km away from Barcelona. The easiest way to get here is by car and this will take around 2h 10m. Travelling by public transport will take 3 hours.

2. Tarragona

Time travel in Tarragona; it’s the ultimate dream destination for those who love (Roman) history and archaeological artefacts.

Tarragona used to be the Roman city of Tarraco – the oldest Roman port city in the Iberian peninsula. Today, the archaeological ensemble of Tarraco's recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since a lot of the relics are well-preserved.

What to do in Tarragona

Visit the seaside amphitheatre which was built in the 2nd century BC. Back in the day, nearly 15,000 spectators could watch the gladiators or public executions.

See the remains of the 1st Century AD Roman Circus (Circ Roma) where chariot races took place. The circus has since been used as a palace and a prison, until becoming a ruin.

Take the impressive underground tunnels to the other end of the Circus to see the Praetorium– a large tower that belonged to the provincial forum (a square or central marketplace).

Visit the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona to see some of the ancient relics and artefacts.

You can also walk past Parc de l’amphithéatre, touch the railing at Balcò del Mediterrani for good luck, or visit the beach, old town, or the cathedral.

How to get to Tarragona

Tarragona's roughly 100km from Barcelona. Taking public transportation is an easy and convenient way to get here; it takes about 1h 15m. Since multiple Renfe trains depart frequently, we recommend looking online to see what time tickets are cheap.

Driving a car here will take you between 1h-1h 25m.

3. Girona

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This medieval city was the backdrop in many of Game of Thrones' scenes.

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Girona's one of those medieval cities where you can walk on cobblestone streets and gaze at centuries-old architecture influenced by the Roman, Catholic, Jewish, and Moorish cultures.

The locals often call it the Venice of Catalonia as several rivers meet here. The most famous is the River Onyar where you can marvel at the reflections during sunset.

What to do in Girona

Visit the best-preserved Jewish quarter in all of Europe.

Walk through Barri Vell, Girona’s historic quarter and notice the cathedral. You might recognise the Great Sept of Baelor or parts of Braavos, as seen in Game of Thrones.

Visit the Garraotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park to see inactive volcanoes. This place is perfect for hikers or adventure seekers.

If you plan ahead, you can make a reservation at El Cellar de Can Roca, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the world!

How to get to Girona

Girona's 101km from Barcelona. By car, it usually takes 1h 25m. You can also take public transport, which takes between 40m (high-speed train) to 1h 20m.

4. Begur

Begur's a sight to behold. 20km of coastline is divided into 4 sections by the staggering cliffs. The numerous beaches here boast crystal clear water and are enveloped by cute coves and bays. No matter where you go, you’ll have a phenomenal view.

What to do in Begur

Some of the best beaches outside of Barcelona can be found in Begur – beaches like Aiguablava and Platja Fonda.

Make your way through the charming town square and climb atop the village to see the remains of the crumbling Begur castle__ which dates back to the 11th century.

If you’re interested in Dalí, visit Gala Dalí Castle (Castle of Púbol) in Pùbol– A castle that Salvador Dalí gifted to his wife and muse Gala.

Ceramics are a big thing here. It’s believed that the first pottery market was held in Begur in 1511. Not surprisingly, Ceramica de la Bisbal is a protected region due to its craft.

How to get to Begur

Begur is 129km from Barcelona. It takes approximately 1h 35m by car and is the recommended way to travel to Begur. Public transport takes 3 to 4 hours from Barcelona due to multiple changes.

5. Sitges

Sitges is one of the most recommended day trips from Barcelona because it has great infrastructure and something for everyone’s interest.

This beautiful coastal town has winding cobblestone alleys that are dotted with promenades, 17 beaches, art galleries and museums, local shops, and numerous restaurants and bars that boast a thriving nightlife.

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Sitges is one of the most LGBTQ travel-friendly destinations in Europe. The Gay Pride festival in June attracts a lot of visitors to this coastal town.

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What to do in Sitges

Sitges offers 17 stunning beaches. With so many options, it’s easy to find a beach that matches your preference, whether that’s nudist, party, family, or gay friendly. And if you love adventure sports, why not do some water sport?

Art lovers who want to explore more than Barcelona’s art scene will be happy here. Visit the Cau Ferrat Museum for Catalan flavoured modern art or Museu Maricel which offers stunning views as it’s atop a hill overlooking the Mediterranean sea.

You can also tour Palau de Maricel (Maricel de Terra or Maricel Palace) which is an art and architecture ensemble featuring Noucentista style.

There’re also plenty of festivals to keep you busy. Join the Carnival in February, Gay Pride in June, Festa Major in August (3-day festival), or the Sitges Film Festival in October.

How to get to Sitges

Sitges is pretty close to Barcelona– 39km away. You can arrive in Stiges in 40 minutes by car or 35-40 minutes by public transport.

6. Montserrat

A trip to Montserrat is perfect for those who want to combine nature, culture, history, and some active sport like hiking.

The 1236m high serrated or jagged mountains of Montserrat attract thousands of pilgrims and tourists all year round due to the mountain’s religious significance and beauty.

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In Catalan, the mountain is called Mont Sagrat, which roughly translates to sacred mountains.

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What to do in Montserrat

One of the biggest highlights is seeing the Black Virgin statue at the Basilica of Montserrat. It’s said that the statue has mystical and healing powers.

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Legend says that tiny wooden statue of Black Virgin has turned black over time because of all the candles that were lit in front of it over centuries.

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Pay a visit to the Benedictine Abbey where you can find Benedectine monks who’ve devoted their lives to prayer.

Head to the monastery. Legend has it that if you touch the ball that Virgin Mary carries and make a wish, it’ll bring you good luck.

You can’t miss listening to the L’Escolania or the world-famous choir made of 14-year-old boys at 1:00 P.M. What makes the choir group extra special is that there’re files that trace the origin of the choir group to the 14th century.

Hike up the mountain or do some rock climbing to make it an adventurous and active trip.

Visit the Montserrat Art Museum to understand the history of Montserrat Monastery and see artworks from artists like Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí.

How to get to Montserrat

Montserrat is 60km from Barcelona. If you’re driving, you can reach there in about an hour.

You can also get to Montserrat by taking a train (Line R5) from the España rail station. You can get down at Monsitrol de Montserrat to take the train or Aeri de Montserrat to take the cable car to the top.

7. Figueres

One of the most charming towns in Costa Brava is Figueres. It’s very close to the border of France and is the perfect place to admire art and history via the many museums in this town.

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Figueres is the birthplace of Salvador Dalí and houses one of the most important Dalí museums in all of Spain.

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What to do in Figueres

The biggest highlight of Figueres is Teatro Museo Dalí, which is a quirky building that was once a theatre and now a museum that houses Dalí’s collection.

Other museums in this town include the Museu del Joguet de Catalunya, a toy museum perfect for kids. The Empodra Museu is perfect for culture enthusiasts and the *Museu de la Tecnica de l’Emporda is best for technology enthusiasts.

How to get to Figueres

Figueres is 138km from Barcelona. It takes nearly 1h 30m to get here from Barcelona, by both car and public transport.

8. Vic

Want to travel back in time? Or do you want an off-the-beaten-track experience? Then we highly recommend the medieval town of Vic.

Vic is the perfect representation of Catalan’s culture and history; several of the well-preserved medieval buildings can be seen as you walk through the town’s 2 historic quarters and the main square – Placa Mayor (Plaza Mayor).

What to do in Vic

Apart from taking in the sights around the 2 historic quarters and Placa Mayor, it’s worth visiting the 11th century Sant Per Cathedral and the Roman temple which was built in the 2nd century.

Museu Episcopal de Vic gives you a glimpse into the life under the Romanesque and Gothic eras. In the museum, you can see paintings, textiles and other archaeological artefacts that represent the history of Catalonia.

Interested in architecture? Then walk past Casa Comella and Casa Costa.

How to get to Vic

Vic is 71.1km away from Barcelona. A car ride takes about an hour. Public transport will take 1h 10m.

9. Andorra

Although a different country, Andorra still makes for a great day or weekend trip destination from Barcelona as it’s nestled between Spain and France.

Andorra is where adventure takes the forefront. It’s situated in the heart of the Pyrenees mountains and is at an average elevation of 2,000m.

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Andorra is one of the smallest countries in the world and is considered a micro-state.

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What to do in Andorra

Adventure lovers will love Andorra. In the summers, you can go on walking trails, hike the mountain, go mountain biking, or even go on the equestrian trails. If you’re interested in water sports, why not head over to Family Park Canillo?

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The Madriu-Perafita Claror Valley is a UNESCO-listed trail as it takes you through meadows, forests, and the valleys.

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In winter, the region completely transforms into a skiing paradise. Enjoy skiing and various other winter sports such as snowboarding.

For some relaxation, head over to Centre Termolúdic Caldea, the largest spa complex in Southern Europe. If that’s not your cup of tea, do some retail therapy and shop duty-free in Andorra.

How to get to Andorra

Andorra is further inwards. It’s 197km from Barcelona and takes nearly 2h 35m by car. We don’t recommend going by public transport as on average it takes about 3h 30m to 4h 30m.

10. Penedès

The Penedès region is a temple for wine lovers. It’s only an hour away from Barcelona and is one of the most prominent wine-producing regions in Spain after Rioja and Priorat.

Although this region produces wine, they’re primarily known for their top-notch Cava – Spain’s answer to France’s Champagne.

What to do in Penedès

Join an organised wine tour, arrange for a self-organised trip to the wineries and vineyards, or go on a cycling tour of this region.

How to get to Penedès

Penedès is fairly close to Barcelona as it’s 58km away. It takes 50 minutes by car, making it the perfect day trip destination. But if you’re here for wine tasting, you can easily take the R4 train which takes about 1 hour.

11. PortAventura

Who doesn’t love amusement parks?! PortAventura is the largest theme park in Spain and you don’t get just 1 but 3 fantastic worlds to explore.

You can explore 1 park or get a combo ticket to enjoy 2 or 3 parks. In this case, it’s recommended that you make a weekend trip out of it and stay at one of the nearby hotels.

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Book a ticket + transport package via PortAventura which includes a return journey from any Rodalies de Catalunya station. An adult ticket costs €51 and €45 for kids and seniors.

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What to do in PortAventura Park

PortAventura Park is a classic adventure park with rides suitable for people from different age groups.

Caribe Aquatic Park is for those who love a good water adventure. The best time to visit is in spring or summer on weekdays.

Ferrari Land is for the grown-ups or adrenaline junkies. You can try out Europe’s highest and fastest roller coaster here!

Need a break? No matter which park you choose, you can enjoy shows and parades at different times throughout the day.

How to get to PortAventura Park

The best way to get here is by train, especially if you choose the ticket + transport package. The journey takes about 1h 30m.

If you’re going by car, it’ll take 1h 20m.

6 best beach getaways near Barcelona

Spain has the most blue flag beaches in the world. So how can we not include a trip to the beaches nearby Barcelona city?!

Beach	Province	How to arrive
Platja Cala Aiguablava	Begur	Car (1h 40m)
Playa Fonda	Girona	Car (1h 40m)
Platja de Castelldefels	Barcelona	Car or train (30m)
Gavà Mar	Barcelona	Car (24m), train (50m)
Cala Fonda (Waikiki)	Tarragona	Car (1h) and 15m walking
Sitges (several beaches)	Barcelona	Car (40m), train (35m)
Platja Garraf	Barcelona	Car or train (32m)
Calella de Palafrugell	Girona	Car (1h 25m)
Sant Pol de Mar (several beaches)	Barcelona	Car (40m)
Tossa de Mar (several beaches)	Girona	Car (1h 16m)
Calella de Palafrugell (several beaches)	Girona	Car (1h 25m)
Platja de Llavant	Barcelona	Car (15m), train (35m)

Best weekend trips from Barcelona

Planning a trip longer than just a day? Here’re some nearby cities that are well worth visiting:

Valencia- Valencia, the third-largest city in Spain is located 303km away and takes nearly 3 hours to reach from Barcelona. Whether you want to try the original paella from Valencia or experience the City of Arts and Sciences, this laid back city has something for everyone, and at a lower cost of living.
Madrid- The capital of Spain is 3 hours away if you take the high-speed train from Barcelona. Madrid’s got unique neighbourhoods, a lively nightlife, an incredible art scene and plenty of historical buildings.
Ibiza- Ibiza island is known for its globally renowned nightlife. But you can also enjoy yoga retreats, spas, beautiful beaches, local markets and cuisine, the UNESCO protected Dalt Vila, or the uninhabited island and natural park Es Vedrà. You can reach Ibiza in an hour with a flight or travel overnight with a ferry.
Màlaga- Although it can take upwards of 7 hours with the high-speed train or 9 hours of driving, Màlaga is well worth the visit. Explore the art scene, walk where Pablo Picasso was born, have a night out, or simply enjoy the beautiful promenades and 16 beaches surrounding this port city in Andalusia.
Paris- With France bordering Spain, you can easily make a trip to Paris which will take 6h 40m with the Renfe-SNCF high-speed train. Enjoy the romantic atmosphere, people-watch while sipping coffee, visit the famous Eiffel tower, go to art museums, or take the unbeaten path to explore the non-touristy side of Paris.

Apart from these 5 cities, we also highly recommend making a weekend trip to Sitges, Girona, Tarragon, Andorra, and Costa Brava as these places deserve more than just a day.