Day trips from Barcelona: explore beyond the city

Barcelona draws over 10 million visitors per year, and for good reason. Home to the Basílica de la Sagrada Família and Las Ramblas, there is so much to experience in the Spanish city. Yet Catalonia and its surroundings have so much to offer, with an eclectic culture set against stunning natural landscapes. And, in this article, we’ve rounded up eight day trips from Barcelona, so your adventure doesn’t have to stop at the city limits.

For those in search of a coastal town escape, Sitges offers golden sands and clear seas. Especially great if you’re looking for day trips from Barcelona by train, Sitges can be reached in around half an hour. 

The city teems with culture that has a classic Spanish feel: expect whitewashed buildings and Modernisme architecture. If you’re particularly interested in art, make sure to visit Palau Maricel. The palace was a former home for the art collector Charles Deering, and nowadays it’s a museum and a venue for concerts, exhibitions and cultural events. For those interested in spirituality, the Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla is a 17th-century parish church with Gothic and Baroque features that overlook the sea.

More interested in a lively nightlife? You’re in luck – Sitges’ atmosphere is nothing short of electric. With many clubs and bars, you’ll be able to catch a drink or two and boogie the night away. After all, the first Pacha nightclub opened here in 1967, and while it’s no longer open, there are many other clubs ready to keep the party going.

Getting there:

• Approximately 30 minutes by train
• Around 40 kilometres by car

If you love nature, Montserrat should feature on your list. Translating to ‘serrated mountain’, Montserrat’s jagged, staccato cliffs truly live up to the name as the dramatic natural backdrop can be seen for miles. For spirituality seekers, the mountains are home to Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. This pilgrimage site is 700 metres above sea level and features a basilica, a museum and the Escolania boys' choir. 

Finish your adventures with a spot of hiking around the spiritual site. With many trails in the area, you’ll be able to catch incredible vistas of the Catalan landscapes. 

Top tip: if you plan to stay longer than a day in Montserrat, the Montserrat and Winery Tour with a Train Ride and Lunch lets you explore the area and sample local cuisine, including tapas and wines.

Getting there:

• Approximately two hours by train
• Around 60 kilometres by car

For those who appreciate local cuisine and culture, Vic promises to deliver. For food lovers, you can expect many local delicacies, specifically, Vic is famed for its Catalan cured meats – known as embutidos by the locals. Some of these meats include llonganissa (similar to chorizo), fuet (a thin, dry-cured pork sausage) and butifarra (a fresh pork sausage, often found in stews). Those with a sweet tooth will also find plenty to indulge in, as Vic is also known for its pa de pessic de Vic (a light cake sprinkled with sugar on top). 

Beyond its kitchen, Vic offers a rich heritage, the majority of which is centred around the Plaça Major. The main square offers an architectural blend, featuring Vic Cathedral with its Josep Maria Sert murals, along with art collections from the Museu Episcopal. Make sure to stop by the old town too, where you’ll find Mercat Municipal, a traditional farmers’ market that takes place every Tuesday and Saturday.

Getting there:

• Approximately one hour and 15 minutes by train
• Around 70 kilometres by car

Anyone in search of a quainter counterpart to Barcelona should look no further than Girona. Its old town features cobblestoned streets, street lamps and winding side alleys that feel like you’ve been transported into the past. Fantasy lovers are sure to enjoy this spot too, as some of Game of Thrones was filmed here.

Dragons and castles aside, Girona has many architectural marvels ready to be explored. For example, Girona Cathedral is a Roman Catholic spiritual site with the widest Gothic nave in the world. The city walls are also worth a visit if you want to view Girona from above. Stretching around two kilometres, this route offers a fantastic vantage point from which to view Girona, providing sweeping panoramas of the Old Quarter.

For food lovers, there are plenty of local treats to try. From xuixo (a deep-fried cream-filled pastry) to panellets (marzipan sweets), sweet tooths are in for a treat. Not sure where to start? The Girona History, Legends and Food Walking Tour offers you a guided glimpse into Girona’s culture, history and cuisine.

Getting there:

• Approximately 40 minutes by train
• Around 100 kilometres by car

History buffs unite: Tarragona offers a profound look into ancient Roman life through its UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco. The Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco is actually made up of 14 Roman monuments, many of which are within Tarragona, with some situated just beyond the city. The features found in Tarragona include city walls, an amphitheatre and a Roman Circus, to name a few.

Specifically, the Roman Amphitheatre of Tarragona is a must-visit monument. Previously a key venue in Roman-era public culture, this structure is now a hotspot for tourism, theatre and concerts. Not to mention, Tarragona’s two thousand years of history are sure to make you feel connected to the past.

Getting there:

• Approximately one-and-a-half hours by train
• Around 100 kilometres by car

For art enthusiasts, Figueres is an unmissable day trip from Barcelona. As the home of Salvador Dalí, you can stumble upon many of his life’s milestones and artworks, including the Birthplace of Salvador Dalí, Dalí Theatre-Museum and the Dalí Jewels exhibition. With the artist buried beneath the museum's stage, the city really reflects Dalí’s legacy. 

Beyond the arts, Figueres is a hotspot for history. For example, the city is home to Castell de Sant Ferran, one of the largest castles in Europe. The fortress was built in the 18th century for military use, and nowadays, you can explore the building, which overlooks Catalonia, offering outstanding views.

If you’re in search of a peaceful break, Figueres offers that too. Stop by Parc Bosc for its urban greenery, offering a peaceful slice of nature in a city break. Its green spaces, playgrounds and walking paths make it the perfect place to take a break from the bustle of Barcelona.

Getting there:

• Approximately one hour by train
• Around 140 kilometres by car

Lleida is an ancient city found in the region of Catalonia, which offers a glimpse into the region’s history. Originally founded a little over 2,000 years ago, the area is teeming with relics from the past, including Seu Vella. This old Cathedral dates back to the 13th century and is often considered the symbol of the city. Its prominent, traditional Catalan architecture features classic motifs such as frescos and Romanesque and Gothic sculptural decoration. Other popular historical sites in the city include Castle of La Suda, Gardeny Castle and Paeria Palace.

If you feel like staying in Lleida overnight, the region has plenty to offer for outdoorsy travellers. Lledia is about a two-hour drive from Sant Maurici National Park, which is a haven for lovers of all things nature. With its glacial landscapes, waterfalls and mountains, there is so much to explore. There are even some designated campsites and shelters where you can stay overnight, perfect if you’re looking to admire the night sky.

Getting there:

• Approximately one hour and ten minutes by train
• Around 160 kilometres by car

Fancy taking a day trip to an entirely different country? Well, Perpignan, found in France, is just the answer. Located around 30 minutes from the Spanish border, the city tells a tale of two cultures. Full of Catalan charm, its culture, cuisine and history reflect a rich past. After all, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca in the 1200s–1300s.

In terms of its French side, there are many classic architectural marvels to witness. Standouts include the Castillet, a former prison and city gate that now serves as the emblem of Perpignan. Hôtel Pams also offers a window into regional history, with its interiors showcasing distinctive Art Nouveau design. Finally, a stop by the 14th-century Gothic Loge de Mer harks back to the city's maritime exchange.

Getting there:

• Approximately one-hour-and-a-half by train
• Around 200 kilometres by car

Beyond the bustle of Barcelona, there are many areas to explore in Catalonia, all easily accessible for a day trip. From the spiritual site of Montserrat and the art of Figueres, each location offers a profoundly unique experience. Whether you’re a history buff, looking to reconnect with nature or visit a different country entirely, these eight day trips from Barcelona offer a fresh perspective on Spain, and beyond.