You could spend weeks in Barcelona and never run out of neighborhoods to explore, things to do, food to try, and bars to hop. However, for a taste of Catalan life beyond the metropolis, consider taking a day trip from Barcelona to experience the mountains, beaches, and charming little towns that are just a short ride away. Here are the 10 best short escapes from beautiful Barcelona.
1. Savor Divinely Beautiful Views in Montserrat
Travel time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
The mountain of Montserrat is home to Catalonia’s holiest site, the monastery of the same name. The views are spectacular—take walking shoes—and, season permitting, you might catch a choir performance inside the basilica. Afterward, ride the funicular or take a walk down to the Santa Cova, the spot where La Moreneta, a holy effigy of the virgin, was found. Alternatively, hike up to the Sant Jeroni peak for a splendid view of the valley below.
How to get to Montserrat from Barcelona: The R5 line trains operated by FGC run half-hourly to hourly from Barcelona’s Plaça d’Espanya station. Subsequently, take the AERI cable car or the cremallera train from Monistrol de Montserrat.
2. Escape the City to the Forests of Collserola
Travel time: 15 minutes
Locals often seek out the vast Parc de Collserola in the hills for a reprieve from city life. Walking and cycling trails wind throughout the park, which features farmhouse-style restaurants. Head to the info center at Carretera de l’Església 92, close to the Baixador de Vallvidrera FGC train station to pick up a map of the various routes. Energetic visitors can walk across the hills to Sant Cugat and take the train back to Barcelona.
How to get to Collserola from Barcelona: Catch the FGC suburban train from Plaça de Catalunya, Carrer de Provença, or Gràcia to Baixador de Vallvidrera.
3. Sunbathe and Party in Sitges
Travel time: 40 minutes
The charming seafront town of Sitges is perfect for promenading and sunbathing. In warmer months, central beaches can get quite crowded; thus, guests have a variety of options for sunbathing or enjoying seafood at nearby restaurants. However, Sitges is not limited to its beaches. Those interested in contemporary art will appreciate the array of elegant buildings in the classy old center, many of which house museums. With a vibrant nightlife and one of Spain’s best Carnaval celebrations annually, Sitges is not to be missed.
How to get to Sitges from Barcelona: Regular trains run from Barcelona Passeig de Gràcia and Sants from 5 am to 10 pm, and Monbus operates every 15 to 50 minutes.
4. Walk Through a Rainbow in Girona
Travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Girona’s old town offers ancient arcaded houses, grand churches, and sloped cobbled streets, with the cathedral looming above. Explore the Museu d’Història dels Jueus to learn about the former Jewish community that thrived here until 1492. Additionally, the 12th-century Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths) served as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Stroll along the picturesque Onyar River to admire the colorfully painted houses or venture into the newer part of town for excellent tapas bars. For food enthusiasts, El Celler de Can Roca stands out as one of the world’s best restaurants.
How to get to Girona from Barcelona: Trains run approximately every 30 minutes from Barcelona.
5. Relax in Friendly and Welcoming Vilanova i la Geltrú
Travel time: 45 minutes
Located just beyond Sitges, Vilanova i la Geltrú is a larger town that maintains a down-home charm, primarily focused on fishing and industry rather than tourism. The area boasts some pleasant and wide beaches, ideal for sunbathing, and it is also home to an intriguing railway museum. A lovely hour-long walk along the cliffs connects Vilanova with Sitges.
How to get to Vilanova i la Geltrú from Barcelona: Regular train services operate from 5 am to 10 pm.
6. Revel in Roman Ruins in Tarragona
Travel time: 1 hour
Tarragona is renowned for its remarkable Roman remains, including the impressive Amfiteatre Romà and the Fòrum Provincial. Start your journey at the Museu d’Història de Tarragona, which comprises the main Roman sites. Following your exploration of the ancient ruins, head to the grand cathedral before enjoying lunch in one of the many nearby restaurants, particularly in the fishing neighborhood of El Serrallo, known for its fresh seafood cuisine.
How to get to Tarragona from Barcelona: The train station is a 10-minute walk south of the old town, with services running every 10 to 30 minutes.
7. Get Surreal in Figueres
Travel time: 2 hours
Figueres is known for its striking Modernista architecture and the famous Teatre-Museu Dalí. Once a theater, it was transformed by Salvador Dalí into a surreal palace, featuring eccentric sculptures and decorative touches that reflect his unique style. Inside, discover a plethora of paintings, a jewelry collection designed by Dalí, and entertaining trompe l’œil installations. The ticket to the Teatre-Museu Dalí also allows access to the Museu de l’Empordà, an excellent art and archaeology museum.
How to get to Figueres from Barcelona: Figueres train station is located 800m (0.5 miles) southeast of the center, with half-hourly trains to and from Barcelona.
8. Step Back in Time in Medieval Montblanc
Travel time: 2 hours
Montblanc is a beautiful medieval walled town with a good selection of dining and accommodation options. It is worth a visit not only for its own merits but also to explore the nearby Cistercian Route, which features stunning monasteries such as Poblet, Vallbona de les Monges, and Santes Creues. Plan your visit early to fully appreciate all three sites.
How to get to Montblanc from Barcelona: Five direct trains operate daily from Barcelona Passeig de Gràcia and Sants, starting from around 7 am.
9. Shop the Local Markets in Vic
Travel time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Vic boasts an attractive historic center and excellent restaurants, situated in the flatlands of La Plana de Vic to the south of the Pyrenees. Plaça Major, the largest central square in Catalunya, is lined with medieval, Baroque, and Modernista mansions, making it a lively marketplace that evokes the town’s rich heritage.
How to get to Vic from Barcelona: Regular rodalies trains (line R3) connect Vic with Barcelona.
10. Find Buried Treasure in Colònia Güell
Travel time: 40 minutes
Aside from La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s last major project was an ambitious workers’ complex for textile magnate Eusebi Güell in Santa Coloma de Cervelló. While only part of the church, the crypt showcases Gaudí’s innovative style through its uniquely inclined columns, resembling forest trees. Delve into this architectural wonder and engage with Gaudí’s signature designs.
How to get to Colònia Güell from Barcelona: Take FGC lines S4, S8, or S33 to Colònia Güell.
