The 10 Best Day Trips From Barcelona

Exploring Catalonia’s Best-Kept Secrets

From jagged mountain peaks to medieval towns and idyllic coastlines, Catalonia is packed with diverse landscapes, historic wonders, and hidden escapes. If you’re visiting the Catalan capital, these day trips from Barcelona offer the perfect way to experience the region’s depth without straying too far.

Whether you’re after picturesque nature-scapes, old-world cities or foodie delights , there’s something here for everyone.

Here’s your guide to the best day trips from Barcelona—complete with tips, costs, and must-do activities.

The Top 10 Day Trips From Barcelona

1. Montserrat

A scenic hour-long journey from the city, Montserrat is as breathtaking and iconic. The jagged peaks of this natural wonder, known as the “serrated mountain,” form one of Catalonia’s most recognizable landmarks.

Pair that with a centuries-old monastery perched in its folds, and you’ve got a spot that’s both tranquil and awe-inspiring.

What to Do in Montserrat:

• Hike the trails: Choose between easy, family-friendly routes and more challenging trails that reward you views of Catalonia.
• Take the cable car: The Aeri de Montserrat cable car offers a thrilling ride up the mountain, where you can take in the landscapes from above.
• Visit the Montserrat Monastery: This historic monastery is home to the Black Madonna, a revered statue that draws pilgrims from all over the world.
• Enjoy the views: Don’t leave without finding a quiet spot to soak in the panoramic scenery.

Cost: For convenience, grab a “Trans Montserrat” ticket. At €35–€40 ($38–$43 USD), it includes round-trip transportation (train, funicular, and cable car) and access to the main attractions.

2. Costa Brava

Costa Brava, which translates to “rugged coast,” lives up to its name with turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and quaint fishing villages.

Just a short train ride from Barcelona, it’s one of the most popular day trips for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

What to Do in Costa Brava:

• Beach-hop: Start at Tossa de Mar with its medieval castle and golden sands. For quieter options, visit secluded coves like Cala Futadera or Cala Sa Tuna.
• Explore coastal towns: Cadaqués, with its whitewashed buildings and cobbled streets, is postcard-perfect. It’s also tied to Salvador Dalí, who spent much of his life here.
• Water activities: Kayak, snorkel, or paddleboard in the clear Mediterranean waters.

Cost: Train tickets to Costa Brava towns cost €10–€15 ($11–$16 USD) each way.

3. Girona

Just 40 minutes from Barcelona, Girona offers well-preserved medieval architecture and a rich history.

The city’s cobbled streets, ancient walls, and Gothic cathedral make it one of the best day trips from Barcelona for history buffs.

What to Do in Girona:

• Walk the city walls: The Passeig de la Muralla provides excellent views of the old town and surrounding areas.
• Visit Girona Cathedral: This Gothic cathedral, with its towering nave, dominates the skyline.
• Stroll the Onyar River: The colorful houses along the river are a Girona landmark. Photograph them from the Eiffel Bridge.
• Explore the Jewish Quarter: Wander the narrow, historic streets of the Call Jueu.

Costs: Trains to Girona cost €15–€20 ($16–$22 USD) each way.

4. Tarragona

Tarragona, located an hour south of Barcelona, is a city where Roman history meets a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Once known as Tarraco, this UNESCO-listed site is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Spain.

What to Do in Tarragona:

• Visit the Roman amphitheater: Overlooking the sea, this ancient arena once hosted gladiator battles.
• Explore the Roman circus: Walk through the tunnels of the historic chariot racecourse.
• See the Devil’s Bridge: Just outside the city, the Pont del Diable Roman aqueduct spans a peaceful valley.

Costs: Train tickets cost €8–€12 ($9–$13 USD) each way. Guided tours, including transport and site access, cost around €98.50 ($107 USD).

5. Sitges

Sitges, just 40 minutes from Barcelona, combines beautiful beaches with a buzzing cultural scene.

Known for its golden sands and bohemian charm, it’s an ideal day trip for relaxing in the sun.

What to Do in Sitges:

• Relax on the beaches: Sitges has 17 beaches that range from busier stretches to quiet coves. Platja de la Ribera is particularly popular.
• Wander the old town: Explore the whitewashed streets, boutique shops, and local tapas bars in the historic center.
• Visit the Cau Ferrat Museum: This former home of artist Santiago Rusiñol showcases modernist art and artifacts.

Costs: Train tickets cost €4–€5 ($4.30–$5.50 USD) each way, making Sitges one of the most affordable day trips from Barcelona.

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6. Figueres

Figueres is the birthplace of Salvador Dalí and the ultimate destination for art enthusiasts. This small Catalan town, just under two hours from Barcelona, is home to the Dalí Theatre-Museum, a tribute to the artist’s bizarre and brilliant imagination.

Even if art isn’t your thing, Figueres offers a fascinating look into one of Spain’s most influential minds.

What to Do in Figueres:

• Dalí Theatre-Museum: The town’s highlight. Designed by Dalí himself, this museum showcases his most famous and eccentric works, from paintings to surreal installations.
• Explore the old town: Walk Figueres’ historic center, lined with cafes and small shops.
• Castell de Sant Ferran: Visit this vast 18th-century fortress, one of Europe’s largest, for stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Costs: Trains to Figueres cost €15–€20 ($16–$22 USD) each way. Entry to the Dalí Theatre-Museum is €15 ($16.50 USD).

7. Penedès Wine Region

Penedès, located an hour from Barcelona, is one of Spain’s premier wine regions. Famous for producing cava, Catalonia’s sparkling wine, it’s the ideal escape for wine lovers. Rolling vineyards, boutique wineries, and tastings make this day trip both relaxing and indulgent.

What to Do in Penedès:

• Take a vineyard tour: Join guided tours that include insights into the cava production process and tastings.
• Try smaller wineries: Visit boutique vineyards for intimate experiences and unique cava varieties.
• Explore the countryside: Hike or bike through picturesque vineyard trails to enjoy the region’s natural beauty.

Costs: Guided wine tours, including transport and tastings, start at €75 ($81 USD). If you prefer exploring on your own, train tickets to towns like Sant Sadurní d’Anoia cost €8–€10 ($8.50–$11 USD) each way.

8. The Pyrenees

The Pyrenees mountains are perfect for those seeking fresh air and dramatic landscapes.

A day trip from Barcelona to this natural wonder offers hiking, skiing (in winter), and charming villages to explore. The Pyrenees deliver year-round adventure just a couple of hours from the city.

What to Do in the Pyrenees:

• Hike scenic trails: Choose from a variety of hiking routes suited to all levels, offering sweeping mountain views.
• Winter sports: Visit resorts like La Molina for skiing and snowboarding during the winter months.
• Explore mountain villages: Towns such as Ripoll and Vall de Núria provide a quiet escape, local Catalan food, and a glimpse into rural mountain life.

Costs: Organized day trips with transport and guides cost around €105 ($113 USD). Trains to towns like Ribes de Freser are cheaper, costing €10–€15 ($11–$16 USD) each way.

9. Congost de Mont-rebei

Congost de Mont-rebei is a spectacular canyon that offers some of the most dramatic hiking landscapes in Catalonia. Known for its cliffside trails and turquoise waters, this area is ideal for nature lovers looking for an adventure-filled day trip.

What to Do in Congost de Mont-rebei:

• Hike the cliffside path: Follow the trail carved into the canyon walls for breathtaking views of the Noguera Ribagorçana River.
• Kayak through the gorge: Rent a kayak and paddle along the calm waters for a different perspective of the cliffs.
• Enjoy the views: Take breaks along the way to soak in the canyon’s unspoiled beauty.

Costs: Guided tours, including transport and equipment, cost between €80–€100 ($86–$108 USD). Entry to the area is free if you’re driving, with kayaking rentals available for an additional fee.

10. Tibidabo

Tibidabo, perched on Collserola Mountain, offers a mix of nostalgic fun and unbeatable views of Barcelona. Though technically still within city limits, Tibidabo feels like a peaceful escape, making it perfect for families or anyone seeking a relaxed day out.

What to Do at Tibidabo:

• Ride the amusement park attractions: Tibidabo Amusement Park combines vintage rides with incredible views. The Ferris wheel and carousel are standouts.
• Visit the Temple of the Sacred Heart: This neo-Gothic church at the summit offers panoramic views of the city. Climb to the top for the best vantage point.
• Enjoy the scenery: The views from Tibidabo stretch across Barcelona to the Mediterranean Sea.

Costs: Entrance to Tibidabo Amusement Park costs €30–€35 ($32–$38 USD). Access to the summit and church is free, though climbing the tower may have a small fee.