7 Amazing Day Trips from Barcelona You’ll Love

Barcelona’s Gothic architecture, vibrant food scene, and Gaudí masterpieces could keep you busy for weeks, but Catalonia’s treasures extend far beyond the city limits. When you need a break from the urban energy, day trips from Barcelona offer a perfect opportunity to experience the region’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and charming coastal towns—all within easy reach.

Whether you’re craving mountain vistas, medieval villages, Roman ruins, or pristine Mediterranean beaches, these seven incredible excursions will complement your Barcelona itinerary perfectly. Most require just a 1-2 hour journey, making them ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time in Catalonia without changing accommodations.

Let’s explore the spectacular destinations that await just beyond Barcelona’s doorstep!

Montserrat: Sacred Mountains and Stunning Views

Just an hour from Barcelona’s hustle stands Montserrat, a jagged mountain range that looks like something from another planet. The main attraction here is Santa Maria de Montserrat, a working Benedictine monastery dramatically nestled into the mountainside at 4,055 feet above sea level.

The monastery houses La Moreneta (the Black Madonna), Catalonia’s patron saint and a significant religious icon that draws pilgrims from across the world. If you time your visit right (around midday), you might catch the famous Escolania boys’ choir performing in the basilica—their angelic voices echoing through the space are absolutely spine-tingling.

Beyond the spiritual aspects, Montserrat offers breathtaking natural beauty with hiking trails for all fitness levels. The funicular railway takes you to spectacular viewpoints where, on clear days, you can see all the way to the Pyrenees.

Pro tip: Get there early to avoid crowds, wear comfortable shoes for walking, and bring water and snacks (though there are restaurants on site). The combined train and cable car ticket (from Plaça Espanya station) offers the most scenic journey up the mountain.

Girona: Medieval Beauty and Game of Thrones Fame

Medieval Girona feels worlds away from Barcelona despite being just 38 minutes away by high-speed train. This beautifully preserved city gained international fame as a major filming location for Game of Thrones (yes, those iconic Braavos scenes!), but its appeal extends far beyond its TV credentials.

The labyrinthine Jewish Quarter (El Call) is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval Jewish neighborhoods, with narrow stone streets that feel virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages. The imposing Girona Cathedral, with its massive Gothic nave (the widest in the world), dominates the skyline and provided the backdrop for several key Game of Thrones scenes.

Don’t miss walking along the ancient city walls for panoramic views, crossing the Eiffel-designed iron bridge, or visiting the Arab Baths—an impressive 12th-century structure inspired by Roman bathing traditions.

Girona is also a foodie paradise, home to El Celler de Can Roca, once ranked the world’s best restaurant. For something more affordable, try local favorites like xuixo (sugar-coated pastry filled with crema catalana) at Pastisseria Jordi.

Sitges: Beachside Charm and Cultural Richness

Just 35 minutes by train from Barcelona lies Sitges, a stylish coastal town that combines gorgeous Mediterranean beaches with surprising cultural depth. With 17 distinct beaches stretching across its coastline, you’ll find everything from family-friendly shores to secluded coves.

Sitges has long been celebrated as one of Europe’s most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, hosting vibrant annual events like Carnival and Pride that transform the town into one big party. But there’s plenty to enjoy year-round, from the charming whitewashed old town to the beautiful seafront promenade lined with palm trees and Art Nouveau buildings.

Culture vultures will appreciate the Cau Ferrat Museum (once home to artist Santiago Rusiñol) and the Maricel Museum with its impressive art collection. When hunger strikes, head to El Cable for authentic tapas or splurge on a seaside paella at Restaurante Picnic.

The laid-back vibe makes Sitges perfect for visitors who want a beach day with a dose of culture—and it’s close enough to Barcelona that you can easily return for the evening if you wish.

Costa Brava: Pristine Beaches and Hidden Coves

The Costa Brava (“Wild Coast”) stretches north of Barcelona all the way to the French border, offering some of Spain’s most stunning coastline. While you can’t explore the entire region in a day, several key spots make perfect day trips from the city.

Tossa de Mar, about 1.5 hours from Barcelona, combines a gorgeous beach with a spectacularly preserved medieval walled town (Vila Vella) perched on a headland overlooking the sea. For something more off the beaten path, Cadaqués charms visitors with its whitewashed buildings and connection to Salvador Dalí, who lived nearby in Port Lligat (his house is now a fascinating museum).

The Costa Brava day tours offer tremendous value for travelers wanting to experience multiple beaches without renting a car. Many tours include stops at picture-perfect villages like Calella de Palafrugell with its whitewashed houses and seaside restaurants serving the freshest seafood imaginable.

If you’re traveling independently, consider visiting Lloret de Mar for its accessibility (direct buses from Barcelona) or S’Agaró for its spectacular coastal path. Just remember that summer weekends see beaches packed with locals escaping the city heat!

Tarragona: Ancient Roman Ruins by the Sea

History buffs shouldn’t miss Tarragona, once the capital of Rome’s Hispania Tarraconensis province and now a UNESCO World Heritage site just an hour south of Barcelona by train.

The remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater dramatically overlooks the Mediterranean, creating one of Spain’s most photogenic ancient sites. You can almost hear the roar of the crowd as you stand where gladiatorial contests once thrilled spectators 2,000 years ago. Nearby, explore the impressive Provincial Forum, Roman Circus (once used for chariot races), and the excellent National Archaeological Museum.

Beyond its Roman treasures, Tarragona offers a charming medieval core with the beautiful 12th-century Cathedral at its heart. When history overload hits, head to Playa del Miracle, the city beach just below the amphitheater, for a refreshing dip.

For lunch, venture into the El Serrallo fishing neighborhood for ultra-fresh seafood at bargain prices. Try El Llagut for authentic local cuisine including romesco sauce, Tarragona’s culinary claim to fame.

Figueres: Dalí’s Surrealist Wonderland

If you’re even remotely interested in art, the trip to Figueres (about 1.5 hours by train) is worth it for one reason alone: the Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum. This mind-bending building—topped with giant eggs and decorated with golden bread loaves—houses the world’s largest collection of works by the flamboyant surrealist master.

Dalí designed the museum himself in the building of his hometown’s former theater, creating not just a collection of art but an immersive experience that feels like stepping inside his wonderfully bizarre imagination. Don’t miss the Mae West room, where furniture pieces align to form the actress’s face, or the jewel-encrusted pieces in a special vault-like area.

While the Dalí Museum is undoubtedly the star attraction, Figueres also offers the fascinating Toy Museum and Sant Ferran Castle, one of Europe’s largest fortresses. Consider combining your Figueres visit with a trip to nearby Cadaqués to see Dalí’s home for the complete surrealist experience.

Purchase tickets for the Dalí Museum online in advance—lines can be extremely long, especially during summer months.

Montblanc and Poblet Monastery: Medieval History

For a less touristy experience, head southwest to discover Montblanc’s perfectly preserved medieval walls and towers. This fortified town is famous as the legendary site where Saint George slew the dragon (Catalonia’s patron saint), and its atmospheric old town feels like traveling back to the 14th century.

Just 20 minutes from Montblanc lies Poblet Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest and most complete Cistercian abbeys in the world. This impressive complex contains royal tombs of the Aragonese monarchs and continues to function as a monastery with monks in residence.

This day trip works best with a rental car, allowing you to also explore the surrounding Priorat wine region, known for producing some of Spain’s most prestigious wines. Many vineyards offer tastings with advance reservations—the perfect complement to a day of historical exploration.

Visit during spring to see the countryside abloom with wildflowers or in fall when the vineyards turn golden and crimson.

Beyond Barcelona: Your Perfect Day Trip Awaits

From mountain monasteries to Roman ruins, surrealist art to sun-drenched beaches, these day trips from Barcelona showcase the incredible diversity of Catalonia. Whether you have just one day to spare or can fit several excursions into your itinerary, venturing beyond Barcelona rewards travelers with authentic experiences and breathtaking scenery.

For nature lovers, Montserrat and the Costa Brava day tours offer the most spectacular landscapes. History enthusiasts will treasure Tarragona and Girona. Art aficionados shouldn’t miss Figueres, while beach lovers will find paradise in Sitges.

Whichever destination you choose, remember that summer and holiday periods bring larger crowds and higher temperatures. Consider visiting in shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October) for the ideal balance of good weather and manageable visitor numbers.

Barcelona is magnificent, but some of Catalonia’s greatest treasures lie beyond its boundaries. Don’t miss the chance to discover them!