As a visitor to the beautiful city of Barcelona, you may be looking for exciting day trip options to make the most of your time in the area. With so many choices for destinations outside the city, it can take time to narrow them down. This article provides an overview of five of the top day trip spots around Barcelona that allow you to experience a variety of sights, from breathtaking mountain views to charming coastal towns. With this article, you’ll be able to plan an unforgettable day seeing the highlights surrounding this vibrant city.
1. Explore the Majestic Montserrat Mountains
To reach the summit of Montserrat, the best way is to take the cable car. The 5-minute ride offers stunning views of the mountain range and surrounding countryside. At the top, you’ll find the Santa Maria de Montserrat monastery, a Benedictine abbey founded in the 11th century. Explore the basilica and museum to learn about the history of Montserrat.
Montserrat has over 20 miles of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. For an easy hike, the 1-hour trail to Sant Joan offers panoramic vistas of the Llobregat River valley. The more challenging 4-hour trail to Sant Jeroni rewards you with views of the Pyrenees mountains.
A day trip to Montserrat offers natural and cultural wonders just an hour from Barcelona. Ride the cable car up, go hiking, visit the monastery, and dine on delicious Catalan fare. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this holy mountain and spiritual retreat in the otherwise bustling region of Catalonia.
2. Relax on the Beaches of Sitges
The beautiful beach town of Sitges, located just 35 kilometres south of Barcelona, is an ideal day trip destination to unwind by the Mediterranean Sea. Stroll along the promenade, dotted with palm trees and lined with restaurants and bars, and soak in the lively yet laid-back atmosphere. You can find a spot on one of the 17 beaches, the most popular being Platja de la Ribera and Platja de Sant Sebastià, and spend the day sunbathing, swimming or paddling. Beyond the beaches, Sitges has a rich culture and history. Visit the Museu Cau Ferrat to see a renowned collection of Catalan art, or wander the old town with its charming plazas and churches.
A day trip to the picturesque beach town of Sitges offers the perfect escape from Barcelona. Between the Mediterranean setting, cultural attractions, cuisine and nightlife.
3. Discover the Roman Ruins of Tarragona
As the capital of the Roman province of Hispania Citerior, Tarragona was once a thriving centre of trade and commerce. Today, the city preserves many well-preserved Roman ruins that offer a glimpse into its prosperous past. Walking through the ancient stone archways and amphitheatres, you can almost hear the hustle and bustle of daily life during the height of the Roman Empire.
One of the most impressive remnants of Tarragona’s Roman history is the Circ Roma, a second-century amphitheatre that could seat up to 15,000 spectators. Although some parts have crumbled over time, much of the original structure remains, including the tunnels and chambers beneath the arena floor where gladiators and animals were kept before events. Climbing the stone seating and looking out over the arena, you can feel the energy that once filled this space.
At the heart of the ancient city stands the Roman Forum, a large public square lined with government buildings and temples. While only a few columns remain of the original buildings, the layout of the Forum is still evident. As you walk the grounds, notice the fragments of pottery, brick, and stone underfoot, small details that bring the history of this place into sharper focus.
Other remnants of Tarragona’s Roman past include the Roman Circus, the Aqueduct, and the Praetorian Tower. The Archaeological Museum houses many artefacts found in and around the city, including coins, pottery, sculptures, and mosaics that illustrate what life was like during Roman rule.
A trip to Tarragona offers a chance to step back in time and truly understand the scale of the Roman Empire at its peak. With its wealth of historic sites, Tarragona deserves a spot at the top of your list of day trips from Barcelona.
4. Wander the Medieval Streets of Girona
Girona, located only 60 miles north of Barcelona, is a charming medieval city that provides an ideal day trip destination from Barcelona. Its historic centre is one of the best preserved in Europe, with narrow cobblestone streets, picturesque plazas, and architecture from the Romanesque to Baroque periods.
The old city, located on the east side of the Onyar River, contains many of Girona’s architectural and cultural attractions. Walk along the Passeig de la Muralla, a stroll atop the old city walls with panoramic views of the Pyrenees mountains and surrounding countryside. Stop by the Girona Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church in the Gothic style, and climb the church’s tower for stunning vistas. The Jewish Quarter, one of the best preserved in Spain, showcases the history of Girona’s once-prominent Jewish community.
The River Onyar divides Girona into the old and new parts of the city. Colourful houses line the river, their reflections shimmering on the water. Cross one of Girona’s many bridges, like the Pont de Pedra or “Stone Bridge,” to explore the new town, with shopping, dining, and nightlife options.
A trip to Girona provides a glimpse into Catalonia’s rich history and culture. Wandering the labyrinth of medieval streets transports you to another time, while world-class architecture, cuisine, and natural scenery make this an unforgettable destination. Only a short trip from Barcelona, Girona deserves a spot at the top of any traveller’s list of places to visit in Spain.
5. Cruise Along the Scenic Costa Brava Coastline
The Costa Brava region in Catalonia is home to over 200 miles of coastline featuring secluded bays, sandy beaches, and the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. To experience the natural beauty of this area, a cruise along the coast is highly recommended during your day trip.
One of the highlights of the Costa Brava coast is the town of Tossa de Mar, featuring a preserved medieval old town enclosed by defensive walls. Walk along the ramparts to take in panoramic views of the sea and coastline. The main beach in Tossa de Mar, Platja Gran, is a lovely crescent of golden sand nestled between pine-clad cliffs.
Just south of Tossa de Mar, the Jardins de Cap Roig contain exotic botanical gardens perched on a cliff top with stunning sea vistas. The gardens feature Mediterranean plants as well as species from all over the world, including giant cacti, palm groves and a lily pond.
Further down the coast, the popular resort town of Lloret de Mar offers an expansive beach, a picturesque church perched on a hillside, and a castle overlooking the sea. Take a stroll along the beach promenade, which is lined with shops, restaurants and bars.
At the northern end of the Costa Brava, the charming village of Cadaqués attracts artists and bohemians. Walk around the narrow cobblestone streets, visit the church of Santa María, and dine at one of the many seafood restaurants. Just outside Cadaqués, Cap de Creus Natural Park features a dramatic coastline, hiking trails and secluded beaches.
A cruise down the scenic Costa Brava coastline allows you to experience this region’s natural beauty and charming towns in a leisurely manner. From botanical gardens to medieval ramparts, and sandy beaches to a bohemian village, there are many highlights along the coast worthy of exploring during your day trip from Barcelona.
From the sacred mountain of Montserrat to the sun-drenched beaches of Sitges, the day trip destinations surrounding Barcelona offer a wealth of experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether delving into ancient history in Tarragona, wandering through medieval streets in Girona, or exploring the wild coastline of the Costa Brava, each destination promises a unique glimpse into Catalonia’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
