Barcelona is a city that captures your heart with its rich history, vibrant culture, and architectural wonders, and three days may be just enough to experience its highlights. However, beyond the city’s borders lies a treasure trove of adventures waiting to be discovered. From serene mountains and ancient Roman ruins to charming coastal villages and even another country, the areas surrounding Barcelona offer an incredible variety of experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or beach lover, these day trips will add a new dimension to your Catalonian adventure. Here’s a guide to some of the best destinations you can explore just a short journey from Barcelona.
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Montserrat
Monserrat is just 45km away from Barcelona and around an hour drive away from the city. It is home to the Montserrat monastery and the Basilica of Monserrat, as well as the famous Black Madonna statue. Aside from that, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore, so make sure to not miss that out!
Best Way to Get There:
Take the R5 train from Plaça d’Espanya station in Barcelona to Monistrol de Montserrat. From there, choose between the rack railway (Cremallera) or the aerial cable car (Aeri de Montserrat) for a scenic ascent to the monastery. If driving, it’s about a 1-hour journey via the C-58 and C-55 highways.
Best tour option:
Barcelona to Montserrat: Guided Tour & Return Bus Transfers – Leave the bustling city behind and start your day exploring the hills with a guided tour, beginning at a central café to fuel up for the adventure.
Costa Brava
This beautiful coastal region is located on the north of Barcelona and is perfect for a one day tour. It offers fishing villages, secluded coves and crystal-clear waters. To make your experience memorable, you can opt for a boat tour and enjoy some fresh seafood, or simply relax on its beaches…
Best Way to Get There:
The easiest way is by car, especially if you want to explore multiple towns along the coast. Drive north along the AP-7 or C-32 highway (1.5–2 hours). Alternatively, take a Sarfa bus from Barcelona’s Estació del Nord to towns like Lloret de Mar or Tossa de Mar for a direct route.
Best tour option:
Costa Brava Beach Trip from Barcelona – Explore the enchanting town of Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava, where history, natural beauty, and stunning beaches come together for an unforgettable day trip.
Girona
Girona is a city outside of Barcelona known for its historic old town, Roman ruins and stunning cathedral. If you are wondering what to do outside Barcelona, you should definitely consider visiting this medieval walled town. Once there make sure to stop by the Jewish Quarter and climb the city walls.
Best Way to Get There:
Hop on a high-speed AVE or AVANT train from Barcelona’s Sants station to Girona, which takes about 38 minutes. Regional trains are also available and take around 1.5 hours. For drivers, it’s a smooth trip along the AP-7 highway, taking about an hour.
Best tour option:
Girona Guided tour & Dali Museum from Barcelona – Experience a day trip from Barcelona to medieval Girona and the Dalí Museum in Figueres, exploring Girona’s Old Town with a guide and delving into Salvador Dalí’s art and history at his iconic Theater-Museum.
Tarragona
If you are a history fan, Tarragona is your place! It has some of the most well-preserved Roman ruins including an amphitheater, aqueduct and a forum. You can also check out the Tarragona Cathedral and enjoy the beautiful beaches of the city.
Best Way to Get There:
Take a RENFE train from Barcelona’s Sants or Passeig de Gràcia stations to Tarragona, with travel times ranging from 30 minutes (high-speed trains) to 1.5 hours (regional trains). Driving takes about an hour along the AP-7 or C-32 highway.
Best tour option:
Tarragona Guided Tour with Free Time – Embark on a 6-hour guided tour from Barcelona to Tarragona, blending history, culture, and coastal charm, with scenic countryside views along the way in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
Sitges
Sitges is one of those hidden gems that you wish you knew earlier. Now, that I share this with you, make sure to visit it. This crowd-less city offers some of the most picturesque views over the Mediterranean and great beach places!
Best Way to Get There:
The fastest and easiest option is the RENFE R2 train from Barcelona’s Estació de França, Passeig de Gràcia, or Sants stations to Sitges. Trains run frequently, and the journey takes just 30–40 minutes. If driving, take the C-32 highway, which is about a 45-minute trip.
Best tour option:
Tarragona and Sitges Tour with Small Group and Hotel Pick Up – Explore the rich history and coastal charm of Catalonia on this small-group day tour from Barcelona, visiting Tarragona’s ancient Roman ruins, Sitges’ bohemian old town, and the inviting San Sebastian beach, with hotel pick-up and drop-off included.
Andorra
Are you in for an adventure? Are you in for visiting a totally new country on a day trip? If yes, then you can simply opt for Andorra day trip from Barcelona. Located in the Pyrenees Mountains, Andorra is 3 hours away from Barcelona.
You can visit its beautiful capital Andorra la Vella, go hiking, biking while checking the Coma Pedrosa Natural Park. There’s plenty of things to do and you will for sure be mesmerized by the beautiful nature of Andorra.
Usually, there are small group tours that go on a full day guided tour to Andorra that offer a hotel pick up. So, make sure to look for something like that!
Best Way to Get There:
Andorra is best reached by bus, with companies like Andbus or Directbus offering daily departures from Barcelona’s Estació del Nord or El Prat Airport. The journey takes about 3 hours. If driving, take the C-16 highway through the Pyrenees, allowing for scenic mountain views. Guided tours are also a popular option, often including hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Best tour option:
From Barcelona to Andorra Small Guided Group Day Tour – Enhance your Barcelona getaway with a small-group day tour to Andorra, exploring landmarks like the Mirador del Roc del Quer and Santuario de Meritxell while uncovering the country’s unique culture, history, and traditions.
ENJOY YOUR DAY TRIP FROM BARCELONA
Exploring beyond Barcelona’s city limits opens the door to a diverse array of unforgettable experiences, from the spiritual serenity of Montserrat and the historic charm of Girona to the sun-drenched beaches of Costa Brava and the ancient Roman ruins of Tarragona. Whether you’re captivated by culture, nature, or seaside relaxation, these day trips offer a deeper connection to the region’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes. With a little planning and an adventurous spirit, you can make the most of your Barcelona visit and create memories that extend far beyond the city. So pack your curiosity, venture out, and discover the incredible destinations waiting just a short journey away.
