Top 12 Fabulous Day Trips From Barcelona

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There is a constant question that keeps popping up every time there is a discussion about traveling, 'What is your dream destination?' While everyone answers the question differently based on their own preference and ideas, Barcelona with its literal 'dream-like' setting will definitely be on the list.
 
Enchanting with its architectural aesthetics and cultural richness, Barcelona will take you on a journey you will never forget. But wait, it is not just Barcelona. There are a dozen other lovely destinations around Barcelona you should check out on your visit to this place. 
 
Equally appealing with so many things to do and see, here is a comprehensive list of top 12 fabulous day trips from Barcelona.
  1. Girona
  2. Montserrat Mountain
  3. Figueres
  4. Sitges
  5. Costa Brava
  6. Begur
  7. Tarragona
  8. Vic
  9. Priorat
  10. Cadaqués
  11. Andorra la Vella
  12. Serra de Collserola

1. Girona - A City Near Barcelona Worth Visiting

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Born at the confluence of the rivers Onyar, Ter, Güell, and Galligants, Girona is an ode to the medieval magic and is characterized by an array of gothic churches, medieval walls, and arcaded houses strung together in a tight embrace.

Take a stroll across the river Onyar admiring the colorful houses, bask in the medieval streets of the Jewish Quarter, and go on a gastronomic journey tasting the local flavors of Girona. Painted in all type of colors, Girona is charming and is one of the beautiful days trips from Barcelona. While you are there, be sure to dine at the phenomenal El Celler de Can Roca. 
 
How to reach: 
  • Drive via AP-7 for 1 hour 20 minutes, approximately. 
  • Multiple buses operate from Barcelona to Girona. Time taken is 1 hour 30 minutes approximately. 
  • Multiple trains available from Barcelona Sants to Girona. Time taken is 40 minutes, approximately.

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2. Montserrat Mountain - An Easy Place to Travel from Barcelona

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Naturally gorgeous with its towering rocky formations, Montserrat Mountain along with the famous Benedictine Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey is a religious retreat from Barcelona, carrying a strong connection to the soul of the Catalan.

Ride on a funicular to the top for breathtaking views of the valley, catch a sight of the Black Madonna in the Abbey, and soak in the lovely Gregorian choir. To relinquish the true essence of the Montserrat Mountain, stay overnight. While visiting do bring in your jacket and lunch as it can get windy and there aren't any restaurants. Montserrat Mountain is a scenic overnight trip from Barcelona. 
 
How to reach: 
  • Drive via A-2 for 1 hour 10 minutes, approximately.
  • Multiple buses operate from Barcelona to Palau Reial and from Palau Reial to Monistrol de Montserrat. Time taken is 40 minutes, approximately. 
  • R5-R50 FGC Catalunya train from Barcelona Pl. Espanya to Aeri de Montserrat.
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3. Figueres - For a Day Out of Barcelona

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Home to the famous Spanish artist Salvador Dali, Figueres is best known for the surrealistic structure of Dalí Theatre and Museum. Dotted with plenty other monuments, Figueres is a historically prominent town in the region of Catalonia.

Be a part of the legacy by exploring the flamboyant attraction of Dalí Theatre and Museum going through the wonderful paintings, artworks, and the collection of jewelry, take a trip down the memory lane by visiting the toy museum of Museo del Juguete de Catalua and understand the history at the impressive Sant Ferran Castle. 
 
How to reach: 
  • Drive via AP-7 for 1 hour 40 minutes, approximately. 
  • 602 Sagales bus from Barcelona to Figueres. Time taken is 2 hours 30 minutes approximately. 
  • Multiple trains available from Barcelona Sants to Figueres Vilafant. Time taken is 1 hour, approximately.

4. Sitges - A Great Weekend Trip From Barcelona

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Overlooking the Mediterranean, Sitges is a seaside resort town in the southwest of Barcelona. The whole town is quaint with a bohemian vibe that catches onto you right after you visit Sitges. Boasting of a wonderful climate year-round, Sitges can be visited throughout the year.

Take a stroll along the palm-lined promenade enjoying the cool breeze from the bay, lose yourselves to the mesmerizing sight of the sunset that fills the horizon with fiery crimson, and visit the Cau Ferrat Museum & Palau de Maricel. Sitges is a great destination for partying all night and is one of the hippest gay-friendly European destinations
 
How to reach: 
  • Drive via C-32 for 50 minutes, approximately. 
  • Autocares MonBus from Barcelona - Gran Via 2 and from Sitges - Parc Can Robert. Time taken is 30 minutes approximately. 
  • Multiple trains available from  Barcelona - Passeig de Grcia to Sitges. Time taken is 40 minutes, approximately. 
  • Bluemar Ferries from Barcelona to Sitges. Time taken is 40 minutes, approximately.

5. Costa Brava - Fun Place To Go Near Barcelona

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Stretching from the town of Blanes to the French border, Costa Brava is a rugged coastal region of Catalonia. A favorite spot for the tourists, Costa Brava consists of unspoiled coves, sandy beaches, high cliffs, and azure waters. Excellent climate & favorable foreign exchange are a plus.

Go on a journey identifying all the hidden gem of a cove in the town, set up a picnic along the pristine beach waters, smoke a barbecue out in the open under the stars, and soak in the unparalleled views of the spectacular scenery. Unexplored by many, Costa Brava is one of the best romantic day trips from Barcelona. 
 
How to reach: 
  • Drive via AP-7 for 1 hour 40 minutes, approximately. 
  • Moventis bus from Barcelona to Tossa de Mar. Time taken is 1 hour 20 minutes approximately. 
  • R1 Barcelona Cercainas train from Barcelona Pl. Catalunya to Blanes. Pujol bus from Blanes to Tossa de Mar. Total time taken is 2 hours 10 minutes, approximately.

6. Begur - Trip to a small town

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Set along the sublime coastline of Costa Brava, Begur is a fairytale tourist town destination, decorated with narrow streets of Moorish and Spanish architecture, neo-classical mansions, and crumbling castles.

Climb up to the ruins of the medieval castle of Castell de Begur, take a leisurely stroll across the winding stone streets, plunge into the turquoise waters of the Sa Tuna beach, check out the tempting array of restaurants, and gaze at the breathtaking views from the top. With a right mix of medieval and tourist spots, Begur is one of the loveliest day trips from Barcelona. 
 
How to reach: 
  • Drive via AP-7 for 1 hour 35 minutes, approximately. 
  • Moventis bus from Barcelona to Begur. Time taken is 2 hours 20 minutes approximately.

Check out: Places to visit in Europe in April

7. Tarragona - Famous Historical Places

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Situated by the Mediterranean Sea, Tarragona is a port city in the northeast Spain. Dotted with a plethora of historical sites that reflect the richness of the Roman history, the gothic flourishes of Tarragona sprinkled with tapas bars offers a unique experience.

Bask in the presence of the marvelous amphitheater overlooking the sea, be stunned by the intricate amount of detailing in the Cathedral Basilica, follow the aroma of the freshly grilled seafood for a sumptuous lunch, and stay transfixed at the stupendous views from the Mediterranean Balcony. Tarragona is a slice of Roman history and one of the cities near Barcelona worth visiting.
 
How to reach: 
  • Drive via via C-32 and AP-7 for 1 hour 20 minutes, approximately. 
  • Multiple buses operate from Barcelona to Tarragona. Time taken is 1 hour 40 minutes approximately. 
  • Multiple trains available from Barcelona Sants to Tarragona. Time taken is 1 hour, approximately.

8. Vic - Medieval Town Close to Barcelona

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Etched in history, Vic is a dreamy medieval town with an authentic Spanish flair to it. Surrounded by mountain ranges on all its sides, Vic strikes a balance between the medieval and the modernist structures, offering an energetic atmosphere for the tourists to enjoy.

Meander along the laneways bypassing the chapels ogling at the ochre and red-brick tinged mansions, get lost in the medieval alleyways, spend time admiring the splendid street artworks, and revel in the one-in-a-kind atmosphere of Vic. For the history and Game of thrones buffs, Vic is one of the must visit day trips from Barcelona. 
 
How to reach: 
  • Drive via C-17 for 1 hour, approximately. 
  • E12 Sagales bus from Barcelona - Av. Meridiana - to Vic. Time taken is 1 hour, approximately. 
  • R3 Barcelona Cercanías train from Barcelona Pl. Catalunya to Vic. Time taken is 1 hour 20 minutes, approximately.

9. Priorat - A Day Trip To Wine Destination

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Abundant with sunshine and vineyards, Priorat is the wine destination of Spain. Boasting of a dramatic landscape of hilly terrain and a pleasant climate that is enjoyable throughout the year, Priorat is refreshing.

Go on a guided tour of the vineyards relishing the taste of the powerful red wines, hike through nature, peek at the wonderful views from the top, and pack your bags with Priorat wines. If you are a wine lover, interested in tasting some bold red wines around Barcelona, then this is the day trip that you should definitely take. Priorat is also popular for hiking day trips from Barcelona.
 
How to reach: 
  • Drive via C-32 for 2 hours 10 minutes, approximately. 
  • Empresa Plana bus from Barcelona - Gran Via 618 to La Vilella Alta and F1 Autocars Domenech bus from La Vilella Alta to Falset. Time taken is 3 hours 40 minutes approximately. 
  • Spanish railways from Barcelona P.Gracia to Marsa-Falset. Time taken is 2 hours 10 minutes, approximately.

10. Cadaqués - Take aBreak From City Life

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Set in the midst of the turquoise waters, Cadaqués is an idyllic Mediterranean village. The relaxed island like feel of the Cadaqués make it a buzzing destination for visitors looking for a break from the scorching sun.

Explore the wild terrain of Cadaques, hike the Cap de Creus National Park with your friends, make a visit to the Dali Museum-House, enjoy the views from the Rutes Cadaques, and relax by the beach doing nothing or take a sunbathe. The beautiful fishing village of Cadaqués is best visited during the summer. 
 
How to reach: 
  • Drive via AP-7 for 2 hours 10 minutes, approximately. 
  • Moventis bus from Barcelona to Cadaqués. Time taken is 2 hours 45 minutes approximately. 
  • Spanish railways from Barcelona P.Gracia to Figueres, Moventis bus from Figueres to Cadaqués. Total Time taken is 3 hours 50 minutes, approximately.

11. Andorra la Vella - Ski Resort Near Barcelona For Weekend

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Perched on top of the mountain ranges of the Pyrenees, the historic quarter of Andorra la Vella is a ski-resort destination near Barcelona. Andorra la Vella is wedged in between green spaces and urban buildings, offering a best of both the worlds.

Take a trip to the Grandvalira Ski Resort to have a gala time with your family, go around the monumental Casa de la Vall which is an impressive piece of history, admire the interesting sculpture of La Noblesse du Temps by the river, and interact with the divine at the Sant Esteve Church. Andorra la Vella is one of the top family day trips from Barcelona. 
 
How to reach: 
  • Drive via C-16 for 2 hours 45 minutes, approximately. 
  • Multiple buses from Barcelona to Andorra la Vella. Time taken is 3 hours 15 minutes approximately.

12. Serra de Collserola - Be One With Nature

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Part of the Catalan Coastal range, Serra de Collserola is a mountain range nestled in between the rivers Bess and Llobregat. Designated as a park, Serra de Collserola is a wonderful journey into nature at its best.

Indulge in birdwatching, go hiking along the natural trails, stop by the eateries and snacks bar en route to refill your energy, interact with the unspoiled nature in place, and ride to the top on a funicular for enthralling views of the valley. Serra de Collserola is for nature lovers and enthusiasts who want to get away from the neon and the noise of the city. 
 
How to reach:
  • Drive via BV-1462 for 50 minutes, approximately. 

Want to explore the city more, read more on Barcelona: The Dreamer’s Dream City!

Have you been to any of these destinations already? Describe your experience in the comments section.  
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