Golden beaches, rugged mountains, medieval hamlets, and rolling vineyards—Catalonia is a region full of contrast and charm. This guide explores the best day trips from Barcelona, complete with ideas for guided tours and how to get there with ease.
So, you’ve wandered through the Old Town, admired Roman ruins, snapped Gaudí’s wild creations, strolled Montjuïc’s museums, and sipped wine in breezy parks. You’ve even ticked off every cool experience your guidebook promised… and yet, you’re craving something more.
Good news: just beyond the hum and rhythm of the city lie sacred mountains, ancient monasteries, golden beaches (cleaner than Barceloneta, trust us), lush vineyards, dramatic national parks, and sleepy Catalan villages that feel a world away from the buzz.
If the city’s energy is starting to wear thin, it might be time to escape the noise and see what the rest of this stunning region has to offer. Whether it’s hiking in the Pyrenees, wine tasting in Penedès, kayaking on the Costa Brava, or simply soaking up postcard-perfect views, the best day trips from Barcelona offer a chance to reconnect—with nature, culture, and calm.
Hop on a train, grab a rental car, or join a guided tour—these gems are closer than you think. Let’s dive into the real Catalonia.
Recommended Read: Best Hotels in Barcelona for Your Luxury Stay in 2025
1. Montserrat Mountain
Montserrat Mountain is one of the best day trips from Barcelona, located just 38km from the city. This sacred site is famous for its jagged limestone peaks, breathtaking views, and the revered Black Madonna housed in the Benedictine Abbey. Visitors can reach Montserrat via train from Plaça Espanya, followed by either the Rack Railway or Cable Car. The convenient Trans Montserrat ticket covers transport, the funicular, and basilica access.
Alternatively, the Tot Montserrat includes museum entry and a Catalan lunch. For those preferring guidance, top-rated day trips from Barcelona include: a Cog Wheel Train tour (€74 with basilica entry), a winery and abbey tour (€103.95 with tapas), and a scenic hike with choir visit (€79). Each offers unique ways to experience this iconic Catalan landmark. Booking in advance is recommended to secure spots and skip queues. Whether for nature, history, or wine, Montserrat guarantees a memorable escape from the city.
2. Penedès Wine Region
Penedès Wine Region is one of the best day trips from Barcelona for wine lovers. Just 50 minutes south of the city by train, this scenic region is famed for producing Cava—Catalonia’s answer to Champagne—as well as acclaimed reds and whites. The capital, Vilafranca del Penedès, and nearby towns like Sant Sadurní d’Anoia offer rich enotourism experiences. Visitors can explore wineries independently via the R4 train line or join expert-led tours.
Top day trips from Barcelona include the Create Your Own Cava workshop at a boutique winery, where guests bottle their own sparkling wine; a Private Penedès Wine Tour with hotel pickup, tastings, and Catalan lunch; or a 4×4 Small Group Tour with 7 tastings, cheese, jamón, and vineyard rides. All options are available on Get Your Guide and provide a perfect blend of wine, culture, and countryside charm—ideal for anyone looking to escape the city and indulge in Catalonia’s finest vintages.
3. Sitges
Sitges is one of the most effortlessly charming day trips from Barcelona, offering a perfect mix of culture, relaxation, and coastal scenery. Just 35–45 minutes away by train from Sants or Passeig de Gràcia stations, this picturesque seaside town boasts 17 sandy beaches (including nudist options), a vibrant Old Town, and a warm, inclusive vibe that appeals to both families and the LGBTQ+ community. Famous for its whitewashed streets, blooming balconies, and laid-back cafes, Sitges also has a cultural side with museums like Cau Ferrat and a history of nightlife—Pacha’s first club opened here in 1967!
While many visitors explore Sitges independently, some best day trips from Barcelona combine Sitges with other iconic destinations. The Sitges & Tarragona Tour (€98.50) includes Roman ruins and free time in both towns, while the Montserrat & Sitges Tour blends mountain monasteries with beach relaxation. Both are highly rated and available on Get Your Guide, making for a convenient and enriching escape from the city.
4. Tarragona
Tarragona is one of the most historically rich day trips from Barcelona, especially for lovers of Roman heritage. Once more influential than Barcelona itself, ancient Tarraco offers a stunning amphitheatre overlooking the sea, Roman walls, and an impressive aqueduct known as the Devil’s Bridge—located just 4km outside the city. Alongside its Roman roots, Tarragona also charms with a Gothic cathedral and a colourful Old Town ideal for slow wandering. While the beach is less accessible due to railway lines, Tarragona is best appreciated for its culture and history, not sunbathing.
Easily reachable by train from Barcelona Sants in 1–1.5 hours (or 30 minutes via AVE), it’s a smooth and scenic journey. Among the best day trips from Barcelona, the Tarragona & Sitges Tour (€98.50) and Tarragona & Sitges Private Tour (from €140) include Roman highlights and coastal charm in one experience. Both are available on Get Your Guide and ideal for curious explorers.
5. Figueres
Figueres stands out among the best day trips from Barcelona for one surreal reason: the Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum. Opened by Dalí himself in 1974, this striking museum occupies the town’s former municipal theatre and houses the world’s largest collection of surrealist art. It’s a must-visit for art lovers and day trippers alike, drawing fans from around the world. Booking museum tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season. Beyond Dalí, visitors can also explore the impressive Sant Ferran fortress nearby.
Figueres is accessible by train from Barcelona Sants (also stopping at Passeig de Gràcia and Clot-Aragó), with a journey time of around two hours. Trains depart every 30 minutes, costing €12–15 each way. Visit https://ca.visitfigueres.cat/ for local tips and updates.
For curated experiences, the Girona & Dalí Museum Tour (€87) includes museum tickets and a guided walk through Girona’s historic center. For true Dalí enthusiasts, the Dalí Museum, House & Cadaqués Tour (€109) explores the museum, Dalí’s coastal home in Port Lligat, and scenic Cadaqués. Both are available on Get Your Guide.
6. Girona
Girona is one of the most culturally rich and visually striking day trips from Barcelona, just 40 minutes away by fast train. With its cobbled streets, preserved Jewish Quarter, Gothic cathedral, and iconic houses along the River Onyar, Girona charms visitors with every step. Its recent claim to fame comes from Game of Thrones, where key scenes were filmed on the cathedral steps, in the Arab Baths, and throughout the medieval city—though even non-fans will appreciate the historical beauty on display.
Trains from Barcelona Sants to Girona run frequently and cost around €16 each way. The quick journey makes Girona a perfect choice for a relaxed yet enriching escape from the city.
Among the best day trips from Barcelona, Girona offers excellent tour options. The Game of Thrones Walking Tour covers historic sites and filming locations with expert commentary. For those wanting more scenery, the Girona & Costa Brava Tour includes time in seaside villages like Calella de Palafugell and even a swim stop. Girona is a destination that blends fantasy, history, and natural beauty into one unforgettable experience.
7. Cadaqués
Cadaqués is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque day trips from Barcelona—a postcard-perfect fishing village on the Costa Brava that has inspired greats like Picasso and Salvador Dalí. With its whitewashed buildings, terracotta rooftops, and crystal-clear bays surrounded by green hills, Cadaqués is ideal for those craving coastal charm and artistic heritage. Visitors can stroll through Cap de Creus’ coves or visit the Salvador Dalí House Museum in nearby Port Lligat (advance booking required).
However, getting there isn’t straightforward. There are no direct trains; instead, Moventis/Sarfa buses depart from Estació del Nord and take roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes. While not ideal for a quick visit, it works well for an overnight stay or long weekend.
For those without a car, organized tours offer a smoother alternative. The Dalí Museum & Cadaqués Tour includes stops in Figueres and Port Lligat, while the Girona, Figueres & Cadaqués Tour adds the medieval allure of Girona to the mix—all making Cadaqués one of the best day trips from Barcelona for art, beauty, and Mediterranean serenity.
8. Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar is one of the most accessible and rewarding day trips from Barcelona, especially for those craving a blend of history and beach time. This Costa Brava gem is best known for its Vila Vella—the only fully preserved medieval walled town on the Catalan coast. Perched above the sea with turrets, cobbled paths, and a lighthouse, the old fortress offers breathtaking views. After a short walk around the walls, visitors can unwind on the sandy beach just below. Adventurous travellers can also hike to the hidden Cala Pola beach via scenic forest trails.
Reaching Tossa de Mar is easy, with around 12 buses a day leaving from Estació del Nord and taking about 1.5 hours. Tickets range from €10–15 each way, making this one of the best day trips from Barcelona in terms of public transport convenience.
Popular excursions include a full Costa Brava Day Tour with Lunch, or a more relaxed Tossa de Mar Beach Tour with optional fortress visit and plenty of free time.
