Barcelona Day Trips

Best Day Trips From Barcelona Spain

• Cardona & Montserrat (with Wine-Tasting!): Hiking or wine? If you can’t choose, this is the tour for you! It combines Medieval Castles, stunning salt mines and a liquid brunch at the legendary Montserrat mountains. Yes, all in a one day trip from Barcelona!

• Costa Brava from Barcelona: The Costa Brava is famed for its rugged cliffs and turquoise sea. Discover the beauty of the “Brave Coast” on this tour which takes you to two typical fishing villages, including Tossa de Mar. Wander around the medieval cobbled streets and enjoy the delicious local cuisine. 

• Tarragona Barcelona Day Trip: History lovers this one is for you! The nearby town of Tarragona has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has some of the most preserved Roman ruins in Spain. Feel the ghosts of the Gladiators in the ruined Amphitheater and walk along the “Devi’s Bridge” aqueduct.

• Dali Triangle: The infamous Catalan artist is known for his surrealist paintings (and iconic mustache!). On this action-packed Barcelona day trip, you will visit the Dali Museum in the medieval town of Girona and the picturesque capital of surrealism, on Figueres day tours.

• Portaventura & FerrariLand: For all you thrillseekers and adrenalin junkies out there, now is your chance to ride the tallest rollercoaster in all of Europe! Thrilling rides and attractions for the whole family. Warning: the queues can be just as long as the rollercoaster! Book your fast pass Portaventura tickets to jump those lines.

• Costa Dorada Sailing Experience: Leave the hustle & crowds in Barcelona city and step onto your private sailboat. Your skipper will take you around the breathtakingly beautiful Costa Dorada. Learn basic sailing techniques, stop to snorkel, or soak up the sun. Sailing the “Gold Coast” truly is a golden experience!

• Barcelona Sailing, Vineyards & Wine-Tasting: Sailing the Mediterranean or sampling local organic wines at a rural vineyard. Why choose? For an exclusive, luxurious, and memorable day, book this Barcelona Day trip now.

Instagrammer #Excursions In Barcelona

If your phone memory is full of Sagrada Familia selfies then its time to head out of the city! For photographers and Instagrammers, the best Barcelona day trips offer a plethora of stunning snaps. Here are some ideas to get you started: 

• Montserrat Panorama: a Montserrat day trip from Barcelona may take a few hours, but your reward will be stunning views out of this world. Not up for the hike? The rack railway & cable car will take you up!

• Costa Brava underwater shot: Got a waterproof camera? These waters are famous among scuba-divers as the clearest in the Mediterranean Sea.

• Cathedral Steps of Girona: Whether you are a fan of the Game of Thrones series or you simply love a dramatic angle, strike a pose on these steps. Don’t forget your itinerary for your 24 hours in Girona day tours? 

Got a winner? Choose your best snap from one of the three most instagrammable spots listed above, post it on your IG, and tag #dotravelgram to be featured. 

Barcelona Day Trips: Vacation Tips

Overwhelmed by the choice? Whether you are looking to explore a quaint village or go on a hiking adventure, there will be an excursion for you! Here are some tips on the best choices based on your way to travel: 

• Hiking: Day trips from Barcelona to France are possible, and will take you to the rugged Pyrenees mountain range. For trips closer to the city, Montserrat has tons of hiking & climbing trails. Or in the winter months, take the train from Barcelona to La Molina for a full day skiing!

• Gourmet: For weekend getaways from Barcelona for lovers of fine wine and good food, then the towns of Girona, Besalu & Altafulla are renowned for their Catalan cuisine. Also anywhere the Michelin starred Roca brothers have set up a restaurant is also a must stop! 

• Beach: Take the train from Barcelona to the Costa Brava for water sports and scuba diving, and drive up the Costa Dorada for sunbathing and sunsets. Or visit the “Waikiki Beach” in Tarragona, nicknamed for looking like a landscape straight out of Hawaii.

• Culture: For Roman history and medieval ruins, the towns of Tarragona & Besalu are most famous. Vic is also a historic town near the national park of Montseny. Also, don’t miss the Jewish Quarter and Arab Baths of the medieval city of Girona.

• History: Rupit, Pals, and Peratallada are some of the most beautiful and ancient villages in the whole of Catalonia. These are the perfect full day trips out of Barcelona for architecture and history lovers. 

Prepare For Your Barcelona Getaway

Is the smell of croissants wafting over the border tempting you to head off on one of the Barcelona day trips to France? Or, do you have mountain peaks on your mind and a Barcelona to Andorra day trip? For weekend getaways and overnight trips from Barcelona, Spain is your oyster! Jump on the train to catch a flamenco show in Granada, or head off on a day trip from Barcelona to Madrid to explore the capital. 

What will you need? Whether it is the beach, mountains or a weekend getaway to one of the cities near Barcelona, here are some essential must-pack items across the board: 

• Water: Beat the heat and stay hydrated! 

• Sunscreen: No holiday is improved by getting too much sun.

• Rain jacket or umbrella: Yes, even in Spain there’s rain! 

• Passport: some sites and attractions may require photo ID. Also, who knows where the day trip could take you? First stop, a Barcelona to Girona day trip, next stop, France! 

• Spare cash: especially in the smaller towns and villages outside of Barcelona, card machines and ATMs may be in short supply so travel prepared.

• Swimsuit or trunks: For mountain rivers, sparkling coves or perhaps a municipal swimming pool, you never know! 

• Snacks: Remember, most shops shut between 14 and 17 in Catalonia. Don’t get caught out hungry, pack a few energy bars or “frutos secos” (mixed nuts and fruits) in your bag just in case. 

Day Trips From Barcelona: By Distance

The snow-capped mountains of the Pyrenees...or a rural village nestled along the rugged Costa Brava coast...that’s all very well but you do only have one day! If you are short on time and want to experience the best side trips from Barcelona, here are some ideas with a breakdown of distance and your transport options: 

Portaventura (111.7km) & Salou (113km): Barcelona day trips from Salou take about 1 hour 14 minutes. The Barcelona day trip to Portaventura also takes around 1.30 hours, and both leave from the Barcelona Sants Train station. Got wheels? Driving takes 1.30 hours for each. 

Barcelona Day Trips Girona (102.2km): Driving to Girona from Barcelona only takes 1.20 hours, but parking can be a pain. Trains take between 1.30 and 1.40 hours. For a hassle-free journey where you can sit back and enjoy the view, why not reserve a guided tour and let the rest be done for you? 

Barcelona Day Trips Montserrat (61.2km): This spectacular craggy mountain monastery is a must-see. If you have access to a car, it should take just over an hour (traffic depending). Trains leave from Placa Espana only. For an all-in-one tour, check out all the Monsterrat package deals. 

Costa Brava: Forget about public transport. This area is famous for its crystal clear water, winding cliff roads and boutique restaurants, but it is not well-connected by bus or train from Barcelona. If you want to explore the stunning Costa Brava coastline north of Barcelona, you need a car or to book a Costa Brava day trip from Barcelona. 

Barcelona to Sitges Day Trip (40.1km): For travelers short on time and looking for a quick and easy beach break, this one is for you! Sitges is a cosmopolitan and charming seaside town just a 45-minute drive or around a 1.30-hour train/bus from Barcelona. Or why not combine Tarragona & Sitges in a private tour or a half day tour by coach.