1. Day Trips from Barcelona: Barcelona to Girona
Girona is an incredible city to visit, just an hour away from Barcelona by train which makes it one of the best day trips from Barcelona. It has a long history that dates back to the Roman Empire and has some of the most beautiful architecture in Catalonia. Girona also offers visitors a unique cultural experience, with its old Jewish Quarter and excellent restaurants.
When visiting Girona, there are many sites to see. The old town of Girona is a great place to start. You can visit the city walls and gates which date back to medieval times, or explore the narrow cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops and restaurants. Other popular attractions include the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Arab Baths, and the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants.
Girona is also known for its spectacular views of the Pyrenees Mountains, as well as its proximity to Montserrat Mountain.
Train from Barcelona to Girona
Taking the train from Barcelona to Girona is easy and fast. Trains leave every 30 minutes or so and the journey takes between 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes depending on which type of train you take. Tickets range from 13 Euros to 65 Euros. Tickets in Spain are always less expensive if you purchase them in advance, rather than waiting til just a couple of days before your trip.
To look at the train schedule for trains from Barcelona to Girona go to Renfe’s website.
2. Day Trips from Barcelona: Barcelona to Montserrat
Montserrat is a famous mountain range located near Barcelona that hosts a unique, historic 12th-century monastery. The mountain offers breathtaking views of both Girona and Barcelona as well as miles of hiking trails, making it one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona.
Traveling by Train from Barcelona to Montserrat
You can take a train from central Barcelona to Montserrat and then catch a cable car or hike up to the monastery at the top. In order to purchase the correct ticket you will need to decide whether you would like to take a rack railway or a cable car from the bottom of Montserrat Mountain to the top. You will then have the choice of a number of combination tickets that include round-trip journeys without any extras, your journey plus entrance to the museum, etc.
3. Day Trips from Barcelona: Barcelona to Penedes Wine Country
Situated mid-way between Barcelona and Tarragona, Penedes may not be the most widely known area of Catalunya but it has much to offer visitors. Beyond Cava, the sparkling wine that has brought recognition to the Penedes region, the Penedes region also produces many fantastic still wines (both red and white). The Penedès Wine Route is a group of wineries and businesses, managed by the Penedès Tourist Board, that offer eno and gastro-tourism experiences in the Penedès area: wineries, accommodation, restaurants, museums, local produce shops, and tourist services. With close to 70 wineries to visit and hundreds of restaurants, inns, hotels, bed and breakfasts, museums, etc. the Penedes Wine Route makes an excellent region to take an overnight trip to Penedes.
Beyond wine, Penedes also has plenty to do for outdoor lovers, those interested in history and architecture (the region features dozens of historic monasteries, fortresses, etc.), and foodies looking for unparalleled gastronomic experiences.
Traveling from Barcelona to the Penedes region is easy by car or train. However, if you intend to visit wineries or do outdoor activities, driving is going to be the best option. Either way, when it comes to great day trips from Barcelona, Penedes is a good option.
4. Day Trips from Barcelona: Barcelona to Priorat Wine Country
The Priorat wine region in Catalunya has long been famous for its red wines made with grapes grown on steep terraced hillsides that rise up along narrow, winding roads.
The best way to travel to Priorat wine country from Barcelona is to drive, as it’s not possible to visit wineries without a car and most villages in Priorat are very small and only reachable by car or bus. Depending on which village you are traveling to, the drive can be anywhere from a little over two hours to two and a half hours.
Driving from Barcelona, you’ll pass through picturesque countryside dotted with vineyards and charming small towns. There are over a hundred wineries in the Priorat region, though only around twenty-five are open for tours and tastings/tourism. A great way to experience the region is to make appointments at no more than two wineries and then spend the night (and have dinner) in one of two charming Priorat wine country villages- Falset or Gratallops. Try a third winery on your way back to Barcelona the next day or opt to detour a little bit to the historic hillside village of Siurana.
5. Day Trips from Barcelona: Barcelona to Sitges
Sitges is a coastal city only about 30 miles away from Barcelona, which has so much charm that it’s an incredibly popular tourist destination and one of the easiest day trips from Barcelona. The tiny jewel of a city dates back to the 5th century B.C. and has a long history of trading and fishing. It’s still a thriving port town today, and there are plenty of attractions to explore, from its cobblestone streets and beaches to the many museums, galleries, and churches. Sitges is known for its beautiful architecture, laid-back atmosphere, and Mediterranean resort town vibe, but it’s also got a vibrant nightlife scene.
To get to Sitges from Barcelona, you can take a train from Barcelona. Trains leave every 20 minutes or so from the main station, Barcelona Sants. To look at the train schedule go to Renfe’s website.
6. Day Trips from Barcelona: Barcelona to Siurana
Siurana is a small cliff-side town perched in the mountains above Montsant about an hour and a half from Barcelona. The town’s history dates back to Roman times, with the remains of two different fortifications dotting the mountain slopes. Driving is the best way to get to Siurana as there’s no easy or direct way to get there using public transportation. Driving also offers stunning views of mountains, forests, and olive trees along the way.
Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Siurana for its world-renowned rock climbing and hiking trails, while history buffs appreciate the town’s Romanesque architecture and stunning views of the Priorat region. If you’re short on time, you can visit Siurana as a half-day trip from Barcelona. The drive up the winding mountain road is a bit challenging, but the views are well worth it. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour or hire a private driver for a more comfortable ride.
Due to the village’s small size, Siurana is one of the day trips from Barcelona that people normally combine with a visit to another nearby destination (such as the Priorat wine region).
7. Day Trips from Barcelona: Barcelona to Tarragona
One of the easiest day trips from Barcelona that does not require a car is a day trip from Barcelona to Tarragona. However, should you wish to drive, the trip is only about an hour by car.
The city of Tarragona has a long history and is full of Roman ruins, including a well-preserved amphitheater and a circus. Take a stroll through the old town and explore the Cathedral of Santa Maria, one of the city’s most impressive Gothic buildings. If you have time, head to the beach to soak up the Mediterranean sun.
One of the must-visit attractions in Tarragona is the Roman Amphitheater. Built in the 2nd century AD, this amphitheater was once used to stage gladiatorial fights and other spectacles. Today, it’s a fascinating historical site that offers a glimpse into the past.
Another must-visit site in Tarragona is the Cathedral of Santa Maria. Constructed in the 12th century, this stunning Gothic cathedral features a mix of architectural styles and is a true masterpiece. It sits at the center of Tarragona’s old town quarter, situated at the top of stone steps, framed with fountains, that lead up from narrow streets lined with bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops. After visiting the cathedral, enjoy a Vermut cocktail, a glass of cava, and tapas at one of the many surrounding bars, or walk back to Plaza del Rey (about 300 feet away, traveling left from the front of the cathedral on the main street there).
Tarragona to Barcelona by train
Getting from Tarragona to Barcelona or Barcelona to Tarragona by train is easy, with trains leaving from Barcelona Sants every hour. The journey from Barcelona to Tarragona takes between one hour and an hour and fifteen minutes depending on whether you opt for a high-speed train.
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