Best Barcelona day trips:

beaches, coastal towns, historical villages, and more!

Originally published February 22, 2022. Updated February 2024

All images are courtesy of the Spain Less Traveled team, unless otherwise stated.

Girona, Spain.

What is the best day trip from Barcelona?

“What is the best day trip from Barcelona?” is one of the most common questions that we here at Spain Less Traveled see. It is also something that is frequently asked in our Travel Spain! community.

Like just about every Spain travel question, there is no “one size fits all” answer to this.

You might like to check out our Catalonia guide.

The best Barcelona day trip for you will depend on your unique interests, travel style, what sorts of things you want to see and do, and how you plan on getting around.

So we’ve broken it down for you in this handy guide!

And of course, if you need any personalized help planning your unique trip to Spain or trying to weave some of these day trips into your Barcelona Spain travel itinerary, we are here to assist!

The top day trips from Barcelona:

Girona

Be sure to walk Girona’s old city walls.

Located northeast of Barcelona and just over an hour away by car, Girona is every history buff’s dream. It’s medieval Roman walls are still a well-intact site to see! Built between the 9th and 14th centuries, take a stroll along the ancient walls for great views of the city. 

Make sure to take a tour of the Arab baths archeological site that was built in the 12th century. While the baths closed in the 16th century, visitors can marvel at the exquisitely detailed interiors. 

Girona’s Jewish quarter is incredibly well-preserved and feels like you have stepped back in time. Take a tour through the Jewish history museum to further dive into the life of the Jewish community here. Another quarter to not miss is the Barri Vell, or gothic quarter; similar to the one in Barcelona, Girona’s gothic quarter is where you’ll find the stunning cathedral. While Girona does not sit on the Mediterranean coast, visitors will not only discover brilliant architecture but enjoy a lovely view of the Onyar river.

Girona’s most astounding attraction is the Cathedral de Santa María, one of the top cathedrals in Spain. The Romanesque and gothic style mix is not only impressive, but this cathedral has one of the largest naves in the world. In addition, for Game of Thrones fans, sites of Girona were featured in many scenes in season 6 of the award-winning show, including the cathedral, the monastery and the Arab baths. You can take a tour specifically for Game of Thrones filming locations or an inexpensive guided general tour around the cathedral.

Besalú

Besalú’s famous 12-century bridge and historic center. Photo courtesy of Canva Pro.

An important town during the middle ages, Besalú is just northwest of Girona.

Considered to be a town of historic importance, Besalú’s main sight is the 12th-century Romanesque bridge that crosses the Fluvià River.

However, many visit Besalú as it has a significant amount of Jewish history. Here you can find a restored mikveh (Jewish bath) and the remnants of a medieval synagogue. Amongst the other religious monuments, you can also find the churches of Sant Pere, Santa María, and Sant Vicenç, dating back as early as the 11th century. Look at the details as you fill find Gothic and Romanesque design techniques.

Nature lovers will want to make sure to venture to the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa Nature Reserve, which is very close to the town.

Besalú was also the filming site for season three of the popular tv series Westworld, giving travelers yet another reason to visit!

Tarragona

The Tarragona amphitheater with the Mediterranean Sea in the background.

Just over 60 miles southwest along the Costa del Garraf, the town of Tarragona hosts beautiful coastal views and stunning Roman ruins that include an amphitheater, aqueduct, and circus, all of which are well-preserved. The circus was the site for many horse-drawn races and currently lies under 19th-century buildings. You can visit many of the numerous vaults underground that have been uncovered in recent years.

Historic centers are always a must and Tarragona is no exception. The historic center, or Trinquet Nou, is centrally located and makes for a great stop to have a caña along your historic site tour. The Tarragona Cathedral is just a short walk away and is a gothic masterpiece with a touch of Romanesque influence that you cannot miss. The cathedral also holds a vast collection of medieval artwork.

For a more serene beach trip than Barceloneta beach, visit L'Arrabassada beach where you can swim out to a platform and relax with the waves.

Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar castle views.

This small beach town paradise is just over an hour's drive northeast of Barcelona and just south of Girona. This is one of the top-rated towns in Cataluña’s famous Costa Brava.

Tossa de Mar’s historic center, Vila Vella, sits higher in elevation and has a gorgeous view of the Mediterranean coast. The walls and the towers of the center have been well-preserved and inside you’ll discover plenty of bars restaurants and shops to explore. It’s a great combination of modern mixing with old. 

The Tossa de Mar castle is one of the most photogenic spots in this coastal town as it also sits next to the popular Platja Gran beach. There are several facilities and bars to use and enjoy along this beach and you can book boat tours.

Cadaqués

Cadaqués’ natural harbor.

A coastal town also on the Costa Brava with a significant art scene, Cadaqués was once a sleepy fishing village. These days it attracts visitors from places near and far, thanks to its beautiful setting in the middle of the Cap de Creus near the cape of the same namesake.

Salvador Dalí spent his holidays in Cadaqués with his family when he was a child and then lived nearby as an adult for almost 50 years. You can visit his residence, Casa Museu Dalí, nearby. Closer to the town’s center is the Museu de Cadaqués, with rotating exhibitions often featuring Dalí.

For beach lovers, the whitewashed village features wonderful beaches and calm coves. It is also a popular spot for diving, surfing, and windsailing.

The Cap de Creus Natural Park is also a great place to go hiking with sweeping views.

Cadaques is technically a little too far for a day trip in our opinion, but we wanted to include it as many travelers go for this option and the village is spectacular.

Montserrat

Montserrat’s monastery and impressive natural surroundings. Photo courtesy of Canva Pro.

Montserrat is a significant stop in this region and getting there from Barcelona is an adventure in itself!

This mountainous wonder is visited by thousands of tourists a month for the monastery of Santa Maria and adventure hiking. Visit the monastery’s famous statue of the Virgin Mary and enjoy the view from the terrace.

If you are lucky, you may get to hear the Boy’s Choir perform. They are one of the oldest choirs in Europe.

The natural surrounding area is popular amongst hikers of all levels depending on the route. Go by cable car to get the best views of the valley over the river Llobregat. On the way up to the monastery, be sure to stop at the local market for local artisanal products.

Sitges

Sitges’ quaint historic center.

Just 40 minutes south of Barcelona, the beach town south of Sitges is famous for its coastal views and LGBTQIA-friendly environment. Walk around the old town center and visit the baroque church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla. 

Drink cocktails and enjoy traditional seafood along Passeig Maritim. Don’t forget to stop off at a Chiringuito (small beach bar) if you have a trip to the beach in mind.

Sitges is also renowned for its floats and extensive celebrations during Carnival so if you find yourself here during this time, you’re in for a fun time!

Finally, Sitges is noted as being one of the premier LGBTI+ destinations.

Figueres

The Museo Dalí.

North of Girona, Figueres is known as the birthplace of famous artist Salvador Dalí so fans of the eccentric artist must visit the Casa Natal and the Teatro Museo Dalí. The castle of Sant Ferran is one of the biggest fortifications in Europe and you can take a self-guided or guided tour.

Walk along Figueres’ authentic rambla (long street) in the center to get a taste of the laid-back localities.

Wine and Cava Regions

Poppies in bloom with vineyards in Penedès. Photo courtesy of Canva Pro.

You can't explore Catalonia without appreciating the wine and cava! An hour south of Barcelona is the beautiful, small region of Penedès. You can deep dive into the history of wine and cava here and take speciality classes such as creating your own cava and private wine tours.

In addition, the town of Priorat is a beautiful representation of Catalonian cultural heritage. It is a perfect day trip for wine lovers where you can tour the vineyards of DOQ Priorat and DO Monsant. The fertile soils here have been appreciated since ancient times which resulted in Penedès and Priorat becoming the largest producers of Spanish cava in the world.

Vic

Vic’s historic center.

Toward the Pyrenees, the town of Vic is incredibly important in the stand for Catalan independence. Visit the still-standing Roman temple and take a stroll through the medieval market for local products.

The 11th-century Benedicitine monastery of Sant Pere Casseres is a short drive away but worth a visit for the lovely views of the countryside. For meat eaters, sample some of their famous embutidos (traditional cured meats) which are famous throughout the entire region.

Start planning your unique trip to Spain today!

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Special thanks

Special thanks to Carlos Casuso and Salina Owens for their wonderful contributions to this piece.