Discover the 10 best day trips from Barcelona, featuring stunning sights and gorgeous beaches

You could spend countless weeks in Barcelona, always finding new neighborhoods to discover, activities to enjoy, delicious food to sample, and bars to visit.

However, for a glimpse of Catalan life beyond the city – or just for a refreshing change of scenery – embark on a day trip from Barcelona to explore the mountains, beaches, and charming towns just a short journey away. Here are the 10 finest quick getaways from lovely Barcelona.

1. Enjoy breathtaking vistas in Montserrat

Travel time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

The mountain of Montserrat houses Catalonia's most sacred site, the monastery of the same name. The views are breathtaking, so wear sturdy shoes – and if the season is right, you might enjoy a choir performance inside the basilica. Afterwards, you can take the funicular or walk to the Santa Cova, where La Moreneta – a revered virgin effigy – was discovered, or hike up to Sant Jeroni peak for a magnificent view of the valley.

Getting to Montserrat from Barcelona: FGC's R5 line trains run every half hour to hourly from Barcelona's Plaça d’Espanya station. From there, take the AERI cable car to the monastery at the Montserrat Aeri stop. Alternatively, travel one stop further to Monistrol de Montserrat, where cremallera trains ascend to the monastery every 20 to 40 minutes.

2. Leave the city behind for the serene forests of Collserola

Travel time: 15 minutes

Residents of Barcelona flock to the expansive Parc de Collserola in the hills for a break from urban life. The park features numerous walking and cycling paths, along with farmhouse-style eateries. Grab a map of the various trails at the information center located at Carretera de l’Església 92, near the Baixador de Vallvidrera FGC train station. Adventurous visitors can hike across the hills to Sant Cugat and catch the train back to Barcelona from there.

Getting to Collserola from Barcelona: Take the FGC suburban train from Plaça de Catalunya, Carrer de Provença, or Gràcia to Baixador de Vallvidrera.

3. Lounge and celebrate in Sitges

Travel time: 40 minutes

The charming, whitewashed town of Sitges is ideal for seaside strolls and sunbathing, so during warmer months, the central beaches can get quite busy. Fortunately, there are plenty of options, allowing you to choose a perfect spot for sunbathing (or even skinny dipping at the nudist beach) before enjoying a seafood meal at a nearby restaurant.

But Sitges offers more than just beaches. If you appreciate contemporary art and the Modernisme movement, the elegant old town features many beautiful buildings, several of which house museums worth visiting. The town also boasts an exciting nightlife and a lively LGBTIQ+ community. One of Spain's most renowned Carnaval celebrations occurs here (dates vary each year), and the Sitges International Film Festival takes place in October.

Getting to Sitges from Barcelona: Regular trains run from Barcelona Passeig de Gràcia and Sants between 5am and 10pm. Monbus operates every 15 to 50 minutes.

4. Stroll through a rainbow in Girona

Travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

The old town of Girona features a charming cluster of ancient arcaded buildings, majestic churches, and steep cobbled streets, all dominated by the impressive cathedral. Before the expulsion of the Jewish community in 1492, Girona was home to a significant Jewish population, and the Museu d’Història dels Jueus shares their rich history.

For a glimpse into another era, check out the 12th-century Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths), which served as a filming site for Game of Thrones, along with the lovely Romanesque Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants. Take a leisurely walk along the Onyar River to admire the colorful houses lining its banks or head to the newer part of town, where you'll discover fantastic tapas bars.

If you're feeling indulgent, Girona is also home to one of the world's top restaurants: El Celler de Can Roca.

Getting to Girona from Barcelona: Board a train from Barcelona, which departs approximately every 30 minutes.

5. Unwind in the friendly and welcoming Vilanova i la Geltrú

Travel time: 45 minutes

Located just down the coast past Sitges (accessible via a lovely hour-long cliffside walk), Vilanova i la Geltrú is a larger, more authentic town that has historically focused on fishing and industry rather than tourism, offering a refreshingly down-to-earth vibe.

If you're looking to spend a day at the beach, Vilanova i la Geltrú is an excellent choice. The area features some nice, spacious beaches (head south for a charming little cove) and an intriguing railway museum, the Museu del Ferrocarril.

Getting to Vilanova i la Geltrú from Barcelona: Regular trains operate from Barcelona between 5am and 10pm.

6. Immerse yourself in Roman history in Tarragona

Travel time: 1 hour

Similar in size to Girona, Tarragona is famous for its Roman heritage. Since the Museu d’Història de Tarragona – home to the main Roman sites – gets busy from mid-morning onward, it's wise to start your visit at the Amfiteatre Romà and the Fòrum Provincial, or explore the excellent Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona, which provides a great overview of the city’s remarkable Roman history.

After that, visit the magnificent cathedral and then enjoy lunch at one of the many nearby restaurants or in the fishing district of El Serrallo, known for its excellent seafood eateries.

Getting to Tarragona from Barcelona: The train station is located a 10-minute walk south of the old town, close to the beach, with trains running to and from Barcelona every 10 to 30 minutes.

7. Embrace the surreal in Figueres

Travel time: 2 hours

Figueres boasts beautiful Modernista architecture, a vast 18th-century castle, and a charming toy museum, the Museu del Joguet, but it is most famous for the Teatre-Museu Dalí.

Originally a theater, Dalí transformed it into a palace of surrealism, surrounded by towering red walls adorned with giant eggs, statues resembling Oscars, and plaster croissants. Inside, you'll discover paintings, a jewelry collection crafted by Dalí, and amusing trompe l’oeil installations. A ticket to the Teatre-Museu Dalí also grants you free access to the Museu de l'Empordà, an exceptional art and archaeology museum regarded as one of the finest in the region.

Getting to Figueres from Barcelona: Figueres train station, located 800m (0.5 miles) southeast of the city center, offers trains to and from Barcelona every half hour.

8. Travel back in time in medieval Montblanc

Travel time: 2 hours

Montblanc is a sizable medieval walled town with a good variety of dining and accommodation options. While it's certainly worth visiting on its own, having a car is ideal for exploring the Cistercian Route, which features three stunning monasteries at Poblet, Vallbona de les Monges, and Santes Creues. To see all three, plan to set out early in the day.

Getting to Montblanc from Barcelona: Five direct trains operate daily from Barcelona Passeig de Gràcia and Sants, with the first departing around 7am.

9. Explore the local markets in Vic

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Vic, known for its charming historic center and excellent dining options, sits on the flatlands of La Plana de Vic south of the Pyrenees and is easily accessible by train from Barcelona. Plaça Major, Catalunya’s largest central square, features a mix of medieval, Baroque, and Modernista buildings. It continues to host regular markets, earning it the nickname Plaça del Mercadal.

Getting to Vic from Barcelona: Regular rodalies trains (line R3) connect Barcelona and Vic.

10. Discover hidden gems in Colònia Güell

Travel time: 40 minutes

In addition to La Sagrada Família, Gaudí's final major project was the design of an ideal textile workers' community for his wealthy patron Eusebi Güell, located in Santa Coloma de Cervelló, just outside Barcelona. Gaudí's primary contribution was to construct the community's church, Colònia Güell, though he only completed the crypt, which is now open to visitors. The columns, primarily made of brick, support the ribbed vaults of the ceiling and are uniquely angled, resembling the way trees lean in a forest. This design is crucial for understanding the principles behind his masterpiece, the Sagrada Família.

Getting to Colònia Güell from Barcelona: Take FGC lines S4, S8, or S33 to reach Colònia Güell.