Where to Find Solitude for a Day in Barcelona

Barcelona stands as one of the world's most stunning cities, but like many popular European spots, its beauty attracts throngs of tourists, particularly in the summer. In June 2021, the port of Barcelona reopened to cruise ships, which had previously brought in a staggering 400,000 visitors each month pre-pandemic. Additionally, locals looking to bask in the sun still flock to the beaches. At its peak in 2019, over 87 million tourists visited Spain, with Catalunya receiving 23 percent of that influx, and 12 million of them wandering the streets of Barcelona. Though those figures dropped in 2020, travelers are now eager to make up for lost time.

Mindful travelers wanting a bit more space can escape the crowds and discover the hidden delights of grDinogo Barcelona. Even within the city, there are lesser-known neighborhoods that offer charm without the chaos. Alternatively, venture into other parts of Catalunya for fresh air, vineyard tours, and beaches where you're more likely to find a spot (though these local gems are seeing increased popularity due to domestic travel post-pandemic). There's no need for a car; all these destinations can be reached in under an hour — some in as little as 10 minutes — via metro, bus, or Renfe, the Spanish rail system.

For a trendy nearby escape: Gràcia

Gràcia, just two metro stops from Plaça de Catalunya, boasts peaceful streets and plazas, a lively restaurant scene, markets, and chic boutiques. Locals cherish its family-friendly, bohemian atmosphere, while visitors enjoy the tranquility of its narrow, pedestrian-friendly pathways. Visit Bar But for a compact yet dependable menu of Catalan delights. For drinks, secure a terrace seat with a local Moritz beer and indulge in some people-watching at the Plaça de la Virreina. Alternatively, sip on natural wine at the popular Bar Salvatge. In mid-August, the narrow streets come alive with decorations for the week-long Festa Major de Gràcia, predominantly made from recycled materials: towering papier-mâché dinosaurs and floating jellyfish crafted from plastic bottles. How to reach it: Just a 10-minute ride from Plaça de Catalunya on the L3 line to the Fontana stop.

For a green getaway: Horta

Experience the countryside vibe without leaving the city at Can Cortada, where you can enjoy a classic Catalan feast featuring pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato), grilled lamb chops, and roasted veggies. The term 'Can' translates to farmhouse in Catalan, and Can Cortada truly embodies this spirit with its lush green lawn, vibrant fuchsia bougainvillea, stone facade, and rustic charm, all set against the backdrop of Horta, a neighborhood bordering Barcelona. During calçot season (January to March), there's a special menu celebrating these seasonal spring onions, resembling slender leeks and served with smoky romesco sauce. A leisurely 15-minute walk will take you to Parc del Laberint d’Horta, where you can explore beautiful gardens, a labyrinth, and a pond housed in a Neoclassical pavilion. How to get there: 20 minutes from Plaça de Catalunya via the L3 line to Valldaura metro station.

For stylish streets and dining: Sarrià

With its picturesque side streets, colorful homes, and charming alleyways, Sarrià’s main thoroughfare, Carrer Major de Sarrià, buzzes in the afternoons when school lets out. The neighborhood cultural hub, Casa Orlandai, built in 1891, features a delightful café adorned with stained glass and original ceramic tiles. Nearby, Foix de Sarrià, a bakery that has thrived for over 125 years, serves delectable treats, while El Tomás de Sarrià is famed for having some of the best patatas bravas in town, served crispy with a generous drizzle of garlicky allioli and spicy bravas sauce. For a refreshing cocktail, head to the boho-chic Bar Treze, whose serene interior evokes the cool breezes of the Balearics. Take a break at Plaça de Sant Vicenç or meander through the secluded, ivy-covered Passatge de Mallofré. How to reach it: 20 minutes on the L6 train from Plaça de Catalunya to either Sarrià or Reina Elisenda stops.

For stunning art and breathtaking views: Montjuïc

Dominating the southern edge of the city, Montjuïc — likely named for the Jewish cemetery located here — offers a wealth of attractions, including Montjuïc Castle, the Fundació Joan Miró museum, and the beautiful Jardins de Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer. The Piscina Municipal (public swimming pool), built for the 1992 Olympics, provides spectacular views of the city. As you descend the mountain, don’t miss Casa Xica for delightful Catalan-Asian fusion or tapas at El Sortidor de la Filomena Pagès, whose charming stained glass windows invite visitors to enjoy a cozy tapas experience. How to reach it: Less than 20 minutes by No. 150 bus from Plaça de Espanya or via funicular from the Paral·lel metro; a cable car from Barceloneta takes under 10 minutes and provides amazing views, though be prepared for potential summer wait times.

For boutique wines: Alella

Located about 10 miles from Barcelona, the charming Alella wine region once served as a summer retreat for the city's elite until the late 19th century; a housing boom in the 1980s left only eight wineries in the area. Today, while the wine is exceptional, many Catalan wineries do not have tasting rooms, so it's wise to arrange tours in advance. Alella is famed for its native pansa blanca grape, which produces light, aromatic white wines. The esteemed Alta Alella Mirgin offers remarkable wines alongside breathtaking views of the coastline and Barcelona; Bouquet d’Alella provides tours, tastings, and unique calçotada meals from January to March. After sampling wines, take a leisurely walk through the town to enjoy the stunning villas and savor tapas at the popular local bar, Companyia d’Alella. Getting there: It takes about 30 minutes by train from Barcelona Sants station to El Masnou. A brief walk south (with the water on your left) leads to the bus stop, where the 690 bus will take you directly into town. Wineries can be reached by taxi or a 10-to-20-minute walk from the town center. There are also two direct buses (e19 or 644) running from Plaça d’Urquinaona in Barcelona to Alella's center. By taxi, the wineries are a quick 20-minute drive from Barcelona.

For everything cava-related: Sant Sadurní d’Anoia

Sant Sadurní d’Anoia is the original home of cava, featuring over 80 wineries and extensive underground cellars where cava has been crafted since 1872. Notable names like Recaredo are conveniently located a short stroll from the train station. Be sure to stop by Simón Coll for some delicious chocolate, or join their tour, available in English twice daily on weekdays and once on weekends. For a taste of elevated Catalan cuisine, visit La Cava d’en Sergi, which offers dishes like duck confit accompanied by apple chutney and port wine sauce. It’s important to reserve wine tours in advance; making restaurant bookings is also recommended, especially during busy weekends in high season. Getting there: A one-hour journey on the R4 Rodalies train from Plaça de Catalunya station to Sant Sadurní d’Anoia (heading toward Vilafranca del Penedès). The town center is just a short walk from the station.

For a relaxed beach experience: Garraf Beach

During peak season, securing a spot to spread your towel along the Catalan coast can be quite a task. Consider visiting the charming Garraf Beach. Arrive in the late afternoon when the sun's intensity begins to ease. The beach is filled with character, featuring a row of vibrant green-and-white fishermen’s cottages facing the waves. Enjoy the sunset at Chiringuito de Garraf, where you can savor simple Spanish tapas like grilled sardines, steamed mussels, and seafood paellas. Don't forget to grab a mojito at Gurugú Iguana before heading back on the train. Getting there: It's a 45-minute ride from Barcelona Sants station on the R2S Rodalies train to Garraf station.

Originally from Florida, Melissa Leighty is a freelance writer and photographer currently residing in Barcelona, Spain, and is the owner of Salut Wine Studio in the city. Gerard Moral is a Barcelona-born photographer specializing in portrait, travel, and lifestyle photography.