Catalonia is a varied region rich in history, and almost everything can be reached on a day trip from Barcelona, often by train. Here are the best trips. It is part of the Barcelona guide; for the region see Catalonia.
Day trips at a glance
| Destination | What to see | How to get there | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montserrat | Monastery, Black Madonna, trails | FGC R5 from plaça d'Espanya, then rack railway or cable car | about 1 hour 15 |
| Girona | Jewish quarter, cathedral, riverside houses | High-speed train from Sants | 38 minutes |
| Figueres | Dalí Theatre-Museum | High-speed train from Sants | 55 minutes |
| Sitges | Beaches, old town, museums | Rodalies R2 Sud | 35-40 minutes |
| Tarragona | Roman amphitheatre by the sea, cathedral | Regional or high-speed train | 35-70 minutes |
| Costa Brava | Tossa de Mar, Cadaqués, coves | Bus or car | 1.5-2 hours |
| Penedès | Cava and wine cellars | Rodalies R4 to Sant Sadurní and Vilafranca | 45-60 minutes |
| Vic and Besalú | Medieval market, Romanesque bridge | Train to Vic, car to Besalú | 1-1.5 hours |
Montserrat
About 60 kilometres north-west, Montserrat, the "serrated mountain", rises abruptly with pink conglomerate pinnacles up to 1,236 metres. On its flank stands the Benedictine monastery, Catalonia's spiritual centre, with the basilica holding the Moreneta, the Black Madonna, patroness of the region. At midday on weekdays the Escolania sings, one of Europe's oldest boys' choirs. Funiculars climb to the Santa Cova and Sant Joan, starting point for scenic trails. Get there by FGC R5 train from plaça d'Espanya, then the rack railway or cable car; combined tickets are available.
Girona
Girona is one of Spain's loveliest medieval cities: colourful houses lining the Onyar river, the cathedral with the world's widest Gothic nave and a monumental staircase, the Call, one of Europe's best-preserved Jewish quarters, and walkable walls. It was a filming location for Game of Thrones. In May the Temps de Flors festival fills the city with flowers. See Girona.
Figueres and Dalí's world
In Figueres, Salvador Dalí's hometown, the Dalí Theatre-Museum, with its red façade topped by giant eggs, is the world's largest surrealist object, designed by the artist himself, who is buried there. With a car you can continue to Púbol, Gala's castle, and Portlligat, near Cadaqués, the painter's seaside home-studio. See Figueres.
Sitges
South of Barcelona, Sitges is an elegant town with seventeen beaches, a historic centre of white houses, a baroque church overlooking the sea, the modernista Cau Ferrat and Maricel museums, and an open, cosmopolitan atmosphere. It is famous for its International Fantastic Film Festival in October, its Carnival and its LGBTQ+ community. See Sitges.
Tarragona
Ancient Tarraco, capital of the peninsula's largest Roman province, preserves its amphitheatre overlooking the sea, the circus, walls, praetorium and the Pont del Diable aqueduct, all UNESCO-listed, as well as a fine Romanesque-Gothic cathedral and the Balcó del Mediterrani. See Tarragona.
The Costa Brava
North of Barcelona the coast becomes rocky and indented, with coves among pine forests and fishing villages: Tossa de Mar, with its walled Vila Vella by the sea; Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc; Cadaqués, a white artists' village; and Cap de Creus. Reach it by bus or, better, by car; it deserves more than a day. Avoid the most touristy resorts like Lloret de Mar in high summer.
The Penedès and cava
The Penedès, to the south-west, is the land of cava and fine white wines. In Sant Sadurní d'Anoia big houses like Codorníu, with its modernista cellars, and Freixenet offer tours with tastings; Vilafranca del Penedès has the Vinseum wine museum. Many small producers welcome visitors by appointment.
Tips
- For Montserrat leave early: organised groups arrive by midday.
- Book high-speed trains to Girona and Figueres ahead for better fares.
- For the Costa Brava and Penedès a car gives more freedom; many agencies run organised tours.
- Some museums close on Mondays, often including the Dalí Theatre-Museum in low season.
See also itineraries and transport.