A major mistake you could make when visiting Barcelona is not planning day trips from Barcelona. There are vineyards, beaches, medieval cities, and mountains to explore, all of which are easily accessible by public transit and day tours.
When I went, we visited Montserrat and Girona, but there were still many other places near Barcelona that we didn’t have time to see. If you’re planning your trip, I suggest spending at least 4 days in Barcelona, as you can use two days to explore the city and another two for day trips.
The best day tours from Barcelona offer something for everyone, so don’t be shy—find your perfect Barcelona trip in the list below!
1. Girona: Game of Thrones Day Trip
The iconic Onyar River, where the colorful homes reflect onto the water.
Girona is one of the easiest day trips from Barcelona, just 40 minutes away by train. We spent two days here, although most of the sites could be done in a day. The city has ancient roots, with medieval architecture, a quaint river flowing through the center, and fascinating museums.
But what is this city most well-known for? Well, it was a filming location for Game of Thrones! I’ll admit, I’ve never seen it… But if you’re familiar with the series, you’ll know King’s Landing and Braavos when you see them in Girona!
My top favorites were walking the old city walls (with amazing views) and visiting the cinema museum (the best 7 euros spent!).
Other top activities include the Girona Cathedral, the Girona history museum, and the Arab Baths.
The famous Besalú Bridge dating to the 12th century.
Best Girona Tour Options:
While you can go on day tours from Barcelona to Girona only, some amazing day tour options include other locations that are best accessed (and enjoyed) via a tour!
Interested in art? Visit Girona and Figueres in a single-day trip; it’s the hometown of Salvador Dali.
Alternatively, you can visit Girona and hit the beach in Costa Brava—perfect for a summer tour with history spliced in!
And for history lovers, immerse yourself in medieval vibes with one of the best day tours from Barcelona that covers multiple towns, including Girona and Besalú.
How to get there: You can catch the train to Girona from Barcelona or explore on a guided day tour. For history buffs, some tours even include visits to other historic towns, so you can make the most of a day trip.
2. Monserrat Mountain: Best Day Trip for the Views
The views in Montserrat never fail!
Montserrat is unlike any mountain range I’ve ever seen, and it’s easy to get to from Barcelona!
The simplest day trip to Montserrat Mountain includes exploring the village nestled into the mountain and visiting the monastery. You can even go on guided hikes of the mountain, but do be aware of the weather conditions, as it can get very hot in the summertime.
When I went, we did the classic Montserrat day trip, which included the cogwheel train and Black Madonna. I 100% recommend it because those are two very important aspects in the history of Montserrat. The ticket also included an audiovisual experience and free liquor tastings!
Some mini liquors I bought after the tasting.
Speaking of liquor tastings, Montserrat is home to loads of local goodies and a farmers’ market. One of my favorite parts of the trip was the farmers’ market with lots of cheese, bread, and honey. If you like cheese, try the mató de Montserrat; it’s a soft cheese they top with honey, and it’s oh so delicious and refreshing.
Klook Tip: If you’re prone to motion sickness, definitely take a tour that includes the cogwheel train or aerial cable car up or down the mountain. The views are spectacular and you’ll only have to deal with the bus ride up or down the mountain one way.
How to get there: Getting to Montserrat by train isn’t too difficult, but it will require a transfer. There are various routes and trains to choose from, so check to see which one is best suited to your accommodation's location. The trip will take about 1.5 to 2 hours.
For the most straightforward option, with historical insights and storytelling along the way, a guided tour is the ideal choice. Plus, it only takes about an hour to get there. The Montserrat day tours have so many options to choose from, so you can really customize your experience, from including the cogwheel train to a tapas and wine tasting.
3. Penedès Wine Region: The Day Trip from Barcelona to Relax
The best day trip from Barcelona comes with wine and these views.
Who doesn’t want to unwind with some Spanish wines? Head to the Penedès Wine Region, just south of Barcelona. It’s one of the best day trips from Barcelona, where you can explore multiple charming towns and wineries either by train or on a day tour.
Stops in the Penedès Region from Barcelona:
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia: Located just an hour from Barcelona, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia is the Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) capital. Two popular winery stops include the Canals & Munné winery and Caves Codorniu.
Vilafranca del Penedès: Vilafranca del Penedès' story dates back to the 12th century, making it a lovely stop for those seeking a blend of history and ancient streets alongside a glass of vino. The most walkable cellar from the city center would be Celler Mastinell. To visit further out ones, you’ll need a guided tour.
How to Get to the Penedès Wine Region: While there are multiple places to visit in the region, public transit from Barcelona to the towns mentioned above is straightforward and takes about an hour to reach. If you want to visit wineries further out, you’ll need to hire a taxi or go on a guided tour.
4. Tarragona: Day Trip from Barcelona for Ruins
See Roman engineering up close at the aqueduct in Tarragona.
Tarragona is one of the best day trips from Barcelona for history enthusiasts, with its cobblestone streets dating back to the Roman Empire. Known as “Tarraco” when it was established in 218 BC by the Romans, it was one of the first settlements of theirs on the Iberian Peninsula.
Tarragona is a cornucopia of ruins, including an amphitheater, aqueduct, praetorium, and more, so don’t miss this spot if you’re a history buff! To get even more fun out of the ancient walkthrough, turn it into a scavenger hunt of Terragona!
If you want to go on a guided tour, one of the best day tours from Barcelona includes both Tarragona and Sitges.
How to get to Tarragona: Tarragona is accessible by public transportation from Barcelona, with one or two transfers depending on your route. The travel time is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. If you prefer a guided tour, check out the Tarragona and Sitges day tour shown above!
5. Andorra & France Day Trip: 3 Countries in a Day
Want to really switch up the vibes? Head into the mountains!
This is one of the best day trips from Barcelona to step into a totally different atmosphere, only a stone’s throw away from Barcelona. We almost did this tour but ran out of time. I’m a bit jealous if you go!
The trip takes you on a journey among the Pyrenees Mountains to Mont-Louis, where you can savor the French culture, cuisine, and most importantly, the views.
From there, the trip continues onto Andorra la Vella, where you can see the melting clock sculpture by Salvador Dali and enjoy free time.
Another benefit of this day tour from Barcelona is the weather.
In the summer, the temperatures in this area are significantly cooler than in Barcelona, making for a perfect break from the heat. And in the winter? While it can get below freezing, you’ll be surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks to soothe your soul.
6. Sitges: Easy Beach Day Trip from Barcelona
History, wine, the beach? Sitges has at it all so close to Barcelona.
Just a 30-40 minute train ride from Barcelona is Sitges, a small city that’s big on wine, parties, and the beach. It’s one of the more relaxing day trips from Barcelona, where you can enjoy dining along the water, stroll the promenade, and lie out in the sand.
With that said, you can find plenty of excitement, like snorkeling, kayaking, and boat rentals. And did I mention the party scene? If you want some great nightlife and fantastic rooftop bars, Sitges has got you covered.
Surrounded by the Penedès wine region, enjoying the wines and cava here is a must. And if you want to incorporate some ancient Roman history into your day trip, there’s a day tour from Barcelona that visits both Sitges and Tarragona in one day.
How to Get to Sitges: The best way to travel from Barcelona to Sitges is by taking the R2S train.
7. Figueres: The Hometown of artist Salvador Dali
Explore the works of Salvador Dalí at the Theatre-Museum in Figueres
If you’re a fan of Salvador Dali (or just art in general), then Figueres needs to be on your day trips from Barcelona list.
Figueres is most well-known for its museums and historical destinations; in particular, the Dalí Theatre-Museum, the Castell de Sant Ferran, and the Toy Museum.
It’s located along the same train line as Girona, and while you could technically try to squeeze both in on one day, I would suggest picking one or the other if you want to explore independently.
Prefer to visit both in one day? A Figueres and Girona day tour from Barcelona is the best option to keep it simple when it comes to planning.
How to Get to Figueres: There’s a direct train from Barcelona to Figueres and it takes about 50 minutes to reach. You can also consider guided tours, especially if you want to visit Figueres and Girona in one day.
FAQs about the Best Day Trips from Barcelona
What's the best day trip from Barcelona?
There isn’t a single answer for this one because each of the day trips from Barcelona offers something to each person's interests. The list below outlines where to go depending on what you’re seeking.
For historic day trips, visit Girona or Tarragona.
For fun and relaxation, visit Sitges or the Penedès wine region.
For arts and culture: Go on a multi-country trip to Andorra and France, or visit Montserrat and Figueres.
What 3 countries can you see in a day from Barcelona?
From Barcelona you can reach France and Andorra in just a few hours drive. Either rent a car or go on a three-country day tour from Barcelona to visit both in one day!
What is the most beautiful town near Barcelona?
There are many beautiful towns near Barcelona, and we can’t pick just one! Some notable ones, though, include Sitges, Tarragona, and Girona.
What countries can I go to by train from Barcelona?
The only country with a direct train from Barcelona is to France. If you want to go to neighboring countries like Portugal, you will first need to take a train from Barcelona to Madrid and then from Madrid to Portugal.
[Destination Card: https://www.klook.com/en-US/experiences/list/barcelona-tours-experiences/c108/]
Now you’re all set to plan your full Barcelona itinerary—day trips included!
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