Barcelona, endearingly called Barna by locals, is a fantastic destination to explore. Whether it’s the plazas, churches, and ruins of Old Town, the lush parks, or Montjuic mountain’s Olympic Stadium, there’s a ton to see and do in the town. However, just outside the fringes of this Catalan capital is a whole world of beautiful historic towns, stunning secret beaches, hillside hamlets, and seaside villages. Clearly, the options for the best day trip from Barcelona are many and offer a taste of the bucolic and very real Catalan life beyond the metropolis. They range from Costa Brava towns with bohemian art scenes to dreamy seaside hideaways such as Sitges. Clearly, the captivating Catalan capital is not just a standalone destination but the gateway to scintillating regional jewels. If you can’t choose where to go, read our helpful guide to the 13 best day trips from Barcelona, Spain.
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Alella
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This Alella Wine Tour by Electric Bike is the best day trip from Barcelona. This exclusive wine tour takes you along Barcelona’s coast with stunning Mediterranean Sea views. After passing by the city’s Gothic Quarter, you head to Alella in the protected Serralada de Marina National Park. Stroll through the historic vineyards of a family-run organic winery where the guide will tell you all about the winemaking process. Your tour even includes tasting three amazing and very different wines by professional sommeliers. Your tour ends with a picnic amidst the lush scenery where you can taste local products such as fruit, cheese, bread, and more.
- Tour duration: 7 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1/2 an hour from Barcelona
- Transportation: Electric bike
Caribe Aquatic Park
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Families with children will have a ball on this Caribe Aquatic Park Full-Day Tour From Barcelona. Board an air-conditioned coach to enjoy water-based thrills at this PortAventura park. Kids will have a ball going down slides, rafting, and enjoying the waves, even as parents can relax on a lounger. What’s more, the entire park is peppered with more than 4,000 tropical plants that give it a very shaded look. So, you don’t have to worry about being in the sun between rides. Its biggest attraction is King Khajuna, the highest free fall water slide in Europe! In short, the water park is a fantastic combination of relaxation and excitement, offering the entire family a unique adventure.
- Tour duration: 12 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1.5 hours from Barcelona
- Transportation: A/C coach
Andorra, France, and Spain
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Imagine touring three countries in a day – that’s the 3 Countries in 1 Day Small-Group Tour for you. This best day trip from Barcelona takes you around Spain before lunching in France and heading to Andorra! The first stop is the medieval Catalan village of Baga, with spectacular views of Cadi-Moixero National Park. After crossing the border into France, the first stop is the ancient Ax-Les-Thermes spa town. There are some excellent natural fountains with healing waters where you can soak your feet – they come guide-recommended. Choose from one of the myriad local spots for a traditional French lunch. The post-lunch sojourn is through the Pyrenees Alps into Andorra and its capital, Andorra la Vella. Your tour ends just in time for pre-dinner tapas and drinks in Barna!
- Tour duration: 12 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 3 hours from Barcelona
- Transportation: A/C minivan
Montserrat
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Montserrat is one of Catalonia’s most important mountains. With its breathtaking views, gothic shapes, and unique massif, it’s a proud symbol of and for the Catalan people. This Full-Day Montserrat & Wine Small Group Tour begins with your guide introducing you to this “magic mountain,” even as you soak in the stunning landscapes of this region. After exploring the ancient monastery, head to a local, family-run winery, where you get to dig into an exquisite tasting menu paired with the best wines in the region.
- Tour duration: 7 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1/2 an hour from Barcelona
- Transportation: Electric bike
Costa Brava
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The Costa Brava Half-Day Tour from Barcelona is the best day trip from Barcelona. The actual name of this region is the Girona coast, which was christened Costa Brava due to its rugged coastline of crystal clear water, pine forests, and small coves. This tour takes you to two villages in southern Costa Brava, Lloret de Mar, and Tossa de Mar. The former is the main tourist village, with a promenade, beaches, and narrow cobblestoned streets. The next village is a Dofijet (boat) tour away and is famous for its Medieval remains, caves, and beaches. In fact, the Old Town of Tossa is one of the Catalan Coast’s few remaining fortified medieval towns. Dig into the region’s gastronomic offerings and wander the villages’ charming streets.
- Tour duration: 9 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1.5 hours from Barcelona
- Transportation: Comfortable bus with Wi-Fi
Figueres and Cadaqués – Salvador Dali
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Bella Ciao, anyone? This Salvador Dalí Tour from Barcelona is one for Money Heist fans and fans of the Spanish surrealist artist. Your first stop is Figueres, where you’ll see the legendary and eclectic Dali Museum and his birthplace near Cadaqués. The artist’s work isn’t displayed in an organized manner, which is how Dalí wanted visitors to see his massive collection. Cadaques is a beautiful coastal village famous for narrow streets and whitewashed Mediterranean homes. You can also relax on the beach, grab a sandwich, or dig into seafood for lunch. Finally, you head to Port Lligat, where the artist is said to have sought the peace and quiet that truly inspired him.
- Tour duration: 11 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 2 hours from Barcelona
- Transportation: A/C minibus
Tarragona and Sitges
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This Tarragona & Sitges Small-Group Full-Day Tour is one of the best day trips from Barcelona. The well-designed tour blends Roman ruins with beachside lazing! The first stop is the breathtaking 2,000-year-old Roman Aqueduct in Tarragona, also known as El Pont del Diable (The Devil’s Bridge). The city center is next, complete with a historic Old Town, Roman stone walls, a cathedral, and even an antique market. You even get to see the spectacular Roman Amphitheatre, after which you depart for Sitges via the intimate village of Roc de Sant Gaieta. Sitges is the site of one of the world’s best gay beaches, where you can lounge after a leisurely lunch. Aside from the long, sandy beach, the town is famed for its Mediterranean atmosphere, shaded side streets, and avant-garde sights.
- Tour duration: 11 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1.5 hours from Barcelona
- Transportation: Minivan
Catalonia Medieval Villages
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There’s something utterly romantic about the medieval villages of Catalonia, and this Catalonia Medieval Villages Day Tour from Barcelona takes you around them. Your tour of the Catalan countryside begins in the ancient Middle Ages town of Besalú, complete with a medieval synagogue and an old 12th-century Jewish bath. The next stop is the utterly charming town of Rupit, with 16th-century stone houses by the river. The scenic drive continues atop the Cingles de Tavertet sandstone cliffs to the village of Tavertet. What’s more, this village is a “National Property of Cultural Interest,” thanks to the 48 preserved houses from the 17th-18th centuries. During the tour, you also have the choice of taking ins stunning views, drinking the local coffee, and more.
- Tour duration: 10 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 2 hours from Barcelona
- Transportation: Minivan
The Pyrenees Alps
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This best day trip from Barcelona is for the outdoors lovers! How would you like to hike the Pyrenees with a local guide telling you tales of the region? This Small-Group Pyrenees Hike does just that and then some. The hike begins in the picturesque town of Queralbs to Núria, one of Catalonia’s most iconic hiking routes. What’s more, you get to learn a lot about the flora, fauna, legends, and history of this region as you enjoy the hike. Finally, you see the Núria Sanctuary, which lies at the heart of the Pyrenees. Moreover, it has great cultural and religious significance and is surrounded by a bevy of mountains called the “l’Olla de Núria.”
- Tour duration: 9.5 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 3.5 hours from Barcelona
- Transportation: A/C minivan
Collsacabra Cliffs
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This Collsacabra Cliffs Hike and Rupit Tour is another gem of a tour for those who love the outdoors. Board an A/C minivan to the hidden Catalan gem of Rupit, from where you begin hiking to the Collsacabra Cliffs. What’s more, the path goes through gorgeous forests along the breathtaking Collsacabra cliffs. On your way, you’ll see many natural gems, such as Catalonia’s highest waterfall, Salt de Sallent. And if you’re very, very lucky, you might even have eagles fly close to you! Post the hike, dig into local Catalan delicacies at the medieval town of Rupit.
- Tour duration: 9 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 2 hours from Barcelona
- Transportation: A/C minivan
Penedes
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The Wine, Cava, Tapas & Vineyards 4WD Experience in Penedes is one of the best day trips from Barcelona. This 6-hour excursion takes you to the gorgeous region of Penedès, where you can learn all about the fascinating world of wine. Penedès, which sits between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, is a prime region for winemaking. Firstly, you stop at a boutique winery, complete with a subterranean wine cellar helmed by an experienced winemaker. Here, you’ll not just learn about the grapes and winemaking but even get the chance to taste four fine wines.
A traditional manor house visit is next, surrounded by a stunning rural and bucolic landscape – and even a Romanesque church! The final visit is to a historical winery and sprawling ancestral estate that specializes in the naturally sparkling wine that is cava. Furthermore, you’ll even get to taste four unique types of cava, each paired with a unique appetizer.
- Tour duration: 6 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1 hour from Barcelona
- Transportation: Luxurious 4×4 vehicle
Sailing in Barcelona
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Do you want to splurge on a luxurious tour in Barcelona? How about one on the water? This 8-Hour Exclusive Sailing Experience in Barcelona is one of the best ways to see this gorgeous Catalan capital by water. Board a luxury sailing yacht at Port Vell. Breathe in the fresh Mediterranean air as you experience an entire day at sea, all while being guided by a professional skipper. Moreover, you even get to enjoy refreshments and snacks on board as some of Barcelona’s best sights go by, including the historical castle of Montjuic.
- Tour duration: 8 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: N/A; this tour is in Barcelona.
- Transportation: Luxury sailing yacht
Medieval Girona Tour
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Girona is one of the most fascinating cities in Catalonia and can be explored on this best day trip from Barcelona. The Medieval Girona Tour first takes you to the city center for a walking tour where you discover the sights of the old town. These include homes along the Onyar River, some Game of Thrones locations, and La Rambla, one of Girona‘s most important plazas. Plus, you can even walk along some of the medieval walls and marvel at the sweeping views of the old town. Since this tour also gives you time to explore on your own, you could walk around the winding alleys, get something to eat, buy souvenirs, or take the guided tour of the cathedral.
- Tour duration: 6 hours
- Distance from nearest city/town: 1.25 hours from Barcelona
- Transportation: A/C Coach
Just So You Know
- Did you know that the founding of Barcelona is disputed? One side claims that Hercules founded the city around four centuries before Rome was built. On the other hand, the second camp believes that the father of Hannibal, Hamilcar Barca, found the city. The name of the city itself is derived from Carthage’s Barca family, who ruled the region in 3 BC.
- Barcelona also happens to be one of the world’s most bicycle-friendly cities. Not only does it have close to 180 km (112 mi) of bicycle lanes, but it also has one of the world’s most successful bike-sharing programs.
- Until 1992, Barcelona didn’t have beaches. Rather, the sea face was occupied by local industries, all of which changed after the city hosted the 1992 Olympics. Today, it’s home to seven beaches and one of the world’s most gorgeous coastlines. Do you want to stay by the sea? Here are the top Barcelona beach hotels.
- Barcelona is spread over a massive area of more than 100 sq. km and is the largest city on the Mediterranean coastline and is Spain’s second-largest. So, check out our comprehensive list of the top things to see and do in Barcelona.
