Barcelona is one of the most visited Spanish destinations and for very good reason. But if you stay in the city your entire visit you’re missing out on a lot of what Catalonia has to offer. Need an easy solution? Plan a few day trips from Barcelona by train in your itinerary!
There are so many easy places to travel from Barcelona. Barcelona is surrounded by charming seaside towns, historical sites, picturesque mountains, cultural attractions and delicious food. It’s worth leaving the city for a day or two of your Barcelona trip to see the surrounding area.
Spain is an incredible destination with so much to see and do! From seeing the Alhambra in Granada, watching a Flamenco dance in Seville, and swimming in the Sea in Barcelona, there is so much to love about this country. Barcelona should absolutely be on our Spain itinerary.
Explore Catalonia more with these 5 day trips from Barcelona by train that are easy places to travel from Barcelona!
5 Day Trips From Barcelona By Train
Montserrat Day Trip From Barcelona
Montserrat is one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona by train. It’s quick, easy, absolutely beautiful and 100% worth taking a day of your vacation to see. It’s a tiny town with lots to explore and sits amongst a beautiful jagged mountain. At 4000 ft above sea level, the views over the Catalonia countryside are spectacular.
Montserrat is located 30 miles from Barcelona and takes about an hour and a half to get there by train. It is one of the easiest places to travel from Barcelona.
There are 2 great options via public transportation to get there that are very easy to navigate. Option 1 is to train to the base of the mountain and transfer to another train that climbs the mountain. Option 2 is to train to the base of the mountain and transfer to a cable car to climb the mountain. Both are unique and are sure to make for a fun adventure getting to your destination.
Once at Montserrat there is plenty to do. Many people visit to tour the stunning architecture of the Abbey and Montserrat Monastery which holds the Black Madonna statue, while others visit to enjoy hiking in the mountains and the spectacular views that come with it.
Plan an adventure filled day trip to Montserrat while on your Barcelona trip!
Sitges Day Trip From Barcelona
Sitges is a small yet boastingly beautiful coastal town just 20 miles southwest of Barcelona. It is an easy day trip from Barcelona by train as it only takes about 40 minutes followed by a short 10 minute walk through town to reach the beach.
Catch the train at Passeig de Gracia, Sants or Franca and ride the Renfe line to Sitges station. Once you are off the train there is plenty to do to fill your day!
As you wander around the town, there are plenty of restaurants, shops and clothing stores to explore. Admire the adorable tiny whitewashed houses and charming streets as you hop from shop to shop finding the perfect new outfit for vacation or souvenir to bring home.
When you get hungry, take advantage of the amazing fresh seafood restaurants scattered all around the town. Spend some time at the beach soaking up the sun and dipping your toes in the refreshing Mediterranean Sea.
Castelldefels Day Trip From Barcelona
Castelldefels is another adorable beach town near Barcelona. It’s only a short 30 minute train ride to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and arrive in this cute town, making it one of the easiest and best day trips from Barcelona by train.
This town is famous for its long beach on the Mediterranean Sea. There are plenty of umbrellas and chairs for rent on the beach if you’re looking for a comfortable spot and some shade, or you can bring your own or plant your face in the sand! Whatever floats your boat!
Of course with all that time in the sun, you’ll need some refreshments and food to fuel the fun. Take advantage of the many seaside restaurants to enjoy a refreshing drink or tasty meal without losing your spot on the beach! You can spend all day in the sand and have everything you need for an amazing day.
Looking for a challenge or fun new talent to learn? Castelldefels is also the perfect place to try windsurfing if you’re looking for an adventure filled day trip from Barcelona!
Girona Day Trip From Barcelona
Girona is only a 40 minute train ride from Barcelona and there is plenty of things to see and do to fill your day with adventure. In the morning catch the AVANT or AVE high speed train from Barcelona-Sants station to the Girona stop and start exploring.
While in Girona, walk on the medieval walls, called the Passeig de la Muralla. The city walls run on the eastern border of the old town and present amazing views over the city.
Furthermore, view the Onyar River which runs through the heart of Girona. The best views of the river are from one of the several bridges that cross it, Eiffel Bridge being our favorite.
Wander the streets of the Jewish Quarter and explore the charming cobblestoned lanes that were built 500 years ago.
Finally, if you are a Game of Thrones fan, this is a must do day trip from Barcelona by train! Many of the filming sites are here in Girona. Make sure to put a stop at the Girona Cathedral on your days agenda. You might recognize it from Season 6.
Costa Brava Day Trip
Situated north of Barcelona in the northeast of Spain and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea sits the Costa Brava region! Costa Brava has something for everyone including sandy beaches, rocky coves, tranquil villages and mountain scenery.
There are plenty of cute charming beach towns in Costa Brava that are easy day trips from Barcelona. Many are an easy train or bus ride from the city like Blanes, Tossa de Mar or Lloret de Mar.
Others are more accessible by car and can be reached within a 1 to 2 hour drive. Some beautiful beach towns we loved were Cadaques, Roses and Sa Tuna but our absolute favorite was Tamariu.
Tamariu is a true hidden gem in Costa Brava! This tiny beach town is surrounded by beautiful cliffs and lined with tasty seafood restaurants. Spend your day swimming in the crystal clear Sea, soaking up the sun on the beach, hiking the cliffs and feasting on the delicious fresh seafood!
Bonus Day Trip From Barcelona (if you have a car)
Andorra Day Trip
Andorra is a small landlocked principality that sits high in the Pyrenees mountains bounded by Spain and France. Unfortunately there are no trains that travel to Andorra, but it’s only a 2.5 hour drive from Barcelona and absolutely worth a day trip if you have access to a car.
Andorra has incredible skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer, making it a great year round destination. It’s also known as a shoppers paradise due to its duty-free and tax haven status. Andorra is home to a beautiful natural spring complex which is the perfect place to soak after a day filled with activity.
Lastly, take a ride down Andorra’s Tobotronc, a thrilling alpine coaster through the mountains! You’ll enjoy stunning views while riding down the mountain!
Enjoy your trip!
There you have it, 5 amazing day trips from Barcelona by train or bus! Plus a bonus day trip if you have access to a car! Barcelona is an amazing city to explore, but it’s also worth taking a day or two of your Europe trip to escape the city and explore the beautiful surrounding sites!
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