Top Day Trips from Barcelona

With a city as beautiful as Barcelona, you may well wonder why you would ever want to leave. But as fantastic as Barcelona is, there are so many great places to visit nearby that are all within just a few hours’ travel from the city. So next time you head to Barcelona, why not explore a bit further afield by visiting one of the following locations?

1. Montserrat

Montserrat Mountain is an easy trip by train from Barcelona, with a number of trains heading here from the city each day. It is also one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona, and there are a number of organized tours operating here if you’d prefer.Montserrat is an attractive, and quite strange-looking, mountain. The best way to see it is on the cable car, from which you will be able to admire the strange and attractive rock pillars on your way up. At the top you will find the ninth-century monastery, from where spectacular views can be enjoyed. If you’re feeling adventurous you should also take advantage of the great trekking opportunities on offer.

2. Tarragona

Tarragona is a great option as a day trip for anyone who is a bit of a history buff. Here the main attraction is the spectacular Roman ruins which will be well worth the trip on their own. Tarragona is just over an hour away from Barcelona so it is easy to reach, and you could travel here by train or bus. When you arrive you will find the remains of the ancient amphitheatre, but perhaps of greater interest is the well-preserved aqueduct. There are lots of other important historical remains, and you should also take the opportunity to visit the impressive Gothic cathedral.

3. Figueres

Admittedly, the overwhelming reason that most people decide to visit Figueres is to visit the world-famous Dalí Museum, or the Teatre Museu Gala Salvador Dalí. If you are a fan of the painter then this is an absolute must. Dalí was born here and he actually designed the museum himself, which remains his biggest surrealist piece of work. Figueres is just a two-hour train ride from Barcelona, so it’s easy to visit the town in a day. You can also take a guided tour from Barcelona. Apart from the museum it is a pleasant place to spend some time, with plenty of cafes to enjoy and a picturesque Old Town to explore.

4. Girona

Girona is a beautiful medieval city that’s located about one-and-a-half hours from Barcelona if you travel by train. It is a very attractive city and situated on the side of a hill. It is simply a great place to stroll around and admire the architecture, and you’ll be able to enjoy the relative peace in comparison to the big city of Barcelona. There are a number of attractions to visit during your time here, including the Roman Baths, the Cinema Museum, and the attractive Jewish quarter.

5. Salou

Salou is an attractive seaside resort about 92 km from Barcelona. The many splendid beaches attract people from all over the region, but an even greater draw is the Port Aventura theme park. This huge theme park has many fantastic rides, and is a great day out for the whole family. But beyond the theme park, Salou is also a pleasant place to stroll around enjoying the scenery, and you should also head to the Salou Promenade, an attractive landmark that stretches along the coast of Llevant Beach. As it is quite a touristy location there are plenty of amenities here, making it an ideal day trip from Barcelona.

Author : Rob Griggs