5 Best Day Trips from Barcelona, Spain!
Looking for the top day trips from Barcelona to put on your itinerary?
Barcelona is one of the most exciting cities in the world. There are many must-do things to do in Barcelona, but it is also the perfect base from which to explore more of Catalonia, the region of northeast Spain where Barcelona is located.
From the serrated peaks of Montserrat to the beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava, there are many diverse destinations for day trips from Barcelona. You can even check off a couple other countries on a Barcelona day trip if you so choose!
Explore the majestic Montserrat Monastery and witness the revered Black Madonna. This premium small-group tour offers an intimate experience of this spiritual site. Check price and availability now!
Excited? Let’s discover the BEST day trips from Barcelona.
A Quick Look at the BEST Guided Day Tours from Barcelona
| Montserrat (History, Culture, Views) | Half-Day with Wine/Tapas; Cogwheel Train with Wine/Tapas; Cogwheel Train and Black Madonna |
| Girona (History, Culture, Architecture, Views) | Girona + Costa Brava; Montserrat + Girona + Costa Brava |
| Costa Brava (Adventures in the Water) | Kayak + Snorkel + Cliff Jumping Tour Costa Brava |
| Girona + Dali Museum (Art, Architecture, History, Culture) | Full-Day Tour of Girona plus the Dali Museum in Figueres |
| Tarragona + Sitges (History, Beach, Views) | Full-Day Tour UNESCO Roman Ruins in Tarragona + Sitges Beach Town |
Top 5 Day Trips from Barcelona
1. Montserrat Monastery Day Trip from Barcelona
Without a doubt, Montserrat Monastery is the BEST day trip from Barcelona.
Not only is it a breeze to reach from the city, it has something for everyone, from history buffs and art lovers to outdoor enthusiasts and avid hikers.
🏰 Experience Montserrat’s beauty via cogwheel train, followed by a gourmet wine tasting and tapas or lunch. A blend of natural splendor and gastronomic delight. Check price and availability now!
On this website, you can delve into every aspect of visiting Montserrat Monastery.
Discover how to plan your visit to the historic Basilica de Montserrat, which houses a rare Black Madonna, and how to experience a performance by the famous Escolania de Montserrat, one of the oldest boys’ choirs in Europe.
Plan to stroll to Saint Michael’s Cross for some of the best views from Montserrat, visit Santa Cova, where the image of the Virgin was found centuries ago. Or lace up your hiking shoes and hike to the summit of Sant Jeroni, the tallest point at Montserrat.
🍷 Combine a visit to Montserrat with a delightful tasting of local wines and tapas. Experience Catalonia’s cultural and culinary heritage. Check price and availability now!
You can travel independently from Barcelona to Montserrat, with the train being the preferred way to arrive, unless you have a rental car.
Get the Tot Montserrat Ticket for the best value on travel plus Montserrat attractions or the Trans Montserrat Ticket just for travel. These tickets include the train from and to Barcelona, plus your choice of the Montserrat rack railway or the Montserrat cable car to get up the mountain.
Like the structure of a guided tour? Consider this guided half-day Montserrat experience if you have limited time.
Or, if you have more time, this highly-rated (and very popular) tour combines Montserrat with a stop at a local winery for a fantastic full day out from Barcelona.
Top-Rated Montserrat Tours:
2. Three-Country Day Trip from Barcelona
On this guided day trip from Barcelona, you can check off three countries: France, Spain, and Andorra. Be sure to pack your passport for this Barcelona day trip!
In the morning, you will head to the tiny medieval village of Baga, located at the border before crossing over into France. En route, admire the majestic peaks of Cadi-Moixeró National Park.
🚶♀️ Ramblas, Old Town, Gothic and Gaudi Architecture Walking Tour! Explore the heart of Barcelona’s historic districts and Gaudí’s architectural wonders. Check price and availability now!
At Baga, get a pastry and a coffee before meeting up with your guide for a walking tour of the village. After the tour, you have time to explore on your own some more before you drive off to your next destination, in France!
The historic spa town of Ax-Les-Thermes has a plethora of natural fountains, some great for a relaxing foot soak. Take the time to enjoy the therapeutic waters or spend some time at the shops, looking for a souvenir by which to remember your visit.
Then it’s time for lunch before you head to Andorra, the third country on the tour. The route takes you through the Pas de la Casa, a high mountain pass in the Pyrenees, so make sure you have your camera or smartphone ready to take some fabulous photos!
Your final stop for the day is at Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra, where you will have ample time to explore. Wander the narrow stone streets and take in the charming houses. This is also the place to do some duty-free shopping if you wish.
🍷 Dive into Barcelona’s culinary scene with this authentic tapas tour. Savor traditional dishes and local wines while exploring the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. Check price and availability now!
The route back to Barcelona is spectacularly scenic, with deep gorges, lush farmland, and lakes and rivers. The last part of the drive takes you past the dramatic scenery of Montserrat before you head back to Barcelona.
While you can do this day tour from Barcelona on your own if you have a rental car, most visitors join the guided tour to relax and forget about logistics.
>>> Check price and availability for this 3-country day tour from Barcelona!
3. Girona and Costa Brava Day Trip from Barcelona
The historic city of Girona lies just about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Barcelona, and can be accessed by train.
If you have a rental car, you can visit Girona plus do a drive along the scenic Costa Brava for a full day out from Barcelona. If you do not want to drive, you can book a guided tour that will provide transport by coach.
🏞️ Discover the medieval charm of Girona and the stunning coastal scenery of Costa Brava. A full-day excursion showcasing Catalonia’s diverse landscapes. Check price and availability now!
Girona is a very picturesque town, made for wandering. It also served as a filming location for the popular TV show Game of Thrones, so if you are a fan you can tour the various spots where the show was shot.
Walk along the city walls and take in the beautiful views from above. Wander the old Jewish Quarter. Visit the majestic Girona Cathedral, which features the widest Gothic nave in the world.
Snap photos of the colorful houses that line the Onyar River from one of several bridges. The lattice iron design of the Pont de les Peixateries Velles, designed by Gustav Eiffel, who designed the Eiffel Tower, makes for a great photo.
🛶 Costa Brava Day Adventure: Kayak, Snorkel & Cliff Jump with Lunch! Experience the thrill of kayaking and snorkeling along the stunning Costa Brava coastline. Includes a delicious lunch and optional cliff jumping for the adventurous. Check price and availability now!
After exploring Girona cut across to the coast. En route, stop at the charming village of Pals. The little hilltop town features beautiful medieval architecture, so wandering its streets is the best way to appreciate it!
Next, head to Calella de Palafrugell, arguably the prettiest town along the Costa Brava, with narrow stone streets and white-washed houses that make a walking tour a must. There are two main beaches.
Then head back to Barcelona, driving along the coast to take in the beautiful views of the Mediterranean.
If you do not wish to drive, this popular and highly-rated tour combines a visit to Girona with walking tours of Pals and Calella de Palafrugell for a full-day tour from Barcelona.
>>> Check price and availability for this Girona and Costa Brava day tour now!
Top-Rated Girona Day Trips from Barcelona:
4. Day Trip to Girona and Dali Museum from Barcelona
History and art enthusiasts will want to consider this day trip from Barcelona to Girona and the Dali Museum in Figueres.
Girona, which lies on the banks of the Onyar River, is famous not only for its beautiful architecture but also for its top-notch restaurants.
Colorful facades light up the banks of the river, and there are several bridges spanning the Onyar that provide perfect spots from which to capture beautiful photos. On still days, the colorful facades reflect in the water.
🏛️ Barcelona in One Day: Sagrada Familia, Park Güell & Old Town with Hotel Pick-up! Discover Barcelona’s iconic landmarks, including Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, in a single day. Enjoy the convenience of hotel pick-up and an expert guide. Check price and availability now!
Girona is one of the many places in Spain where Game of Thrones was filmed, and if you are a GOT buff, you can do a self-guided tour of all the filming locations in the city.
Walking the city walls is a great way to start your visit to Girona. Follow the walk up with a tour of the gorgeous Girona Cathedral and then wander the streets of the historic Jewish Quarter.
If you are lucky, you may be able to snag reservations for lunch at El Celler de Can Roca, a 3 Michelin star restaurant run by the Roca brothers. Else, plan to stop by Rocambolesc Gelateria for a sweet treat by Jordi Roca.
Next, head to Figueres to tour the famous Dali Museum.
Figueres, the birthplace of the famous painter Salvador Dali, is located just a few miles from the Mediterranean Sea. The Dali Theatre-Museum was built by Dali and is known as the largest surrealist work in the world.
🍽️ Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour! Savor the flavors of Barcelona on this culinary walking tour. Sample a variety of tapas paired with local wines in authentic eateries. Check price and availability now!
Definitely do not miss Dali Joyas, an exhibition that contains just under 40 jewels from gold and precious stones that Dali created.
You can visit Girona and Figueres on your own by train from Barcelona, or you can drive if you have a rental car.
If you like the structure of a guided tour, consider this highly-rated small group tour (limited to just 8 participants) that includes a walking tour of Girona and transport to the Dali Museum and back to Barcelona.
>>> Check price and availability for this day tour to Girona and the Dali Museum now!
Best Girona and Figueres Day Trips from Barcelona:
5. Dali Museum, House, and Cadaques Day Trip from Barcelona
Dali enthusiasts will love this guided day trip from Barcelona that includes the Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres along with another Dali-related site that varies by season.
Dedicated mainly to the works of famous surrealist master Salvador Dali, the Dali Theatre-Museum is very popular, receiving more than a million visitors each year.
The museum houses the largest collection of Dali works on the planet, with painting from every decade of his career, sculptures, 3-D collages, and other whimsical creations by the artist. A collection of jewelry he designed is also housed here.
If you love art or art history, a visit to the Dali Theatre-Museum is a must-add to your Barcelona itinerary!
In the summer, July 1 through August 31, after you visit the Dali Museum, you will head to the little coastal town of Sant Marti d’Empuries. The medieval town is one of the prettiest along the Costa Brava.
⛪ Fast Track Sagrada Familia Guided Tour! Gain expedited entry to Barcelona’s most iconic landmark. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the history and design of Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. Check price and availability now!
In Sant Marti, you can grab a quick bite and enjoy some time in the sea if the weather is good. Otherwise, relax over a leisurely lunch.
Then head to the Dali-Gala Castle Museum-House Castell de Pubol, the medieval castle that Dali bought as a gift for his wife Gala. You can tour many of the rooms here, and the terrace and the gardens are lovely.
Between September 1 and June 30, following your visit to the Dali Theatre Museum, you will head to the picturesque coastal village of Cadaques for lunch. Cadaques is a pueblo blanco, known for its white-washed houses.
🌳 Park Güell & Sagrada Familia Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets! Explore two of Gaudí’s most celebrated works in one comprehensive tour. Enjoy priority access and insightful commentary on these architectural wonders. Check price and availability now!
Later, visit the teeny-tiny coastal village of Port Lligat, where Dali built a magnificent home. The interior is maintained just as it was when Dali lived here, so it is surreal touring the rooms.
While the guided tour comes with a knowledgable guide that will make the history o the sites come alive for you, you can also do this day trip on your own if you have a car.
>>> Check price and availability for this Dali-themed day trip from Barcelona now!
Top-Rated Costa Brava Day Trips from Barcelona:
Planning a trip to the historic mountaintop abbey? Bookmark our Montserrat Monastery website for the complete rundown on visiting Montserrat!
Fleshing out your Barcelona itinerary? Browse our round-up of the top 10 things to do in Barcelona — iconic attractions and activities you just can’t miss on your first visit to this vibrant city, from La Sagrada Familia to Montjuic.