Best Day Trips From Barcelona
Wondering what are the best day trips from Barcelona?
If you are planning your Barcelona travel itinerary, and looking for a few small getaways/day trips from the city, you are in the right place!
This blog post is all about the best fay trips from Barcelona that are only a 1-2.5 hours drive away from the city.
So, let’s talk about the best day trips from Barcelona!
Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. Read my disclaimer.
Montserrat
One of the most popular nearby day trips from Barcelona, Montserrat is nestled in the mountains and provides a spectacular view around every turn.
Montserrat is home to a monastery and important pilgrimage site for its famed “Moreneta” Virgin Mary which sits in a historic grotto at the site.
However, for most visitors, the true star attraction is the incredible mountain scenery and views.
Even if you’re not interested in the religious history of Montserrat, choosing this destination for a day trip from Barcelona is a great choice for hiking.
Once you arrive to the top via funicular or cable car, head directly to the tourism office at the top of the funicular station – they provide detailed maps showing the many hiking trails through the mountains and information and their difficultly.
Montserrat is just 30 miles outside of central Barcelona, making it an easy addition to any Barcelona itinerary, and it’s easily accessible as a stop on the R-5 train directly from the city center.
The proximity makes it a feasible half-day trip, though you could easily spend an entire day hiking and exploring the area.
Recommended by Carley, Home to Havana
Girona
Girona makes a wonderful day trip from Barcelona. Approximately 40 minutes away from Barcelona by high-speed train, the city is well connected with regular trains.
Another option is to join a tour from Barcelona to Girona, although it is easy to explore independently.
Wander the streets of the old town and keep your eyes open for filming locations from Game of Thrones, and don’t miss a walk along the medieval city walls for beautiful views of the city and countryside beyond.
A Girona day trip isn’t complete without a visit to the impressive Girona Cathedral, which has the widest Gothic nave in the world.
Entry to the adjoining museum is included in the €7 entry fee, where you can visit the Tapestry of Creation, an 11th-century Romanesque panel of needlework.
A walk along the river is another must-do, in particular crossing the Pont de les Peixateries Velles bridge, whose lattice iron walkway was designed by Gustave Eiffel.
If you happen to visit Girona in May, don’t miss the magnificent Temps de Flors flower festival, when the streets of Girona are decorated with colourful blooms.
Recommended by Claire, Why Visit Barcelona
Codorníu Cava Winery
About 40 minutes drive from the centre of Barcelona lies the Codorníu Cava Winery. And I can tell you, it’s one of Spain’s best Instagrammable spots as well.
Codorniu as a wine grower has over 450 years of history behind their success and is also the oldest family business in Spain.
The first written documentation relating to Codorniu vineyard was in 1551 and that level of experience is evident in the quality of Cava they produce.
Cava, like champagne, is created from particular breeds of grapes and follows a very specific process which results in a beautifully light sparkling wine that can be White or Rose.
Codorniu runs multiple tours that are usually around 90 minutes, however they do sell quickly so be sure to book.
The tours are well run in a relaxed manner and cover not just the wine making, but also the history of the vineyard and the family.
Along with learning about the process for growing and creating Cava you will also get to see the vast underground caves at Codorniu with acres and acres of maturing cava bottles.
While the caves are incredible to see, some of the buildings on site have great architectural significance with the main building declared a historical artistic monument in 1976.
After your tour you can visit the bar to sample the Cava and of course buy some bottles for your next celebration.
In conjunction with Hillsa Buses, Codorniu runs buses direct from Barcelona to the Codorniu Caves and return picking up at 3 different locations, running multiple times per day.
The fare is only 4 Euro and the drive itself enables you to see some of the stunning landscapes of this region.
Recommended by Jenny, chargetheglobe.com
Costa Brava
If you’re looking for a breathtaking coastal escape from Barcelona, look no further than Costa Brava.
With its dramatic cliffs, sheltered coves, and impossibly blue waters, this stretch of the Catalan coastline is utterly mesmerizing.
And best of all, it’s just a short 1.5-hour drive north from Barcelona – making it the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.
There’s plenty to see and do along Costa Brava. For nature lovers, hiking in the Cap de Creus Natural Park is an absolute must.
This stunning park is home to towering cliffs, secluded beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
History buffs will enjoy exploring the medieval town of Girona, with its well-preserved architecture and mazelike streets.
And for those looking for a luxurious beach experience more suited for Costa Brava, head over to Palafrugell – one of my top hidden gems in Spain.
So if you’re ready for a day trip, pick out your favorite jams, and hit the road!
Recommended by Mariana, roadtripeuroguide.com
Madrid
Last but definitely not least for this blog post, is taking a day trip to Madrid!
I will be honest, and say, that I think one day in Madrid is definitely not enough. There is so much to do in Madrid, and I recommend giving it at least two full days.
To get to Madrid, you will take a 2:45 hours bullet train from Barcelona to Madrid. It’s a nice drive, isn’t too long, and the train system is amazing so it isn’t a hard drive either.
Some of the best things to do in Madrid is to explore the Gran Via road, visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, and so much more!
And that’s it for today! These were the best day trips from Barcelona!