10 Of The Best Day Trips From Barcelona (2026 Edition)
Kayla Wratten
Freelance Sub-Editor | Urban List Queensland
A day trip is the perfect way to step away from the crowds and experience a completely different side of Catalonia. Within an hour or two, you can swap Barcelona’s cityscape for mountain peaks, modernist icons for medieval streets, and cava bars for quiet vineyard views.
At Urban List, we love heading beyond the city centre to explore what lies just outside—and there’s plenty to see and do around Barcelona. Discover the postcard-perfect villages of the Costa Brava, taste Spanish vino in the Penedès wine region, and take in Montserrat’s famous mountain monastery. Keep reading for the best day trips from Barcelona to add to your 2026 itinerary.
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Costa Brava Day Trips
Cadaqués
Arguably the jewel of the Costa Brava (a 200km coastline dotted with picturesque villages), Cadaqués is a whitewashed seaside town that feels completely removed from the upbeat pace of Barcelona. The winding streets, blue-and-white palette and beautiful coastal setting made it a favourite of Salvador Dalí, who lived nearby.
Once a quiet fishing village, Cadaqués is now a creative retreat with plenty of small galleries, waterfront restaurants and scenic viewpoints. Spend your time wandering the charming old town, swimming in hidden coves, or exploring the nearby Cap de Creus Natural Park.
Things to do: Art gallery-hopping, Cap de Creus Natural Park and guided walking tours.
How to get there: The easiest option is to rent a car and drive just over 2 hours along the coast, or take a direct Moventis bus (around 2 hours 45 minutes). Alternatively, take a train to Figueres (1–2 hours) and continue by taxi (45 minutes) or bus (about 1 hour).
Tossa de Mar
Image credit: Costa Brava Pirineu | Instagram
If you only have one day on the Costa Brava, Tossa de Mar delivers the full package. Its medieval old town, Vila Vella, is enclosed by fortified walls and towers, perched above a postcard-perfect beach. Below, you’ll find dramatic rock formations, clear water and plenty of swimming and snorkelling spots. In summer, it’s a hotspot for kayaking and diving, while the shoulder seasons are perfect for coastal walks and exploring the cobbled streets without the crowds.
Things to do: Vila Vella, Platja Gran beach and the Camí de Ronda coastal walking path.
How to get there: Book a 1.5-hour direct bus via Moventis from Barcelona to Tossa de Mar. Or take the train from Barcelona to Blanes, then transfer to a bus heading to Tossa de Mar for a 2-hour journey.
Figueres
Just inland from the coast, Figueres is best known as the home of the surreal Dalí Theatre-Museum. Designed by Dalí himself, it’s one of the most unconventional museums you’ll ever see, pairing original art with immersive experiences. Beyond the museum, the town has a relaxed Catalan feel with local cafes, fortresses, shops and a walkable centre.
Time your visit right to celebrate one of Figueres' many annual festivals, from the vibrant spring jazz festival to the world-renowned circus festival in late February. Sitting at the northern edge of Costa Brava, Figueres is an easy stop on your way to or from the coast.
Things to do: Dalí Museum, Castell de Sant Ferran and annual festivities.
How to get there: The high-speed train from Barcelona Sants station to Figueres-Vilafant station takes approximately one hour and departs regularly. From the station, it's a 20-minute walk or 5-minute taxi to the Dalí Museum.
Girona
Image credit: Costa Brava Pirineu | Instagram
Girona is a history-rich city where cobbled lanes, medieval walls and riverside views create an exciting destination for a Barcelona day trip. Its Jewish quarter is one of the best preserved in Europe, while the colourful houses lining the Onyar River are among the most photographed in Spain.
Girona is also known for its food scene, with everything from casual tapas to Michelin-starred dining hotspots, including 3-starrred El Celler de Can Roca. Wander the city walls, explore the cathedral and get lost in the maze-like old town.
Things to do: Girona Cathedral, the Jewish quarter, Sant Pere de Galligants and Michelin dining.
How to get there: The quickest route to Girona is via the regular 40-minute high-speed train from Barcelona Sants station.
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Inland Day Trips
Montserrat
Image credit: Visit Montserrat | Instagram
Even if you’ve never heard of Montserrat, you’ve likely seen its striking silhouette—jagged, needle-like peaks rising dramatically above the Catalan landscape. One of the most popular day trips from Barcelona, it’s home to a historic Benedictine monastery that sits high on the mountainside, drawing visitors for both its spiritual significance and panoramic views.
The mountaintop setting offers sweeping vistas across Catalonia, with a network of hiking trails, scenic lookout points and sacred sites like Santa Cova to explore. Inside the monastery complex, you can visit the basilica and see the revered Black Madonna, or ride the Aeri de Montserrat cable car for a memorable ascent into the mountains.
Things to do: Santa Maria de Montserrat, Aeri de Montserrat and hiking trails.
How to get there: It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours by train (R5 line from Plaça d'Espanya) or bus from Barcelona. Once you've arrived, ascend the mountain via the Aeri de Montserrat (cable car) or Cremallera (rack railway).
Besalú
Nestled in the Garrotxa region, Besalú is a perfectly preserved medieval town that feels like stepping into another era. Its standout feature is the stone bridge with seven arches and a tower leading into the historic centre, along with narrow lanes, stone buildings and quiet squares.
The town is small, but that’s part of its charm, making it ideal for a long lunch, browsing the market stalls or enjoying an ice cream from a cafe's sunlit terrace.
Things to do: Pont Vell bridge, Sant Pere Monastery and guided tours.
How to get there: Take a combination of train and bus via Girona. First, hop on the 75-minute R11 Rodalies commuter train from Barcelona’s Passeig de Gracia transit station to Girona. From there, walk to the adjacent Girona bus station and catch a 25-minute bus to Besalú.
Penedès
Image credit: Penedès Tourism | Instagram
Penedès Wine Region is Catalonia’s wine heartland and the birthplace of cava. Rolling vineyards stretch across the countryside, with wineries offering tastings, tours and long, slow lunches that lean into the region’s food and wine culture. A day trip to Penedès is less about sightseeing and more about experiencing, whether you'd prefer to cycle between vineyards, sample local wine varieties or learn about the origins of cava on a guided tour.
Things to do: Winery visits, cava tastings, vineyard tours and cycling routes.
How to get there: Take an hour train from Barcelona to towns like Vilafranca del Penedès, or join a guided wine tour.
Coastal Day Trips
Castelldefels
Castelldefels is one of the easiest beach escapes from Barcelona. With a long, wide stretch of sand and fewer crowds, it’s ideal for a more relaxed beach day. It’s especially popular for water sports like kitesurfing, but also great for long walks, sunset drinks and a slower pace away from the city.
Beyond the beach, you can explore the nearby wetlands of the Parc del Garraf, visit the historic Castelldefels Castle for panoramic views, or cycle along the flat coastal paths. There are also plenty of relaxed beach bars and restaurants lining the shore, perfect for fresh seafood and cold mojitos as the sun sets.
Things to do: Beach walks, Parc del Garraf, water sports and beachfront dining.
How to get there: It's only a 25-minute train ride south from Barcelona Sants station to Castelldefels station. Bus lines E95, L95, L97, E97 and the night buses N14 and N16 also link Barcelona with Castelldefels.
Sitges
Image credit: Visit Sitges | Instagram
Just 40 minutes from Barcelona, Sitges charms with its sun-drenched streets and effortless Mediterranean appeal. Whitewashed façades, narrow lanes and a palm-lined promenade frame a series of golden beaches that feel both polished and relaxed.
Beyond the coastline, there's plenty to see and do in town. Wander the historic centre, step inside the striking Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla, or explore the legacy of Catalan modernism at the Cau Ferrat Museum. Sitges is also known for its festivals, from its celebrated film festival to the vibrant Carnival celebrations that take place in February each year, a riot of colourful parades, costumes, and concerts.
Things to do: Museums, old town, beach clubs and waterfront dining.
How to get there: Take the 40-minute train from Barcelona Sants or Passeig de Gràcia to the centrally located Sitges station. From there, it's only a 5-minute walk to the old town or beaches.
Tarragona
Tarragona is one of the most compelling day trips from Barcelona, blending Roman history with a relaxed Mediterranean coastline. Once a powerful Roman capital, it preserves landmarks such as the UNESCO-listed clifftop amphitheatre overlooking the sea, the Roman circus, and fragments of ancient walls. For sunseekers, Tarragona opens out onto a stretch of inviting beaches, where you can unwind after exploring the city’s historic core.
The Balcó del Mediterrani viewpoint is a highlight for sweeping coastal views, while the old town’s narrow streets are lined with cafes, plazas and local restaurants to end your day.
Things to do: Roman Amphitheatre, Balcó del Mediterrani viewpoint and glittering beaches.
How to get there: Take the train from Barcelona Sants to Camp de Tarragona station, about 30 minutes. After that, hop on a 15-minute shuttle bus or taxi to the city centre.
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