Best Day Trips from Barcelona
Do you want to go away from Barcelona during your day off? There are several cities and villages around the city that are worth visiting. Throughout this article we will give some ideas for day trips to go with your friends, directly from Barcelona. You can organize a journey on your own or join us for one of our Erasmus trips. Check our the list we made of the best day trips from Barcelona which are easy to organize.
Girona
The ancient walled city of Girona, perched on a hillside in northern Catalonia, is often viewed as a miniature Barcelona.
Girona is known for its Ciutat Antiga (old town) or Barri Vell (old quarter). Its famous, 13th century Jewish quarter, Call, is considered as one of the two most important and best preserved areas in Spain. You can visit there the museum on the Jewish history and walk around a pedestrian zone La Rmambla de la Libertat. On this main street of the old town, lined with arcades you will find many shops and cafes.
Of course, while you are going to do your stroll, do not forget to see the Onyar River. Located over it Gustave Eiffel Bridge, is the best spot to take some beautiful pictures. And last but of not least, do not forget to pay a visit to Girona’s Cathedral.
You can access Girona from Barcelona via train, bus or car. There is a speed train that last 38 minutes and cost from 9 € to 50 €. Another option that is cheaper but longer is Sagalés; it is bus company name that runs the route from Barcelona to Girona. Lastly, if you do not have your own car you can go use Blablacar a carpooling website to go to Girona from 5€.
Montserrat
Montserrat, in Barcelona, is a Benedictine retreat perched on the mountain in an absolutely spectacular setting. The monastery is one hour by train north-west of Barcelona. It is not only the religious importance of the Monastery of Montserrat that captivates, but also the surrounding setting that takes your breath away.
If you like to walk, you will find many hiking trails through the mountain. From where you find yourself on the strangest rock formations in all of Catalonia.
To organize your journey from Barcelona, you can go on the Montserrat website. There you will be able to book different packages according to you need including transport from Barcelona to the mountain, tickets to the Museum, an audiovisual place and both funicular and buffet lunch. But if you prefer something on a budget, you can go to Monserrat by train form Plaza Espanya and than, hike to the top of the mountain or take a cable car.
Sitges
Sitges, between the sea and the mountains, offers the visitors a whole range of recreational activities. The Costa de Garraf, at the edge of the Mediterranean and at the foot of the neighboring mountains, hosts beautiful landscapes. Besides the luxury residences, golf courses and nautical facilities next to the beaches, you can enjoy many cultural activities organized in the old town such as the museum Carrot Ferrat. The gastronomy of Sitges brings together the most representative dishes of the Catalan littoral, with exquisite specialties such as “xató” – a typical regional sauce.
To go to Sitges from Barcelona, you can travel by train which will cost you 7.20€ return. Another option will be the buses operated by MonBus, which leave from Plaza Espanya and Ronda Universitat; the journey will take from 45 to 55 minutes. The bus ticket price is at 4€ and can be purchased on the bus.
Tarragona
Tarragona is the capital of the Costa Dorada. The city is on the list of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO thanks to its archaeological and architectural richness. It is a pleasure to bask on the sandy beaches before sitting in the neighborhood of El Serrallo. This area brings together the best fish restaurants, and let yourself be seduced all night by the festive atmosphere of the port!
The main attractions are the Roman Amphitheatre of Tarragona which is just remains of history by the beach. You should also pay a visit to The Ferreres Aqueduct and the Mediterranean balcony. From there you can witness an amazing view of the sea and its surroundings such as the Amphitheatre.
You will be able to reach Tarragona by train for 8€ for a 1hr15 long journey and 10€ for a 30 minutes journey (the price depends on the day, time and how far in advance you book the ticket.) There is also a Alsa bus option that enable you to travel for 8.76€ for a 1h15 to 1hr45.
Costa Brava
How about spending some time in the azure color sea and golden sand? This idyllic picture perfectly illustrates the Costa Brava, a region bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. With its 214 km of coastline, the Costa Brava is a holiday destination of choice.
In addition to its spectacular beaches, the Costa Brava boasts splendid natural areas. Some of the most beautiful are the Cap de Creus Natural Park, the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park and Lake Banyoles. Your visit will depend on your interest. If you are looking for amazing beaches, Lloret del Mar, cirqus of Begur or Palafrugell are what you are looking for.
For the history lovers, you will enjoy vising the old town of Tossa del Mar for instance or Cadaquès, the most oriental looking village of Costa Brava. Indeed, the history of Cadaqués goes back centuries and has been influenced by a number of civilizations, such as those of Greece and Rome.
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