Beyond Barcelona: 3 Day Trips you must experience outside of the city
Barcelona is an incredible destination that attracts tourists with its stunning architecture, Gaudí masterpieces, the famous FC Barcelona soccer team, and the breathtaking Basilica de Sagrada Família. However, many visitors overlook the unique and charming regions outside the city that are definitely worth exploring.
Our team, well-knowledged in the beauty of Spain, has put together a list of 3 must-try day trips that will enhance your Barcelona experience and offer a taste of the surrounding areas.
Montserrat
Views of Montserrat, a multi-peak mountain range near Barcelona
Just an hour’s train ride from Barcelona, Montserrat is a day trip you don’t want to miss. The striking jagged peaks of Montserrat are a breathtaking sight, and the area is one of Spain’s key religious sites. Here, you’ll find the Benedictine Abbey, the shrine of the Black Virgin of Montserrat, and the legendary resting place of the Holy Grail.
How to get there: The most scenic option is to take the train from Plaça Espanya in Barcelona, using the R5 line to Aeri de Montserrat. Alternatively, we can organise a private driver to take you directly there and pre-book your tickets. Once you arrive in Montserrat, you can easily make your way to the Montserrat Monastery by taking either the Cremallera Rack Railway or the Aeri cable car. It’s an incredible experience!
Quick Tip: As the monastery is a religious site, it is recommended to dress conservatively by covering shoulders and avoiding shorts.
Costa Brava
Calella De Palafrugell, Costa Brava, Catalonia, Spain
The Costa Brava is a beautiful coastal region in Catalonia, located in northeastern Spain. It is famous for its stunning beaches, charming seaside towns, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional cuisine, including rustic wineries. This makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers, artists, and anyone looking to experience Mediterranean life.
Beyond its picturesque beaches, the Costa Brava features ancient ruins from the first Greek settlement, which houses some of the oldest architectural sites in Spain.
How to get there: Costa Brava is less than two hours from Barcelona and can easily be accessed by car or train. You can take a train from Barcelona to Girona, however, you may need to take a bus to reach the nearest coastal town. Renting a car provides the most flexibility to explore the region, especially if you want to experience rural wineries and farmhouse restaurants, but it can also be reached by bus.
Quick Tip: While Costa Brava makes for a great day trip, we also suggest staying at least two to three nights to make the most of what the region offers.
Pyrenees Mountains
Crossing the Pyrenees Mountains by scenic train
Beyond Barcelona, you will find stunning beaches and also picturesque mountain landscapes, especially in the Pyrenees. This region boasts beautifully carved valleys, scenic mountain lakes, and quaint villages rich in medieval history, including a town celebrated for its 900-year-old market. The Pyrenees are a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and those looking to explore a rustic and historic setting, beyond the hustle and bustle of Barcelona. You can find many things to do here, such as nature walks and wandering through charming villages that highlight the area’s medieval heritage.
How to get there: The Catalan Pyrenees can be reached by car in about two hours, or you can take a regional train from Barcelona Sants station to towns like Puigcerdà or Portbou. You can then continue by bus, taxi, or private vehicle to your destination within the Pyrenees. Another option is to take a high-speed train (AVE) to Zaragoza, then take a bus to Biescas.
Quick Tip: For a hassle-free day trip, we recommend taking a full-day guided tour, which offers a scenic ride across the mountains, along with a visit to the Vall de Nuria by rack railway and a chance to explore some of the enchanting medieval towns.
Aerial view of Barcelona and Basílica De La Sagrada Familia
Want to travel to Spain? Ormina Tours offers fully customisable bespoke itineraries, tailored to suit your travel preferences, including family-friendly experiences. Start your journey with us today and reach out to our Spain Destination Experts here.
Tags: travel tips, Europe, spain, Barcelona, itinerary, Montserrat, Costa Brava, Pyrenees Mountains