Are you looking to make a day trip out of Barcelona?
Then you are not short on options. So vast are your options, in fact, that knowing where to start is your primary challenge.
In a bid to help you discover the best things to do, we recommend that you take a look at the list below.
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Quick Answer: Best Day Trips from Barcelona
In order to get around, you can opt to either join an organized tour which means you do not have to worry about transportation. Alternatively, you can also opt to rent a car and drive yourself.
Day Trip Transport Tip: We personally love renting cars whenever we travel -it just gives you so much freedom to explore at your own pace. Click here to compare car rental prices. You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is!
Read on to learn more about these day trips that are easily accessible from Barcelona.
- Montserrat
- Girona
- Tarragona
- Figueres
- Penedes Wine Region
- PortAventura Theme Park
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Montserrat
If you enjoy a bit of physical endurance and adventure, then a trip to the peak of Montserrat is a must. Few people get to enjoy this experience as it’s so demanding on mind and body, but we highly recommend that you give it a go.
Whatever you choose, though, a trip to the peak of this amazing mountain is going to be something that every thrill-seeker will get to enjoy in full.
It’s got a whopping 1236m of elevation, leaving you with a massive challenge that comes with one of the most satisfying, breathtaking awards out there.
Tip:Â If hiking isn’t your thing, Montserrat is still worth visiting — the monastery and views are worth it! You can simply take the cable car or rack railway up to the monastery. Alternatively, you can also opt for a half-day guided tour.
GironaÂ
Want a trip out of the big cities and into something a little calmer? Then you might wish to make Girona a place to stop off. This beautiful little city in the northeastern part of Catalonia is very much worth your time.
It’s part of the structure of the local region, with its rich and endearing medieval architecture ensuring that this is easily one of the most stand-out cities in the region.
Girona is also a place where you can easily settle in and just enjoy yourself, with the amazing Barri Vell ‘old quarter’ of the city a masterpiece in amazing things to see and do. Ensure you have brushed up on your Spanish conversation as it will come in handy when connecting with locals.
You should ensure that you come here with a camera and plenty of space to record footage, as every turn will bring you new sights to snap and things to record to show those back home!
Calling all Game of Thrones fans! Did you know that Girona was used a filming location? If you’re keen to explore this city through the lens of GoT, check out this Girona Game of Thrones Tour. You’ll visit the highlights of this medieval city as well as key filming locations — what a win-win!
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Tarragona
Another cool little city to come and visit, Tarragona is a genuinely beautiful port city. It’s awash with amazing things to do and see, from ancient ruins to stunning Spanish water.
It’s a place that also has a very interesting history, as it was once part of the Roman colony of Tarraco. It’s for this reason that so many people love coming to this part of the country; a fun, satisfying part of Catalonia that offers something different to the madness and chaos of Barcelona itself.
You will also get to enjoy visiting many old roman tombs and the like, as well as the old medieval-era Old Town. Each part is littered with amazing things to see and do, making a trip here something that is very easy to enjoy if you know what you have come here for.
FigueresÂ
As the capital of the comerca of Alt Emorda, this part of Girona province is one of the most beautiful in Catalonia. A trip here will take one’s breath away, giving you access to the hometown of the great and famous Salvador Dali.
The city itself is like a breathing monument to the man, from the large museum that he created to the various pieces of design and architecture inspired by Dali himself.
If you are looking for a place to come and have fun as well as learn about the customs of the region, then you would do well to find a more suitable place than here.
A fun, engaging location that makes it very easy for you to feel as if you are happily settled into the region and perfect for meeting, conversing with and engaging in the culture of Catalan life, Figueres is one of the best day trips you can take from Barcelona.
Tip: Fans of Dali, don’t miss out on learning more about the life of this famed artist! On this full-day Dali tour, you’ll not only visit Figueres and the Dali museum but also other important sites associated with the Surrealist artist.
Penedes Wine RegionÂ
While other nations might be better known for their vino, Catalunya is home to some of the most amazing wines in the world.
That’s why a trip to the Penedes Wine Region is a must for anyone who enjoys the punch of grape on their throat. Located between the mountain ranges and the Mediterranean sea, this is one of the best places in the world to visit when you wish to see proper wine being made.
You will also find that all of the time you get to spend here will be time spent learning about the local area, its region, and its customs. This is an educational experience that you really cannot say no to!
Tip: For an unforgettable day out, consider this horseback-riding and wine tour. Spend your morning learning how to ride a horse before venturing out into the nature park with the help of a guide who’ll lead the way. After a local lunch, you’ll then head to a family-owned winery for a tour and wine tasting. A perfect day!
PortAventura Theme ParkÂ
This theme park offers the perfect adventure for all ages!
As one of the most iconic theme parks in the world, PortAventura is a must-see for anyone who loves a thrill. You’ll get all manner of crazy events to try out here, with new rides and features being added all the time.
One thing we would note, though, is that you should be prepared to spend. This is arguably the most expensive of the day trips listed above, with each ride costing you a fair amount.
If you like to seek thrills and have some fun, then you should absolutely look to get involved with PortAventura Theme Park. Just be prepared to scream if you want to go faster!
 Tip: For a hassle-free way to spend the day at PortAventura, opt for this tour which includes round-trip transfer from Barcelona and entrance tickets. Easy peasy!
With so much to see and do, knowing which day trips to go on can be tough. If you prefer to stay in the city, make sure you don’t miss out on this epic list of things to do in Barcelona!
The above list, though, should go some way to making sure that you can make a choice that you will be far happier with – something that feels entirely suitable to the journey that you wish to take.
You don’t need to simply head on down for another night at La Rambla in a place like Barcelona. Instead, you can enjoy a much more satisfying experience by booking one of the various day trips from Barcelona suggested above.
Happy day-tripping!
Planning to visit Spain? Check out these articles
- Best Time to Visit Spain: A Month-by-Month Guide to Spain Travel
- Best Places to Visit in Spain That You Shouldn’t Miss
- What to Eat in Spain: Ultimate Guide to Spanish Food
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