Sometimes it seems like you can only travel far away and during holidays, but the truth is you can also enjoy weekends and public holidays! Near Barcelona, you can take many day trips, whether with family, in a group, or as a couple, to discover regions of Catalonia that sometimes go unnoticed but are truly worth exploring. Time Out magazine has compiled some of the best day trips in Barcelona.
1. Day trip to Sitges: beach and heritage
Sitges is the perfect town for a day trip from Barcelona or by car. It’s very well connected by car and public transport, and once you arrive, it’s easy to get around on foot. Besides its beaches and historic streets, Sitges shines with its cultural offerings: every week you’ll find something different to do, whether you’re with family or as a couple.
Historic center
A day trip to Sitges requires minimal planning; simply strolling through the town’s streets will reveal Modernist buildings scattered throughout. On streets like Francesc Gumà and Sant Bartomeu, you’ll find Modernist houses built by Indigenous people—Catalans who returned from the Spanish colonies in America—during the 19th century. These buildings are characteristic of Sitges and can be found in the town square as well as in the most unexpected locations.
Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla
Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla
The Cau Ferrat
The Cau Ferrat is one of Sitges’ most important museums, housing a collection of highly regarded artworks. It is the biographical museum of Santiago Russinyol, one of the most popular Catalan painters and writers. In what was once his home are displayed the works he collected, including pieces by such renowned artists as Picasso and El Greco. It’s a must-see for any art lover planning a day trip to Sitges.
2. Discover Osona and Vic in a family day trip
Osona is one of the regions near Barcelona that offers the most possibilities for a family outing. Having so many options makes it perfect for tailoring the trip to all types of groups and families with children! The Vic plain and Osona in general boast unparalleled natural spaces, ideal for enjoying a day out and getting some fresh air.
Historic center of Vic
It’s very easy to get to Vic from Barcelona, whether by public transport or car. Once there, it’s just a short walk to one of the most iconic spots in the capital of Osona: Vic’s main square, or Mercadal. Its name comes from its primary function: the town’s market, and it’s also the heart of all activity in Vic. From there, it’s easy to wander through the streets of the historic center and discover other places like Vic Cathedral, the Episcopal Museum, and the Cas Comella.
The Vall de Ges
The Vall de Ges, near the town of Sant Pere de Torelló, is the perfect place to enjoy nature with your family. Ideal for a cycling or hiking trip with children, the valley offers the chance to discover a variety of farms, country houses, and pastures that perfectly define the landscape of the Osona region. The most well-known spot in the Vall de Ges is the Sanctuary of Bellmunt, which boasts one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the area. A getaway to the Vall de Ges is perfect for families who enjoy hiking and want to spend time immersed in nature.
Rupit and Pruit
The villages of Rupit and Pruit have a magical atmosphere, ideal for a romantic getaway or a day trip with children. These two medieval villages are among the most charming in the Osona region. The timber-framed and stone houses and narrow streets retain a medieval feel, giving the area a very special and unique charm. Throughout the year, Rupit and Pruit welcome many tourists eager to explore their streets and well-known landmarks such as the Penjant Bridge. Guided tours of the medieval town center are available and are particularly interesting for families and children of all ages.
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3. Discover Girona in a day
Girona is the capital of the province next to Barcelona, but that doesn’t mean it’s too far to find a country house in Girona and organize a trip or day out with your partner, family, or friends.
Girona Cathedral
The Cathedral of Santa Maria, or Girona Cathedral, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Construction of this building, which stands out from the rest of Girona, began in the 11th century, yet it blends various architectural styles. Television viewers will recognize the impressive staircase leading to the cathedral from the series *Joc de Trons*, and it is these very stairs that are decorated with vibrant colors during the month of May, when Girona celebrates its Flower Festival (Temps de Flors). Visiting the city during the flower festival is highly recommended and offers a unique experience, but the cathedral and Girona’s historic center can be enjoyed more peacefully and with fewer tourists by taking a day trip during the rest of the year.
The Call
Although Jews were expelled from Girona several centuries ago, the Call district is one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Spain. One of the most recommended options is to wander through the charming, narrow streets around Carrer de Sant Llorenç and Carrer de Claveria, where you’ll find cobblestone streets, small squares, and benches where you can sit and observe your surroundings. However, if you want to learn about the Call’s history in depth, the best way to do so is to take a guided tour.
Onyar’s Houses
The houses along the Onyar River are the stars of almost every Girona postcard—competing with the cathedral—and the colorful houses overlooking the river are essential to the city. The most popular way to enjoy the view of these houses with the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Basilica of Sant Feliu in the background is to stroll across Girona’s various bridges. While none of them are medieval, the most famous are the Ponte de Sant Feliu and the Ponte Eiffel, built by the French architect before his project for the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
4. Romantic day trip to Priorat
Priorat is the ideal region for a romantic getaway. The renowned wines of Priorat are the region’s most famous feature, and one option is to enjoy a wine tasting and explore the area, but the cultural activities that take place throughout the year and the region’s rural environment are not to be missed.
Falset Wine Fair
On the first weekend of May, the capital of Priorat hosts the Fira del Vi (Wine Fair), an unmissable event for all wine lovers and those who want to experience it firsthand. Located in the city’s exhibition center, the Fira del Vi, in addition to product and merchandise stalls, organizes tastings and tours of various wineries throughout May, making it an excellent way to discover the Priorat region through its defining characteristic: wine.
Cartoixa d’Escaladei
Visiting the Cartoixa d’Escaladei on a day trip is like stepping back in time. In the 12th century, a group of Provençal monks built it, creating the first map of the Iberian Peninsula. This building was the origin of the entire region, serving as its economic and social center. However, it was abandoned in the 19th century, and today only its ruins remain, nestled in a peaceful, natural setting.
Siurana
A day trip to Priorat wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the village of Siurana. This town was the last stronghold of the Muslim population in Catalonia, and much of its history remains in places like the ruins of the Muslim castle. The 12th-century Romanesque church is also highly recommended. Beyond its architectural heritage, a stop in Siurana is essential for the views and landscapes it offers.
5. A day at the Roses Golf Course: nature and history
The Gulf of Roses, in the Alt Empordà region, has everything you need for a day trip: nature, history, and a unique atmosphere. Although a bit further from Barcelona, the scenery and heritage make the Gulf of Roses an ideal destination for a family outing or a romantic getaway.
Sant Pere Pescador
Sant Pere Pescador is the perfect place to stop if you’re visiting the Gulf of Roses. Close to the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park, it offers several nature trails for those seeking a more active excursion. Without having to go far, the village center is ideal for strolling and spending a relaxing day on the coast. The area boasts beautiful beaches, some of which are wild and unspoiled, like Cortal de la Vila, which offers a uniquely romantic atmosphere.
Figueres
Figueres is the capital of the Alt Empordà region. The city therefore offers a wealth of cultural and tourist attractions. However, the most popular activities in Figueres include a stroll along the Rambla and its shops, a visit to the Joguet Museum – ideal for families – or the unmissable Dalí Museum, which is undoubtedly the city’s main attraction and a must-see if you’re visiting Figueres on a day trip with family or as a couple.
Ruins of Empúries
Near the Gulf of Roses lie the Ruins of Empúries, a place that transports you back to Classical Greece and the Roman Empire. Summer is the best time to visit because, in addition to the grounds and museum, which are open year-round, activities such as theatrical tours, workshops, and concerts are held in the forum. You don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate the area around the Ruins of Empúries; it’s a unique experience that can be enjoyed as a day trip to make a weekend even more special.
Sources consulted:
Time Out, Carla’s Suitcase, Surfing the Planet, A Veces Veo Viajes, Mil Viatges
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