Updated Aug 31 2023
Whether they are locals or tourists visiting Barcelona for a few days, people often like to make the most of the good weather and go on a day trip to Catalunya, enjoying the many places of interest that can be found relatively close to Barcelona, that are always worth seeing if you have the time.
You can visit the places that we have recommended in one day, but for the longer journeys, if you have time, it might be a good idea to stay overnight and spread the trip over a couple of days, therefore being able to take your time in seeing the sights.
Trips to towns that are close to Barcelona
All of these charming towns, the majority of which are by the coast, are relatively close to Barcelona and these are great places to go for a day trip or for the weekend. They are ideal for going to the beach, or for a wander round their streets.
CALELLA DE PALAFRUGELL
SITGES
TOSSA DE MAR
PALS
SITGES
TOSSA DE MAR
PALS
L’ESTARTIT
CADAQUÉS
PERATALLADA
BESALÚ
CADAQUÉS
PERATALLADA
BESALÚ
HIRING A CAR OR MOTORBIKE
If you don’t have your own car with you, but would like to go on an excursion by car or moped which will give you the freedom to do everything at your own pace, then hiring a car or a motorbike could be the perfect option for you. Whilst a car would be much more comfortable if you’re going to be away overnight, a moped might be a good alternative if you won’t have much luggage to take, and it will also save you money.
CAR HIRE COMPANIES
Europcar
Avis
Hertz
Sixt
Europcar
Avis
Hertz
Sixt
MOTORBIKE HIRE COMPANIES
BCN Moto Rent
Rental Motor Bike
DH – Rent
Rental Motor Bike
BCN Moto Rent
Rental Motor Bike
DH – Rent
Rental Motor Bike
The best coves and beaches near Barcelona
If you’re somewhat tired of always going to the same beaches in Barcelona, you might like to consider going to one of the other beaches along the coast, that are not too far away from Barcelona. Of course everyone has their own preferences and it’s hard to classify what constitutes “the best”, especially as Catalunya is so full of pretty beaches and coves, and we’re sure that you’ll find others that you like, but we would class these within the top 10 beaches in Catalunya.
PLATJA D’ES PIANC (Cadaqués)
PLATJA DE PINEDA DE MAR (Pineda de Mar)
CALA DE LA ROCA PLANA (Tarragona)
PLATJA DE SANT SEBASTIÀ (Sitges)
PLATJA SA TUNA (Begur)
CALA PRONA (Port de la Selva)
PLATJA DE PINEDA DE MAR (Pineda de Mar)
CALA DE LA ROCA PLANA (Tarragona)
PLATJA DE SANT SEBASTIÀ (Sitges)
PLATJA SA TUNA (Begur)
CALA PRONA (Port de la Selva)
PLATJA DEL TRABUCADOR (Sant Carles de la Ràpita)
CALA D’AIGUAFREDA (Begur)
CALA AIGUA XÈLIDA (Tamariu)
CALA DEL PI (Platja d’Aro)
CALA BONA (Tossa de Mar)
CALA D’AIGUAFREDA (Begur)
CALA AIGUA XÈLIDA (Tamariu)
CALA DEL PI (Platja d’Aro)
CALA BONA (Tossa de Mar)
* Platja = Beach | Cala = Cove
Attractions and places of interest near Barcelona
During your holidays it’s very important that you have time to do whatever takes your fancy, and we have therefore included a selection of some of the best attractions and other places of interest in Catalunya, that you’ll be able to enjoy if you do decide to take a trip out of Barcelona.
> Audio guide in English
Guided day trips from Barcelona
CATALUNYA BUS TURÍSTIC
The Catalunya Bus Turístic is a coach that leaves from Barcelona city centre and offers different day trips around Catalunya, to some places that are relatively close to Barcelona, and that generally attract the most interest from tourists. Although this service is mainly aimed at tourists, it’s also ideal for anyone who lives in Barcelona but doesn’t have access to their own transport, or who would prefer to go on a trip without having to drive.
The Catalunya Bus Turístic is a coach that leaves from Barcelona city centre and offers different day trips around Catalunya, to some places that are relatively close to Barcelona, and that generally attract the most interest from tourists. Although this service is mainly aimed at tourists, it’s also ideal for anyone who lives in Barcelona but doesn’t have access to their own transport, or who would prefer to go on a trip without having to drive.
CATALUNYA BUS TURÍSTIC DAY TRIPS
Premium Montserrat and Gaudí
Easy Montserrat
Dalí’s Figueres & Girona
Wine tour
Shopping Express (La Roca Village)
Pyrenees Vall de Núria
Barcelona is much more
Barcelona Tour
Easy Montserrat
Dalí’s Figueres & Girona
Wine tour
Shopping Express (La Roca Village)
Pyrenees Vall de Núria
Barcelona is much more
Barcelona Tour
Restaurants close to Barcelona
There are so many restaurants that are a few kilometres from Barcelona, and that are really worth making the effort to go to, in order to enjoy Catalunya’s excellent gastronomic offerings. We have given you a few recommendations, which we think are some of the best.
SANT PAU (Sant Pol de Mar)
EL POU (Sitges)
SUC RESTAURANT (Viladecans)
EL ROSSINYOL (Cardedeu)
EL POU (Sitges)
SUC RESTAURANT (Viladecans)
EL ROSSINYOL (Cardedeu)
ENVY RESTAURANT (Parets del Vallès)
CA L’ESTRANY (Cabrils)
L’OBAC (Terrassa)
LA ROCA DE TOSSA (Tossa de Mar)
CA L’ESTRANY (Cabrils)
L’OBAC (Terrassa)
LA ROCA DE TOSSA (Tossa de Mar)