Day Trips from Barcelona, Spain

1. Andorra

The Principality of Andorra is located 200 km north of Barcelona, where it beckons day trippers to come and enjoy fresh mountain air and a host of year-round activities. During the summer you can explore the countryside on foot along a vast network of hiking paths, mountain-bike trails and equestrian trails. Other summer activities include zip-lining and the hair-raising Tobotronic Mountain Slide in the Naturlandia Adventure Eco-Park. Water-sport fanatics should visit Family Park Canillo. In winter the area becomes blanketed in snow and boasts over 300 km of ski slopes and other winter-sport activities. In addition, Andorra offers great shopping, history, arts and culture and delicious cuisine.

2. Besalu

Spain boasts many historic villages for visitors to uncover and Besalu, although it is located quite far off the beaten track, definitely deserves a spot on your list of interesting day trips. You enter the historic village by way of a fortified 11th century bridge; as you wander the winding cobblestone streets you will be surrounded by ancient buildings which were once monasteries, hospitals and churches. Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles dominate and photographers will be overwhelmed with choices. You can admire an ancient Jewish Bath-House, one of just a handful of surviving buildings of its kind in the world and visit the fascinating Museum of Miniatures. Soak up the atmosphere in a local restaurant while savoring delicious Catalan cuisine.

Besalu, 17850 Girona, Spain

3. Blanes

Blanes is a popular coastal town located about an hour north of Barcelona, where it marks the start of Spain’s Costa Brava region. What makes Blanes stand out from other coastal towns are its fabulous beaches, clean sparking water and old-world charm. This is one of the few coastal resorts in Spain which has not been ruined by rampant tourism, and you will still find an interesting downtown where the small streets and squares are filled with Catalan eateries, tapas bars and boutique shops. You can choose from several beaches including the beautiful 4-km S’Abanell beach and the small and cozy Sant Francesc Beach. For a change of pace you can take a scenic boat trip to Tossa de Mar, to view the beautiful coastline from a new perspective.

Blanes, 17300 Girona, Spain

4. Cadaques

Located on an idyllic bay in the eastern-most corner of Spain, about two hours north of Barcelona, Cadaques is an ideal day trip destination. Your drive to Cadaques features a particularly scenic coastal route, but you will need to concentrate on your driving along the tortuous road into the city. One of the highlights of your trip should be visiting the neighboring village of Portllegat to see Casa Museo Salvador Dali, the sea-front home and studio of the world-famous artist. You need to book well in advance to visit or content yourself with the view from outside the house. Other popular activities include soaking up the unique atmosphere at a sea-view tapas bar, taking a scenic boat trip or exploring the beaches, coves and rock formations of Cabo de Crues.

Cadaques, Girona, Spain

5. Cala Fonda

Located about 30 min south of Barcelona, Cala Fonda (aka Waikiki Beach) is a popular haunt for beach lovers who wish to avoid the tourist crowds on the Barcelona beaches. Reputed to be a real little coastal paradise, finding this beach requires quite some effort including a 15-20 min hike from the nearest parking area at La Mora Beach or Platja Llarga, if you are approaching from the south. Either way, your effort will be rewarded when you reach this secluded little gem which is tucked into an almost-untouched cove. You will need to bring along everything you need (and carry it out again); be sure to bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen and a picnic if you are planning to stay all day.

Cala Fonda, Espai Natural de la Munta de la Mora, Tarragona, 43007, Spain

6. Callela de Palafrugell

Callela de Palafrugell is easily accessible by car in about 90 min from central Barcelona and is often cited as one of the most attractive coastal villages on mainland Spain. The town started off as a simple fishing village and still retains much of its original humble charm. The main reasons to visit include enjoying beach activities including a variety of water sports and diving, but many visitors also like to see some near-by attractions like the well-preserved Ruins of the Empuries, a Greco-Roman archaeological site and the beautiful Cap Roig Botanical Gardens. You can also visit a beautiful medieval castle in near-by Begur.

Callela de Palafrugell, Girona, Spain

7. Campdevanol

Campdevanol is a popular day-trip destination for outdoor enthusiasts, located about 90 min north of Barcelona, Spain. The most popular activity is hiking the Ruta del 7 Gorgs, a 7.5 km hike which will take you along a very scenic trail to see up to seven waterfalls. It is possible to have a refreshing swim in one of the natural pools along your route. If you are feeling especially energetic you could also visit Estiulaventura to explore the aerial rope course or hike/cycle the 12km Ruta Del Ferro trail. When you have worked up a good appetite you can visit Formatgeria Palou, a small artisan cheesery, to taste some excellent cheeses and stock up for a picnic.

Campdevanol, Girona, Spain

8. Castelldelfels

The pretty village of Castelldelfels is easily accessible from central Barcelona in around thirty minutes. The village boasts a 6 km stretch of lovely sandy beach, almost completely devoid of the usual high-rise apartment buildings which characterize so much of the Spanish coastline. The beach is the primary draw-card, offering safe bathing, kite-surfing, body boarding and beach volley ball. You can hire a lounger and there are plenty of little beach bars to keep you hydrated. The Canal Olimpic was built as a training area for Olympic athletes – today you can enjoy kayaking, rowing and cable-skiing on the canal. If you prefer to explore beyond the beaches you can visit the hilltop castle, the pretty Parroquia Santa Maria church or visit the Gava Mines Archaeological Site.

Castelldelfels, Barcelona, Spain

9. Costa Brava

Spain’s famous Costa Brava (Wild Coast) lies to the north of Barcelona where it offers day trippers a scenic and adventurous coastal day out. The town of Blanes marks the start of the Costa Brava and you can be there in about an hour. Beyond Blanes you will find a 160km stretch of rugged coastline interspersed by miles of golden sandy beaches, bustling tourist hot-spots like Calella, Girona, Lloret de Mar and a few simpler and quieter spots like Pals, Tossa de Mar and Cadaques. Along the way you can visit the Dali Museum (near Figueres), the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia (near L’Escala) and the Botanical Gardens (near Blanes). There are numerous wonderful places to stop and enjoy the view as you feast on a Catalonian lunch.

Costa Brava, Spain

10. Figueres

Figueres is probably the most attractive of the Costa Brava towns for lover of history and art. The town is located about 45min from Girona, where it is home to the most important Dali museum in Spain, the marvelous Teatro Museo Dali, housed in the town’s former theater. This surrealist wonderland takes you deep into the heart of Dali’s bizarre world and is not to be missed, whether or not you are an art lover. The town is also home to several other museums including the Toy Museum, Museu De L’Emporda (art museum) and the Technology Museum. Round off your day with a visit to the house where Dali was born and the ancient old Castle of Sant Ferran, one of the largest of its kind in Europe.

Figueres, 17600, Girona, Spain