Here’s the ultimate list of the best weekend trips from Barcelona, based on my 15 years of traveling through Spain. If Barcelona is your next destination and you’re looking to use it as a base to plan some unique getaways across the country, this post has you covered!
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Best Weekend Trips from Barcelona
Visiting Barcelona
Barcelona is a unique Catalan city, known for its stunning architecture and vibrant activities. However, it’s also a great base for exploring other regions of Spain. Thanks to well-maintained roads and excellent public transportation, there are many fantastic places on the Iberian Peninsula that can easily be visited on a weekend trip from Barcelona. Whether you’re seeking beautiful beaches, snow-capped mountains, or charming medieval towns, all these destinations are accessible from the Catalan capital.
While I personally prefer Madrid over Barcelona, most of my international travels have started with flights or cruises departing from Barcelona. This has always provided me with the perfect opportunity to explore the areas surrounding the city. So, here’s the ultimate list of destinations to help you plan a unique weekend trip from Barcelona.
Best Barcelona Weekend trips in Catalonia
Let’s begin this list of Barcelona weekend trips with the region of Catalonia, which is packed with enough gems to keep you planning day trips for years. Based on my experience, while the options are endless, in this post, I’ll highlight only the places I have personally enjoyed.
Let’s briefly go over some of the amazing places to visit in Catalonia. You can follow my latest blog posts about the region in this section. If it’s your first time in this part of Spain, exploring local landmarks through virtual tours, Spain-themed coffee table books, or travel documentaries could be a great introduction. Additionally, the Spanish TV show La Catedral del Mar and the best-selling novel The Shadow of the Wind are both set in Catalonia, offering great insights into the region’s culture and history.
1. Tarragona
Visiting Tarragona from Barcelona
Travel Time: 1 hour by train or car
Where to stay: H10 Imperial Tarraco
History enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Tarragona, home to some of the most remarkable Roman ruins in Spain. This city will transport you back to the days when the Roman Empire dominated Hispania (modern-day Spain). Besides its rich history, Tarragona is close to Port Aventura, one of Spain’s most popular places to visit with kids. You can find more details about the city’s history and attractions in my Tarragona post.
One of Tarragona’s greatest advantages is its accessibility. It’s located just 100 km from Barcelona and can easily be reached by car, bus, or train. Additionally, Tarragona is well connected to Castellon (180 km), Valencia (250 km), and the secret region of Matarranya. The city also has a port and is often a key stop on Mediterranean cruises.
Unique Experiences to Book in Tarragona:
- Roman Heritage Guided Walking Tour (check availability)
- PortAventura and Ferrari Land 1, 2, or 3-Day Ticket (check availability)
Helpful articles to plan your visit:
- 12 Epic Places to Visit on a Tarragona Road Trip (read it)
- Visiting PortAventura World with Kids (read it)
2. Montserrat and Catalan villages
Visiting Montserrat from Barcelona
Travel Time: 1 hour by train or car
Where to stay: Hotel-Masia Can Farrés
The Abbey of Montserrat is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Spain. While it’s a popular day trip from Barcelona, few travelers realize that you can easily turn Montserrat into a stunning getaway by adding a few charming local villages to your itinerary. If you’re planning to visit Montserrat, start by checking out these essential tips to make the most of your trip. Then, consider exploring the nearby Catalan villages of Monistrol, Bruc, and the fascinating Cuevas de Salnitre. Don’t miss the hidden gem, the Monastery of Sant Benet. This monastery only allows guided visits, but I highly recommend it. The tour is such a unique experience, filled with beautiful visual effects, breathtaking decorations, and a deep dive into Catalonia’s rich history. It was truly a remarkable discovery on my last trip across the region.
Best Montserrat Tours:
- Montserrat Tour, Monastery & Optional Wine/Lunch (check availability)
- Montserrat Half-Day Wine and Tapas Trip (check availability)
- Horseback Tour in Montserrat National Park (check availability)
- Rock climbing in Montserrat (check availability)
- Mon Sant Benet Monastery Tickets (check availability)
Helpful articles to plan your visit:
3. Girona
Visiting Girona from Barcelona
Travel Time: 1.5 hours by train or car
Where to stay: Hotel Històric
Girona is one of the most well-known cities to visit in Catalonia, especially since it became one of the Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Spain. This medieval walled city represents a unique blend of different cultures in Spain: the Romans, the Moors, and the Jews. The Cathedral of Girona has elements of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles.
Girona’s most popular area is its Old Town, particularly Rambla de la Libertad – a pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes. The city of Girona can be a great standalone weekend trip destination from Barcelona or you can combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Costa Brava landmarks.
Unique Experiences to book in Girona:
- The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner (check availability)
- Jewish Heritage Guided City Tour and Museum Visit (check availability)
- Game of Thrones Small Group Tour (check availability)
- Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour with Food Tasting (check availability)
- Volcano Area, Besalú, and Banyoles Lake Tour (check availability)
- History and Gastronomy Small Group with Tastings (check availability)
- Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting (check availability)
- Discover the City – Audio Walking Guide App-Based (check availability)
4. Figueres
Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours by train or car
Among all the Costa Brava destinations, I would specifically highlight Figueres, as it’s a great base to explore the region. This town was the birthplace of the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí and its Dali Theatre-Museum houses the largest collection of the artist’s works. The museum itself is a surreal experience, with its bizarre architecture and fascinating exhibitions. After visiting the museum, take some time to explore the quaint streets of Figueres and soak in the town’s Catalan charm. While Costa Brava it’s only a few hours away from the Catalan capital, the region has so many landmarks that I rarely recommend it as a day trip. When it comes to exploring Costa Brava, the best option is either to plan a full road trip through the area or break it into a few separate weekend getaways.
Unlike Girona, where you could easily spend an entire weekend, I think Figueres is best visited by car and combined with other Dalí-themed landmarks in the area (as one day in Figueres is more than enough).
Helpful articles to plan your visit:
- An Ultimate 5-day Costa Brava Road Trip Itinerary (read it)
- Exploring The Artsy Dali Triangle in Spain (read it)
5. Sitges
Visiting Sitges from Barcelona
Travel Time: 40 minutes by train or car
Where to stay: Platjador
The seaside town of Sitges is one of the most convenient and charming weekend getaways from Barcelona. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Sitges is a top destination for those looking to relax and unwind. The town also has a bohemian flair, with art galleries, museums, and stylish boutiques lining its streets. Its annual film festival and Carnival celebrations attract visitors from all over the world. The small town of Sitges was one of my greatest discoveries during a recent Spanish road trip. Located just 42 km from Barcelona, Sitges is famous for its prestigious Spanish film festival, the Festival de Cine de Sitges.
On weekends, Sitges bustles with life, even during the off-season. The town is home to secret Spanish museums, such as the Cau Ferrat and Palau de Maricel, two must-visit museums that will captivate anyone with a love of art and history. Cau Ferrat was the home and workshop of the artist Santiago Rusiñol. Palau de Maricel was a custom-designed mansion built by American millionaire and art collector Charles Deering (1852-1927). Although Deering left Sitges in 1921, taking most of his lavish art collection back to the U.S., the mansion remains a visual delight for art lovers and offers a fascinating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the early 20th century.
Unique Tours in Sitges and its surroundings:
- Sitges Food and Natural Wine Tasting (check availability)
- Vilanova i la Geltrú: Guided Sitges Coast 3-Hour Kayak Tour (check availability)
- From Sitges: Cycling Tour with Winery Visit and Tasting (check availability)
Helpful articles to plan your visit:
- An epic Barcelona day trip to Sitges (read it)
- An Epic Barcelona to Valencia Road Trip (read it) – Sitges can be a stop on this itinerary
6. Empuriabrava
Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus
Where to stay: Port Salins
Empuriabrava, often called “the Venice of Spain,” is a hidden gem along the Costa Brava, perfect for a weekend trip from Barcelona. Known as the largest residential marina in Europe, this picturesque town is a maze of canals, lined with luxury villas, modern architecture, and lush green landscapes. Empuriabrava’s most famous feature is its extensive canal system, which stretches over 30 kilometers. It’s a captivating place to explore, offering a serene and picturesque atmosphere. The town is often compared to Venice, but with its own unique touch – sunshine, Mediterranean food, and a relaxed pace of life. It’s the ideal spot for a peaceful boat ride (rentals are widely available) and a beach getaway.
Empuriabrava is located about 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Barcelona, making it an easy and scenic weekend getaway. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours along the AP-7 highway. If you don’t have a car, you can take a bus from Barcelona’s Estacio del Nord, which takes around 2 hours, or opt for a train to Figueres followed by a short taxi ride.
7. Salou or Cambrils
Visiting Salou and Cambrils from Barcelona
Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours by car, bus, or train
Where to stay: Blaumar Hotel
Salou and Cambrils are two charming coastal towns located right next to each other along the Costa Dorada, making them ideal for a weekend getaway from Barcelona. These destinations are both popular with locals and tourists alike, offering a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and coastal beauty. Whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat or fun-filled family activities, Salou and Cambrils have something to offer. One of the top attractions nearby is PortAventura World, a world-renowned theme park that’s particularly popular with families. Despite our last trip to Cambrils being a bit stressful due to the crowds, PortAventura was an absolute highlight for my two toddler girls.
Besides the theme park, both Salou and Cambrils are is known for the beautiful beaches, lively promenades, and vibrant nightlife. Visiting Salou and Cambrils from Barcelona is quite easy and convenient, whether you prefer traveling by train, bus, or car.
Unique Tours in Salou and Cambrils:
- Priorat Wine-Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting (check availability)
- Off-Road Guided Quad Safari with Hotel Pickup (check availability)
- Scuba Diving for Beginners (check availability)
- Canyoning Day Trip (check availability)
- Half-Day Bike Tour from Salou (check availability)
- Hermitage Montroig Red Hills Tour (check availability)
- Salou Kids Buggy (check availability)
- Siurana Medieval Village Guided Tour (check availability)
- Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks (check availability)
- Costa Daurada Sail Catamaran Cruise (check availability)
- Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Drinks (check availability)
Helpful articles to plan your visit:
8. La Garrotxa and Besalu
Visiting La Garrotxa from Barcelona
Travel Time: 2 hours by car
Where to stay: Els Jardins De La Martana
La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park is one of Spain’s most unique and stunning destinations, especially for nature lovers. Located in the north of Catalonia, this park is famous for its remarkable volcanic landscape, home to 40 extinct volcanoes. The rugged terrain, lush forests, and tranquil lakes make La Garrotxa a perfect weekend getaway from Barcelona for nature lovers. One of the most famous spots within the park is Fageda d’en Jorda, a magical forest that grows on volcanic soil, creating a lush, dense canopy of trees that’s particularly enchanting in autumn when the leaves turn golden. Another gem is the Bosc de les Estunes, a beautiful forest offering peaceful trails and dense greenery. The Lago de Banyoles, Catalonia’s largest natural lake, is also located nearby and is a great spot to unwind, enjoy a peaceful boat ride, or explore the surrounding nature reserve.
Beyond the natural beauty, La Garrotxa is home to some of the most charming and picturesque villages in Catalonia. Besalu, with its famous medieval bridge, narrow cobbled streets, and ancient Jewish quarter, is a highlight. Another must-visit is Santa Pau, a well-preserved medieval village located at the foot of the Puig de Sant Grau Volcano.
Unique Tours in La Garroxa:
- La Garrotxa Volcanoes Half-Day Hot Air Balloon Flight (check availability)
- Olot Espai Cràter Volcanology Center (check availability)
9. Val d’Aran and Baqueira (the Pyrenees of Catalonia)
Visiting Val d’Aran and Baqueira from Barcelona
Travel Time: 4 hours by car
Where to stay: Hotel & Spa Casa Irene
Val d’Aran is one of my personal favorites on this list of Barcelona weekend trips, as it boasts one of the most beautiful natural settings in the Pyrenees mountains. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the area during all seasons, and it’s always unique in its own way. In winter, Val d’Aran is most famous for its ski resort, Baqueira Beret, which covers 4,700 acres of ski area with slopes to suit all tastes and preferences. The resort is typically open from mid-December to mid-March. The rest of the year, Val d’Aran is known for hosting some of Spain’s most iconic national parks and hikes. Additionally, the region is a fantastic destination for adventurous activities in the Pyrenees year-round.
Helpful articles to plan your visit:
- My Adventurous Weekend in the Pyrenees of Catalonia (read it)
- Epic 7 Days in the Pyrenees of Spain Itinerary from Barcelona (read it)
- Skiing in Spain: Our Baqueira Beret Family Getaway (read it)
- Top Adventurous Things to Do in the Pyrenees (read it)
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10. Lleida
Visiting Lleida from Barcelona
Travel Time: 1.5 hours by car or train
Where to stay: Parador de Lleida
Located about 1.5 hours west of Barcelona by train or car, Lleida is often overlooked by tourists, but it’s a fantastic lesser-known destination for a weekend trip. This Catalan city is best known for its La Seu Vella cathedral, perched on a hill overlooking the city, and its charming Old Quarter. Additionally, Lleida is a perfect base for exploring Congost de Mont-Rebei, one of the most iconic hikes in all of Spain. You can read more about my recent weekend in Lleida in this post.
Helpful articles to plan your visit:
- Top Places to Visit in Lleida (read it)
- Cogost de Montrebei: The Most Adventurous Hike in Spain (read it)
11. Tortosa and Deltebre
Travel Time: 1.5 hours by car, train, or bus
Where to stay: Parador de Tortosa
Visiting Tortosa from Barcelona
The beautiful town of Tortosa has been my biggest discovery of 2023 travels in Spain. It has quickly become one of my favorite lesser-known getaways from Barcelona. You can read more about all the things to see and do in Tortosa in this post.
Additionally, right next to Tortosa, you’ll find another natural gem of Catalonia – Deltebre, also known as the Ebro Delta Natural Park. This tranquil destination is perfect for those who enjoy birdwatching, kayaking, and exploring the stunning wetlands.
Unique experiences in Deltebre:
- Ebro Delta National Park: Guided Horseback Riding Tour (check availability)
- Ebro Delta: Guided Kayak Tour to Gracia Island (check availability)
- Flamingo-Birdwatching in the Ebro Delta at Sunset (check availability)
- Ebro Delta Cruise and Jeep Tour with Mussels Tasting (check availability)
- Ebro Delta National Park: Scenic Drive and Kayaking Tour (check availability)
- Scenic Drive and Kayaking Tour (check availability)
12. Cardona
Travel Time: 1.5 hours by car (3 hours by bus)
Where to stay: Bremon Boutique Hotel by Duquessa Hotel Collection
If you’re fascinated by history and stunning medieval architecture, Cardona is the perfect weekend getaway from Barcelona. Located about 1.5 hours northwest of Barcelona, it is best known for its dramatic Cardona Castle and the nearby Salt Mines. The local Parador de Cardona often appears on lists of mysterious and haunted places in Spain. Many guests claim to have experienced strange occurrences during their stay, particularly those who spent the night in room 712. Some even report sightings of a ghostly girl in a white dress.
13. Blanes, Lloret de Mar, and unique Catalan Gardens
Travel Time: 1hour by car (1.5 hour by bus or train)
Where to stay: Hotel Bella Dolores
Blanes and Lloret de Mar are beautiful coastal towns in Catalonia’s Costa Brava, located next to each other, and both popular as seaside getaways from Barcelona. The area is also known for its two stunning gardens – the Jardi Botanic Marimurtra in Blanes and the Jardines de Santa Clotilde in Lloret de Mar. Both gardens showcase unique plants and lush greenery, and their breathtaking seaside views evoke the charm of the French Riviera.
Lloret de Mar is famous for its lively beaches, such as Playa de Fenals, the Water World park, and its bustling nightlife. It’s the perfect destination if you’re seeking a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of entertainment options. On the other hand, Blanes offers a more relaxed experience, featuring beautiful beaches and the historic Castell de Sant Joan. The good news is that it’s easy to visit both destinations, as they are just a 10-minute drive (or 25 minutes by bus) from each other.
14. Vall de Boi and Romanesque Churches (the Pyrenees of Catalonia)
Travel Time: 3-4 hours by car
Where to stay: Hotel Cotori
A weekend trip to the Vall de Boi is a perfect escape to the Catalan Pyrenees. In this area, you’ll find nine unique churches from the 11th century, all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While not all of the churches are open year-round, each one has something truly special to offer. Last time, I only spent one day in Vall de Boi, which wasn’t enough to visit all the churches. So, even though Vall de Boi is also located in the Catalan Pyrenees and can be combined with a visit to Vall d’Aran (which I previously mentioned), I highly recommend planning Vall de Boi as a separate weekend getaway from Barcelona. To check the opening times (which vary depending on the season), visit this official website.
To fully explore Vall de Boi the area, traveling by car is essential. It allows you to visit the numerous landmarks at your own pace. Despite being somewhat remote, the drive is quite relaxed and enjoyable. In addition to visiting the historic churches, you can combine the trip with hiking in the nearby Aigüestortes National Park, making it a well-rounded weekend adventure.
15. Reus
Travel Time: 1.5 hours by car or bus
Where to stay: Brea’s Hotel
For art and architecture enthusiasts, Reus is a must-visit destination. Located just 1 hour south of Barcelona, Reus is famous as the birthplace of renowned architect Antoni Gaudí and features a stunning collection of Modernist architecture. The city is also known for its popular vermouth culture. Reus is definitely worth a weekend trip from Barcelona. You can read more about my weekend in Reus in this post.
Other Barcelona Weekend trips
If you don’t mind traveling more than a few hours for a weekend trip from Barcelona and want to explore Spain beyond the Catalonia region, here’s a list of other getaway destinations you can visit by car or train.
16. Valencia
Distance from Barcelona: 350 km (217 miles)
Travel Time: Around 3.5 to 4 hours by car or 3 hours by train.
Where to stay: MYR Puerta Serranos
Check out my ultimate 3-day Valencia itinerary here or follow my Barcelona to Valencia road trip.
17. Madrid
Distance from Barcelona: 620 km (385 miles)
Travel Time: About 6 hours by car, or 2.5 to 3 hours by high-speed train (AVE).
Where to stay: CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha
Check out all of my Madrid trips and itineraries here or follow my Barcelona to Madrid road trip.
18. Alicante
Distance from Barcelona: 530 km (329 miles)
Travel Time: Approximately 5.5 to 6 hours by car, or 4.5 to 5 hours by train.
Where to stay: TQ 10 Boutique
Check out all of my Alicante trips and itineraries here.
19. Benidorm
Distance from Barcelona: 510 km (317 miles)
Travel Time: Around 5.5 hours by car or 4.5 hours by bus.
Where to stay: Hotel Gold Arcos
Check out my ultimate Benidorm itinerary here.
20. Balearic Islands
Distance from Barcelona: About 200 km (124 miles) to Palma de Mallorca (by sea)
Travel Time: A 1-hour flight from Barcelona or about 7 to 8 hours by ferry.
Where to stay: Hotel Calatrava
Check out all of my trips and itineraries to the Balearic islands here.
21. Seville
Distance from Barcelona: 1,000 km (621 miles)
Travel Time: Around 10 hours by car, or about 5.5 hours by train.
Where to stay: Hotel Ateneo Sevilla
Check out my ultimate Seville itinerary here.
22. Andorra
Distance from Barcelona: 200 km (124 miles)
Travel Time: About 2.5 to 3 hours by car.
Where to stay: Hotel MIM Andorra
Check out all of my Andorra trips and itineraries here.
23. Peniscola
Distance from Barcelona: 230 km (143 miles)
Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 hours by car.
Where to stay: RH Don Carlos & Spa
Read more about my visit to Peniscola in this post.
24. Morella
Distance from Barcelona: 175 km (109 miles)
Travel Time: About 2.5 hours by car.
Where to stay: Hotel del Pastor
Read more about my visit to Morella in this post.
25. Matarranya
Distance from Barcelona: 150 km (93 miles)
Travel Time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours by car.
Where to stay: HOTEL SOMNIFABRIK
Read more about my visit to Matarranya in this post.
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For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.
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This is such a great post! Barcelona is at the top of my bucket list, and Cadaques looks so beautiful too. Thanks for putting so many of these destinations on my radar!
As I’m planning to travel to Spain next year, this post made me very excited for all the beautiful places I could visit. Very handy for planning! I’d never heard of Cadaques before, that’s definitely on the list! Thanks.
I love checking out spots that are the real setting for films and TV shows..so cool!
I have been to Spain before but unfortunately not this region! Thank you for sharing – I had not heard of many of these places before.
I can’t believe there is so many beautiful places so close! I definitely hope to visit Spain later in the year
All of these look incredible – it would be hard to choose which to visit first! However, the dog sledding at Baqueira Beret looks like a fantastic adventure.
Spain has long been on bucket place and this area in particular sounds incredible…thank you for the inspiration
Sitges and Empuriabrava in particular look so dreamy! I definitely see why it’s called the “Venice of Spain!”
Awesome post. Love the synopsis on the individual places. I’ve only been to Barcelona and Tarragona, on your list. Would love to go to Jardin Botanico Marimurtra and also hike among the volcanos in La Garroxa. Beautiful. Thanks for the great guide.
This is such a great post! Barcelona is at the top of my bucket list Thanks for putting so many of these destinations on my radar!
These places are amazing! I haven’t been to Spain before but am thinking to travel there next year. I will save this for my bucket list! Thanks for sharing!
Fantastic post! My mother in law grew up in the Vall de Boi, so we have spent time there and then visited quite a few of these options. I love Catalonia soooo much! The lush forests of Garrotxa, and the beeeautiful architecture of Lleida are fabulous, but the mountains around Vall de Boi stole my heart completely!
I went to Barcelona last summer and we took a day trip to Girona. I’ve never seen the Game of Thrones, but I thought Girona was a great way to spend the day.