Beat the Crowds With These Day Trips From Barcelona by Train

By leah jones

Barcelona is a travel haven of Spain and is one of the most visited cities for that reason. Here are some cities that make great day trips from Barcelona by train to escape the crowds.

Montserrat is a popular day trip from Barcelona (1 hour by train). It’s known for its jagged mountain peaks with several hiking trails and the famous Benedictine abbey housing the Black Madonna.

Montserrat

Sitges is a coastal town, about 40 minutes from Barcelona, famous for its beaches, cultural scene and history. It’s a relaxed area known for its festivals, like Carnival and the Sitges Film Festival.

Sitges

Girona is a medieval gem 40 minutes to 1.5 hours from Barcelona by train with an impressive cathedral, cobblestone streets and stunning city walls. Several scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed here.

Girona

Tarragona is known for its Roman heritage, including the well-preserved Roman Amphitheatre ruins and Pont del Diable (Devil’s Bridge). The city includes Mediterranean beaches that you won't want to leave.

Tarragona

Figueres, 55 minutes from Barcelona, is famous for being the birthplace of surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. The Dalí Theatre-Museum is one of the most popular art destinations in Spain.

Figueres

Vic is known for its medieval architecture and the large Plaza Mayor, which hosts an impressive weekly market. The town is an hour from Barcelona and home to beautiful Romanesque and Gothic churches.

Vic

25 minutes outside Barcelona, this small industrial colony is home to Gaudí’s Crypt, a UNESCO World Heritage site and lesser-known architectural wonder where you can explore Gaudí’s work.

Colònia Güell

This coastal town is 45 minutes from Barcelona and less crowded than Sitges but with equally beautiful beaches. Vilanova i la Geltrú is known for its maritime museum, laid-back vibe and fishing heritage.

Vilanova i la Geltrú

Cardona, 1.5 hours from Barcelona by train and bus, is famous for its medieval Cardona Castle and the nearby Salt Mountain. Here you can tour the incredible salt mines and learn about world history.

Cardona

Besalú is a stunning medieval village with well-preserved Romanesque architecture, particularly the famous 12th-century bridge. Get there from Barcelona by train and bus in 1.5 hours.

Besalú

Each of these destinations is accessible by train from Barcelona’s main stations and make for full day trips.

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