Barcelona - Daily trips from Barcelona

Daily trips from Barcelona

There are several cities and places that you can visit around Barcelona. The best transportation option is the train since it is cheap, reliable (almost :)), and available all the time.  However, there are other options like bus or renting a car or taking a plane can be an option.

About the trains; you can take the trains from Sants Estació or Passeig the Gracia, Franca or from the Catalonia train stations. And keep in mind that there are different types of trains, such as regional, fast, express, etc. So the same distance can be an hour or 2 hours even 3 hours.

The coasts of Catalonia provide great alternatives and a huge variety. The northern coasts of Catalonia are called Costa Brava (The Wild Coast) and the south is called Costa Daurada (The golden Coast). Both have their own beauties and uniqueness. Besides the coasts, the area includes so many historic parts. These small cities can be reached in a short time and traveled on foot easily.  

 

Badalona take the train on the Macanet route from Sants Estacio, it takes 45 minutes to reach there. For fresh fish and its beaches, it is popular.

Sant Seloni is a small town in the north of Barcelona, the train leaves from Sants Estacio and Franca. Just across the city the Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor is a nice alternative for trekking among all the wealthiness of nature.

Girona

Located in the north of Barcelona, on the way of  Figueres and the French border, Girona (Gerona in Castillian Spanish) is the major city in northern Catalunya. In order to go to Girona from Barcelona take the train from Catalunya Train Station, generally from the platform (Via) 2, it takes an hour. Also, there are buses from Estacio Nord bus station. The city's history dates back to Roman times and its attractions include an impressive old town featuring narrow streets and medieval and baroque architecture. It is a great ancient city. The tourism information center is next to the first bridge. Especially, the Cathedral, the beautiful Historic Jewish quarter, Arab baths, bridges on the river, the view of the historic part from the bridges, Cinema museum are the most charming parts. Walking through the stone buildings and squashed down narrow cobbled streets makes you feel as if you are in a different era. You’ll see lots of bars and restaurants in this area too, and also the city is a great alternative for antique shopping. Don't miss to taste their fruit tarts and different varieties of honey. The unique effect of Girona attracts people to visit the same city more than once.

 

Lloret de Mar

An hour away from Barcelona (by bus from Estacio Nord) Lloret de Mar is waiting for you. With its crazy nightlife, Casinos, Castles, beaches, and shopping craziness. The season closes on the 1st of November officially, together with all the shops.  Although the city is a small one, you find so many things to do. Beautiful coasts with beaches and coves, Iberian villages, medieval castles, chapels, gardens are the keywords for this city’s natural beauties. Besides, going to the charming Tossa takes 25 minutes from here.

 

Tossa de Mar

It takes 20-25 minutes by bus from Lloret de Mar. During the day, there are several buses to that route. The castle and the historic city behind the castle are worth visiting.  Tossa is smaller than Lloret de Mar but in terms of its amazing nature, sea caves, greenish seawater, and secret coves, it is diving heaven and a great place to be with nature.

Figueres

Figueres is situated on the train line between Barcelona and the French border after Girona. If you are interested in surrealism or Dali's art you shouldn't miss the Museum in this small city. Depending on your train type, you can go to Figueres from Barcelona in 1.5 hours. Dali museum is impressive and definitely worth visiting. Another city by the sea side; Rosas is 1/2 hour away from this city with its unique beautiful beaches. From here it is possible to go to Cadaques which is known as the city of Dali. Dali was born in Figueres but he lived in Port Lligat, Cadaques.

 

The bus station in Figueres is just in front of the train station. You can take buses from here to go Rosas, Cadaques, Barcelona and other France cities (even to Paris).

 

Cadaques 

 

In Cadaques, besides the natural beauty of the city, Passatge, La Sirena, Santa Maria Church, "Es Call" street, Es Passeig (the town main Square) and Port Lligat where Salvador Dali's Museum/an Art Noveau house (takes 30 minutes to walk you can take a boat too if it is the season) are in the must be seen the list. If you are interested in diving there are wonderful places here.

 

Rosas

There are nice hotels, great beaches, great swimming pools and it is very close to Cadaques. Beside the seaside beauties, there is an old historic city, the old name is Rhode. Still, it is possible to see the ruins in the area. You won't forget the sunset and sun dusk of Rosas. It is a perfect resting area. Although there are so many choices for a 1-2 day/s trip from Barcelona,  my other suggestions for the north part of Barcelona will be Tosse de Mar (1 hour by train, 12th century), Lloret de Mar, Arreyns de Mar (1-day trip metro Catalonia 45 minutes), Besalu and Olot (2 hours from Barcelona, famous with 30 inactive volcanoes, 18th-century modernist building), Vall d'Aran, the Pyrenees and Andorra (200km) away from Barcelona.

 

 

Vic

 

The city is a small, historic city and pretty unique. The touristic route offers tourists travel through history.  
The famous museum is Episcopal Museum(http://www.tujuca.com/). To go there by train from Barcelona take the train from Catalonia Station.

 

Lleida
Although this city is not a touristic city, for the sake of the old Cathedral, nature or the fruits, it may be worth visiting. It is 1 hour and 20 minutes by train from Sant Estacio, 150 km away from Barcelona. What to see:

• La Seu Vella
• The castle of Gardeny
• Església Sant Joan
• El Peu del Romeu

Casteldefels

This small town is 20 minutes away from Barcelona by train, take the train form from Saint estacio and get off at the Playa de Casteldefels, not at Casteldefels city center. The beaches here are pretty popular.

 

Catalunya en Miniatura Torrelles de Llobregat / Bus, Soler i Sauret, from Travessera de les Corts / Riera Blanca (L 62). 11 KM to Barcelona.

Sitges 

Sitges is one of the hottest beach resorts on the Spanish mainland, just 37 km away from Barcelona. During summer, Sitges is a happening town with pumping nightlife and one of Europe's best gay scenes. However it reverts to a sleepy, yet stylish, town in the winter months. Sitges attract a mostly local crowd in contrast to many of the more developed resort cities elsewhere in Spain. The city is easily accessible from Barcelona by the suburban rail network. here are the alternatives:

• Parish church
• Museum "Mar i Cel"
• Sitges, Palau "Mar i Cel"
• Sitges, Museu Maricel
• Sitges, City Hall
• Sitges, Market
• "Sin Street"
• Casa Bartomeu Carbonell i Mussons
• Sitges, town street
• Sitges, Casa Bonaventura Blai (Vil·la Avelina)
• Sitges, Modern Style house
• Sitges, Casa Pere Carreras i Robert
• Sitges, Park
• Sitges, "El Prado"

To Sitges by train from Barcelona  airport

1. Sitges is closer to the Airport than Barcelona. Thus the best way to go from Barcelona Airport to Sitges is the following:
2. Take the train from the Airport to El Prat village. Do not confuse with the Airport station which has the same name "El Prat name".
3. Take a train from El Prat village to Sitges. It takes 32 minutes.

From Barcelona to Sitges

1.Take the train from Sants Estacio, almost every 30 minutes there is one.

2. There are several trains which go to Sitges. Sitges trains are always announced,  Vilanova Geltru or Saint Vincent on the front.

5. Get off at Sitges. It is also annonced as  "Propera parada, Sitges" (the next stop is Sitges). (A 25 minute journey).

 

Garraf is a very small town on the way to Sitges, however has a great structure by Gaudi.

 

 

 

 

Tarragona and Costa Daurada - Tarragona is an hour away by train from Barcelona to the south of Barcelona. It is an old Roman city, it has beautiful roman constructions which are well preserved, with a fantastic cathedral. The must be seen places: 

• Town Hall Plaça de la Font" (Fountain’s Square), in the middle of the old Tarragona.
• la Rambla Nova
• Tarragona, Amfiteatre 2
• Tarragona, Balcó del Mediterrani
• Porxos Gòtics
• Carrer Major
• Pla de la Seu
• Cathedral from 1171 and 1331.
• the Archeological Museum, with world-famous Tarraco treasuries like the busts of Trajano and Luci Vero, among many other Roman works.
• The Diocese Museum, in the Cathedral, with many samples of religious works, the most important pieces in this museum are the 54 tapestries.
• The Museum of the City; and the early Christian Necropolis, in the city outskirts, a museum with the remains found in this 3rd, 4th, and 5th-century cemetery.
• The Walls: A recommended visit is the aqueduct, which sits on the road to Valls, 4 km from the city of Tarragona.
• Rambla Vella, the "Via Imperi Romà".
• The harbor

In this port, there are many bars and discos. They are one next to each other.

The city's other big attraction is Spain's biggest theme park - Port Aventura.

VilaFranca Del Penedes  40km away from Barcelona the city stands with the world-famous wines.

 

Tortosa the city is  142 km far away from Barcelona. The old town, medieval art, the Cathedral, and Mirador/Parador are the places that can be seen. Besides these, the further point of Catalonia at the south is a nature park called The Ebro Delta which is 30 km away from Tortosa. 

 

Valencia

One day trip might not be sufficient enough for this city, however, still deserves mention.  It is a beautiful, lovely city to see, also an original city. 

Food worth trying, especially bakery products, such as tarta Cristina and Arnadi. Drinking a glass of "cold Horchata", and great red wine shouldn't be missed. It is the birth city of  Paella so it is the best place to eat Paella, especially around C/ Caballeros. Also at the Cathedral Placa, the famous bakery Valor stands since 1881. Their hot chocolate with orange flavor is also a good option especially if the weather is cold. For shopping, the famous street is c/Argentina and it's around. Places to visit: Placa Ayundementio, Placa Reina, The cathedral,  Placa Lena, Placa Virgen, Historic Route, Art and Science City.

 

Andorra is the heaven of tax-free shops and ski resorts. 200km, away from Barcelona. Between French and Spanish borders on the Pyrenees. There are direct buses from Barcelona Airport and Sant Estacio.

 

Islands: There are several close islands too. By plane, they are almost 30 minutes: Majorca (Mallorca), Minorca (Menorca), and Ibiza. For a crazy nightlife or a life with amazing natural beauties, depending on your choice, you can make up your mind.

 

 Montserrat: is 50km away from Barcelona. Although the mountain boasts some unique scenery and hiking trails, the main attraction here is the Monestir de Montserrat which was founded in 1025. The monastery is home to an excellent museum and a16th century basilica.

 

In order to go to there, go to "Plaça Espanya" train station and take one of the "Ferrocarils de Catalunya" to Montserrat,  drop off at the "Montserrat Aeri" train station, where you take the Cable car.

 If you want to go with rock rail, drop it off at the next station. Trains leave from Barcelona each hour from 8:36 AM through 20:00 PM.  The combined round-trip ticket costs less than buying separately. Take food and water. Check return hours of cable in advance.

 

Trains and Train Stations:

• Barcelona Sants Station

Barcelona Sants Station is the city’s main railway station and most trains departing and arriving in Barcelona stop here. The station is the terminus for the High-Speed Train and many Spanish and foreign destinations, suburban rail, and trains to Barcelona Airport.

- Nacional trains

• AVE: Barcelona – Tarragona – Lleida – Saragossa – Madrid.
• Euromed: Barcelona – Tarragona – València – Alacant.
• Arco: Connecting Barcelona, València, Andalusia and Extremadura.
• Talgo: Connecting Barcelona with other Spanish cities.
• Tren Estrella: Connecting Barcelona and the North of Spain.
• Regional | Surrounding areas trains

• Regional trains to Tarragona, Costa Daurada, Tortosa, Lleida, Girona, Figueres, Portbou.
• Surrounding areas:  Mataró – Maçanet, Vic, Vilanova, Vilafranca – Manresa.

• Plaça de Catalonia Station@ Plaça de Catalunya.

- Regional | Surrounding areas trains
Regional trains to Girona – Figueres – Portbou; Costa Garraf; Costa Daurada – Tarragona – Tortosa; Reus; Lleida – Zaragossa.

Daily, 7am to 10pm.

 

Metro: L1 and L3. Bus: 9, 22, 28, 42, 47, 58, 62, 66, 67 and 68.

Trains to the airport:

• Passeig de Gràcia Station

Passeig de Gràcia - Aragó, s/n 08007 Barcelona.

Time: 5am to 12am.

Metro: L2, L3 and L4. Bus: 17, 22, 24 and 28.

• Sants Estacio

Pl. Paisos catalans s/n 08014 Barcelona
Time: 4.30am to 12am.
Metro: L5 and L3. Bus: 27, 30, 32, 43, 44, 78 y 109.