Day Trips From Barcelona: Taking The Off-The-Beaten Paths To Avoid Tourism Ban

Tourism in Barcelona is substantial, accounting for approximately 15% of the city’s overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

However, as every coin has a flip side, with 15.6 million tourists visiting Barcelona in 2024, the high numbers of tourist footfall in previous years have significantly impacted city life. 

The rental prices have gone up, the citizens have faced disrespectful behaviors, and overall, the city life has gone for a toss. 

There are ongoing protests from city locals and the Government to manage overtourism. For example, holiday apartments are going to get completely banned by 2029. 

However, you don’t need to get disheartened if you are visiting Barcelona for the first time, as there is no ban on tourism. 

Further, if you have a look at the Barcelona districts map now, you will find many lesser-known yet amazing tourist destinations nearby. 

In this Dream and Travel Guide, we will talk about these locations, which are ideal for day trips from Barcelona. Let’s take the path less trodden. 

What Is The Best Time For Day Trips From Barcelona?

Barcelona, a popular tourist attraction and one of the best cities in Spain for immigrants, is now bearing the brunt of overtourism. 

So, as a responsible tourist, it’s time to focus more on the nearby small towns and beaches near Barcelona.  

However, the first thing you must know while looking for tips before traveling to Barcelona is the ideal time to plan a trip. 

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to plan a trip to Barcelona and its nearby attractions. Pleasant weather conditions and fewer crowds make the months of March to May and September to November great for tourists. 

Notably, the table below displays the average annual temperatures in Barcelona. 

So, you can now decide when to plan your trip.

Best Places To Visit During Day Trips From Barcelona

Are you done exploring the best places in Barcelona? It’s time to plan the best day trips from the city. 

Also, once you are back in Barcelona after a day trip, you can indulge in the vibrant nightlife of the city. Places to visit in Barcelona at night, including La Rambla and the Flamenco Palace, will offer you a slice of the city’s rich leisure tourism scene. 

Nevertheless, here are the places to which you can plan a day trip. 

1. Montserrat

‣ Distance from Barcelona: 58 Km

Montserrat is home to Benedictine Abbey, which houses the amazing Black Madonna. Also, Montserrat has the St. Jerome’s Peak. 

Further, Montserrat is one of the best pilgrimage sites in Montserrat and you can take a stunning train ride from the bottom of Montserrat to the beautiful monastery at the top. 

Take a train from Plaça Espanya Train Station to Montserrat Rack Railway for a most fulfilling one-day trip. 

2. Sitges

‣ Distance from Barcelona: 37 Km

Do you want to experience a slice of Greek life in Barcelona? Plan a visit to Sitges, one of the most beautiful destinations for day trips from Barcelona. 

The streets here are whitewashed, and the vibrant kitsch ceramics add a pop of color to the overall scenario. Additionally, it is an ideal destination for gay couples, and Sitges exudes a charm reminiscent of the Brazilian Carnival. 

Moreover, Sitges has 17 beaches. So, if you want some serious beach fun near Barcelona, you now know where to go. 

Take a train from Passeig de Gracia or Sants Station to reach Sitges from Barcelona. The travel time will be around 40 minutes. 

3. Girona

‣ Distance from Barcelona: 94 Km

Welcome to the city of Game of Thrones in Spain. One of the most dramatic destinations for day trips from Barcelona is Girona, which boasts an iconic Jewish district. 

It is the place where the confrontation between High Sparrow and Jamie Lannister took place. Also, Girona has Arab Baths, where Arya Stark had a fight with the Waif. 

Again, take a walk along the Grand Sept of Baelor and visualize the iconic scene of Cersei’s Walk of Shame. 

Girona is well-connected to Barcelona, as trains run regularly from Sants Station. It will be a 40-minute train ride from Barcelona to Girona. 

4. Badalona

‣ Distance from Barcelona: 10.5 Km

Barcelona is dotted with the most beautiful beaches. However, if you want to run from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona, Badalona will be one of the best destinations. 

Ideal for day trips from Barcelona, Badalona is, however, more than just beautiful beaches. Rambla in Badalona has the best cafes and restaurants to try the local flavors. 

Also, if you want to explore the best of the Catalan Coast, you can take a walk along Pont del Petrol. And the best part is that there will not be a bustling rush of street vendors and mojito sellers here. 

Badalona is well connected to Barcelona by the metro. You can take the Barcelona L2 metro for the commute.

5. Tarragona

‣ Distance from Barcelona: 87 Km

Are you a history buff? Would you like to learn about the local culture? Why don’t you choose Tarragona for your day trip from Barcelona?

The magnificent amphitheater here has been gracing the location for more than two millennia now. The porticoes and walls will transport you to a different world. 

Further, you can explore the Tarragona for a rich cultural experience. Also, the Gothic cathedral is one of the iconic landmarks of Tarragona.  

You can reach Tarragona from Barcelona by train. The train from Tarragona starts every 1-1.5 hours. 

6. Penedès Wine Region

‣ Distance from Barcelona: Around 50 Kilometers

Has the thought of a Barcelona wine trip ever crossed your mind? The Penedès Wine Region is the ideal location for day trips from Barcelona. 

You can board a train from Sants Station to reach Vilafranca del Penedès, the capital of the wine region. Trains are available every two hours. 

Once you are in the Penedès Wine Region, you can taste the best wines and cava from their sources. Also, you can enjoy e-bike tours along the vineyards. 

Moreover, you can visit the VINSEUM Museum, Miravinya Viewpoint, and Catalonia Railway Museum to explore the beauty and culture of the Catalonia region.