That a rich and varied region played out beyond the streets of Barcelona was something once known only to locals and long-time residents. It was never exactly a secret, yet few visitors once ventured beyond the city’s limits for the best day trips from Barcelona—to explore the mysterious mountain range hovering on the horizon, or to discover a coastline untouched by resorts and cerveza sellers. But today, travelers’ sight lines are expanding even further: Catalonia’s recent coronation as a World Region of Gastronomy proves that what’s cooking outside the capital rivals what’s on offer within it. From Girona to the Catalan Pyrenees, culinary superheroes such as the Roca brothers, the Adrià s, and the Puigdevalls have been redefining Catalan cuisine. Many are now segueing beyond award-winning restaurants to open boutique hotels and even museums, blurring the lines between hospitality and art.
The region’s architecture is equally diverse, spanning Roman amphitheaters to cathedrals used for worship—and for making wine. It turns out that Gaudà got creative outside of Barcelona, as did his protégés, with spectacular constructions heaving on drama but scarce on queues. And if you bookmarked Barcelona for its beaches, what you’ll find a couple of hours north or south will knock your sandy socks off. There, the coves and cliffs are altogether more atmospheric: Pine-fringed, painterly, and the longtime inspiration for artists such as Dalà and Picasso. So, whether you choose to self-explore or seek out curated tours, these day trips offer a richer, more rounded take on the region—to Barcelona, and well beyond.
Read our complete Barcelona travel guide here, which includes:
How we choose the best day trips from Barcelona
Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.
