Spain has many destinations to choose from, not least the beautiful
Catalan capital of Barcelona. The city is rich in culture and steeped in history;
the Gaudi museum is a testament to both.
There are, however, a myriad of destinations surrounding Barcelona, including the birthplace of Salvador Dali, offering a fantastic excuse to indulge in day trips and tours of the countryside and surrounding towns. Here are some to keep in mind for day trips in this beautiful part of Spain.
Popular trips include journeys to Montserrat, Girona, Figueres, The surreal world of Salvador Dali, Costa Brava, Pyrenees Mountains,
Tarragona & Sitges and PortAventura.
Book the best day trips from Barcelona. Take a tour to fascinating places in Spain such as Catalonia’s most famous landmark, Montserrat, the Costa Brava, Girona, Figueres & Dalí Museum.
Girona is located approximately 100km from Barcelona, just over an hour by train, and perfect for day trips and foot tours. It has a range of sights that are sure to impress, including the old cathedral and the Sant Feliu, among others.
The old town is a tight nestling of aged houses, pushed up against cobbled streets. A walk along the river offers beautiful views of the brightly painted homes, while a tour of the Old Fortifications may also peak your interest.
For detailed accounts of the history of Girona, a variety of museums are available. Museu d’Historia dels Jueus de Girona tells the story of the expulsion of the Jewish community in 1492, while the Banys Arabs, dating from the 12th century are available for touring. The new town of Girona offers more modern pursuits, with a range of fine bars and restaurants, including the world-famous El Celler de Can Roca.
Complete with the 18th-century Castell de Sant Ferran and Modernista architecture, as well as being the birthplace of Salvador Dali, Figueres is a worthy consideration when planning day trips.
Located 140km north-east of Barcelona, it is the home of the world-famous Teatre-Museu Dali, a former theatre converted by Salvador Dali. The museum displays some of his finest works, including paintings and jewellery; Salvador Dali was a keen designer.
The building itself is stunning, adorned in statues, ornate plaster-work and even some trompe l’oeil installations; Salvador Dali was famed for his love of luxury and exuberance, something that frustrated his critics, but did not detract from his artistic genius.
Montserrat is a long, multi-peaked mountain near Barcelona; the trip takes around an hour by train, perfect for day trips. Montserrat is designated the first national park of Spain.
Once there, it is possible to get straight on the cable car and ascend the mountain. At the top, you have arrived at one of the holiest places in both Spain and Catalunya. Montserrat is the site of a Benedectine abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat. The abbey is available for tours and makes for impressive viewing.
An element of charm and mystery pervades the place; the architecture is beautiful in any weather, choir singing is performed at certain times of the year in the basilica, while the site is also rumoured to be the final resting place of the Holy Grail. Bring walking shoes to hike around the mountain to take full advantage of the best views in Spain and Catalunya.
