For a break from Barcelona's busy city life, explore charming nearby towns easily accessible by train or car. These towns offer authentic culture, quaint streets, lovely restaurants, and beautiful beaches for a delightful day trip.
Montserrat, a popular day trip from Barcelona, is a rocky mountain range in Catalonia, Spain, housing the renowned Benedictine monastery, Santa Maria de Montserrat. Inside, you'll discover the famous statue of the black Madonna, locally known as "La Moreneta de Montserrat."
For some, Montserrat is a religious pilgrimage; for others, it's a chance to embrace the mountain's unique beauty and savor Catalonia's countryside views. You can reach the monastery via a scenic cable car or a mountain funicular, with various hiking trails to explore the natural surroundings. Whether you're captivated by its spiritual significance or natural allure, a visit to Montserrat is a truly unforgettable experience.
Escape Barcelona's hustle by heading north to the stunning Costa Brava, one of Europe's most beautiful coastlines. It boasts over ten charming seaside towns and villages, sandy beaches, rocky coves, and breathtaking views. Stretching to Portbou near the French border, we explored the small towns of Blanes and Tossa de Mar. Here are some ideas for the perfect day in these two towns!
Blanes, a former fishing village just an hour from Catalonia, is a stunning seaside resort town with 4 kilometers of wide, golden beaches and a mild climate year-round. You can savor delicious seafood in local restaurants, and the town is perfect for beach relaxation or swimming in crystal-clear waters. If you're used to warm Caribbean beaches, be prepared for colder water here.
Visit St. Francesc Beach, also known as Cala Bona, to rent paddle boards or explore the coast from the clifftop. Don't miss the famous Marimurtra Botanical Garden, offering exotic plants and breathtaking coastal views.
Continue to Tossa de Mar, the last fortified town on Costa Brava. This medieval clifftop village boasts a 12th-century castle with fortified walls and towers. Walk the cobblestone streets to the lighthouse for a stunning coastal view and discover hidden beaches. It's a charming destination with much to offer.
Girona, a key Costa Brava airport, is brimming with museums, Gothic churches, and the iconic river houses, Casas de l'Onyar, known for postcard-worthy views.
To the east of Girona is the medieval town of Pals, nestled around a fortress on a serene hilltop. It has an old-world charm and offers opportunities to explore beaches, dunes, wetlands, and rice fields.