Great Day Trips from Barcelona

While there is plenty to do in Barcelona with the whole family (don't worry, there's a blog for that) there are many fabulous day trips to explore the area outside the city as well. Here are two of our favorite for families.

Montserrat

Montserrat is about an hour from Barcelona which make this a particularly easy day trip. You can go in the morning and be back in the early evening without anyone getting too tired. It's famous for its beautiful mountain range as well as its Benedictine abbey - which some believe is the location of the holy grail. Montserrat, which means "serrated mountain" has dramatic jagged peaks, and the mountain itself is a geological wonder - the perfect place for kids to explore nature.

Upon arrival you can get up to the abbey by rack railway. The abbey was built in the 11th century, and then rebuilt between the 19th and 20th centuries, and it's still the home and praying area of more than 70 monks - so it's especially important to be respectful while visiting. The Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey is the heart of the site, and you can visit the Black Madonna (La Moreneta) - a sacred statue, and light a candle or leave a note. After that you can potentially hear the famous Escolania Boys' choir - one of the oldest in Europe. (You'll want to double check the performance schedule a few days ahead).

After you've explored the sacred sites you can browse the local farmer's stalls. The surrounding area will often have local farmers and artisans selling honey, cheese and fig cakes.

Once you've had your fill of the local farmer's stalls, you can take the Sant Joan Funicular to higher peaks of the mountain which is an experience in and of itself. You'll have gorgeous scenery along the way - and truly stunning panoramic views once you reach the top. The viewpoint offers scenic walks and hikes, and there is a restaurant so you can have lunch before you head back down the mountain via funicular.

Dali, Figueres, and the Villages of the Costa Brava

This is a great tour that starts with Figueres - the birthplace of surrealist painter Salvador Dalí, and a must visit for lovers of art and culture . The Dalí Museum is not a typical museum. Think optical illusions and giant eggs on the roof. Dalí himself designed, decorated, and painted it to showcase his life's work. (He is also buried there). Next door is the Dalí jewels museum - which houses Dalís jewelry designs - some of which move. Before you leave town be sure to walk along La Rambla of Figueres, the town's main street filled with shops and cafés. It's great for people watching, and we recommend grabbing a churro con chocolate or gelato before you leave.

After lunch you may want to stop at Castell de Sant Ferran - one of Catalonia's hidden gems. It's about a 15 minute walk from the Dalí Theatre-Museum, and is a massive fortress built in the 18th century. This is a huge place where you can explore giant ramparts, secret tunnels, and even take a boat ride in a underground cistern.

On the way back to Barcelona we recommend a stop in the beautiful city of Girona. Highlights include the Old Town (Barri Vell) complete with arched passageways and cobbled streets that are perfect for wandering. You can see the Girona Cathedral (a filming site from Game of Thrones), and then walk through the Jewish Quarter (El Call). It is very well preserved and the history dates back to the 9th century. Don't leave without spending time on the riverfront - it's filled with brightly painted buildings along the river and it's a great spot to stop for an afternoon coffee or dinner before you head back to Barcelona.

Traveling to Spain and want more destination inspiration? Check our blogs for great foodie locations in Spain and exploring history through architecture.

Looking to book your next trip to Barcelona? We have these exciting day trips and more to explore the area! Schedule a consultation below:

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