Escape to Sitges: A Seaside Gem Just Minutes from Barcelona
If you’re looking to discover another side of Catalonia while staying close to Barcelona, the charming town of Sitges is the perfect getaway. Located just 40 minutes by train, this coastal gem captivates with its relaxed vibe, beautiful beaches, and picturesque streets.
Sitges is known for its artistic spirit, white seaside houses, galleries, museums, and lively seafront promenade. You’ll also find excellent restaurants where you can enjoy seafood or paella with a sea view.
It’s an ideal destination for a beach day, a romantic stroll, or simply wandering through an authentic and vibrant setting. The town center is compact, everything is within walking distance, and the atmosphere is as warm as it is cosmopolitan.
How to get there from Barcelona
Take the Rodalies R2 Sud train from Estació de Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, or Estació de França.
Journey time: around 40 minutes, with frequent trains throughout the day.
Our restaurant recommendations
El Castell: Refined Mediterranean cuisine with an excellent reputation.
Taberna del Puerto: Specializing in seafood and paella, located in the Aiguadolç marina.
A Magical Escape to Montserrat: Nature, Culture, and Spirituality Less Than an Hour from Barcelona
Looking to take in some altitude during your stay in Barcelona? Discover Montserrat, a unique place combining spectacular landscapes and spiritual heritage. Located about an hour by train, this mountain range is home to one of Catalonia’s most iconic monasteries.
At the summit, you’ll find the Monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, perched among impressive rock formations. It is a pilgrimage site, known for housing the Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia. Beyond its cultural richness, nature lovers will enjoy hiking trails offering breathtaking views.
Montserrat is perfect for a day of disconnection between sky and earth, between the silence of the mountains and the powerful history of the site.
How to get there from Barcelona
Train: Take the R5 line from Plaça Espanya towards Manresa.
Get off at Monistrol de Montserrat, then take the rack railway or the cable car (Aeri) up to the monastery.
Total journey time: about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Our restaurant recommendations
Restaurant Abat Cisneros: Located in the hotel of the same name, offering traditional Catalan cuisine with stunning mountain views.
Restaurant Montserrat: Serves local dishes in a friendly setting, ideal for a break after visiting the monastery.
A Sparkling Escape to Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, the Capital of Cava
Just 45 minutes from Barcelona, Sant Sadurní d’Anoia is a charming small town surrounded by vineyards, famous for being the capital of cava, the renowned Catalan sparkling wine. If you want to get off the beaten path and discover a more rural and authentic side of Catalonia, this destination is perfect for you.
The town is home to many famous wineries like Freixenet and Codorníu, which you can visit to learn about the cava production process, taste different vintages, and dive into a deeply rooted winemaking tradition.
But Sant Sadurní is not just about cava: you will also find a peaceful town center with pretty squares, local markets, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great idea for a day trip combining gastronomy, culture, and relaxation.
How to get there from Barcelona
Take the suburban train (Rodalies R4) from Sants or Plaça Catalunya station.
Get off at Sant Sadurní d’Anoia station.
The journey takes about 45 minutes, with frequent trains throughout the day.
Our restaurant recommendations
Cal Blay Vinticinc: Modern Catalan cuisine with pairings of local dishes and cavas.
La Cava d’en Sergi: Specializes in tapas and traditional dishes, with a wide selection of cavas.
Badalona, a Getaway Between Beach, History, and Local Vibes
Located just north of Barcelona, Badalona is an ideal destination for a quick and pleasant escape. Only 20 minutes by metro from the city center, this former Roman town offers a calmer atmosphere, away from the tourist crowds, while retaining the charm of the Catalan coast.
You can enjoy its long sandy beach, perfect for relaxing, swimming, or strolling peacefully. The seafront is lined with restaurants and chiringuitos where you can savor tapas with your feet in the sand. Walking through the historic center, you’ll also discover lively streets, local markets, and Roman remains like the Badalona Museum.
It’s a great option for those looking to discover another side of Catalan life while staying close to Barcelona.
How to get there from Barcelona
Take Metro Line 2 (purple line) to Pep Ventura or Badalona Pompeu Fabra station.
The journey takes about 20 to 25 minutes from central Barcelona.
Our restaurant recommendations
Jomi: Mediterranean restaurant with carefully crafted dishes and a warm atmosphere.
Gastroteca Espai Classual: Creative cuisine highlighting local products.
Vic, an Immersion into Traditional Catalonia
Just over an hour from Barcelona, Vic is a city full of character where you can experience a more rural and authentic side of Catalonia. Known for its large central square surrounded by arcades, its lively market, and its medieval heritage, Vic is a perfect destination for a day rich in discoveries.
The town is famous for its cured meats, especially fuet, which you can sample at local butcher shops or at the weekly market stalls. You can also visit Vic’s cathedral, the Episcopal Museum, or simply wander through the cobbled streets of the historic center. The atmosphere is warm and traditional — an ideal break from Barcelona’s urban pace.
How to get there from Barcelona:
Take the R3 train line from Sants or Plaça Catalunya stations.
The journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes and passes through beautiful natural landscapes.
Our restaurant recommendations:
El Gravat: Serves contemporary Catalan cuisine in an artistic setting.
Restaurant Ca l'U: Offers traditional dishes with a modern twist, showcasing local products.
Mataró, a Pleasant Seaside Town Just a Stone’s Throw from Barcelona
Only 30 minutes by train from Barcelona, Mataró is a charming coastal town perfect for a day trip. Less touristy than other seaside towns, it offers a relaxed, local, and authentic atmosphere.
You can enjoy quiet beaches, a pleasant seaside promenade, and excellent seafood restaurants. Its historic center is also worth exploring, with small squares, local shops, and a notable work by Catalan architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, one of the masters of modernism. Mataró also features a few interesting museums and a lively marina.
It’s an easy-to-reach destination, ideal for a day of beach time, strolling, and good food.
How to get there from Barcelona
Take the R1 train line from Plaça Catalunya, Arc de Triomf, or Clot-Aragó stations.
The journey takes about 30 to 35 minutes with frequent trains throughout the day.
Our restaurant recommendations
Dos Cuiners: Inventive Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh ingredients.
La Marineta: Family-run restaurant offering traditional dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Colònia Güell (Santa Coloma de Cervelló)
A Timeless Visit to Colònia Güell
About 20 kilometers from Barcelona, Colònia Güell is a former industrial colony full of charm and history. It’s an ideal spot for those looking for a cultural excursion while staying close to the city.
The site is best known for its unfinished crypt designed by Antoni Gaudí, a true modernist gem and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Less crowded than the Sagrada Família, it offers a more peaceful way to admire Gaudí’s genius. Surrounding the crypt, the village preserves many period houses, schools, and workers’ buildings — all vivid remnants of Catalonia’s industrial past.
The visit is easily done on foot and makes for a peaceful half-day outing combining history, architecture, and nature.
How to get there from Barcelona
Take the FGC train (lines S3, S4, S8 or S9) from Plaça Espanya.
Get off at Colònia Güell station and walk a few minutes to the site.
The journey takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
Our restaurant recommendations
Restaurant Modernista: Located near Gaudí’s crypt, offering Catalan cuisine in a historic setting.
Can Serra: Home-style cooking with local specialties, perfect for a lunch break.
Garraf, a Hidden Paradise Between Sea and Cliffs
Halfway between Barcelona and Sitges, Garraf is a charming coastal village, perfect for a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Nestled between the cliffs of the Garraf Natural Park and the Mediterranean Sea, it offers a stunning natural setting.
Its beach, lined with traditional white and green wooden huts, creates a unique and tranquil atmosphere. It's the perfect place to relax, swim, or enjoy a meal by the sea at one of the local restaurants. Garraf is also known for its calm and simple beauty, making it a favorite spot among locals.
How to get there from Barcelona
Take the R2 Sud train line from Sants or Passeig de Gràcia stations.
Get off at Garraf. The journey takes about 35 minutes.
Our restaurant recommendations
La Cúpula Garraf: A gourmet restaurant offering panoramic sea views and refined Mediterranean cuisine.
Chiringuito de Garraf: A laid-back beachfront spot, perfect for enjoying fresh seafood.
Girona, a Historic City Full of Charm
Located just over an hour from Barcelona, Girona (or Girona in Catalan) is an ideal destination for a day trip. This city, rich in medieval history, captivates with its cobbled streets, Roman walls, well-preserved Jewish quarter, and its majestic cathedral overlooking the town.
Wandering through Girona also means crossing its colorful bridges over the Onyar River, admiring the vibrant façades of its houses, and enjoying lively little squares perfect for sipping a coffee or tasting a local specialty. The city has also gained fame thanks to several scenes from Game of Thrones filmed here.
Calm, authentic, and full of charm, Girona is perfect for those who love history, architecture, and the relaxed atmosphere of a human-sized city.
How to get there from Barcelona
Take a Renfe train (regional or high-speed AVE) from Sants or Passeig de Gràcia stations.
The journey takes between 40 minutes (with the AVE) and 1h30 (regional train), with several departures per day.
Our restaurant recommendations
El Celler de Can Roca: Three Michelin stars, world-renowned for its innovative cuisine.
Divinum: Modern Catalan cuisine with refined tasting menus.
Figueres, in the Footsteps of Salvador Dalí
Figueres is a charming small town located about 1.5 hours from Barcelona, in the province of Girona. Known worldwide as the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, it attracts visitors eager to explore the unique universe of the famous Catalan artist.
The city’s must-see attraction is undoubtedly the Dalí Theatre-Museum, a place as extravagant as it is inspiring, designed by Dalí himself. Through its artworks, sculptures, and surprising staging, you step into a truly surreal world. As you stroll through the town center, you’ll also enjoy a pleasant atmosphere with terraces, shops, and a few interesting museums like the Toy Museum.
Figueres is a great cultural excursion for a change of scenery and a chance to discover another side of Catalonia.
How to get there from Barcelona
Take a Renfe train (regional or AVE) from Sants or Passeig de Gràcia stations.
The trip takes about 1.5 hours by regional train or 55 minutes with the AVE high-speed train.
Our restaurant recommendations
Restaurant Duran: A historic spot once frequented by Salvador Dalí, serving traditional Catalan cuisine.
El Motel Restaurant: Located in the Hotel Empordà, renowned for its innovative cuisine and local products.