Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and it is the second largest city in Spain. It is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and Barcelona is a very popular destination for tourists all around the globe. If you decide to visit this city, you will have many things to see and explore there, such as Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and so much more. However, there are plenty of day trips you can embark on from Barcelona, so if you want to explore the southern coast of Spain, we will tell you exactly where to go and what to see.
1. Girona
Girona is a university town located north-east of Barcelona. You can catch a train from Barcelona that will take you to Girona in about an hour. The old town is the most popular attraction there and you will be able to see many historical buildings such as a cathedral built in Catalan Gothic style and the old walls.
2. Montserrat
Montserrat is a mountain located near Barcelona. It is known all around the world as a location of a famous Montserrat Monastery and it does attract plenty of pilgrims every year. The mountain can be reached by train and you will be taken to the monastery by a cable car.
3. Tarragona
If you love history, visiting Tarragona is simply a must. Located by the sea, Tarragona has so many ancient Roman buildings that are still standing even today. Not to forget that it has several churches and a cathedral from the medieval period. You can get there either by a bus or a train.
4. Figueres
This is the hometown of the famous Salvador Dali and it is an absolute must-see. Salvador Dali museum is located here and it is a breathtaking building that represents Dali’s artistic vision perfectly. It is very quirky and unusual, and it features some of his greatest works of art. If you are visiting from Barcelona, you can get here in an hour.
Information
- Name: Teatre-Museu Dalí de Figueres
- Address: Plaça Gala-Salvador Dalí, 5, 17600 Figueres
- Price: 14 €
- Opening hour: 09:30AM – 06:00PM
- Website: http://www.salvador-dali.org/museus/teatre-museu-dali/en_index/
5. Priorat
If you are into wine, visiting Priorat will be a dream come true. This small town is one of the leading wine makers in the world today. Their products are available worldwide and the wines from Priorat are very high-quality. You can tour the vineyards or go to tasting events and try out different sorts that are available here.
6. Sitges
This seaside town is ideal for everyone who likes to party and enjoy the nightlife scene. And it has beautiful beaches as well. Sitges became one of the top tourist destinations back in the 1970s and it has plenty of hotels and restaurants. So if you want to spend your day lounging around and sunbathing, Sitges is for you.
7. Andorra
Andorra City is the capital of Andorra which is a tiny country located deep in the mountains between Spain and France. Tourists come here very often because the shopping experience in Andorra City is simply amazing and the products are more affordable here. Andorra City can only be reached by bus or by car.
8. Port Aventura
Port Aventura is the most popular theme park in this part of Spain and it has the biggest rollercoaster in Europe. There are so many rides in Port Aventura that you truly need a whole day to visit all of them. Once you pay the entrance fee, you will be able to try any ride you want for free.
Information
- Name: Port Aventura
- Address: Av. de l’Alcalde Pere Molas, 43840 Vila-seca, Tarragona
- Price: 45€
- Opening hour: 10:00AM – 07:00PM
- Website: https://www.portaventuraworld.com/en/portaventura
9. Cadaques
This fishing village was once a home to Salvador Dali and it did inspire some of his greatest works. Cadaques is very picturesque with untouched nature and clean beaches. It is obvious why Dali loved living here so much and he frequently invited other famous artists to Cadaques as well. Getting there can be a bit tricky because you have to switch from a train to a bus, but trust us – it is worth it.
10. Sabadell
Source: Premsa Ajuntament de Sabadell
If you love museums, Sabadell is the place for you. As a matter of fact, the Paleontology Institute that is located in this city has the largest collection of fossils in this part of Europe. What makes this collection even more interesting is the fact that the majority of fossils were found in Spain. Sabadell is only twenty kilometers away from Barcelona and you can get there fairly quickly.
Barcelona is a magnificent city and it is a perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding towns and attractions. Most of these places are connected by the railroad and getting there is not difficult at all. So go ahead and explore Catalonia because it truly is a beautiful place.
Have a good trip and travel!
