Barcelona

Day Trips

As one of the most historically significant cities in Catalonia, Girona is a popular choice among travelers for a day trip from Barcelona. Dating back to Roman times, every corner of the colorful city is full of history and amazing things to see. Fans of “Game of Thrones" may recognize the epic staircase of the stately Girona Cathedral. Some of the other most prominent points of interest in Girona are the labyrinthine Jewish Quarter, the Passeig de la Muralla, and the Rambla de la Libertad.

By road, the 103-kilometer (64 mile) trip to Girona usually takes around 75 to 90 minutes. High-speed trains, however, can get you there from Barcelona in just 40 minutes.

An incredible combination of stunning vistas, historic sites, and pleasant beaches, a day in Tarragona makes for a truly special experience. Dating back to the 2nd-century B.C., the ancient port city has centuries of history and charm to offer travelers. A few of the must-see Roman sites include the Tarragona Amphitheater and the provincial Forum of Tarraco. Foodies can stop at the Plaça de la Font to enjoy dishes from the superb collection of eateries that line the square, while thrill seekers should make sure to head to Ferrari Land.

Head down the coast 100 kilometers (62 miles) to reach Tarragona. By car, the route usually takes one hour and 15 minutes (if you don’t stop to admire the view). On the train, you can get there in a little over an hour. The bus will take the longest, with travel times anywhere between one and a half to two hours.

Visitors can expect a surreal day out and about in the Catalan town of Figueres. The birthplace of Salvador Dalí, Figueres is home to the artist’s self-designed museum — the second-most visited in Spain. Art buffs can view some of the Dalí’s most famous works at this strange and wonderful museum. Aside from surrealist art, Figueres has more to offer travelers, with attractions like Sant Ferran Castle, the Toy Museum of Catalonia, and Dalí’s old stomping grounds at the Duran Hotel and Restaurant.

Figueres is located 140 kilometers (87 miles) north of Barcelona. On a high-speed train, you can be there in just an hour and 15 minutes, while regional trains take closer to two hours. By road, your travel time clocks in at around 90 minutes.