Surrounded Pyrenees mountain range and blessed with diverse landscape, Spain is Europe’s fourth largest country and is a world famous tourists destination. Known for its tropical Mediterranean climate and distinct geographical conditions, Spain offers some of the most amazing tourists places to explore which leave you spellbound, including every traveler’s favorite – Barcelona. But what to do once you’re done exploring Barcelona? Well, then you head to all the surreal places to visit near Barcelona for a deeper insight into the culture and heritage of Spain and a refreshing weekend getaway or day trip.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near Barcelona
Although the city of Barcelona is the best place for a vacation with your family and friends, there are plenty of tourist places to visit around Barcelona that are worth visiting.
1. Montserrat – 22 Km From Barcelona
2. Collserola – 13.8 Km From Barcelona
3. Girona – 102.3 Km From Barcelona
4. Figueres – 118 Km From Barcelona
5. Sitges – 42.8 Km From Barcelona
6. Vilanova i la Geltrú – 51 Km From Barcelona
7. Tarragona – 100.9 Km From Barcelona
8. Montblanc – 120.3 Km From Barcelona
9. Colònia Güell – 17.3 Km From Barcelona
10. Vic – 61 Km From Barcelona
1. Montserrat
Located about one hour from Barcelona by train, Montserrat is one of the most iconic religious sites and is famous for the Black Madonna. This Benedictine monk mountain retreat is perched at a height of 1236 meters, the highest point of the Catalan lowlands. Visit this place to see the amazing Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey that enshrines a life-size statue of the Virgin of Montserrat. It is believed that the statue possess healing powers and can perform miracles.
Exemplifying the characteristics of Gothic architecture, the Montserrat monastery has a dark basilica which is darkly lit by beautiful hanging lamps. The centrally located square atrium with a stunning open-air courtyard will leave you awestruck with its stunning marble flooring with Latin inscriptions. The jaw dropping views across Catalonia from the monastery makes it a picture perfect location for photography lovers.
Distance from Barcelona: 22 km
Travel time: 1 hour 8 mins
Best time to visit Montserrat: Throughout the year
Best places to visit in Montserrat: The Art Museum Of Montserrat, Santa Magdalena, Montserrat Restaurant, Benedictine Abbey and Funicular de la Santa Cova
Places To Stay: Ti-Tree Village, Terrace Lofts Apartments, Jordan House, Riverglen Holiday Park, BIG4 Beacon Resort
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2. Collserola
The Serra de Collserola, or simply Collserola, is a delightful mountainous destination for urban junkies and one of the best places to visit near Barcelona for birdwatching . People throng here to participate in various fun-filled activities like cycling, mountain climbing and boating. This Catalonian city is a perfect weekend escape from the humdrum of daily life.
There are many great routes to explore along the terrains of the Serra de Collserola and up on the hill you catch the spellbinding views of Barcelona. The Collserola mountain range is spread over 8,000 hectares and the higher peak is the famous Tibidabo (512 metres).
Distance from Barcelona: 13.8 km
Travel time: 49 mins
Best time to visit Collserola: Throughout the year
Best places to visit in Collserola: Serra de Collserola Natural Park and Collserola Tower
Places To Stay: Beautiful Villa, Awesome Loft, Towanda House, Villa Gaudi, Villa Rock
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3. Girona
Perched on a hillside in northern Catalonia, Girona is a sublime medieval city that lies between Barcelona and the Costa Brava. This gorgeous city is famous for housing one of the best kept Jewish Quarters in Europe. This famous city with narrow streets, cobblestoned lanes, grand churches and ancient arcaded houses was a major filming location for the hit TV show Game of Thrones.
Just wandering through the streets of Girona and exploring the ancient history and architecture is one of the best things to do here. Girona is an excellent destination for a weekend break and is undeniably one of the recommended places to visit around Barcelona.
Distance from Barcelona: 118 km
Travel time: 1 hour 17 mins
Best time to visit Girona: May to October
Best places to visit in Girona: Jewish Quarter, Gustave Eiffel, Girona Cathedral, Plaça Independència, Arab Baths, River Onyar, El Celler de Can Roca and Sant Feliu Church.
Places To Stay: Hotel Nord, Hotel Gran Ultonia, DoubleTree, Hotel Costabella, Apartamentos Nord 1901
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4. Figueres
Located just about 45 minutes’ drive north of Girona, Figueres is a surreal location and home to Salvador Dalí’s flamboyant theatre-museum. This museum is Spain’s second most loved and visited museum after Prado Museum in Madrid.
Dalí Theatre-Museum is a striking red fortress topped with giant eggs paints, Oscar-like statues and plaster croissants. Opened for public display in 1974, visiting this surreal museum is worth every penny of your money.
Distance from Barcelona: 118 km
Travel time: 1 hour 36 mins
Best time to visit Figueres: April to November
Best places to visit in Figueres: Museu del Joguet de Catalunya, Museu De L’Empordà, Castell de Sant Ferran, Duran Hotel & Restaurant, La Rambla de Figueres and Església de Sant Pere
Places To Stay: Ibis Styles Figueres Ronda, Hotel Trave, Hotel Restaurant Bon Retorn, Sercotel President Hotel, Duran Hotel & Restaurant
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5. Sitges
The coastal town of Sitges, located in southwest of Barcelona, is Europe’s top LGBT travel destination and a favourite place for hosting international film festivals. Sitges is home to some of the best beaches in the world and if you desire a perfect Spanish beach experience, this is the place to be.
Housing an array of rich historic centers, modern art galleries, upscale restaurants and vibrant nightlife, Sitges is one of the most famous places to visit near Barcelona.
Distance from Barcelona: 42.8 km
Travel time: 46 mins
Best time to visit Sitges: May, June, September and October
Best places to visit in Sitges: Museu del Cau Ferrat, Passeig Marítim, El Cable Restaurant and Església de Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla
Places To Stay: El Cid, Hotel Galeón, Hotel Platjador, Santa María Hotel, Hotel Port Sitges
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6. Vilanova i la Geltrú
A perfect blend of well preserved old town and buzzing modern places, Vilanova i la Geltrú is definitely one of the best places to visit near Barcelona for a lively holiday trip. This charming seaside town is home to one of Catalonia’s longest, most gracious Ramblas. A combination of beach, culture and nature, this place is a must visit for all the tourists across the world. Vilanova i la Geltrú is also a preferred destination for recreational sports activities like scuba diving, sailing and horse riding.
Distance from Barcelona: 51 km
Travel time: 48 mins
Best time to visit Vilanova i la Geltrú: April to June and September to November
Best places to visit in Vilanova i la Geltrú: The Museum of Marine Curiosities Roig Toqués, Caputxins Street and Santa Maria de la Geltrú Parish Church.
Places To Stay: Atenea Park Suites & Apartments, Mumm, Camping Vilanova Park, Marea ApartHotel
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7. Tarragona
If you wish to see some of Spain’s best-preserved Roman ruins, Tarragona is the destination for you. Flanked by an imposing cathedral with architectural touch of Roman and Gothic, Tarragona is one of the most popular tourist places to visit near Barcelona. The town is dotted with tempting golden sand beaches like Costa Daurada Waikiki and Altafulla. Perfect for sunbathing and relaxing, these beaches are generally family-friendly.
Distance from Barcelona: 100.9 km
Travel time: 1 hour 16 mins
Best time to visit Tarragona: Mid April to June end and from September to early November
Best places to visit in Tarragona: Costa Daurada , Catedral de Tarragona, PortAventura, Amfiteatre Romà and Platja del Miracle.
Places To Stay: Hotel SB Ciutat de Tarragona, Nuria, Hotel Plaça De La Font, Hotel SB Express Tarragona
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8. Montblanc
An interesting medieval site with beautiful gothic churches, century old buildings and narrow cobbled streets, Montblanc is one of the top-rated places to visit near Barcelona. Climbing the bell tower of Santa Maria la Mayor is highly recommended for catching a glimpse of the staggering views of the entire Montblanc. A trip to this medieval site will surely not disappoint you.
Distance from Barcelona: 120.3 km
Travel time: 1 hour 26 mins
Best time to visit Montblanc: Mid June and Mid September
Best places to visit in Montblanc: Casal dels Josa, Palau Real, Santa Maria la Mayor and Sant Miquel church
Places To Stay: Ca la Trini Picotxa, Cal Pere de LOnclet, Cal Cardus, Hotel Fonda Cal Blasi, Hotel Viaurelia
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9. Colònia Güell
This was once the most prominent industrial villages of the 19th century and is one of the best kept secrets of Spain. The Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló are some of the remarkable landmarks of this village. Colònia Güell is home to Gaudi’s crypt, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005.
Distance from Barcelona: 17.3 km
Travel time: 26 mins
Best time to visit Colònia Güell: March to October
Best places to visit in Colònia Güell: Colonia Guell Church,
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10. Vic
Appreciated for its rich culture and history, Vic is an important Catalan town and one of the best places to visit near Barcelona. The place is ideal for foodies who love to savour yummy meat dishes. There are several historical monuments here to explore.
Distance from Barcelona: 61 km
Travel time: 1 hour 2 mins
Best time to visit Vic: March to May and September to November
Best places to visit in Vic: Plaça Majos, Casa Cormella, Casa Costa, Sant Pere Cathedral and Episcopal Museum
Places To Stay: Estació del Nord, Luxury Apartment Stancesvic, Pla de balenya 2. 3-1, Les Clarisses Boutique Hotel, Apartment Carrer del Molí d’En Saborit
Further Read: Trekking In Spain: 10 Best Places For Indulging In An Ultimate Adventure Like Never Before!
All these places to visit near Barcelona are perfect to enjoy a joyful vacation with your pals or family. Do keep these places in your must-visit checklist while you are planning a vacation to Spain to relish some of the most delectable flavours and splendid tourist attractions here.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit Near Barcelona
Where should I visit near Barcelona?
Barcelona is surrounded by a number of tourists hotspots like Girona, Colònia Güell, Sitges, Figueres, Vic and Collserola to name a few.
Is Sitges worth visiting?
Known for its beaches, modern art galleries, upscale restaurants and vibrant nightlife, Sitges is the best place for a one day trip from Barcelona.
How do I get from Barcelona airport to Sitges?
As there are direct trains from Barcelona Airport to Sitges, you will have to first board the RENFE train R2 Nord from the airport to El Prat de Llobregat. From here, you can take a train to Sitges.
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A keen observer, an avid reader, a complete foodie, a pet lover and a curious entrepreneur with a vision to empower women. Penning down thoughts and musings come naturally, so, what better way to make a living than do what you love the most. Sujata started off as a content writer and today spearheads a content agency with an all-women team, where each day is about exploring the strength within, overcoming challenges and aiming to scale new heights. Her idea of a holiday well spent is visiting beautiful destinations, experimenting with food and trying out adventure activities.
