Barcelona is a popular tourist destination and can be quite crowded throughout the year, leading to protests against mass tourism. To escape the crowds, there are several day or weekend trips that can be easily accessed by public transport. One such trip is to Figueres, the hometown of surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, where visitors can explore the Dalí Theatre Museum and Casa Natal Salvador Dalí. A visit to the nearby coastal village of Cadaqués, where Dalí’s summer home is located, offers a chance to explore the landscapes that inspired his work.
Another popular day trip from Barcelona is to the Penedès wine region, known for its production of cava. Visitors can take a train to the cava capital of Spain, Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, where they can tour wineries like Freixenet and Codorníu, as well as explore the scenic vineyards on an e-bike ride. For those interested in Modernista architecture, Reus is a great destination southwest of Barcelona that boasts buildings designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The Casa Navàs and L’Institut Pere Mata are two notable examples of Modernista architecture worth exploring in Reus.
Girona, located just a short train ride away from Barcelona, offers a charming old town to wander through, with narrow cobbled streets and stone stairways. The city is split into two areas by a river, with the Barri Vell showcasing the ancient Jewish Quarter and classic views of colorful houses along the River Onyar. For a weekend getaway, Vall de Núria in the Pyrenees provides a peaceful retreat with hiking trails and stunning mountain scenery. The journey involves taking a train to Ribes de Freser and a historic rack railway up into the Núria Valley.
Collserola Natural Park, located above Barcelona, offers a convenient escape into nature for day hikes with various trails of different lengths and difficulty levels. One popular route is from Mundet metro station to Sant Cugat del Vallès, passing by a hermitage along the way. For those seeking an easier hike, the Carretera de les Aigües provides a flat trail with panoramic views of the city. These day trips and weekend getaways from Barcelona offer a variety of experiences, from exploring art and architecture to enjoying outdoor activities in scenic surroundings, all accessible by public transport for a more sustainable travel experience.
