10 Surreal Places To Visit Near Barcelona For Short Getaways

Barcelona is a brilliant city filled with art, culture and history. It is also one of the perfect gateways to several hidden gems of Spain. There are a variety of incredible destinations nearby. Places to visit near Barcelona range from stunning coastal towns to historic cities and pretty mountain peaks. Whether individuals want to relax on the beaches during the day or explore the ancient sites, these attractions near Barcelona have something for everyone. These iconic destinations are just a trip away and promise unforgettable experiences.

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10 Amazing Places To Visit Near Barcelona

Below is a list of a few exciting places to visit near Barcelona. Each place is unique and perfectly complemented by the adventures, catering to the travel preferences of all.

1. Tarragona

Some tourists exploring the Cathedral of Tarragona, a holy place to visit near Barcelona.

Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons

Tarragona, a port city in Spain’s Catalonia region, shares its proximity with Barcelona. This place is home to several ancient ruins belonging to the Roman Colony of Tarraco, a former name of the place. Tarragona is best known for its Roman architecture, several walkways along the ramparts, the Roman Amphitheatre, interwoven beaches and an interesting culinary scene. Some of the must-visit attractions in Tarragona are Balcon del Mediterraneo, an observation deck, Circ Roma, a historical landmark, the Ferreres Aqueduct, a historical bridge currently in ruins, Rambla Nova, a notable street, and the Cathedral de Tarragona, a holy place.

Distance: 98 km
Average Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Best Time To Visit: April to May

2. Costa Brava

A panoramic view of the coastline of Costa Brava for a calm weekend getaway along shores.

Photo: Txllxt TxllxT / Wikimedia Commons

Costa Brava is a splendid coastal region and one of the popular places to see near Barcelona in Northeast Spain. This place offers a blend of natural beauty, historical sites and charming experiences. Costa Brava has multiple beaches and a favourable foreign exchange rate, making this place one of the top tourist destinations in Spain. Individuals can explore multiple clifftop trails, hidden beaches and coves. Costa Brava has been a source of creativity for artists like Salvador Dali, who drew inspiration from the beautiful rock formations around the region.

Distance: 146 km
Average Trip Duration: 4 – 5 days
Best Time To Visit: June to August

3. Figueres

Exteriors of the city hall in the town of Figueres, a place to visit near Barcelona.

Photo: Grondin / Wikimedia Commons

Figueres is one of the calmest cities in Spain and one of the top historic attractions near Barcelona. This town is the birthplace of the famous artist Salvador Dali, who drew inspiration and creativity from the region around this. Figueres houses the Dali Theatre and Museum. The museum was designed by Dali himself and attracts quite a large number of visitors yearly. Some of the must-visit places in Figueres are Castell de Sant Ferran, the Toy Museum of Catalonia, the Birthplace of Salvador Dali, Homenatge a Newton, Sant Ferran Castle and the famous St. Pere Church, designed with Gothic architecture.

Distance: 138 km
Average Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Best Time To Visit: March to May or September to November

4. Lleida

A peaceful riverfront at Lleida, a striking town offering an ideal cityscape to visitors.

Photo: Jorge Franganillo / Wikimedia Commons

Lleida is an ancient city in Northeast Spain and one of the closest places to visit near Barcelona, Spain. This city is known for its rich history and is one of the oldest cities in the Catalonia region. A major attraction of Lleida is La Seu Vella, a beautiful Gothic-Romanesque Cathedral built in a ruined hilltop fortress. This fortress towers over the city and offers an eye-catching view of the same. Another important attraction is the Eix Comercial de Lleida, a long pedestrianised street with numerous shops selling everything from clothes to artefacts and souvenirs.

Distance: 157 km
Average Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Best Time To Visit: September to November

5. Garrotxa

A pathway leading to the jungle in Garrotxa, offering a unique rural experience.

Photo: A.Attig / Wikimedia Commons

Garrotxa is a specific territorial region in the Girona Province in Spain. This place has gained fame because of its lovely goat milk cheese produced locally. The place is renowned for the Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa, a huge natural park situated amidst the hills with many extinct volcanic cones. The town is particularly built around the castle. This region is home to many medieval towns like Santa Pau and Besalu, which is known for its magnificent Romanesque Bridge (or Besalu Bridge). Visitors shall also visit Museu de la Garrotxa to gain insights into the history of the region.

Distance: 119 km
Average Trip Duration: 3 – 5 days
Best Time To Visit: April to June

6. Andorra

An aerial view of a paved footpath in the town of Andorra La Vella located in Europe.

Photo: Tiia Monto / Wikimedia Commons

Andorra is an enchanting country and one of the most exciting places to visit near Barcelona, which is famous for its ski resorts. It is located between France and Spain in the Pyrenees Mountains and is a paradise for mountain lovers. This place is a blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions, admired by many visitors. Two of the important ski resorts in Andorra are the Grandvalira Ski Resort and the Vallnord Pal-Arinsal. Other interesting tourist places to visit in Andorra include Mirador Roc Del Quer, La Noblesse du Temps, Casa de la Vall, Ruta del Ferro and Museo Carmen Thyssen Andorra.

Distance: 267 km
Average Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Best Time To Visit: June To September

7. Perpignan

People chilling on a lively street in Perpignan Town, a fun place to visit near Barcelona.

Photo: Jorge Franganillo / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Perpignan is one of the most loved places to visit near Barcelona, offering a lovely beachfront experience to all visitors. Located near the country of France, just 31 kilometres from the Spanish Border, this place attracts several tourists from the city of Barcelona. This city is near the Mediterranean coast and reflects significant Catalan culture. One of the main attractions of Perpignan is the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, which is a blend of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Other attractions include Oniria Aquarium, La Castillet Musee Casa Pairal and Basilique- Cathedrale Saint-Jean Baptiste.

Distance: 193 km
Average Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Best Time To Visit: June to August

8. Girona

A panoramic view of Girona city during sunset, located over the River Onyar in Spain.

Photo: Patronat de Turisme Costa Brava Pirineu de Girona / Wikimedia Commons

Girona City lies beside the River Onyar in Northeast Spain and is among the top places to visit near Barcelona. Girona is particularly known for its medieval architecture, the walled Old Quarter, which is locally known as the Barri Vell and the Roman remains of the ancient Forca Vella Fortress. Visitors can glance at the medieval walls, some of which are a part of the ancient watchtowers offering sweeping views of the city. There are numerous landscape gardens, particularly in the region of Passeig Arqueologic, a renowned walkway in Girona. Other attractions include Girona Cathedral, Basilica de Sant Feliu, Parc de la Devesa and Pujada de Sant Domènec.

Distance: 101 km
Average Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Best Time To Visit: June to October

9. Valencia

A photo of the city hall, a famed attraction featuring grand architecture in Valencia.

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons

Valencia is an urban city, located on the banks of the River Turia in Spain and one of the most popular places to visit near Barcelona. This place is home to the famous Albufera Lagoon, a pretty freshwater lagoon. This city boasts an active and lively nightlife with dance bars, beachfront bars, beachfront cafes, nightclubs and pubs in particular. Some of the must-visit places in Valencia are Oceanografic Valencia, La Seda de Valencia, the Hemispheric, Valencia Cathedral, Bioparc Valencia, Jardín del Turia, Serranos Towers, El Micalet, Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia and Queen Sofia Palace of Arts.

Distance: 348 km
Average Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Best Time To Visit: June to August

10. Zaragoza

The Church of St. Salvador in Zaragoza, one of the famous places to visit near Barcelona.

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons

Zaragoza overlooks the Ebro River and is located in Northeast Spain. This city is one of the most visited places to visit near Barcelona, famous for its historical landmarks, some of which are examples of sheer beauty and design. Zaragoza is a particularly historical and monumental heritage site in Spain. Some of the must-see attractions in Zaragoza are Plaza of Our Lady The Pillar, a beautiful plaza, Parque Grande Jose Antonio Labordeta, a renowned city park, Cathedral of the Savior Zaragoza, a catholic cathedral, Goya Museum, Aquarium River of Zaragoza, Aljaferia Palace, a castle and Puerto Venecia, a shopping centre.

Distance: 310 km
Average Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Best Time To Visit: September to October

Explore these amazing destinations near Barcelona for a unique experience on your holiday. From coastal towns to ancient landmarks and historic cities, the above-mentioned places to visit near Barcelona are perfect gateways for all. Whether individuals take a stroll on the beach and relax or explore the majestic landmarks, these sites offer unforgettable day trips. Book a trip with TripXL to these hidden gems and enhance your travel experience.

Cover Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons

Top Places To Visit Near Barcelona For Easy Day Trips