8 weekend getaways from Barcelona you’ll be glad you took

Sitting in the heart of Catalonia, Barcelona is not only a fantastic city in its own right but also a great starting point for exploring the diverse destinations surrounding it, many of which are ideal for a short weekend getaway.

Whether you’re a Barcelonan looking to escape the city or a visitor eager to expand your vacation, there’s a perfect weekend trip from Barcelona for you. From relaxing on the sun-drenched beaches of the Costa Brava to strolling through Tarragona’s ancient Roman ruins or hiking to the magnificent Montserrat Monastery, countless experiences are just a short journey away.

Best weekend getaway from Barcelona, according to your interests

Best weekend trips for food: Madrid and Valencia
Best weekend destinations for outdoor adventure: Montserrat and Andorra
Best weekend away for families: Costa Brava
Best places for a romantic weekend: Tarragona and Girona

1. Costa Brava

Recommended for

Beach lovers, couples, and families.

Top things to do in the Costa Brava over a weekend

A weekend exploring the stunning coastline and historic villages of the Costa Brava is worth leaving busy Barcelona for. Cadaqués, the region’s crown jewel, offers pristine beaches, luxury catamaran cruises into the Cap de Creus National Park, and the chance to visit the summer home of painter Salvador Dalí. The family-friendly resort town of Tossa de Mar is a great spot for kayaking and snorkeling around picturesque coves. Or for a romantic weekend sipping wine by the sea, follow the Empordà Wine Trail.

Best way to travel from Barcelona to the Costa Brava?

The Costa Brava begins 70km north of Barcelona and stretches around 200km to the French border. The best way to explore the region is to rent a car and road trip along the coastline. The closest towns are just over an hour away, while Cadaqués can take up to 2.5 hours to reach.

2. Montserrat

Recommended for

Hikers, nature lovers, history buffs, and spiritual seekers.

Top things to do in Montserrat over a weekend

Take a weekend pilgrimage to Montserrat, one of the most spiritual places in Spain. People travel from all across the world to visit the mountain range’s magnificent Montserrat Monastery and its famous Black Madonna statue. By staying overnight, you can arrive at the monastery early to beat the big daytripper crowds. The area’s natural beauty also makes it a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous hiking trails and climbing routes to enjoy. Visit Montserrat throughout Holy Week to hear the Montserrat Boys’ Choir, one of the oldest in Europe.

Best way to travel from Barcelona to Montserrat?

Take the R5 train from Barcelona’s Plaça d’Espanya towards Monistrol de Montserrat, which takes just over an hour. You can then jump on the Montserrat cable car (Aeri de Montserrat) or the Rack Railway (Cremallera de Montserrat) to get up to the Benedictine monastery.

3. Tarragona

Recommended for

Roman history enthusiasts.

Top things to do in Tarragona over a weekend?

Step back in time on a trip to Tarragona, one of Spain’s oldest cities. The coastal gem is famous for its incredible UNESCO-listed Roman ruins, including the well-preserved Tarragona Amphitheatre, ancient city walls, and a Roman Circus that once held daring chariot races. Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town, see sacred art in the 13th-century Tarragona Cathedral, and enjoy the breathtaking views from the “Balcony to the Mediterranean.” Once you’ve worked up an appetite, sample some Catalan specialties at the Tarragona Central Market.

Best way to travel from Barcelona to Tarragona?

Take the regional train from Barcelona Sants to Tarragona Estació, which takes just under 1.5 hours. You may find quicker high-speed trains to Camp de Tarragona. However, this station is much further from the city center and you’ll need to catch a local bus for 30 minutes once you arrive, making the regional train the easier option.

4. Girona

Recommended for

History and culture lovers and “Game of Thrones” fans.

Top things to do in Girona over a weekend

With its medieval Old Town, vibrant Jewish Quarter, and picturesque riverside views, Girona is the perfect blend of history, culture, and beauty, making it a top weekend getaway from Barcelona. Its historic charm even led to it being a filming location for season 6 of “Game of Thrones” which you can discover on a Game of Thrones walking tour through Girona’s Old Town. Be sure to visit the stunning Girona Cathedral and Art Museum. With an entire weekend to fill, you could also consider a day trip to the nearby Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park.

Best way to travel from Barcelona to Girona?

While Girona is 100 km from Barcelona, a high-speed train can travel between the two cities in just 40 minutes, making it one of the quickest weekend trips.

5. Zaragoza

Recommended for

History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and art lovers.

Top things to do in Zaragoza over a weekend

Despite being one of the largest cities in Spain, Zaragoza is overlooked by most visitors. So if you want to swap the tourist-packed streets of Barcelona for somewhere a little more authentic, this hidden gem is the perfect weekend escape. Explore Zaragoza’s rich history through its unique mix of architectural styles, from the Baroque Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar to the Moorish Aljafería Palace. Don’t miss the Goya Museum, showcasing works by one of Spain’s most famous painters, and try local tapas at the lively Zaragoza Central Market.

Best way to travel from Barcelona to Zaragoza?

The easiest way to reach Zaragoza is by high-speed AVE train from Barcelona Sants, which takes around 1.5 hours.

6. Madrid

Recommended for

Culture seekers, art enthusiasts, foodies, and nightlife lovers.

Top things to do in Madrid over a weekend

Explore the Spanish capital on a weekend trip from Barcelona to Madrid thanks to a fast train that connects the two cities in just a couple of hours. Visit Madrid’s brilliant museums, like the Museo del Prado, home to the largest and most important collection of Spanish paintings in the world, stroll through the historic Plaza Mayor, and admire the grandeur of Madrid landmarks like the Royal Palace. Indulge in Madrid’s unbeatable food scene at countless local tapas bars and markets. Then after dark, head out and enjoy Madrid’s vibrant nightlife in neighborhoods like Huertas and Malasaña, where the parties carry on until dawn.

Best way to travel from Barcelona to Madrid?

Barcelona and Madrid are more than 620 km apart, so too far to drive for a weekend. However, a high-speed AVE train can take you between the two cities in just 2.5 hours.

7. Valencia

Recommended for

Culture seekers, families, beachgoers, and food lovers.

Top things to do in Valencia over a weekend

Known for its modern architecture, historic sites, and beautiful beaches, the coastal city of Valencia is a great choice for a long weekend getaway. Visit the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex that includes the Oceanografic de Valencia — the largest aquarium in Europe — and the Principe Felipe Science Museum. Wander through the UNESCO-listed Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda) and unwind on Valencia’s city beaches. Take a hands-on paella cooking class and discover one of Spain’s most famous dishes right where it was first created.

Best way to travel from Barcelona to Valencia?

The high-speed AVE train from Barcelona Sants to Valencia Joaquín Sorolla takes about 3 hours. Book in advance to get the cheapest fares.

8. Andorra

Recommended for

Outdoor adventurers and winter sports enthusiasts.

Top things to do in Andorra over a weekend

A tiny independent principality between Spain and France, Andorra is a fantastic year-round weekend break from Barcelona for those who love outdoor adventures. During the warmer months, you can hike through the scenic Pyrenees mountains and explore charming mountain villages. Then in the winter, hit the slopes for world-class skiing and snowboarding, and relax in the thermal waters of the famous Caldea Spa.

Best way to travel from Barcelona to Andorra?

The best way to travel from Barcelona to Andorra is by car or public bus, both of which take around 3 hours, depending on traffic. There’s no train from Barcelona to Andorra.

FAQs

What are some nearby destinations for a weekend trip from Barcelona?

There are many fantastic destinations close to Barcelona that are ideal for a weekend getaway. You can stroll through the historic streets of Tarragona or Girona, relax on the beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava, or take a spiritual pilgrimage into the Montserrat mountains. Several of Spain’s other major cities, including Madrid, Valencia, and Zaragoza, are also easily accessible from Barcelona in just a few hours.

Where can you drive to easily from Barcelona?

Some of the easiest places to drive from Barcelona for the weekend include Girona, Tarragona, Sitges, and Andorra. You can also take a road trip along the stunning Costa Brava to the town of Cadaqués, stopping at quaint coastal towns and beautiful beaches along the way.

What are the best weekend trips from Barcelona by train?

Barcelona is well-connected by train to many incredible destinations. Towns like Girona, Tarragona, and Figueres are reachable in under an hour by train. The country’s high-speed rail network also connects Barcelona to cities like Madrid and Valencia in less than 3 hours.

When is the best time to take a weekend trip from Barcelona?

There’s no bad time to enjoy a weekend getaway from Barcelona. Summer is the perfect season to enjoy coastal destinations like the Costa Brava, Valencia, and Tarragona. Spring and Fall offer slightly cooler temperatures for outdoor activities like hiking in the Pyrenees Mountains. While in winter, you can enjoy the Christmas markets of Madrid or hit the slopes of snowy Andorra.