Barcelona isn’t only an exciting city break or holiday destination. It’s also an amazing starting point for exploring the region and immersing in Catalan life beyond the bustling metropolis. So now, when you’ve already spent your fair share of time wandering among vibrant Barcelona’s streets, admiring Gaudi masterpieces, and tasting local delicacies, it’s time for the next adventure! Vamos, let us show you the best cities near Barcelona to visit.
Note. In this post, we’ll only mention cities near Barcelona that are max 1.5 hours away, if you’ll be driving by car. Keep in mind that using other means of transport may take longer or shorter.
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Transport options to cities near Barcelona
The best and fastest way of getting to all soon-mentioned cities near Barcelona is definitely by car, either yours or rented. If you don’t travel with your own car, you can quickly and easily rent the best one for your needs through the Rental Cars website.
Most of the cities are also accessible by public transport, by trains or buses. You can search for the connections that might interest you on the rome2rio website.
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning, you can let someone else take care of all the details and take advantage of the guided tours. For a vast selection and well-reviewed tour options to places near Barcelona, visit GetYourGuide or Viator.
Best cities near Barcelona to visit
Sitges
Sitges is located about 40km from Barcelona. If you’re looking for a place with scenic beaches (including nudist ones), a quaint old town perfect to wander, a relaxed vibe, lively festivals, or wild all-night-long parties – Sitges will be a great choice for you.
No matter if you’re a party-seeker or just looking for one of the most picturesque cities near Barcelona – Sitges should satisfy all your interests and needs. Also, it’s one of the most liberal and open-minded cities in the world with an amazing LGBT-friendly atmosphere!
Girona
Girona is located about 100km from Barcelona. There, you’ll find one of the best preserved Jewish Quarter in the world, medieval walls with wonderful views over the city and its surroundings, colorful houses hanging by the river, and an old town full of winding streets and historic landmarks.
Oh! And there are many Game of Thrones filming locations that not only fans of the series will love! Girona is without a doubt one of the most enchanting cities near Barcelona, perfect for a quiet and picturesque getaway. Don’t miss it!
Tarragona
Tarragona is located about 100km from Barcelona. It’s a real heaven for history buffs, a place where history comes to life at its best and surrounds you wherever you go. Numerous Roman ruins and archeological sites, ravishing medieval old town, gripping festivals featuring human towers, and amazing beaches…
Tarragona has it all and even more, and will definitely keep every traveler entertained. There’s probably no better city to visit near Barcelona for history lovers and those who just want to escape crazy crowds.
Figueres
Figueres is located about 130km from Barcelona. Thanks to the mind-blowing Dali Theatre-Museum, a place where you’ll immerse in the enigmatic mind of the greatest Surrealist artist, it’s one of the most exciting cities near Barcelona to visit.
Besides the museum, in Figueres you’ll find the largest fortress in Europe, a quirky Toy Museum, and charming old town streets full of Modernist architecture. Believe us, not only art lovers and Dali fans will be in heaven here – we’re sure that every traveler will find something perfect for themself in Figueres.
Reus
Reus is located about 110km from Barcelona. This inconspicuous city, which is also Antoni Gaudi’s birthplace, is a real heaven for modernist architecture lovers. If you’re one of them, prepare your jaw as it will drop not only once or twice… Reus is a town full of gorgeous architecture, history, and streets perfect for lazy strolls.
Chances are high that not only architecture enthusiasts will love Reus and many will be surprised by its charm (we were!). It’s also the best place in Catalonia to taste vermouth, an aromatized, fortified local wine flavored with various herbs. So if you’re looking for one of the most unique cities near Barcelona, you should add Reus to your itinerary too.
Salou & PortAventura Park
Salou is located about 105km from Barcelona. It’s best known for being one of the most popular holiday spots on Costa Dorada that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. There, you’ll find scenic views, long sandy beaches, exciting attractions, and lively nightlife.
But many visit Salou only to feel some thrill and adrenaline rush in PortAventura, a world-renowned theme park featuring a diverse array of attractions from heart-pounding roller coasters to captivating live shows. What will be your reason to visit Salou, one of the most exciting cities near Barcelona?
Cambrils
Cambrils is located about 115km from Barcelona. If you’re looking for a small coastal town with a chilled vibe, without huge crowds, amazing beaches, and breathtaking views, Cambrils will be a perfect choice for you. During summer months it’s a popular holiday spot which can also be a great beach day trip.
Oh, and if you’re a food lover, you’ll find yourself in heaven too as Cambrils is considered the gastronomy capital of Costa Dorada! We also recommend combining your visit to Cambrils with a visit to Salou, a fun coastal town located only 10km away.
Other great cities to visit near Barcelona
Are you looking for even more cool cities near Barcelona to visit? We got you!
Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar is located about 100km from Barcelona. It’s a coastal city that will transport you back in time hundreds of years. Tossa’s historic part is enclosed within medieval walls and filled with charming cobblestone streets, old buildings, and ancient watchtowers. From there, you can also admire wonderful views over the sea and town’s surroundings. In addition to its historical charm, in Tossa de Mar you’ll find golden sand beaches perfect for relaxing and sunbathing.
Montblanc
Montblanc is located about 110km from Barcelona. It’s yet another charming medieval city in Catalonia, enclosed by well-preserved walls. Inside, you’ll find charming cobblestone streets and squares filled with historic buildings, the Church of Sant Miquel, or Montblanc Castle. At the top, fantastic panoramic views are waiting! Montblanc is a perfect destination to escape the Barcelona crowds and spend some time in a peaceful and picturesque spot.
Vic
Vic is located about 70km from Barcelona. This city is best known for being home to one of Catalonia’s largest central squares – Plaça Major, which is surrounded by historical buildings. While wandering through Vic’s old town, be sure to visit the Roman temple of Vic that was built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD! Vic is also famous throughout Spain for its delicious cured meat.
Calella de Palafrugell
Calella de Palafrugell is located about 120km from Barcelona. If you’re looking for a tranquil coastal town with amazing beaches, Calella is the place you’re looking for. Once it was home to Catalan artists and intellectuals, and now it’s a picturesque maze of whitewashed houses with flower-filled balconies, winding coastal paths, botanical gardens, golden sand beaches, and hidden coves. Not without a reason, Calella is considered one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Spain!
Explore local attractions
Best cities near Barcelona to visit – Summing up
As you can see now, there are so many beautiful cities to visit near Barcelona. If you’re staying longer, you definitely won’t get bored! We hope our post was helpful, and now you’re one step closer to choosing places you want to visit on a short day trips. Enjoy your time and share your experience in the comments – we’re curious which places you chose to explore!
Our opinion about cities near Barcelona & TOP3
So far we’ve spent 2 months in Catalonia, living in a small town right next to Barcelona. Even though Catalonia didn’t make it to our favorite areas in Spain, we really enjoyed our time there. We really liked our trips during which we explored many beautiful places in Catalonia. We stayed in the area during May and June, and during that time there were still no huge crowds so we explored most of the cities near Barcelona in peace.
Our TOP3 cities near Barcelona? Girona, Sitges, and Tarragona! We’d love to visit them again one day.
Hello Traveler!
Sonia & Wojtek here.
We’re full-time digital nomads traveling in Europe.
Sunny coastal destinations are what we love most.
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