Are you looking for the perfect weekend getaway from Barcelona? There are some wonderful places to visit in Spain (and beyond) that are within easy reach of the city. With so much to see and do, I adore Barcelona, but sometimes it’s nice to get out of the city to explore more of Spain and the regions around Barcelona. So, I have chosen my favourite destinations that make perfect weekend trips from Barcelona, so you can explore!
Planning Your Weekend Trip from Barcelona
Heading off for a weekend trip from Barcelona is a great idea if you want to escape the bustling city life and explore the beautiful Spanish countryside, other cities and even other countries. Barcelona is conveniently close to some wonderful places and is well-connected by rail, road and air to even more.
When planning your weekend adventure from Barcelona, think about what kind of things you want to see or do – whether it’s enjoying the beauty of coastal towns and beaches, the rich history and culture of medieval villages, or delicious food and drink, you’ll find something within easy reach of Barcelona.
While weekend breaks from Barcelona are popular, if you can take a long weekend or a couple of days during the week, then you will have a better chance of finding cheaper transport and accommodation and being able to enjoy wherever you go without the usual weekend crowds.
The Best Weekend Trips from Barcelona
I had a tough job narrowing this down to just 7 of my favourite weekend getaways from Barcelona, but here they are, in no particular order:
Madrid
A weekend trip from Barcelona to Madrid is an excellent choice if you’re looking to immerse yourself in Spanish culture and history. Madrid is just 2 and a half hours from Barcelona by high-speed train, and with several trains a day, it is easy to book a trip. You could also hop on a flight, but the train is a great way to see more of the countryside, and you can get some great deals if you book in advance.
Madrid is very different to Barcelona, but the city has something to offer for everyone – from exploring the historic quarters of the capital, admiring the iconic works of art at the Prado Museum, to taking a stroll through Retiro Park.
Madrid is also known for its lively nightlife and delicious food, so be sure to dine out and sample some of the local delicacies – a calamari sandwich from Bar La Campana is a must! Bars and clubs in Madrid actually stay open later than in Barcelona, so if you want a night out drinking and dancing, Madrid is a great place for that too.
Zaragoza
Zaragoza is another excellent choice for a weekend trip from Barcelona. It is a beautiful Spanish city filled with architectural wonders and cultural landmarks, and there are plenty of things to do in Zaragoza to keep you busy for a weekend or several days.
Located approximately 300 kilometres west of Barcelona, Zaragoza is easily accessible by train, with regular high-speed AVE services that whisk you there in about 1 hour and a half. The high-speed train continues on to Madrid, so you could visit Zaragoza en route between the two cities as part of a larger Spain travel itinerary, or just a weekend trip.
The city’s crown jewel is the Basilica del Pilar, a stunning example of Baroque architecture that stands next to the Ebro River. You can get lovely views of the Basilica from the Puente del Piedra stone bridge across the river – especially at sunset!
Just outside the city centre, the UNESCO World Heritage Aljafería Palace is another must-see with its intricate Islamic architecture and gardens that showcase Zaragoza’s Moorish past.
Zaragoza’s compact Old Town is perfect for exploring on foot, where you can walk around the lively El Tubo district, renowned for its tapas bars and nightlife. Take a tapas bar crawl or have lunch at one of the many excellent restaurants with a great value menu del dia lunch menu.
Art and history lovers will also enjoy the museums in Zaragoza, from the Roman Theatre and other Roman ruins to the Museo Pablo Gargallo with modern art, and the Goya Museum with an impressive collection of the artist’s sketches and paintings.
Mallorca
Mallorca is a fantastic place to go for a weekend trip from Barcelona, either for a city break in the capital city of Palma de Mallorca or exploring more of the island for pretty beaches, impressive caves and lots of delicious food!
Palma has incredible restaurants and pretty streets to wander, and the magnificent Catedral-Basilica de Santa Maria de Mallorca is stunning inside and out. The city also has beaches to enjoy, and a walk along the seafront is a great spot to watch the sunset.
You can arrange various boat trips from Palma too, including sunset cruises, snorkelling trips and sailing adventures.
If you want to get out of the city to explore more of the island, hire a car and drive to some of the more secluded beaches like Caló del Moro, visit the famous Drac caves, or head inland for wineries and local markets around the town of Inca.
Sóller is another lovely day trip from Palma, and you don’t need a car for that if you take the Ferrocaril de Sóller historic train.
Valencia
A weekend trip from Barcelona to Valencia is an ideal trip by train. On the Mediterranean coast, just under 3 hours south of Barcelona, Valencia has incredible beaches and plenty of sunshine to enjoy all year round.
It feels less hectic than Barcelona but has a similar vibe, and has rich culture and delicious gastronomy to enjoy so you’re sure to have a great time in this beautiful city.
Spend your weekend wandering through the winding streets of the historic Ciutat Vella quarter, admiring the work of renowned architect Santiago Calatrava at City of Arts and Sciences, or relaxing on Las Arenas Beach.
Then, as night falls, experience nightlife in Valencia with tapas bars and nightclubs in El Carmen district. Valencia also celebrates local festivals in style, and if you can plan your visit around one of those, you’ll have the added bonus of a fun street party!
Las Fallas is Valencia’s biggest festival and takes place in March every year. It is a great time to visit Valencia to see the celebrations where giant papier-mache models are displayed on every street corner and then set on fire. It is noisy and smoky and fabulous fun – but it is busy, so book accommodation and transport well in advance if you want to visit Valencia for Las Fallas.
Girona
Just 40 minutes from Barcelona by train, Girona is a charming town that transports you into a fairytale. You could visit Girona on a day trip from Barcelona, but it is worth spending at least one night here to really explore.
As you walk through the winding, cobblestone streets of the medieval centre, admire the blend of architectural styles. Visit the iconic Basilica of Sant Feliu, and the striking Cathedral of Girona and spend an afternoon meandering through the enchanting Jewish Quarter.
Girona was also used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, so fans will be excited to spot familiar places in the Old Town.
Walk along the Onyar River with colourful houses overlooking the water, and take some photos of the Pont de les Peixateries Velles, a red iron bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel. A stroll around the old city walls offers lovely views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
The Girona Flower Festival takes place every year in May, and Girona becomes even prettier as streets and buildings are decorated with hundreds of flowers. Again, it’s a busy time to come, but well worth it!
Sitges
If you’re looking for a picturesque Mediterranean destination with rich history and mouth-watering food and drink, look no further than Sitges! Just 30 minutes from Barcelona, this charming little town has charming cobbled streets, stunning beaches, and buzzing nightlife.
Many people visit Sitges on a day trip from Barcelona but if you have some more time to spend there, it is well worth staying a night or two in Sitges. There are some wonderful museums in Sitges, such as the Museu Cau Ferrat and Maricel, and if you visit when it is open, the Palau de Maricel is absolutely stunning.
Discover the history of Malvasia wine, grown in the grounds of a former hospital, and stuff yourself silly with seafood and tapas in the many excellent restaurants in Sitges. It is also close to the wine region of Penedes, where you can take a wine tour and sample more of the best wines and cavas in the region.
As the sun sets, there are lots of bars and clubs in Sitges and a lively gay scene with a famously welcoming atmosphere. Carnival in February and Pride are always raucous celebrations and great times to visit!
The South of France
Barcelona’s proximity to the French border means you can easily visit France for a weekend. Perpignan is a decent-sized city to explore, but I love staying on the coast to enjoy the quaint villages and beautiful coastline.
Collioure is a picture-perfect village with a lovely harbour where you can sit and enjoy the views, grab a bite to eat at one of the bars and restaurants on the waterfront or go for a dip at the beach. The bell tower of the 17th-century Notre-Dame-des-Anges Church is a former lighthouse and stands on one end of the harbour, providing plenty of photo opportunities!
This small town was an inspiration for renowned artists such as Matisse and Derain, who were captivated by its colours and unique light. Some of their works are displayed in the Collioure Musée d’Art Moderne, which has a remarkable collection of modern art and pays tribute to the town’s artistic legacy.
Collioure has a rich history, and its medieval castle is a large fortress perched on a hilltop that has panoramic views of the town and the Mediterranean Sea. A walk up to the Moulin de Collioure, an old windmill, is also worth the effort for the views.
You can also walk along the coastal path to the neighbouring town of Argeles-sur-Mer, which is another popular seaside destination, or hop on the bus or take a boat cruise that runs during the summer.
I hope this post has given you some ideas for weekend trips from Barcelona, let me know which is your favourite!