10 Best Road Trips Near Barcelona

Montserrat is a Catalan mountain range that's home to numerous historical sites and natural wonders you can explore. The sheer peaks can be seen from miles away, so it's easy to find your way here.

If you're planning on scaling these mountains, the highest peak is Sant Jeroni, which towers 1,236 meters above sea level. You'll find hiking trails that can take you to the top along with other trails for additional adventure. You'll find Montserrat about an hour northwest of Barcelona.

Sitges is a coastal town that's popular with travelers thanks to its impressive historical sites, pristine beaches and thrilling nightclub offerings. This is also the home of the Sitges Movie Festival, which draws in travelers from all over the world.

When you visit this town, you can enjoy a positively Catalan experience whether you prioritize the restaurants or the museums. The dish known as Xató is particularly popular, so make sure you try the town's signature food during your visit. Sitges is about 22 miles southwest of Barcelona.

Girona is a fun town in the northern part of the region that's known for its historic buildings and well-preserved old quarter that dates back centuries. In fact, the historic district and local cathedral have been used as movie sets for productions that take place in times past.

You'll find quite a few historic sites when you visit, but the Jewish quarter tends to stand out as one of the most well-preserved in all of Europe. Additionally, you'll find some structures that date back to the ancient Romans. Girona is about 62 miles northeast of Barcelona.

The Penedès wine region is the center of viticulture in Catalonia both in terms of the amount of wine produced and the variety of styles. Dry, sweet and sparkling wines are available here, and they're all available in red, white and rose.

When you visit, you can tour a wide variety of wineries and vineyards, though the landscapes alone are enough to warrant a visit with their wide-open fields of green. You'll find this region a little less than an hour west of Barcelona.

Costa Brava is home to a variety of stunning beaches that are perfect for travelers looking for some fun in the sun without the crowds of a city beach. The area has been recently developed for travelers, so it's easy to find beaches with luxury amenities as well.

Given the picturesque natural features of the area, you'll find a thriving arts scene here as well. Several art museums are available throughout the area including some housing work from Picasso, Miró and Dalí, who were all inspired by the views here. This destination is about 2 hours northeast of Barcelona.

Tarragona is a popular and historic city that dates back to the ancient world with plenty of ruins still around from the era to explore. The Roman ruins are particularly well-maintained and are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In addition to the Roman ruins, you'll find pieces from the city's long history showcasing the variety of cultures that have left their mark. You can see it all for yourself by heading west from Barcelona for about 60 miles or so.

Begur is a peaceful coastal town in eastern Catalonia that has tranquil beaches and a handful of fascinating historical sites to explore. While the town itself seems modest, the local castle is anything but, showing off centuries-old splendor.

You'll find several historical sites here including some with Romanesque parts still visible, but that's just the beginning. You'll also find an array of pristine beaches here that don't tend to have the crowds of Barcelona beaches. Begur is a little over an hour and a half northeast of Barcelona.

Tossa de Mar is a popular town for travelers interested in well-preserved history and pristine beaches to explore for fascinating fun. You'll find several historical sites here, and this town is the only example of a fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast that's still standing.

The beaches here are quite welcoming with soft sands and gentle waters. Plus, you'll find plenty of conveniences nearby like shops and restaurants. To get to Tossa de Mar, you'll need to head southeast along the coast from Barcelona for about 56 miles.

Figueres is the birthplace of Salvador Dalí and is a town filled with historic sites and fun things to do. The main attraction here is the Dalí Museum, where you'll find a wide collection of his work inside a building with a design that's just as odd and interesting as the man's work.

While you're in town, you'll want to check out the other top sites as well. These include a technology museum with antique typewriters and an 18th-century castle. You can get to Figueres by heading northeast from Barcelona for about 88 miles.

Montblanc is a lovely town and local capital that's home to the Prades Mountains as well as several impressive historic sites you won't want to miss out on. Among the historical sites here, you'll find a fascinating history of cooperation between people of the various Abrahamic faiths, an anomaly in European history.

Most of the top sights in town are churches, with the Romanesque-Gothic convent Sant Francesc dating back to the 13th century. You can see it all for yourself by heading west from Barcelona for about an hour and a half.