The Perfect Day Trip: Exploring the Beautiful City near Barcelona
Introduction
The second-biggest in Spain, the city of Barcelona is known for its art, architecture, and colorful vibe. But did you know that in a mere short distance from Barcelona, one can find hidden treasures to be explored? If after a busy day in the city and you want to see more of Catalonia, then taking a day tour of one of the many nearby towns is surely something to be considered. In this article, we will help you to explore the ideal city near Barcelona to spend a lovely day-trip.
Montserrat
Montserrat is for nature lover or people who fancy breathtaking landscape. This beautiful mountain range is situated away from the city, around an hour’s drive from Barcelona, and thus provides a unique setting to explore. The peaks of Montserrat have an amazing setting with Mountserrat Monastery on top of the cliff for some divine touch.
So after arrival, don’t forget to take the cogwheel train, the Sant Joan Funicular, or a cable car that will take you to the top and offer you a panoramic view. but if you are feeling adventurous there are hiking trails that are inviting you to further explore the area. Don’t forget to also behold the pretty voices of Montserrat Boys Choir, called La Escolanía, reverberating the walls of the abbey.
Tips:
- Come early to beat the crowd and get a lot of time to explore.
- Go through the timetable for the Boys Choir performances to plan your attendance.
- Don’t forget to take comfortable shoes and water with you if you are going to hike.
Sitges
Set less than a one hour train ride from Barcelona, Sitges is a small beautiful town on the coast, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant celebrations, and pretty architecture. Whether one wants to tan, enjoy mouth watering sea foods, learn more about their art and culture, Sitges has something for everyone.
Take a walk on the palm boulevard, and wander through the narrow streets of the old town full of attractive shops, art galleries, and active bars. Sitges also has a number of historical attractions such as the famous Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla and the Maricel Museum which boasts of a fine collection of Catalan modernism.
Tips:
- Come in the period of Sitges Film Festival, one of the most significant cultural manifests of the town.
- Try xató, the traditional Sitges salad, accompanied with the local wines to explore the local cuisine.
- Relax on the sun and the sea on the beautiful beaches of Sitges like Playa de la Ribera, Playa de Sant Sebastià.
Girona
Girona is a wonderful city with a deep history (since Roman times) and which is situated only 100 km northeast from Barcelona. Walk along the old city walls and get lost in the winding streets of the delightful medieval district, referred to as the Barri Vell.
What is well-known about Girona is its beautiful cathedral, the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Girona, which has the widest Gothic nave in the world. Admire the colorful buildings flanking the Onyar River and walk across the remarkable red-iron Eiffel Bridge to have a bird’s-eye view of the city.
Tips:
- Do not take the opportunity of visiting the Jewish Quarter, one of the best-preserved in Europe.
- Enjoy Girona’s culinary world featuring Michelin star restaurants and the traditional Catalan cuisine.
- The Temps de Flors festival, which takes place in May and involves the city being covered with beautiful floral displays, is definitely worth seeing.
Conclusion
Although Barcelona is definitely a fabulous city, when you leave it, you will be able to see the diversity and beauty of Catalonia. It does not matter whether you will go to visit the breathtaking Montserrat, the coastal town of Sitges or the historic city of Girona, each of the destinations will present you with its own unique charm so that you will be able to leave with full of great memories.
Therefore if you are a traveler to Barcelona, then do not forget to take your exploration further to other cities, with their history, culture, and nature in an option. Go out and explore and maximize your excursion of Catalonia.
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