On a several occasions I have mentioned that Barcelona is the city I’ve visited the most times. And even though it never cease to amaze me, and there are tones of unexplored stuff and streets, one excursion outside the city is always a win win. I was never aware that the trains of Barcelona can bring you in such an amazing party and historical places.
San Cugat del Valles
This year we were babysitting a cat in San Cugat del Valles. Before a friend moved in here, I’ve never heard of this place. Luckily now I know it is one of the nicest surrounding towns of Barcelona, it is considered “posh”, and it belongs to the same travel zone of Barcelona. You can visit it for just 1 euro and there are trains every 7 minutes. Once you are there the cathedral is a must, the tiny streets, and the majestic park. The Olivia Plaza is bustling with childish grins and with locals sipping their drinks.
Montserrat
The long awaited visit to Monserrat happened this summer as well. With the R5 you can reach Montserrat in less than an hour. Montserrat is the holiest place for Spanish people and especially for Catalans. Once you reach Monasterio de Montserrat you have the option to take the funicular to the top or the cable car.
The monastery is so amazing not so much on the inside as it is on the outside, situated in all of those rocks. We’ve made the mistake of hiking on 30+ degrees celsius, and friendly advice don’t do that.
The food options here are somehow limited, there is a choice but they all belong to the same chain so it feels you are kind of at the airport. The nicer restaurants have stricter opening hours.
If you plan properly you can even take the cable car to the top to St. Jaume viewpoint or hike there too.
Girona
I’ve been to Girona only to the bus station and the airport, but I’ve sent my parents there for a day trip, and their verdict was, they wish they had more time in the city, not just a day. It is 90 minutes away from Barcelona. chances are also high that you will find a cheap flight ticket and actually land there. So my advice, don’t rush straight to the sea or to Barcelona stay for some time. Explore the city walls, don’t skip the cathedral, the Jewish quarter with the Arab Baths. And did you know that Gustaf Eiffel left his mark here, with the Old Fish Markets Bridge.
Lloret de Mar
The most affordable spot in the beautiful Costa Brava is definitively Lloret de Mar. You can reach it from Barcelona in less than an hour and for around 12 euros. Even though in my opinion it doesn’t have the charm as all the rest of the places it is nice spot to wind up and relax. The big sandy LLoret de Mar beach is always full, so taking the Cami de Ronda, you can reach a calmer beach called Fenalls. To me Lloret de Mar will always be the association to my Euro end of studies trip, and to colorful cocktails in colorful glasses. But the best tip is to maybe to have it as a base spot when visiting Costa Brava, as accommodation here is much cheaper, and then you can make day trips to the fancier spots.
Calafell
Calafell is always going to have a special place in my heart. I have been three times, and probably will go again. A very close friend of mine lives here so I am a bit biased when it comes to the town. First you can reach it from Barcelona in less then an hour with the R2S. Then. the beach is super long, has a board walk and many eateries, and you can be sure that they are proper non touristy ones. I have been in the club in Calafell more times than in the club in my hometown, so the party street is also worth checking it out. For me this is the place where I have seen most of the local life, compared to any other place I’ve been in Spain. Okay maybe Benicarlo can compete, but it is not so close to Barcelona. There is also ancient Ciutadell there, but I’ve never been to. However I was attending the best 30th birthday party on the beach here, and If you ever get invited, or see some happening don’t miss the chance to crush it. 🙂
Sitges
Probably Sitges should be higher on the list or even have a separate post, but I think I didn’t spend enough time here to have a full perfect itinerary. Next time I am going in the Barcelona direction I will make sure to spend more time in Sitges. The old town is amazing, there are plenty of beaches, and very weird place that I have visited here is the “Humor Amarillo Action Park” here. It was part of a 30th birthday celebration, and it was so much fun. So if you are a bigger group I really recommend this experience. Even though i did it in my 20s I would gladly repeat it. Sitges also has 17 beaches and it is part of the so called Costa Dorada region.
So where are you going first? Enjoy
CONCRETE COLLAGE 