Top 10 Day Trips in Spain
If you’ve been searching for some day trips to make your vacation to Spain even more amazing, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
The big cities in Spain such as Barcelona and Madrid are definitely enough to keep you entertained for a long trip, but if you want to escape the city and do something a little different, this guide is for you!
Here we have listed our favourite day trips to take on your Spanish adventure.
Girona
If you’re looking for a city that you can easily see within a day, Girona is one that you should consider. It is littered with gorgeous Gothic architecture and it is still possible to see remnants of the old Jewish community within the city. Located in Northern Catalonia, it is a great option if you’re looking to explore a bit more of Spain from Barcelona.
How to get there:
From Barcelona Sants train station, a high-speed train can reach Girona in about 40 minutes. Check Renfe for current trains and fares, or use a third-party ticket website such as Trainline.
Best things to do:
- The Cathedral of Saint Mary is a must-see if you’re visiting Girona. See its official visitor information for tickets, audio-guide options and opening hours.
- The Arab baths are really cool if you get the chance to see them. This Romanesque building dates from 1194, under Christian rule, and draws on earlier Roman and Arab bath traditions. See the baths’ official visitor information for current tickets and hours.
- The river in Girona, which is named the River Onyar, is picturesque and really nice to take a stroll along after doing some sightseeing. We would recommend going in the late afternoon to catch the sunset.
Sagunto
For those of you who were hoping to explore a historic castle situated at the top of a Spanish hill with a view of the Mediterranean sea, Sagunto should definitely be added to your bucket list.
Castillo de Sagunto has Iberian, Roman, Islamic and medieval remains, with a separate Roman theatre nearby. Entry is free, and it’s a great place to spend a few hours exploring. When you’re finished at the castle, head down to the coast at Puerto de Sagunto for a beer and a plate of paella at one of the many beach-front restaurants.
How to get there:
From Valencia, Renfe Cercanías trains connect Valencia Nord with Sagunt. Check Renfe for current departure times, fares and your last train back. If you miss the last connection, an overnight stay or taxi could add to the cost. Ouch.
Things to do:
- The Castle of Sagunto is hands down the coolest attraction of Sagunto. Entry is free, or “gratis” in Spanish. The Roman theatre is nearby; check the official castle visitor information for current visiting hours.
- If you take the main road on your walk down from the castle, there is a restaurant called La Taverna de la Serp. Check that it is open on your visit. It is an excellent place to grab a bite to eat after exploring the castle ruin. The food is excellent, and the prices are good. We would recommend getting some tapas and some Spanish wine.
- After spending a few hours walking around the castle in the hot sun, you’ll probably be looking to jump into the refreshing Mediterranean sea. The beach at Puerto de Sagunto is several kilometres from the old town; check local bus connections to the coast. If you didn’t get something to eat at La Serp (or if you did and still want more—we aren’t judging) there are tons of really great restaurants all along the beach.
Toledo
This medieval town is one of Spain’s gems. It has a mix of influences from Christian, Jewish, and Arab cultures, and is regarded as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Spain by the locals. Since it’s rather small, it’s the perfect place to spend the day. But be warned: one day may turn into two or three, since this place seems to have some kind of mysteriously magical pull.
How to get there:
From Madrid’s Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes station, the Avant train ride to Toledo takes about 30 minutes and is definitely worth it. Check Renfe for current fares and departure times.
Things to do:
- The Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes is one of the most beautiful parts of Toledo. It dates back to the 15th century and is well worth a visit; check its official tickets and hours.
- Toledo Cathedral is an impressive Gothic monument whose construction began in 1226, on a site with earlier religious buildings. We highly recommend the audio-guide; check the cathedral’s official visitor information for current tickets and visiting hours.
- The Alcázar of Toledo is a great place to see military history. Its site has Roman remains, while the present palace’s appearance comes from 16th-century construction and rebuilding after the Civil War. It now houses the Army Museum; see the official museum visitor information for current hours and admission.
Alicante
This port city has everything you could ask for from a Spanish city: the beach, narrow streets, colourful buildings and amazing food. There is also a castle located in walking distance from the city.
Since it’s on the top of one of the mountains surrounding the city, you can see all of Alicante and out into the Mediterranean sea. If you’re up to it after a day of adventuring, be sure to check out some of the city’s legendary nightlife.
How to get there:
From Valencia, one easy option is to take a bus to Alicante. Journey times vary by service; check ALSA for current departure points, fares and tickets.
Things to do:
- The Santa Bárbara Castle sits atop a mountain which overlooks Alicante and the coast, giving you a spectacular view. General entry is free, while the lift has a separate charge; check the official castle visitor information for current hours and lift details.
- The Port of Alicante is near the amazing Postiguet beach, with tons of places to eat and drink. During the summer it is pretty busy, so we recommend getting there early to secure yourself a prime location.
Tarragona
Not only does this city have a fascinating medieval history, it also has a beach that you won’t want to leave, and nightlife that will have you partying until the sun comes up.
If walking around and gawking at the stunning Gothic architecture all day leaves you famished—worry not! Tarragona fulfills the stereotypical Spanish port city by serving up some seriously mouth-watering seafood.
How to get there:
From Barcelona Sants, regional trains reach the central Tarragona station. High-speed trains use Camp de Tarragona, outside the city, so allow for an onward bus or taxi. Check Renfe for current journey times and fares when comparing the options.
Things to do:
- The Tarragona Cathedral is stunning and should be a part of anyone’s visit to the city. Its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture is really something that you have to see for yourself; check official visitor information for tickets and hours.
- The archaeological site of Tarraco is one of the best features of Tarragona, which explains why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are so many Roman ruins to explore here, such as a Roman amphitheatre and an aqueduct.
Montserrat
If you’re in Barcelona and find yourself with a bit of extra time, we would definitely recommend checking out a mountain called Montserrat. Besides the stellar views, you can also find a monastery on this mountain that houses the Black Madonna, which is a very important piece of Spanish culture.
If you’re not afraid of heights, take the cable car up for a seriously breath-taking experience. Make sure to wear your walking shoes, because there are also several cool hiking trails.
How to get there:
From Barcelona’s Espanya station, take the R5 train towards Manresa. Change at Monistrol de Montserrat for the rack railway, or at Montserrat-Aeri for the cable car. The full trip to the monastery takes roughly an hour and a half, depending on connections. Check official Montserrat rail information for current connections and ticket combinations.
Things to do:
- The many hiking trails at Montserrat offer amazing views. Routes vary in length and difficulty, so choose one suited to your experience; there are options for beginners as well as more demanding hikes.
- The Monastery is one of the highlights of Montserrat and one of the main reasons so many people trek all the way up the mountain every year. It is where the Black Madonna is kept; check current basilica access and booking arrangements before your visit.
- The Museum of Montserrat is a great way to see some of the amazing heritage of Montserrat, not to mention a good way to get out of the heat for a little while. See the official museum tickets and hours.
Figueres
Calling all of you Salvador Dalí fans out there, this one’s for you! Figueres was the home of the famous painter Salvador Dalí, and is now home to the Dalí museum. Art-lovers should not miss this, as it is arguably one of the best art museums in Spain. Dalí was even buried in the museum, in a crypt beneath the stage!
How to get there:
From Barcelona Sants, high-speed trains arrive at Figueres-Vilafant, which is outside the centre. Regional trains use the central Figueres station. Check Renfe for current journey times, fares and onward connections.
Things to do:
- The Dalí museum is, of course, the best thing to see in Figueres, and is well worth it to fans of Salvador Dalí. See official Dalí museum visitor information for current tickets and hours. The museum is about a 12-minute walk from the central Figueres station; Figueres-Vilafant requires an onward connection.
- Castell de Sant Ferran is lesser known in Figueres, but is something you should add to your list of things to do! Check the official castle visitor information for available visits and hours.
Castellón
Just a train ride away from Valencia, Castellón is a city with beaches in its coastal El Grau district, perfect for anyone looking to soak up some sun. Castellón is also a great place to catch a bull-fight, if that’s your kind of thing. If not though, be sure to check out the cathedral and other stunning architecture.
How to get there:
Renfe trains connect Valencia Nord with Castellón. Check Renfe for current departure times and fares.
Things to do:
- Castellón’s beaches are in the coastal El Grau district, a few kilometres from the city centre. With tons of beach bars that all have insanely good local food, we can see why locals enjoy them. So pack up your towel and some suntan lotion and get ready for the perfect beach day.
- One of the most famous things in Castellón is the El Fadrí bell tower. You’re able to climb to the top and get a great view of Castellón during visiting hours. Did we mention it’s free? Check El Fadrí visitor information.
- The central market is not only beautiful to look at, but also a great place to go if you want to shop like a local. With everything from meats and cheeses, to fresh produce and baked goods, you are sure to find something that satisfies your cravings. Check the market’s current opening hours.
Peñíscola
This beach-side town feels kind of like stepping into some kind of Spanish fairy-tale. Not only is it picturesque with the seaside castle, they also claim to have the best seafood in Spain. If you’re looking to have some fun with the kiddies, Playa Norte offers a long sandy beach with views of the castle and family facilities.
How to get there:
From Valencia, take a train to Benicarló-Peñíscola station, then continue to Peñíscola by bus or taxi. Check Renfe for current train times and fares, and confirm the final connection to the town.
Things to do:
- The castle is one of the icons of Peñíscola. Check the official castle tickets and hours. Some of Game of Thrones was filmed in Peñíscola, so if you’re a fan, try to spot some of the locations!
- The narrow streets in the city are so beautiful, and are really an attraction in themselves. Let yourself forgo your maps for the day and just get lost. If you get hungry while wandering around, there are so many restaurants in town serving up the best local cuisine.
- Peñíscola’s Playa Norte has fine sand, family facilities and views of the castle—plenty to enjoy for a beach day.
Segovia
Last, and certainly not least, this city may be small enough to explore in one day, but it also has enough to do to keep you entertained for several days. Its old town and Roman aqueduct are UNESCO-listed, and it also is chock-full of restaurants with amazing food. You really can’t go wrong with this one.
How to get there:
High-speed trains from Madrid Chamartín-Clara Campoamor can reach Segovia-Guiomar in about 30 minutes. Guiomar is outside the centre, so allow time for a local bus or taxi. Check Renfe for tickets and current connections—it’s a great option for a day trip from Madrid.
Things to do:
- The aqueduct is one of the main attractions of the city. Its monumental arched section has 167 arches and extends about 959 metres; the complete water route from the mountains is much longer, around 16 kilometres. It is possible to score a wicked view from the nearby stairs leading up to the old town behind the tourist office. If you search for photos of Segovia, you will most likely find heaps of photos of this gem.
- If visiting Snow White’s castle sounds as awesome to you as it does to me, you’ll want to check out the Alcázar. This fairy-tale looking castle helped inspire the castle in Disney’s Snow White. If you’re a parent of younger kids, you’ll score major points with them for this one! Check official Alcázar tickets and hours.
Even though these places aren’t as famous or popular as the more-well known big cities, these are all well worth spending a day or even more. If you’re able to take a day out of your city schedule, you won’t regret squeezing one or more of these Spanish gems into your itinerary.
