Bordered by the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Catalonia is one of the most visited regions of Spain, especially the capital, Barcelona. This colorful seaside city is full of tourist attractions and things to do, with a captivating medieval quarter, striking modernist architecture, and great urban culture. But, in addition to the main city, Catalonia has towns near Barcelona that are worth visiting to relax in a dreamy rural environment.
Towns near Barcelona with charm that you should visit
In addition to Barcelona, Catalonia has cities of great historical importance such as Girona , with its medieval heritage, and Tarragona , an ancient Roman capital. Further afield, in the idyllic countryside of green valleys and rolling hills, tourists can discover picturesque medieval villages, picturesque seaports and quiet rural villages, where birdsong and church bells are the loudest noises.
The Catalan coast delights sun lovers with coastal destinations such as the exclusive town of Sitges and the secluded coves of Cadaqués , on the Costa Brava, and the calm waters of the Costa Dorada. At each stop along the way, the local gastronomy will tempt visitors with specialties such as Esqueixada , a salad of peppers, tomatoes and salted cod.
Plan your best weekend in this captivating community knowing the best towns near Barcelona that you should visit.
Towns of the Costa Brava
Stretching northeast from the coves and beaches of Blanes to the border of Catalonia with France, the Costa Brava is the most picturesque coastline in Spain. This area with almost 2,000 kilometers of jagged cliffs and idyllic beaches is one of the most visited maritime areas in Europe, and its pretty whitewashed villages have attracted artists such as Dalí, Picasso and Marc Chagall .
Sandy beaches, like the one in the colorful and old fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell , are hidden in coves under the cliffs. And other cities, such as Santa Susana , offer different options to spend a fantastic day at the beach, from crowded areas full of bathers and kiosks to quiet coves equipped for practicing water sports and sailing.
Sitges
Along the Mediterranean Sea, just 42 kilometers from Barcelona, Sitges attracts visitors in search of golden beaches and relaxation by the sea. The town has a “blue flag” beach with calm waters ideal for swimming and a marina for yachts and golf courses that add to the resort atmosphere.
Sitges also offers culture, since its historic center has two beautiful churches: the Church of Sant Bartomeu and the Church of Santa Tecla . In addition, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Spanish Modernist monuments were built throughout the city.
An excellent example of this avant-garde modernist architecture is the Cau Ferrat where famous Spanish author and artist Santiago Rusiñol lived. His home and art studio became a gathering place that attracted many artists and intellectuals, giving the city a bohemian vibe.
For those who appreciate gourmet cuisine, Sitges has a lot to offer. The city has a large number of renowned restaurants serving excellent gastronomic cuisine, especially dishes from the Catalan region.
Cadaqués and the Cap de Reus Natural Park
Close to the Cap de Creus Natural Park , Cadaqués is a charming town on the Costa Brava coast (170 kilometers from Barcelona). With its whitewashed houses that hug a sheltered bay, the old town of Cadaqués has the distinctive atmosphere of a Mediterranean seaport. The town has captivated artists for decades and still offers a vibrant cultural scene, with many art galleries and museums.
The Cap de Creus Natural Park is a nature reserve on the Creus peninsula with an unspoiled coastline and crystal clear turquoise waters. The steep and rocky coastline of the Cap de Creus Natural Park offers opportunities for hiking and nature walks.
About a 30-minute drive from Cap de Creus, the coastal town of Roses began as a former Greek colony. Roses has a monumental Renaissance citadel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Vic city
Vic is another of the towns near Barcelona in a quiet medieval setting on the banks of the Mèder River , about 72 kilometers from the capital. The town has two historic centers: the surroundings of the Castle of Montcada and that of the cathedral .
Vic has an impressive artistic heritage. A good place to start sightseeing is the Cathedral of San Pedro de Vich , which features a Romanesque bell tower, Gothic cloisters, and a Neoclassical Baroque façade. The cathedral’s mix of architectural styles reflects renovations made over the centuries. The interior of the cathedral is adorned with spectacular murals by Josep María Sert.
Another must-see cultural attraction in Vic is the Episcopal Museum , where masterpieces of religious painting and sculpture from the Romanesque and medieval periods are exhibited.
For those looking to spend the night in a pleasant place, the luxurious Parador de Vic-Sau is hidden in a lush garden with views of the Sierra de las Guillerías . This exclusive four-star hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and an excellent gourmet restaurant.
Besalú
Besalú is a medieval city with a picturesque jumble of cobbled streets and quiet squares that reveal impressive historical buildings . The city has an old Sephardic neighborhood with medieval Jewish baths that were used for ablution rituals.
In Besalú there are several ancient Christian monuments, such as the Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere from the 10th century , the Chapel of Santa María from the 10th century , the Romanesque church of Sant Vicenç from the 13th century and the church of Sant Julià from the 17th century.
Another vestige of the town’s past is the Old Bridge, built in the 11th century and restored in the 14th century.
Besalú is 133 kilometers from Barcelona in a beautiful area of Catalonia, near the La Garrotxa Natural Park in the rolling hills of the Pyrenees.
Olot and the Pyrenees
In the foothills of the Pyrenees, 112 kilometers from Barcelona, is Olot, another of the towns near Barcelona with a relaxed atmosphere and a vibrant cultural life. The pleasant tree-lined avenues, the quaint side cafes and the old aristocratic mansions give the city an elegant atmosphere. Olot’s most outstanding tourist spots are the modern art museum , its art galleries and the 18th century parish church, Parròquia de Sant Esteve , which has a wonderful Baroque altarpiece.
The Garrocha Museum is dedicated to the artistic and cultural history of the Garrotxa region, which has a special focus on artistic creativity. For those who appreciate modern art, this museum is one of the best places to visit in the area.
Nature lovers will enjoy an excursion from Olot to the Garrocha Volcanic Zone Natural Park to discover an impressive rugged landscape formed by volcanoes.
SEO of Urgell
Travelers can enjoy a relaxing getaway to the town of Seo de Urgell. It is located in an impressive natural environment with the mountains of Catalonia and the Pyrenees of Andorra as a backdrop. This picturesque historic town is located in the province of Lleida, 173 kilometers from Barcelona and 88 kilometers from the Aiguas Tortas National Park and San Mauricio Lake.
The most interesting enclave is the Romanesque cathedral of Italian influence , built in the 11th and 12th centuries. Other important monuments are the Romanesque church of Sant Miquel from the 11th century, the 15th century Town Hall and the Sant Domingo convent converted into a parador de turismo.
