Need ideas for 2-3 free days near Barcelona

There is plenty to do just in the Catalon area. I can HIGHLY recommend spending 3 nights in Girona. It is one of my favorite places in Europe. It is an ancient walled city on a lovely river with beautiful bridges. Scenes from the Game of Thrones were filmed in Girona. From Girona you can do a day trip to pretty Besalu. I have been to Cadaques, but its on my wish list. People on this forum have loved it. I'm not sure if it would be a good day trip from Girona or if it makes sense to do it between Sitges and Barcelona. I would also say that you could spend much more time in Barcelona. Much to see and do including a trip to Montserrat, a monastery in the mountains.

Your instincts are correct for only 2 days I would say Granada or Sevilla are out.

Here would be my recommendations closer by:

Peñíscola: about half-way between Stiges and Valencia, Peñíscola is a historic and beautiful town, with its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, the old town sits on a big rock that juts out into the sea. The town is dominated by a large Knights Templar castle that looks like something out of the Crusades.

or

Girona: an ancient city in northern Catalonia, accessible via the AVE high-speed train. It has an impressive Cathedral, towering medieval walls, narrow winding streets, a Moorish bath complex, and one of the best preserved Jewish Quarters in Europe. The Onyar river snakes it's way through Girona, giving the town a Florence-esque feel.

I suggest going to Girona, just north of Barcelona. You could either rent a car or take the train. Girona is a lovely medieval walled city, very interesting & enough to do and see for a few days. If you have a car, you could also drive along the Costa Brava and stay in Cadaques (on the Mediterranean) for one night and Girona for 2 nights. That's what we did in 2010 and we loved it. While in Cadaques, you can visit Dali's quirky house in Port Lligat. You need to make reservations to tour his house at least one day in advance.

Personally, I think you would waste too much time traveling all the way to Granada or Seville. Save them for another trip. What time of year is your trip? Andalucia is extremely HOT during the summer months.

Another vote here for the old quarter of Girona. Beautiful, ancient small town, with a number of things to see and do. A day trip from Girona to the much smaller ancient village of Besalu would also be a fine idea. Or to Figueres and its Dali Museum. Girona is known for it’s wonderful cuisine, including various Michelin starred restaurants. If you pursue this idea, I can recommend an excellent small hotel in Girona, and a wonderful small restaurant across the street. Just let me know.

Thank you for the quick replies. We are going next week. I will definitely plan to go to Girona now. I have never heard of it before. Larry I would love to hear get your recommended hotel and restaurant.