I'll be in Barcelona for one week this coming August--six days and seven nights--at the end of a month-long trip (London, Paris and Barcelona). I chose to stay for a long time in three places--rather than a short time in six or more--so that I could really explore each area. I think we have our London plans worked out; we will be there for the shortest amount of time (five days) and I'm always up for suggestions of Paris day trips (fourteen days) but I'm most concerned about planning out Barcelona, as I'll be traveling there without my husband. I'm looking for specific details on trips to outside of the city locations--as in 'go here and here's an easy way to get there'. i'd also like to hear opinions on how many days out of six i should devote to staying in Barcelona and how many side trips i can/should take (i'm thinking four days in the city, two out of the city, but i could be very wrong). I think i want to do at least one day at a beach, and i've read that the beach in town is not the best, so perhaps that would be one day trip? i've done the least amount of research for Barcelona, as it is the most recent addition to my itinerary, and would very much appreciate any first-hand experience input. Thank you in advance.
Posted by
winston salem, nc, usa
1078 posts
For Barcelona, hands down for me is a day in Girona's old town and a day trip to Coulliere on the beach in France, the later on the Sunday market day. Believe you can easily train to both, however, the coast road to Coulliere is like the Pacific highway in miniature. The beach is lazy and quiet and there are some fine casual bistros to enjoy at the same time.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
695 posts
Best day trip out of Barcelona is Montserrat, i am pretty sure you can get there by public transport, but there are some tours that will take you there from Barcelona. We also did a tour to the Torres winery and Cordeniu winery in the Penedes valley, you need a car to go to the Penedes valley, but i have seen tour companies that offer it from Barcelona. The best beach near Barcelona apparently is in Stiges, i have not been there, we went to the beach for an afternoon in BCN and it was not too bad. I think with 4 days in BCN that will be plenty to see lots, that would leave you with 2 days for day trips.
I have been to Girona and Figueres too, it is a bit harder to get there without a car, there are very nice also!
Posted by
Manchester, CT, USA
69 posts
Montserrat is also my suggestion. You can get a combo ticket from an FGC station (there is one at the El Triangle Bldg near Placa Catalunya). It is the train ticket and cable car ride up to the Monastery. If cable car is not your type there is also a combo with the funicular going up. Loved the cable car though because of the views. Once you have your tickets take Metro going to Placa Espana where you pick up the R5 train (it is the L8 train which becomes the R5 when it goes to Montserrat). You just have to find the track for the L8. It drops you at the Montserrat Aeri station where the cable car is. Also make sure you get there prior to the 1 PM (once a day only but daily) boys choir who sing in the basilica. On the return back, if the train you are on stops at a certain station, make sure you bring your stuff with you when getting off because chances are they are changing trains (there were people in our train who left theirs and ended up chasing that other train to retrieve their stuff because they thought it was just a "stop"). Really worth the trip to that site.