I plan to visit Barcelona in the spring, probably for 9 days. I have previously traveled to other areas of Spain- Madrid, Segovia, Toledo, Sevilla, Granada. This time I would like to focus on Barcelona and the surrounding area. Has anyone visited Andorra from Barcelona? If so, what are your reactions/suggestions? I have read that skiing is a major draw but I do not plan to ski while there. How about Montserrat? Any advice is appreciated about both Barcelona and particularly day trips and an overnight trip from Barcelona. I love art, medieval towns, monasteries, churches, as well as hiking and that divine Spanish food and wine! Thanks.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Montserrat is a good day trip from Barcelona. The mountain scenery is nice and the art gallery at Montserrat has some startlingly secular works. Check at the regional railway station at Placa de Catalunya in Barcelona for combined rail-and-entry tickets. I haven't been to Andorra but general opinion on it on these boards has been fairly negative. Another good day trip from Barcelona is the Salvador Dali museum at Figueres, which is a must if you are at all interested in 20th century art.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
695 posts
Montserrat is a great day trip from Barcelona, good hikes there too. I have been to Andorra, i would skip it, it is just a big shopping mall. I also suggest, Figueres or Cadeques, not far from there is a national park Cap de Creus good hiking, it would be easier with a car.
Posted by
Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada
629 posts
We thoroughly enjoyed our day trip to Montserrat. It was a hi-lite of this region for us. We took the aerial tram up and enjoyed the cathedral,the choir,the cafeteria and the store. Later we took the funicular train up even higher to stroll along the trails. Great views. One of our favourite days in Spain!
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
I'd skip Andorra. It's become rather grubby in the last twenty years or so and is now nothing but a series of discount stores--worse than a poor man's K-mart. The charm is long-gone.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
We've also been to Andorra, and I agree with the advice to skip it. We had heard it would be full of bargains; it wasn't. The only good thing is the drive; you go through a lot of beautiful scenery. I agree with seeing Montserrat & there are some attractive beach towns north along the Costa Brava.
Posted by
Chicago/Rural WI
811 posts
I'll join the chorus to skip Andorra, I like to call it the World's Largest Duty Free. However, I'd understand if you end up going - sometimes you just have to see for yourself (and the drive to/from Barcelona IS pretty scenic). As to Montserrat, if at all possible, get there first thing in the morning (like as soon as they open). We did this in March 2009, and not only were we literally the first (and only, for a while) ones there, but the sun coming up over the area cast a beautiful light.