Catalunya is a fascinating region to travel in, and it’s unfortunate that most people never venture outside Barcelona. During my month-long visit to Spain, I rented a car, allowing me to see the country at my own pace, with most of my time spent in Catalunya and Andalucia. In this post, I share the best weekend trips from Barcelona..

Montserrat

Often known as the symbol of Catalan Nationalism, Montserrat is perhaps the most important religious destination in all of Catalan. Montserrat,  meaning serrated mountains, enjoys an incredible location at an altitude of 1000m +. One of the highlights of my trip here was the drive form Barcelona to the base of the monastery, and a funicular ride which takes you further up a steep incline to the monastery. This is a large area with multiple hiking trails – so give yourself an entire day for exploring all the trails, and make sure you check the funicular timings! It’s a popular weekend destination, but one where you can still find your own space and get a sense of discovery.

Siurana

The last Islamic stronghold on Catalunya, Siurana is a well-preserved historical village. Just a couple of hours drive from Barcelona, Siurana is a perfect weekend trip from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Steeped in history, this small village can get overwhelmed by people during the weekends. If you visit during the week, you will perhaps find the place to yourself. Visit the ruins of a 9th century Moorish castle at the village entrance, and a 12th century church of Santa Maria , or simply explore the stone houses, and sample some delicious food. The beautiful Siurana reservoir can be seen from the village. I visited during spring, and the beautiful cherry blossoms made the place seem straight out of a romantic-era poem.

Girona

Girona is a beautiful historical small town situated 30 mins train ride away from Barcelona – making it an ideal weekend getaway even if you are not driving. With beautiful cobbled streets, historical buildings, and wonderful Catalan cuisine, visiting Girona feels like traveling back in time. If you can time it during the Temps de Flors festival, you would see the city decorated in colorful art.

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About Praveen Maloo

Praveen is currently based out of Seattle, United States. He loves coffee, conversations, micro-brews, and intimate jazz music scenes. When its not raining in Seattle, he can be seen enjoying the beautiful outdoors of the Pacific North-West.

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