Which Cities Are Close to Barcelona?

By Anna Duncan

Are you planning a trip to Barcelona? If so, you may want to explore the surrounding areas as well. Here are some of the closest cities to Barcelona that are worth a visit.

1. Sitges

Located just 35 kilometers southwest of Barcelona, Sitges is a charming coastal town that attracts both locals and tourists alike. With its picturesque beaches, quaint streets, and vibrant nightlife, Sitges is an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing escape from the bustling city life of Barcelona.

Some of the top attractions in Sitges include the Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla, which boasts stunning Gothic architecture, and the Cau Ferrat Museum, which houses an impressive collection of art by famous Catalan artists like Santiago Rusiñol and Ramon Casas.

2. Girona

Girona is another city that’s easily accessible from Barcelona.

Located about 100 kilometers to the northeast, Girona is known for its medieval architecture and rich history. One of the must-see attractions in Girona is its Jewish Quarter (El Call), which dates back to the 12th century and is one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe.

Girona also boasts an impressive Gothic cathedral (Catedral de Girona) with a grand staircase that leads up to it. For those interested in history, there’s also the Museu d’Història de Girona (Girona History Museum), which covers everything from prehistoric times to modern-day Catalonia.

3. Tarragona

Situated about 100 kilometers south of Barcelona on the Mediterranean coast lies Tarragona – a city steeped in both ancient Roman and medieval history.

The Roman ruins at Tarraco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in history.

Tarragona is also home to the impressive Tarragona Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and boasts a mix of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. For those seeking something more relaxing, there’s the nearby beach town of Salou, which offers stunning beaches and a lively nightlife scene.

4. Montserrat

Located about 50 kilometers northwest of Barcelona lies Montserrat – a mountain range that’s home to an important Benedictine monastery.

The monastery is famous for its unique location and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The monastery also houses the Black Madonna (La Moreneta), which is believed to have healing powers. Visitors can take a cable car or hike up to the monastery and explore its museum, art gallery, and numerous hiking trails in the surrounding mountains.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just relaxing on the beach, there are plenty of cities near Barcelona that are worth exploring. From the charming coastal town of Sitges to the ancient Roman ruins at Tarraco, these cities offer something for every type of traveler.

So why not take a break from Barcelona and discover what these nearby cities have to offer?