There are real treasures around Barcelona that you can't miss if you're planning to visit the city soon and you have enough days to explore. We all like to discover the less touristy side of the places we travel to, thus experiencing the local essence. Whether by car or train, you can leave early in the morning and return to your hotel in Barcelona in the evening.
The Grand Hotel Central team suggests you 3 excursions near Barcelona that will make you fall in love:
Sitges
With its whitewashed houses, narrow streets and stunning beaches, Sitges is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Catalonia. Barcelonians love to escape to Sitges whenever they can to disconnect from the hectic pace of the city and come back with their batteries recharged. It’s half an hour from Barcelona and is very easy to reach by public transport with Renfe, although if you have a car we recommend you to enjoy the spectacular views of the Garraf coast.
What to do in Sitges? Swim and sunbathe on the beautiful beach of Sant Sebastià, eat paella at the restaurant La Zorra, wander through the narrow streets of the historic centre of Sitges, marvel at the Maricel Palace museum and take a few photos in front of the church of San Bartolomé and Santa Tecla.
Montserrat
If you're more of a mountain person, Montserrat has something for you. Its curious rock formations are ideal for hiking and enjoying breathtaking views of the nature. It’s also a spiritual place, with the monastery of Montserrat and the famous "Moreneta". Montserrat is only an hour from Barcelona and we recommend you to take the Sant Joan funicular railway to go up to the viewpoint.
Costa Brava
The Catalan paradise has its own name: Costa Brava. Its beaches with crystal-clear water, its small fishing villages and its outstanding gastronomic offer make it the place to be.
What to do on Costa Brava? Walk along the camí de ronda, eat a seafood platter at the restaurant Toc al Mar where you can't miss the famous Palamós prawns, hire a boat and enjoy the best beaches on the Costa Brava such as Cala Aiguablava in Begur and Cala Aigua Xelida in Tamariu, and stroll through coastal villages such as Calella de Palafrugell, Tossa and Cadaqués. If you dare to discover this Catalan paradise, we recommend you to rent a car in order to have more freedom and enjoy the most special places.
Costa Brava is so charming that visiting it for one day will not be enough, so you can consider a two-day getaway, or even more is you have enough time. If you are looking for a hotel on the Costa Brava, Mas de Torrent has it all. A luxury boutique hotel near Pals with a privileged location, just a stone's throw from the best beaches and villages of Costa Brava. Enjoy a few days of relaxation in an elegant 18th-century Catalan farmhouse turned into a five-star hotel with a swimming pool, a restaurant run by the prestigious chef Ramón Freixa and a spa that will leave you refreshed.
