If you’re flying across the Atlantic Ocean to visit Barcelona, I’m sure you don’t have plans to leave the city.
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Barcelona is a touristic wonderland thanks to the balance of history, culture, gastronomy, and even nature. Best of all, it’s small enough that you can walk to almost all of its main attractions.
But… what if you did want to leave? At least, for a day or two?
Whether you want to skip out on Barcelona to see more of Catalonia or even want to stay outside the city to avoid those sky-high room rates, you can find hidden wonders around the region. I’m taking you behind the curtain to show you my favorite spots to go as someone who has lived in Barcelona for seven years.
Just a warning: I’m sending you out in Catalan territory. Life moves slowly in these parts, and there isn’t that much tourist infrastructure for Americans. You need to be comfortable managing side quests, and you need patience, considering the slow pace. In other words, these are spots you’ll see locals vacationing. Don’t ruin the vibes.
My fave beach towns to visit around Barcelona
- Stay here & save on room rates in Barcelona: Sitges
- Disappear in a beach town like a local: Tossa del Mar
- A short distance from Girona: Begur
- The loveliest cala in all the land: Cala Sa Tuna
- Swim in a crystal-clear lake and go camping: Banyoles
Beach towns to visit around Barcelona—plus, one lake town
Sitges
Just a forty-minute train ride from Barcelona, Sitges is a chic little beach town. It’s a hotspot in summer for people who want to escape the busy streets of Barcelona—but it definitely has its own hustle and bustle in the high season. The town is framed around a large beach and has plenty of boutique shopping and dining.
I recommend going to Sitges for a beach day or, if you want to save money, booking lodging for your Barcelona vacation. I actually holed up in Sitges last year during a long stint of construction in my apartment building. The train station takes you straight to Barcelona’s Estación de Francia.
I stayed here, but you can also check out this rental if you want a large space. The host, Mariam, was more than accommodating for my needs.
Tossa del Mar
Tossa del Mar is another beach town near Barcelona—this one is north of the city in Catalonia’s famous Costa Brava. It’s next to Lloret del Mar, another sleepy, cozy beach town, in case you can’t find a place to stay in Tossa. I’ve stayed in hotels and at camping grounds in Tossa del Mar—it’s an affordable, low-key place to drop off the map for a few days.
I recommend staying in the little medieval village that forms the heart of Tossa del Mar, if you’re visiting during the shoulder season. It’ll get ultra-busy during the high season. Don’t miss out on the hidden beach that’s just behind the old castle walls, called El Codolar.
Begur
Further north from Tossa del Mar is Begur. It’s a charming village that’s usually only frequented by Catalans and French people who live just across the border up north. It’s also home to a medieval fort and castle (Begur Castle) with some ruins dating back to the 1400s.
But the real magic is the crystal-clear waters that you can see from town. Begur is surrounded by eight of Catalonia’s prettiest Balearic beaches—they look like they’re from the Caribbean. Just know that they don’t have sandy stretches around them. These are calas, which are rocky coves.
Cala Sa Tuna
Cala Sa Tuna is one of those famous beaches that rim Begur. It’s a pebbled beach that’s hidden within dramatic cliffs. However, there’s a bit of infrastructure that makes it easy to visit, including paths and even a little chiringuito. That’s a beach shack that sells food and drinks. If you visit Begur, don’t miss Cala Sa Tuna.
Banyoles
Banyoles is a little village located inland and set around Banyoles Lake. It’s just as crystal-clear as the Balearic Sea, and is protected as a major migration point for birds. However, you can still swim in the lake seasonally. Locals have first dibs; they can swim laps in the lanes around the lake.
However, visitors can also take a dip at select points. That includes the town’s little bar-restaurant that’s located on a dock in the water. Usually, I stay in a little campground that’s near the lake called Camping El Llac, which is now on Booking. It fills up with families every summer and offers a fun summer camp vibe.
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