Amazing Day Trips To Take From Barcelona By Boat

Barcelona is a bucket list destination in its own right, home to world-famous buildings by Antoni Gaudí and the iconic boulevard, Las Ramblas. However, its position on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Spain means it’s also well-placed for day trips by sail or motorboat – from the LGBTQ-friendly Sitges to the traditional fishing village of Sant Pol de Mar.

Explore the best of the Catalan coastline.

Mataro

Wedged in between the Mediterranean and the Parque del Montnegre y el Corredor, Mataro welcomes sailors with great fanfare in June – when the Port Festival hosts concerts and sea-related attractions. The big draw in the town is the Nau Gaudi, a former cotton-bleaching shed that now houses the Museum of Contemporary Art, considered the first-ever structure by pioneering Catalan architect, Anton Gaudi. Nature enthusiasts can walk 45 minutes inland – or jump in a taxi – to explore the Forest Park’s Vertical Wood.

This seasoned Costa Brava resort is sought out for its beaches, especially the headlining Lloret Beach – directly in front of the hotels and restaurants – and the quieter, slightly smaller Playa de Fenals to the south. Move away from the heaving sands and you’ll stumble on obscure attractions, such as the Italianate Santa Clotilde Gardens and the Catalan Modernist Cemetery. Divers can spot wide-eyed flounders and moray eels at the Can Roviralta site, found just off Playa de Fenals.

Blanes

Part-resort, part-fishing village, Blanes is known as the “Gateway to the Costa Brava” – hence the sculpture of a gate on the path up to the Palomera viewpoint. Whatever time you drop anchor, stick around for the early evening fish auction, when returning fishermen sell their catch on the quayside. During the afternoon, explore the secluded, rocky coves to the north – Sant Francesc and Treumal are two of the best – or recline on the long, smooth beaches to the south.

Badalona

It’s an effortless glide north along the coastline of Barcelona to reach its smaller, less touristy neighbour. Once on land, make for the Anis del Mono Factory to learn how the iconic drink is made – don’t forget to greet the bronze monkey – also known as Mono – who sits outside. Stretch your legs by strolling down the 250m (820ft) Pont de Petroli before heading to the main beach to rent a jet ski or paddleboard.

Palamos

Sailors up for a longer voyage may wish to venture north to Palamos, where you can immerse yourself in Mediterranean fishing culture without leaving the port. Make your first stop at the Museu de la Pesca, where the exhibits explore fishing methods and preservation techniques throughout the centuries. Then move on to the market or auction to see the day’s catch being sold – before attending a cooking demonstration in the Espai del Peix next to the museum.

Calella de Palafrugell

Calella de Palafrugell is the home of one of the largest live music events in Costa Brava – the Cap Roig Festival held in mid-July. Over several days, top drawer stars perform on an open-air stage in the botanical gardens – where previous headliners include Bob Dylan, Mark Knopfler and Elton John. Another compelling reason to visit in July is to attend the Habanera Festival, which celebrates the historic relationship between Catalonia and Cuba with music and dancing on the beach of Port Bo.

Sant Pol de Mar

For a pleasing contrast to big city life, bop north to Sant Pol de Mar – a sleepy seaside town that’s often overlooked in favour of its flashier neighbours. Sunbathe in relative solitude on one of its four sandy beaches with a good book in hand, before wandering a few blocks back for a long lunch. Cosy Can Talamas – a specialist in fresh grilled fish and seafood arroz dishes – is one of the best options if you’re after traditional Costa Brava cuisine.

Sitges

Scary movies and roaming zombies contribute to the appeal of Sitges, a seaside town situated just under 40km (25mi) north of the Catalan capital. Every October, it hosts the internationally renowned Horror Film Festival – a highlight of which is the Zombie Walk, when participants walk the streets dressed as members of the undead. It’s also one of the most LGBTQ-friendly destinations in Europe – be sure to visit in February when Sitges hosts a drag-themed carnival unlike any other in Spain.

Discover some of the sublime spots from the coast of Barcelona and beyond by choosing.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.