The coastal town of Sitges is a laid-back beach town that welcomes everyone. While notable for its beautiful beaches, this friendly spot is also famous for its lively LGBTQ+ nightlife. Visit the small but vibrant Old Town, and spend some time enjoying lovely museums like the Cau Ferrat Museum (Museu del Cau Ferrat, which is the former home of artist Santiago Rusiñol and contains some of his work as well as art by his contemporaries, including Picasso and El Greco.

The city of Girona, built on the banks of the Onyar River, is bright and colorful. And if you think that visiting another city (when you’re already in Barcelona) might seem pointless, think again. Girona feels more like a cozy town than a busy city, and it boasts lots of striking riverfront architecture and historic walls. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere with a walk around the city, making sure to explore the maze-like streets of the Jewish Quarter (El Call).

This gorgeous village on the Costa Brava makes a perfect day trip for those looking for idyllic photo ops and seaside strolls. But it’s not all sun and sand in this Mediterranean town. Cadaqués is also ideal for nature lovers because it offers several hiking opportunities: You can walk to the Far de Cala Nans—a lighthouse reached by a steep, narrow trail—or take the 1.5-hour trek between the nearby village of Port Lligat and the lighthouse in Cap de Creus.

The monastery-topped mountain of Montserrat is a towering rock formation that offers stunning views of the Pyrenees Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. The Benedictine monastery perched on the top is also a famous pilgrimage spot. Take a tour of the monastery, visit the basilica, and see the famous statue of the Virgin of Montserrat, also known as the Black Madonna (La Morenita). You can reach the site by driving or taking a train, or you can book a guided tour.

Set on the banks of the Meder River, the Catalonian village of Vic is home to a traditional main square (the Plaça Major) that is surrounded by beautiful buildings dating back to the 14th century. A short walk from the square, you’ll find the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle (Sant Pere Cathedral), a unique building founded in the 11th century that boasts a combination of Romanesque, Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical architectural elements.

Art enthusiasts from across the globe head to Figueres, the birthplace of the artist Salvador Dalí. The town’s main attraction is the Dalí Theatre-Museum (Teatro-Museo Dalí), which was designed by the artist himself. The whimsical, quirky attraction houses hundreds of works, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures by Dalí—as well as a more general collection with works by other artists and some historical artifacts. The museum is also home to Dalí’s remains.

You don’t have to visit Rome to see ancient Roman ruins—if you’re in Catalonia, you can just head to Tarragona. The city boasts a number of Roman ruins, including the Tarragona Amphitheatre (Amfiteatre de Tarragona) and a Roman circus and praetorium. Once you’ve explored the city center, take a short drive to the impressive Les Ferreres Aqueduct (Pont del Diable), then picnic in the surrounding woodlands.

Penedès is Catalonia’s most famous wine region. It’s separated into three different subregions—the low Penedès (Baix Penedès), high Penedès (Alt Penedès), and the coastal mountain Penedès (known as the Garraf)—but all of these areas primarily produce white wines made from the Xarel·lo grape. While you can visit wineries on your own, the most convenient way to see the region is to join a small group food and wine tour that includes transportation from Barcelona.

This Medieval village is a bit farther from Barcelona than other popular day-trip spots, but Pals’ ancient attractions and charming historic center make it worth the 1.5-hour drive. Wander through the village then pay a visit to the Tower of the Hours (Torre de les Hores), the only element left from a 12th-century castle destroyed hundreds of years ago. Lastly, visit the Ca La Pruna Museum House (Casa de Cultura Ca la Pruna), a museum dedicated to Mediterranean and Catalonian culture.