Best day trips from Mataró
Mataró makes a brilliant base for exploring Catalonia. It sits right on the coast, with excellent train links in every direction. So, packing your day bag and heading out for the day couldn’t be easier.
From medieval old towns to surrealist art and golden beaches, Catalonia offers something for everyone. Below, you’ll find the best day trips from Mataró, plus tips on getting there.
Barcelona
Barcelona sits just 40 minutes away by direct train, making it the easiest day trip on this list. Rodalies trains run every 15 minutes, so there’s no need to plan ahead too much. Check connections.
Once there, wander Las Ramblas before exploring La Boqueria Market. Fresh produce, juice stalls and local snacks fill every corner. Afterwards, head to Park Güell for sweeping city views and Gaudí’s colourful mosaics.
If you prefer driving, the journey takes around 40 minutes along the C-32. If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location. Hire a Car.
Girona
Girona makes a fantastic day out, with direct trains taking around 75 to 90 minutes. Check connections.
Once you arrive, climb the 86 steps up to Girona Cathedral, home to the widest Gothic nave in the world. Next, wander El Call, the city’s atmospheric medieval Jewish Quarter. Its narrow stone alleys date back to the 12th century.
Don’t miss the colourful houses lining the Onyar River either. They’re one of the most photographed sights in Catalonia. Cross the Eiffel Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel’s studio, for the best view.
Prefer to drive? The journey takes about an hour via the AP-7 motorway. If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location. Hire a Car.
Figueres
Figueres is the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, and it’s easy to reach by direct train from Mataró. Check connections.
The star attraction here is the Dalí Theatre-Museum. This red, egg-topped building houses hundreds of surrealist works, including “The Persistence of Memory”. Since queues can be long in summer, it’s best to book tickets ahead through the Buy Tickets link.
Afterwards, stroll Figueres’ old town and grab lunch in one of its many small squares. It’s a compact, walkable city, so you’ll see plenty in just a few hours.
If driving, expect a journey of around 75 minutes via the AP-7. If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location. Hire a Car.
Sitges
Sitges offers a lovely contrast to Mataró’s own beaches, with a livelier, more bohemian feel. Trains run via Barcelona, taking roughly 90 minutes in total. Check connections.
Spend your morning on Platja de Sant Sebastià, one of the town’s quieter beaches. Afterwards, explore the whitewashed old town and its clifftop church, Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla.
Art lovers should also visit Museu Maricel, right by the seafront. Its collections span Romanesque art through to the early 20th century.
Driving takes around an hour, mostly via the C-32 and B-23. If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location. Hire a Car.
Besalú
Besalú is one of Catalonia’s most beautiful medieval towns, though it’s best reached by car since no direct train exists. Hire a Car.
Its fortified stone bridge is the town’s most famous landmark, arching gracefully over the Fluvià River. Beneath the old town, you’ll also find a rare, well-preserved medieval Jewish mikveh.
Wander the cobbled streets and arcaded squares afterwards, and stop for lunch at a café overlooking the bridge. It’s a small town, so half a day is usually plenty.
The drive takes around 80 minutes from Mataró, mostly via the AP-7. If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.
Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar combines Costa Brava beaches with genuine medieval charm. Take the train to Blanes, then continue by local bus. Check connections.
The Vila Vella, Tossa’s walled old town, sits dramatically on a headland above the sea. Wander its ramparts for brilliant views across the bay, then relax on Platja Gran below.
If you’d rather drive, the journey takes roughly an hour via the C-32 and GI-682. If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location. Hire a Car.
Wherever you choose to go, Mataró puts Catalonia’s best spots within easy reach. Pair your day trips with our Spain regional food guide for tips on what to try along the way, and don’t forget to book your accommodation back in Mataró before you set off.