Best Day Trips from Terrassa
Terrassa makes a brilliant base for day trips. It sits close to Barcelona, the mountains and the Penedès wine country. That means you can pack lots of variety into one holiday. Better still, most trips take under an hour. Here are five of the best. For more ideas, see our guide to towns near Barcelona worth visiting.
Montserrat Monastery and mountain
Montserrat is the classic choice. This jagged mountain is home to the Montserrat Monastery and its famous Black Madonna, La Moreneta. Step inside the basilica first. Then ride a funicular up to hiking trails with huge views. Pack comfy shoes, because some paths are steep.
Getting there is easy. By train, ride into Barcelona, then take the R5 from Plaça Espanya to Monistrol de Montserrat. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. From there, the Cremallera rack railway climbs to the monastery in about 15 minutes. It runs roughly every 20 minutes. Buy your tickets in advance, as queues build in summer. Combined tickets also include entry to the basilica.
Prefer to drive? Parking is free at Monistrol Vila, or you can pay for a space at the monastery. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a short FGC train ride away, so it works perfectly as a day out. Hop on a train from Terrassa straight into the city centre. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio.
Start at the Sagrada FamÃlia. GaudÃ’s unfinished masterpiece looks amazing inside, with coloured light pouring through the windows. Entry is timed, so buy tickets in advance. Afterwards, wander through the Gothic Quarter and stop for tapas along the way.
Barcelona is huge, so pick just a few highlights. Our things to do in Barcelona guide can help you choose. Staying longer? Try our 3 day itinerary for Barcelona.
Sant Cugat del Vallès
Sant Cugat is the easiest trip on this list. It sits on the same FGC railway line as Terrassa. The ride is short and simple. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio.
The star here is the Monastery of Sant Cugat. Its Romanesque cloister is a true showstopper. Look closely at the 144 columns, because each carved capital tells a story. The church also shows the shift from Romanesque to Gothic style. You can add an audio guide to learn what the carvings mean.
After your visit, stroll the old town and enjoy a relaxed lunch. Sant Cugat has plenty of cafés and restaurants. For more ideas, read our 3 day itinerary for Sant Cugat del Vallès.
Sant Sadurnà d’Anoia and cava country
Love sparkling wine? Then head to Sant Sadurnà d’Anoia, the capital of cava. This small town sits in the Penedès wine region. Many of Spain’s best bubbles come from here.
Visit CodornÃu, one of the oldest wineries in the world. Architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch designed its modernist buildings. A guided tour takes you through the grand Sala Puig, known as the “Cathedral of Cava”. Then a little train carries you through the underground cellars. You finish with a cava tasting. Tours need a guide, so buy tickets in advance.
By train, take the R4 line via Barcelona Sants to Sant SadurnÃ. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. The winery sits a short taxi ride or a 25-minute walk from the station. If you are driving, take exit 27 from the AP-7. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Want to explore more? Nearby Vilafranca del Penedès is another great wine town. Our guides to visiting Spanish wineries and cava versus sherry will help you plan.
Vic
Vic feels like a secret. This lively medieval city sits in the hills north of Terrassa. Its huge arcaded Plaça Major hosts a market every Tuesday and Saturday. Locals have shopped here for centuries. Visit on a market day if you can.
Art lovers should not miss the Museu Episcopal de Vic. It holds one of Europe’s best collections of medieval art, including Romanesque paintings and painted wooden sculptures. Next, find the Roman Temple, which dates from the 2nd century. A medieval castle once hid it for hundreds of years.
Finally, try the local sausage, llonganissa de Vic. It is a delicious souvenir for your suitcase. Read more in our Vic travel guide.
To go by train, travel to Barcelona, then take the R3 line to Vic. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. Driving is often simpler from Terrassa. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
More ideas and travel tips
Have extra days to spare? Consider a longer trip to Girona or Tarragona. Not sure which to pick? Our Girona or Tarragona day trip post compares them.
Want total freedom? Hire a car and mix several stops in one day. Hire a car with Discovercars. Our guide on renting a car in Spain explains the pros and cons. If you prefer trains, read how to use trains in Spain.
Terrassa rewards curious travellers, and its surroundings do too. Whether you choose mountains, cava or medieval streets, you will return with great memories. So pick a trip, pack a small bag and enjoy the ride.