Best Day Trips from Lleida
Lleida makes a brilliant base for day trips. High-speed trains whisk you to Tarragona, Zaragoza and Barcelona in around an hour or less. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. Meanwhile, a hire car opens up royal monasteries, cliff-top villages and wine country. Hire a car with Discovercars. Below, you will find seven easy trips to suit every mood. Before you go, read our Lleida travel guide. For more planning help, see how to use trains in Spain.
Tarragona: Roman Ruins by the Sea
Tarragona is the easiest escape from Lleida. Take the AVE to Camp de Tarragona station. The ride takes about 25 minutes. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. From the station, hop on a bus or taxi into town. Start at the Roman Amphitheatre, which sits right above the beach. Then explore the Roman Circus and Praetorium, both part of the city’s UNESCO-listed Roman remains. A combined ticket covers several sites, so buy tickets online through Tarragona Tourism. Finally, wander the old town and the sea-view balcony. Read our Tarragona guide for more ideas.
Barcelona: Gaudà and the Gothic Quarter
Barcelona is only about an hour away by AVE. Trains arrive at Barcelona-Sants station. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. Head straight to the Sagrada FamÃlia. Timed slots sell out fast, so buy your tickets online in advance. Next, stroll through the Gothic Quarter’s narrow lanes and finish with tapas near the Born. You will not see everything in one day. However, you will get a great taste. Want to stay longer? Try our 3 day itinerary for Barcelona.
Zaragoza: Basilica, Palace and Tapas
Zaragoza sits about 40 minutes from Lleida on the AVE. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. Begin at the BasÃlica del Pilar, a huge baroque church beside the River Ebro. Look up at the domes, because Goya painted some of the frescoes. After that, visit the AljaferÃa Palace, an 11th-century Moorish palace that shows off stunning carved arches. Then head to the old town for tapas. Our guide to where to eat in Zaragoza will help you choose.
Poblet Monastery: A Royal Retreat
Poblet is a short drive from Lleida, about an hour each way. It is the largest inhabited Cistercian monastery in Europe. UNESCO listed it in 1991. Inside, you can see the royal pantheon of the Crown of Aragon, with its carved tombs. Then wander the cloisters and the vast stone halls. The monastery sells tickets in its shop. Alternatively, a joint ticket covers Poblet and two other royal monasteries on the Cistercian Route. Check the official Poblet website for visiting hours and worship times. Not driving? Hire a car with Discovercars. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Siurana: A Village on the Edge
Siurana clings to a cliff high above a reservoir. It was the last Moorish stronghold to fall in Catalonia, in 1153. According to legend, Queen Abdelazia leapt from the cliff on her horse rather than surrender. Today, you can peer over the edge at the same drop. Next, visit the small Romanesque church of Santa Maria. Climbers also adore the cliffs around the village. The drive takes about 90 minutes, and the final road twists, so go slowly. Read more in our Siurana guide. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Falset: Priorat Wine Country
Falset is the capital of the Priorat wine region. Its rich red wines grow on steep, rocky slopes of dark slate. First, stroll the old town and its quiet squares. Then book a tasting at a nearby winery, as most visits need a reservation. Gratallops, a short drive away, has more cellars and great food. Of course, pick a designated driver before you start sipping. Our Priorat wine itinerary and guide to visiting Spanish wineries will help you plan. See also our Falset and Gratallops pages. The drive takes roughly 90 minutes. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Fraga: A Taste of Aragon
Fraga is an easy trip across the border into Aragon. The drive takes about 45 minutes. Start at the Church of San Pedro, which locals say once served as a mosque. Its blue ceiling is a real surprise. Then climb to the Museo del Torreón, a tower that served as a jail for centuries. Afterwards, relax by the River Cinca and enjoy lunch. Our Fraga guide has more details. For wider ideas, browse our Aragon travel guide. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Planning Your Day Trips
Each trip works well with an early start. Trains make Tarragona, Barcelona and Zaragoza simple and stress-free. In contrast, a car suits the monastery, the mountains and the vineyards. Not sure which to choose? Read our guide on train or car in Spain. Whichever you pick, Lleida gives you a lovely place to return to each evening. Enjoy your adventures!