Disconnect to reconnect, without going far

Very close to Barcelona, you'll find everything you need to escape your everyday routine and discover the best plans.

The towns and cities of the province of Barcelona are ideal for local, conscious and sustainable tourism, offering a very diverse range of quality activities and services to satisfy even the most demanding visitors.

Follow in Gaudí's footsteps

In 2026, the centenary of the death of Antoni Gaudí, the leading figure of Catalan Modernism, will be commemorated: a perfect time to discover the mark he left near Barcelona, such as the Gaudí Crypt of Colònia Güell in Santa Coloma de Cervelló, the Nau Gaudí in Mataró or, in La Pobla de Lillet, the Artigas Gardens and the Xalet del Catllaràs, recently confirmed as the work of the brilliant architect, which can be reached on foot or by bicycle.

This year, Barcelona is also World Capital of Architecture, a great excuse to discover Romanesque gems very close to Barcelona by visiting La Seu d'Ègara in Terrassa or the Monastery of Sant Cugat del Vallès; or to learn about the Modernist legacy of Domènech i Montaner in Canet de Mar.

Rediscover the territory, on foot or by bicycle

Whether you love road cycling, mountain bike descents or riverside paths, near Barcelona you'll find plenty of routes to enjoy on two wheels. In fact, the 2026 Tour de France will start this July in Barcelona and pass through 42 municipalities in the province. The second stage, on 5 July, will run along the Barcelona coast and pre-coastal area, passing through Vilanova i la Geltrú, Sitges, Castelldefels, Gavà and Molins de Rei, a route that follows attractive maritime heritage, natural areas and facilities such as Garraf Park, the Olympic Canal and the Gaudí Crypt of Colònia Güell. Stage 3 will depart on 6 July from Granollers and pass through Vallès Oriental and Osona before connecting with French territory. It is a unique opportunity to enjoy wellness tourism, culture and sport in Caldes de Montbui, Vic, Manlleu or Torelló, and also to discover Montesquiu Castle Park.

If you enjoy walking along trails and through natural landscapes, the impressive rock formations of Montserrat and its thousand-year-old monastery are sure to surprise you. The Berguedà region, with the Pedraforca massif —for the more experienced mountain lovers—, offers hiking and cycle tourism routes. Montseny Natural Park, with fairytale paths and forests, is just one of the 14 parks and natural areas in the province of Barcelona where you can look after yourself, go on excursions and disconnect.

Cyclists at Turó de l'Home, in Montseny - Barcelona Provincial Council

Food and wine tourism

In the province of Barcelona, you can choose between traditional homemade cuisine with unique, locally sourced products and innovative cuisine by internationally renowned chefs.

Visiting the producers who supply the territory's restaurants and inns with top-quality local products is an experience you shouldn't miss.

And up to three native designations of origin —DO Penedès, DO Alella and DO Pla de Bages— offer visits to their wineries and tasting and pairing activities to enjoy unique wine tourism experiences. Admiring the vineyards and the sunset while tasting good wines is an excellent way to connect with the land and savour life's simple pleasures.

Wellness and nature

If you prefer calm and relaxation to disconnect, you can meditate or practise yoga surrounded by a beautiful natural setting; enjoy a restorative forest bath in the middle of a natural park; or bathe in thermal waters where the Romans once did.

Wellness at the spas of the Barcelona regions / Xavier Torres-Bacchetta - Barcelona Provincial Council

Sun and beach?

On Costa Barcelona, it will be easy to find the beach you're looking for: a secluded cove where you can relax to the sound of the waves; a family beach with all services; or a long beach, ideal for practising sport. Twenty-five coastal towns near Barcelona —all connected by public transport— offer plenty to choose from! 

10 must-see proposals in the Barcelona regions to reconnect, without going far

1. Gaudí near the city of Barcelona: the Gaudí Crypt of Colònia Güell in Santa Coloma de Cervelló, the Nau Gaudí in Mataró, and the Artigas Gardens or the Xalet del Catllaràs in La Pobla de Lillet.
2. Romanesque gems: La Seu d'Ègara in Terrassa, the Monastery of Sant Cugat del Vallès and the Romanesque churches of Berguedà.
3. Cardona, castle and salt.
4. Montserrat, a thousand-year-old monastery and plenty of hiking routes.
5. Thermal tourism inland in Caldes de Montbui and La Garriga, or near the coast in Arenys de Mar and Caldes d'Estrac.
6. Vic, a medieval city; Rupit i Pruit, Tavertet and Collsacabra.
7. Montseny, Biosphere Reserve.
8. Sitges: beaches, gastronomy and Modernism.
9. Viewpoints, vineyards and wineries in Penedès.
10. Walking and cycling routes for all audiences.

You'll find these and many more proposals by scanning this QR code

This action by Barcelona Provincial Council responds to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, which form part of the 2030 Global Agenda. Barcelona Provincial Council undertakes to fulfil them and deploys its support action for the province's local governments in accordance with these SDGs.

**Content provided by Barcelona Provincial Council**