Best Countryside Escapes from Barcelona

Located between the sea and the mountains, Barcelona is no stranger when it comes to finding a countryside getaway in close proximity to its surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking for a hike with a view or a place to lounge on the shores of the Mediterranean, Barcelona has got you covered.

Andorra

Andorra Mountains

The small principality of Andorra is located between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. Its lush geography is made up of mountains, valleys, and streams which make it and its surrounding areas ideal for the perfect mountain getaway.

Explore Andorra’s capital city of Andorra la Vella and visit some of the many sites including the Romanesque Sant Joan de Caselles chapel, or have a spa day at Centre Termolúdic Caldea, the largest spa complex in Southern Europe.

If outdoor activities are your calling, then Andorra la Vella’s surrounding areas provide the perfect terrain and backdrop for a scenic hike through the valleys and across the high peaks and glaciers. You can also try your hand at rock climbing or mountain biking as well. In the warmer months, the Estanys de Tristaina and Lake Engolasters mountain lakes are the perfect escape from the heat.

In the winter, Andorra is famous for its skiing and snowboarding across Europe, as many locals flock to the area to enjoy various winter sports. Vallnord is probably the most well-known ski and snowboarding destination in the area.

One thing you cannot miss if you choose to venture out to Andorra is the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This protected area is home to a variety of species of plants and animals that make it look exactly out of a picture book. The valley is only accessible on foot, so gear up with a good pair of walking shoes to experience this gem.

How to get to Andorra from Barcelona

From Barcelona, you can get to Andorra in 2-3 hours depending on the transportation method. If you have a car, then it should only take about 2 and a half hours to reach it from the city center. There is also a direct bus that takes 3 hours and 20 minutes to your destination. There is no direct route by train, but if you don’t mind transferring, then this is also an option.

Tossa de Mar

Located in the famed Costa Brava of Catalonia, Tossa de Mar is a popular beach escape for both locals and tourists alike. The Costa Brava starts north of Barcelona and stretches for 1,240 miles, or roughly 2,000 kilometers. This stretch of coastline is known for its clear water, white beaches beaches, cliffs, and quaint towns.

Take a hike to a famous cove for a more secluded beach, like Cala Giverola, or walk to the Platja Gran beach, which lies at the edge of the town which is lined with cobblestone streets. It also sits near the La Villa Vella Castle. Villa Vella is a medieval walled town that you can explore by foot or take the train up to the top to see views of the Mediterranean.

How to get to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona

Tossa de Mar is very easy to get to from Barcelona. If you have a car, then all you have to do is follow the coast north for about an hour and 20 minutes. There's also a bus that runs from Barcelona’s Estacio del Nord to the Costa Brava that you can catch.

Montseny Natural Park

Not only is Montseny Natural Park rich with wildlife and lush with nature, but it’s also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that stretches across the regions of Osona, La Selva and El Vallès Oriental. It’s formed by the peaks of Turó de l'Home (1,706 metres), Les Agudes (1,703 metres), El Matagalls (1,697 metres), and is crossed by the Congost, Tordera and Riera Major rivers.

This vast area acts as the perfect backdrop for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and other mountain activities. The many wildlife sites look almost as if they came straight out of a postcard or nature magazine. If sports isn’t your thing, then you can check out the many medieval castles and towns, the dolmens of Serra de l'Arca, or the Montgròs Iberian Wall. You can choose to visit the Montseny Natural Park as a day trip, or you can even spend some more time there and make a mini vacation out of it.

How to get to Montseny Natural Park from Barcelona

Montseny Natural Park is located only 50 kilometers north of Barcelona. It can be accessed by car from three different ways in about an hour. There are also bus and train options, but you will need to transfer a couple of times coming from the city center. If you want a full tour of the park, you can also sign up for a guided tour from the city where transportation will be included.

Exploring the countryside with Ukio

Ukio provides fully serviced apartments situated in the best locations across cities in Europe. However, living in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of a city can get tiring, so it’s common to want an escape to the countryside every once and a while.

Barcelona has a lot to offer when the desire for a natural escape arises, so if you feel the need to get out of the city for a bit, lean into it and see what the Catalan countryside has to offer. If you’re staying in any of our other cities, you can check out our list of countryside escapes in Madrid, Berlin, and Lisbon.