Looking for a quick and memorable getaway near Barcelona? Just 30 minutes from Barcelona, you’ll find a variety of destinations that combine history, nature, culture and relaxation. Discover the Monastery of Sant Cugat with its impressive medieval architecture or enjoy the thermal waters of Caldes de Montbui.
Or perhaps you prefer a natural setting in the Casetes del Garraf, which evokes the summers on the beach in the 20th century. You can also immerse yourself in the history of the Colonia Güell. And if you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet, Vallromanes is perfect for disconnecting and enjoying the scenery.
In this list, we suggest several options to enjoy nature, history and culture in the blink of an eye. Shuttle2Sun takes you to Barcelona, with shared transfer services and private transfer services, available from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port and Girona airport. You will also find them from Reus airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Monastery of Sant Cugat
Located just a few minutes from Barcelona, the Monastery of Sant Cugat is a place that transports visitors to another era, with its impressive medieval architecture and history dating back more than a thousand years.
This Benedictine monastery, considered one of the most important in the region, is not only a place of worship, but also a historical treasure trove of art and heritage.
The monastery, with its Romanesque cloister and church in Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles, is an excellent example of the cultural wealth that Catalonia has to offer.
In the cloister courtyard, you can see the remains of the old paleochristian basilica, from the 5th century, which occupied the site, and which kept the relics of the martyr Cugat. Finally, you will find the Abbot’s Palace, which was the residence of various kings of Aragon.
Caldes de Montbui
Caldes de Montbui, famous for its thermal legacy, is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and wellness. Its thermal history dates back to Roman times, and the Font del Lleó is one of the main symbols we find today. This spring is located right in the centre of the town, and thermal water still flows from it at 74 degrees.
Nowadays, a thermal pool is still preserved. Today, several spas, such as the Balneari Vila de Caldes and the Balneari Termes Victoria, continue to offer quality thermal experiences, combining tradition with modernity.
Shuttle2Sun offers shared transfer services and private transfer services, to get to Barcelona, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Girona airport, Reus airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
The Colonia Güell
The Colonia Güell, located in Santa Coloma de Cervelló, is an enclave that combines industrial history and the genius of Antoni Gaudí. It was created as a textile colony at the end of the 19th century, but what makes it unique is its church, the Crypt of the Colonia Güell, which is a true laboratory of architectural ideas for Gaudí. This building, declared a World Heritage Site, prefigures many of the solutions he would later develop in the Sagrada Família.
The complex can be visited not only to admire its architecture, but also to see how the workers and their families lived at the time. With its mix of modernist architecture and history, it is a perfect destination for lovers of Gaudí and industrial history.
The Casetes del Garraf
Less than half an hour from Barcelona, you’ll also find the Casetes del Garraf, small fishermen’s buildings located on the Garraf coast. These little houses, painted white with colourful green accents, sit along the beach, offering a picturesque skyline for those looking for a quiet getaway by the water.
Although they date back to the 1920s, when they were built to store fishermen’s tools, they later became popular with the advent of sun and beach tourism. Today they are a symbol of local identity. A perfect place to enjoy the Mediterranean landscape and the serenity of the Barcelona coast.
Vallromanes
Vallromanes is a charming municipality that stands out for its medieval old town, where you can stroll through streets full of history and tradition. On the outskirts, you will find the Castle of Sant Miquel de Montornès, a medieval fortress from the 12th century, of which some remains are still preserved. Another of the most visited places is the Roca Foradada, a cavity excavated during the Neolithic period for burial purposes.
In addition to its heritage, Vallromanes is known for its AIRE thermal baths, where travellers can enjoy a relaxing thermal circuit in a luxurious environment. This place, which combines wellness with the tranquillity of the surrounding nature, is perfect for disconnecting and revitalising.
Sitges
Finally, Sitges, a vibrant and charming destination, is another enclave half an hour from Barcelona that you must visit. It stands out for its emblematic parish church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla, whose splendid surroundings offer panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, the Palau Maricel, a modernist jewel, allows you to delve into the history and art of the region, with stunning architecture that reflects the beauty of the city.
Strolling through the old town of Sitges is another unique experience, with its cobbled streets and welcoming atmosphere, full of small shops, bars and restaurants that invite you to discover the local essence. The town is also known for its beaches, which have a relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Sitges offers a perfect combination of history, culture and sunshine, making it an ideal getaway for those looking to enjoy both its heritage and seascapes.
In short, getaways just 30 minutes from Barcelona offer an impressive variety of experiences to suit all tastes. Remember that Shuttle2Sun offers its shared transfer services and private transfer services to get to Barcelona from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Girona airport, Reus airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
