Barcelona off the Beaten Path

Barcelona is full of color, energy and famous sights, but sometimes it’s nice to take a break from the busy streets and tourist crowds. Just outside the city, there are quiet towns, beaches and villages that offer a slower, more local experience. These hidden spots are easy to reach by train and make great day trips for anyone who wants to explore a different side of Catalonia. Whether it’s swimming in a peaceful beach town, walking through medieval streets, or discovering a forgotten village with Gaudí’s touch, there’s a lot to enjoy just a short ride from the city.

Most of these places can be reached in under two hours, with no need to rent a car or plan far ahead. Just hop on a train and go. These getaways are perfect for travelers who like simple pleasures, local food, nature and history. They offer a chance to slow down and see how people live outside the city.

Here are four hidden gems near Barcelona worth visiting by rail: Sant Pol de Mar, Montblanc, Cardona and Colònia Güell. Each one has its own story, and each gives a fresh reason to step off the beaten path.

Sant Pol de Mar

Sant Pol de Mar - Proformabooks

A small seaside town that offers beautiful beaches, whitewashed houses, and a laid-back vibe awaits you in Sant Pol de Mar. It feels more like a local secret than a tourist spot. The streets are narrow and calm, and the sea is never far away. This town is perfect for a slow day of walking, eating, and swimming. It is also surrounded by nature and low hills, which makes it even more charming.

Getting to Sant Pol de Mar from Barcelona is simple. Take the R1 Rodalies train from Plaça de Catalunya, Arc de Triomf, or Sants station. The train ride takes about an hour and follows the coastline, giving great sea views along the way. Trains run often, around every 20 to 30 minutes, and a return ticket is affordable.

What makes Sant Pol de Mar special is its mix of beach life and village charm. The beaches are clean and not overcrowded. Locals come here for weekend swims and sunbathing. The main beach, Platja de Sant Pol, has soft sand and clear water. It is easy to find a quiet spot, even in summer. Walk a bit further, and smaller, rocky coves appear. These are great for snorkeling or just relaxing away from the crowds.

The town also has a strong food scene. Fresh seafood is everywhere. Many restaurants serve traditional Catalan dishes with local ingredients. For something special, try a meal at a small family-run place near the church or train tracks. Everything feels home-cooked and warm. There is also a history of fine dining here. Chef Carme Ruscalleda, one of the most famous chefs in Spain, started her career in this town. Her influence is still seen in the local food culture.

Montblanc

Montblanc - luzimag

Looking to escape the crowds in Barcelona for a day or two? Montblanc is a small town that feels like a step back in time. It sits quietly in the hills of Catalonia, surrounded by old stone walls, narrow cobbled streets and towers that look like they belong in a storybook. The town has a calm energy and is easy to explore on foot. It's a perfect choice for travelers who want something real, peaceful and full of history.

Getting to Montblanc from Barcelona is simple. Take a direct train from Barcelona Sants station to Montblanc. The ride takes just above 2 hours. There are several trains each day, and tickets are not expensive. It is also possible to take a bus, but the journey is longer and less frequent. For those who love a mix of travel, take the train to Tarragona and then a local bus up to Montblanc.

One thing that makes Montblanc special is its well-preserved medieval town walls. These walls date back to the 14th century and still stand strong today. You can walk along parts of the wall and see the towers that once protected the town. Montblanc is also known for the legend of Saint George and the dragon. Local stories say the battle took place here, and every April, the town celebrates this with a week-long medieval festival. Streets fill with music, food stalls, costumes and parades. Even outside the festival season, visitors can feel the charm of this legend in the town’s art and small museums.

For nature lovers, Montblanc is close to the Prades Mountains and the Poblet Forest, which offer great hikes and peaceful views. The air is fresh, the trails are quiet, and it’s a nice way to balance time between city life and nature. Local restaurants serve Catalan dishes made with seasonal produce, and the pace is slower, giving you time to really enjoy the food and surroundings.

Cardona

Cardona - Tomasz Dutkiewicz

Nestled in the hills of central Catalonia, Cardona is a peaceful town full of history, charm, and natural beauty. This place is quiet, authentic, and perfect for a slow travel experience away from busy city life. With its medieval castle, ancient salt mountain, and lovely stone streets, Cardona feels like a step back in time. Visitors can enjoy wide open views, local food, and a calm, welcoming vibe. It is a great spot to unwind and connect with the real heart of Catalonia.

Getting to Cardona is easy and scenic. From Barcelona, take a train to Manresa, which takes about an hour and a half. Catch a local bus to Cardona from Passeig de Gràcia. The bus ride takes about 2 hours and passes through green hills and small villages. It is a smooth trip and very doable in one day.

One of the most unique things in Cardona is the Salt Mountain Cultural Park. This is not just any mountain. It is a massive, natural dome of salt that rises from the earth like something from another planet. Salt has been mined here since Roman times. Visitors can walk inside the mountain on a guided tour and see the stunning salt formations. There are also exhibits about the town’s mining history and how the salt helped build the local economy. The tour is both educational and impressive. The colors inside the cave are surprising and beautiful.

Another highlight is the Castle of Cardona. Sitting high on a hill, this fortress has stood since the 9th century. It offers one of the best views in Catalonia. Visitors can explore the old walls, towers, and Romanesque church inside. The castle now also holds a historic hotel, so it is possible to stay the night in a real medieval castle.

Colònia Güell

Colonia Guell - Kent Wang

Just 20 minutes from the busy streets of Barcelona, Colònia Güell offers a slower pace and a chance to see something truly special. This small village, once a textile workers’ colony, is full of history, charm and one of Antoni Gaudí’s lesser-known masterpieces. Walking around here feels like stepping into another time, far away from the crowds of La Rambla or the beach. It’s a great half-day trip for anyone who wants a peaceful break, beautiful sights and a taste of real Catalan culture.

Getting to Colònia Güell is easy by train. From Plaça Espanya station in central Barcelona, take the FGC train on the S33, S8 or S4 line. Get off at the station called Colònia Güell. The ride only takes 20 minutes. Once you arrive, follow the signs to the village and the famous Gaudí crypt, which is a short 5 to 10 minute walk from the station. Everything here is walkable, and the train is both comfortable and budget-friendly.

What makes Colònia Güell special is the Gaudí Crypt. This small church was designed by Antoni Gaudí before he started building the Sagrada Família. It’s not as large or famous, but it’s full of unique shapes, colored tiles, and clever designs. The crypt shows many ideas that Gaudí later used in his bigger projects. It’s quiet, peaceful and gives visitors a chance to enjoy his work without the crowds. The village itself is also interesting. It was built in the 19th century by a rich businessman who wanted his workers to live well. The streets, houses and old factory buildings still show how life was back then. There are signs and small exhibits that explain the history.

After visiting the crypt, it’s easy to find a café or small restaurant nearby. Many serve simple, traditional Catalan dishes. It’s a good place to relax and enjoy the local vibe. There are also small craft shops and a museum to check out. Colònia Güell is a quiet stop that offers art, history and local culture all in one place. It’s ideal for travelers looking to slow down and see something different, without going far from the city.

Happy traivels! 🌿🚅

24.07.2025