Ferran Barbarà
I’m Ferran Barbarà, passionate about tourism and gastronomy in the Maresme region, and a specialist in marketing and web design — always ready to share my love for this vibrant part of Catalonia.
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Quick train getaways from Barcelona: destinations to escape routine
Quiet beaches, charming towns, and cities full of history you can enjoy without a car and without overspending.
Published: 2025
At our hotels, we often talk with people coming from Barcelona or nearby who choose the train as their way of traveling. They tell us they don’t want tolls, parking headaches with where to park, or the stress of driving for a short getaway. They prefer to hop on at Sants, Clot, or Plaça Catalunya, watch the city fade away through the window, and arrive somewhere peaceful without complications.
From these conversations comes this article. These are destinations less than two hours away, enjoyable without a car — perfect for an easy and affordable weekend escape. Places we know well because many of our guests arrive this way: train, light backpack, and a desire to disconnect at a good price.
Caldes d’Estrac: thermal waters and calm by the Mediterranean
Caldes d’Estrac is a peaceful hideaway just 40 minutes by train from Barcelona. A small town famous for its historic spas, where it feels good to stroll slowly, gaze at the sea, and let silence do its work. As we like to say, time runs slower here, and the getaway feels truly relaxing.
At Dynamic Hotels, we have the Dynamic Caldetas, designed for those seeking peace: practical rooms, a calm atmosphere, and the advantage of being a short walk from the beach and the thermal spaces that made this destination famous.
Photo: @angiboots
Calella: nearby beach and lively seafront
Calella is the quick getaway many take on the R1 line: in less than an hour you’re on a long seafront promenade, with beach bars, ice cream, and that summer vibe that doesn’t require planning. Wide sand, relaxed swims, and the Mediterranean at hand.
For an easy stay, Dynamic Hotels offers the Hotel Mar i Sol, a simple and functional accommodation, perfect for those who want to enjoy the sea and promenade without worrying about anything else.
Photo: @josepmontmany
Tarragona: Roman history and Mediterranean flavor
In just over an hour by train, Tarragona welcomes you with its amphitheater by the sea, ancient walls, and an old town full of terraces. It’s that perfect mix of history and beach that turns an ordinary weekend into something special — no car or complicated maps needed.
Here we recommend the Hotel Canada Tarragona, comfortable and well located, ideal for discovering Roman charm and the Mediterranean without worrying about driving or overspending.
Photo: @tarragona_cat
Sitges: coastal vibes and cultural plans
Sitges is a classic that never fails: well-kept beaches, white streets, museums, and a cultural pulse that you feel even off-season. The train takes about 40 minutes and drops you close to everything, no taxis or hassle needed.
Many travelers from Barcelona tell us they keep coming back because it’s so easy: beach in the morning, wandering the streets in the afternoon, sunset drinks, and a stress-free return. A versatile escape when you want the sea with a little more than just sun and a towel.
Photo: @catalunyaturisme
Girona: history, cobblestone streets, and great food
Girona is a comfortable train ride and a total change of scenery: ancient walls, cathedral, cobblestone streets, and colorful houses along the Onyar river. It’s perfect for wandering aimlessly, stopping at cozy cafés and scenic viewpoints.
This is a trip to savor slowly: a couple of surprising meals, a coffee by the river, and that feeling of having been far away without actually going far. Perfect for a cultural weekend on a budget — no car needed.
Photo: @stifotia
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