Travel

Top Destinations for Day and Weekend Trips from Barcelona by Train

Published

12 months ago

March 9, 2025

RTX

While Barcelona remains one of Spain’s most visited cities, its growing popularity has led to concerns about mass tourism, with protests against overcrowding becoming more frequent. Fortunately, there are plenty of scenic and culturally rich destinations just a short train ride away, offering a chance to escape the crowds while enjoying Spain’s diverse landscapes and heritage.

Here are some of the best day and weekend trips from Barcelona, all accessible via public transport.

Explore Dalí’s Surrealist World in Figueres

Art lovers can take a fast train to Figueres in under an hour to explore the works of surrealist master Salvador Dalí. The Dalí Theatre Museum, home to more than 1,500 of his pieces, is a must-visit for those interested in his unique artistic vision.

For a deeper insight into Dalí’s life, visitors can explore Casa Natal Salvador Dalí, his birthplace, which opened to the public in 2023. Those with extra time can venture to Cadaqués, a picturesque coastal town where Dalí’s summer home in Portlligat is located. The surrounding Cap de Creus Natural Park offers hiking trails through landscapes that inspired his artwork.

Savor Wine and Cava in the Penedès Region

Wine enthusiasts can hop on a 90-minute train ride southwest to the Penedès wine region, known for its stunning vineyards and world-renowned cava production.

The town of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, Spain’s cava capital, offers tours and tastings at historic wineries like Freixenet and Codorníu. For a more immersive experience, visitors can rent an e-bike from Bikemotions, located at Lavern-Subirats station, and cycle through rolling vineyards, stopping at wineries along the way.

Discover Modernista Architecture in Reus

For architecture enthusiasts looking beyond Barcelona’s well-known Modernista buildings, Reus offers a quieter and more affordable alternative. Located two hours by train from Barcelona, the town is the birthplace of Antoni Gaudí, though his architectural influence is not present there.

Instead, Reus boasts stunning works by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, including Casa Navàs with its intricate stained glass and ornate designs, and L’Institut Pere Mata, a hidden gem of Modernist architecture.

Stroll Through the Historic Streets of Girona

Just 38 minutes by high-speed train, Girona is a perfect blend of medieval charm and modern vibrancy. The city’s Barri Vell (old town) features narrow streets, stone staircases, and a stunning Jewish Quarter, offering a glimpse into Spain’s medieval past.

Famous for its Game of Thrones filming locations, Girona remains a peaceful retreat even on weekends. Visitors can enjoy the colorful riverside houses along the Onyar River, explore the imposing Girona Cathedral, and walk along the city’s ancient walls for panoramic views.

Escape to the Pyrenees in Vall de Núria

For those seeking a weekend retreat in nature, Vall de Núria in the Pyrenees is an ideal getaway. A two-hour, 40-minute train ride to Ribes de Freser, followed by a historic rack railway journey, takes visitors over 1,000 meters into a breathtaking valley surrounded by towering peaks.

In winter, the area offers skiing and snowshoeing, while summer brings hiking trails through lush mountain landscapes. Accommodations are available at the sole hotel in Vall de Núria, with additional options in Ribes de Freser.

Hike Through Collserola Natural Park

For a quick escape into nature without leaving the city, Collserola Natural Park is a great option. Located just above Barcelona, it offers numerous hiking trails suitable for all levels.

Easily accessible via public transport, Collserola provides a tranquil retreat from the city, making it perfect for a half-day or full-day hike.

A Sustainable Way to Explore Catalonia

With efficient train connections to these destinations, travelers can enjoy Catalonia’s cultural and natural treasures while minimizing their environmental footprint. Whether seeking art, architecture, wine, or outdoor adventure, these trips offer the perfect escape from Barcelona’s bustling streets.

Travel

Middle East Authorities Warn Against Sharing Footage of Iranian Strikes on Social Media

Published

17 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Web Reporter

Authorities across the Middle East are cautioning residents, citizens, and visitors about sharing images and videos of Iranian retaliatory strikes, citing security risks and potential legal consequences.

Authorities have restrictions around sharing such images for security purposes and to prevent the spread of fake news. Social media has been flooded with footage from influencers and tourists showing missile interceptions and other military responses in the region. Officials warn that posting such content could reveal the locations of defensive installations or provide information that may aid future attacks.

The concerns are not unique to the region. Similar rules are in place in Ukraine, where the ongoing conflict with Russia has prompted authorities to limit the circulation of footage from conflict zones.

In Bahrain, two people were arrested on February 28 for posting live footage of strikes on social media. The Ministry of Interior said anyone filming, posting, or reposting videos from the scene could face legal action. “This constitutes a legal violation that could harm security and public order,” the ministry stated on X.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior issued comparable guidance, asking citizens to refrain from filming missile interceptions or authorities carrying out their duties. The ministry said such content could cause public anxiety, disrupt security operations, and spread inaccurate information. Legal measures will be taken against anyone sharing rumours or misleading news.

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior emphasized avoiding the circulation of images or videos of the aftermath to prevent legal liability. The Dubai Media Office issued similar advice, urging residents to rely on official sources for updates.

Authorities stress the importance of following verified channels for information. Bahrainis can access updates through @moi_bahrain and @bna_en, while UAE residents should refer to @DXBMediaOffice and @ADMediaOffice. Qataris are advised to follow @QNAEnglish and @MOI_QatarEn, and Kuwaitis can check @kuna_en and @Moi_kuw. Jordan and Saudi Arabia have also set up official accounts for timely updates, including @PetranewsEN, @moi_jor, @Spa_Eng, and @MOISaudiArabia.

Several embassies are providing updates to their citizens who register with them. International news outlets such as Euronews are also offering live coverage, with bureaus in Doha and Dubai running continuous updates on their website.

Officials emphasize that following these guidelines protects public safety and ensures accurate reporting during a period of heightened regional tension. Authorities warn that disregarding the rules could carry serious legal consequences, highlighting the need for vigilance and restraint when sharing information online.

Travel

Ryanair Ranks Last in Which? Airline Satisfaction Survey as Jet2 and Singapore Airlines Lead

Published

3 days ago

February 27, 2026

Web Reporter

The consumer group surveyed more than 5,500 travellers about their recent flying experiences. Ryanair finished at the bottom of the short-haul table with an overall customer score of 55 percent. It received two stars for booking, boarding, customer service and cabin environment, and just one star for seat comfort. One respondent described the aircraft as “dirty” with “awful” seating.

Ryanair was awarded three stars for value for money, behind competitors including Jet2, Lufthansa, TUI and Aer Lingus. More than a third of Ryanair passengers reported that something went wrong during their journey.

Wizz Air also ranked near the bottom with a score of 59 percent. Customers cited poor communication during delays and weak customer service. The airline said the survey relied on a small sample of 259 respondents, compared with the 12 million passengers it carried on UK flights in 2025, and noted improvements in punctuality and satisfaction over the past year.

easyJet scored 67 percent overall. While its punctuality has improved and cancellations have declined, it received two stars for customer service, seat comfort and cabin environment. A spokesperson said the airline’s pricing model allows customers to pay only for what they need, with around 40 percent choosing to travel with the basic fare.

Which? said budget airlines often advertise low headline fares but charge additional fees for cabin baggage and seat selection. The group recently prompted a ruling by the Advertising Standards Authority over cabin bag pricing. “Many other passengers fly with them because of the enticingly low headline fares,” said Which? Travel editor Rory Boland. “But ridiculously expensive charges for baggage and other add-ons mean they are no longer guaranteed to be the cheapest option. Fly with anyone else, if you can.”

At the top of the short-haul ranking was Jet2 with 76 percent, praised for reliability. British Airways scored 72 percent, earning four stars for customer service. According to the Civil Aviation Authority, 74 percent of its flights departed on time in the latest period, up from 65 percent a year earlier.

For long-haul travel, Singapore Airlines led with 81 percent, followed by Emirates at 80 percent and Virgin Atlantic at 79 percent. Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic both received five stars for customer service, with passengers praising cabin comfort and attentive staff.

In contrast, Aer Lingus ranked lowest among long-haul carriers with 65 percent, while several US airlines, including Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, were placed near the bottom of the table.

Travel

AirAsia X to Relaunch London-Kuala Lumpur Route With Bahrain Stopover

Published

2 weeks ago

February 15, 2026

Web Reporter

AirAsia X’s revived route between London Gatwick and the Malaysian capital will now include a stopover in Bahrain, the airline confirmed. The low-cost long-haul carrier is set to resume flights between London and Kuala Lumpur this summer, offering travellers a new connection via the Middle Eastern hub.

From 26 June 2026, passengers will be able to fly between Gatwick and Kuala Lumpur International Airport with a layover in Bahrain. Stopover times will range from 90 minutes to two hours, bringing the total journey to approximately 16 and a half hours.

The airline has announced promotional fares booked before 22 February for travel between 26 June and 30 November starting at €85 one-way. However, current ticket searches show the lowest available fares for this period at around €185 one-way from London to Kuala Lumpur.

AirAsia X has been steadily expanding its long-haul network. In mid-November, the airline introduced a direct service between Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen International Airport and Kuala Lumpur, a flight taking roughly 10 and a half hours.

The London route marks a return to Europe after more than a decade. AirAsia X previously operated direct flights from London and Paris Orly to Kuala Lumpur, but these were discontinued in 2012 due to rising jet fuel prices, higher taxes, and declining demand. Since then, the airline’s leadership, including CEO Tony Fernandes, expressed interest in restoring European services, with plans gradually materialising over the past few years.

Fernandes, now CEO of Capital A, AirAsia’s parent company, described Bahrain as a “strategic hub” for the airline’s European operations. “This is a defining step in the next phase of AAX’s growth,” he said. “Bahrain as our strategic aviation hub allows us to connect Asia with the Middle East and Europe more effectively while creating a scalable platform for future growth. Looking ahead, we will deepen partnerships with airports, tourism authorities and industry stakeholders to unlock new demand corridors.”

The airline has not disclosed which additional European destinations it may target next. Currently, AirAsia X serves around 150 destinations, covering cities in Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan, reflecting its wide-reaching network across Asia and beyond.

The relaunch of the London-Kuala Lumpur route with a Bahrain stopover signals AirAsia X’s renewed commitment to long-haul operations in Europe, combining affordability with strategic connectivity. For travellers seeking low-cost options on intercontinental flights, the route offers a competitive alternative to traditional carriers, while providing access to the growing Gulf aviation hub.