Tired of the hustle and bustle of Barcelona? Ready for an adventure beyond the city? I’ve got the perfect day trip for you and your group: get lost in a salt mine, step into a medieval castle, and stroll through a historic center brimming with architectural gems.
Yes, I’m inviting you to discover Cardona on a full-day trip from Barcelona. This charming town in the Bages region was known in the Middle Ages as the «salt village»—a title it’s held ever since, thanks to its famous salt mountain. Are you ready for a deep dive into a salt mine?
Salt Mountain of Cardona – Photo credit: Manuel Torres García
How to get to Cardona from Barcelona?
The medieval town of Cardona is just 89 km from Barcelona. Being a very touristy spot, it is well connected to Barcelona by various means of transportation:
By car
Whether your own it or rent it, its one of the best options to visit Cardona as it offers flexibility, and you won’t have to depend on public transport schedules. The 89 km between both destinations is covered via the toll highway C-16, which costs 8 EUR per trip, until Manresa. Then, the journey continues on the C-55, a secondary road that requires attention. The trip takes approximately 1.5 hours.
By Public Bus
Another way to reach Cardona from Barcelona is by public bus. The journey takes about 2 hours, with multiple departure times from various points around the city. However, I recommend double-checking the schedules to find a time that allows you to explore everything without feeling rushed. You can check the different timetables and purchase tickets on the Alsa website.
By Train
For group tours, traveling by train to Cardona can be a bit more complex since there is no direct route. The nearest option is to take a Renfe train from Barcelona to Manresa. From Manresa, you can continue your journey by bus or taxi to reach Cardona.
By minibus or chartered bus with driver
Hiring a minibus with a driver in Barcelona is a good option for medium or large groups. It allows everyone to relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about driving or finding parking in Cardona. This option is especially convenient if you plan to participate in activities like a wine tasting at the Salt Mountain, as you won’t need to drive back afterward.
The cost of this option varies depending on the group size. For a 12-15 seat minibus departing from Barcelona, prices typically range from €800 to €1,200 for a full day. For larger groups, renting a 50-seat coach costs approximately €900 to €1,500 for the entire day. While this might be more expensive than some alternatives, the benefits are there, and the total cost can be split among the group members, making it a practical choice.
Parking in Cardona
If you’re traveling by car or with a minibus and driver, you’ll need to find a suitable parking spot. Here are the main options:
- Cardona Castle: A free parking lot is available near the entrance, suitable for both cars and minibuses.
- Historic center: Parking is available at Plaza del Mercat, conveniently located for exploring the town.
- Salt Mine: Free parking is provided for visitors to the Salt Mine.
Itinerary of the Cardona trip
The itinerary I’m proposing is designed to make the most of the main attractions in a single day. It includes a visit to the Salt Mountain, a tour of the historic center (with a stop for lunch), and a visit to the Cardona castle.
Early departure from Barcelona
Let’s meet with the group at 8:00 am to start the journey to Cardona. Starting early ensures you’ll have plenty of time to explore everything the area has to offer.
To make the morning smoother, consider gathering for breakfast at 7:30 am at a café that opens early, such as Breik Café (Av. de Roma, 29). This way, you can enjoy a relaxed start to the day and avoid waiting in the street for the usual latecomers.
Arrival in Cardona and visit to the Salt Mountain
Your group will arrive in Cardona around 9:30-10:00 am, with the first stop at the Salt Mountain Cultural Park. This unique site stands 120 meters tall but stretches over 2 km deep with around 300 km of underground galleries.
During the tour, you’ll walk through salt tunnels, see unusual mineral formations, and learn about the mine’s history and its role in the local economy. The salt formations inside are fascinating and make for a memorable start to the day.
Salt mine of Cardona – Photo credit: Manuel Torres García
- Tour availability: Guided tours of the Salt Mine are offered from Tuesday to Sunday.
- Ticket prices:
- Adults: €12.50
- Seniors: €10
- Children (ages 5-11): €6
- Children (ages 2-4): €3
- Group tours: Guided tours for groups of 25 or more can be reserved in advance.
- Tour duration: Approximately 50 minutes, but visitors must arrive 30 minutes early for instructions.
- Temperature inside: The mine maintains a steady temperature of 17°C—consider bringing a light jacket.
- Optional wine tasting: Would you be interested in adding a wine tasting to your visit? It would be early in the day but a truly happy ending to your visit!
Tour of the historic center of Cardona
Around 11:30 am, you’ll be free for the next stop on the itinerary: the historic center of Cardona, a charming maze of medieval streets. I suggest stopping by Plaza del Mercat, surrounded by historic buildings and local shops, visiting the Collegiate Church of San Vicente, and checking out the Muntanya neighborhood, where you can get the best panoramic views of the town.
For a better experience, I recommend booking aguided tour for your group.
After touring the salt mine and the historic center, your stomachs will probably need some energy. Don’t miss out on a traditional Catalan meal at one of the town’s restaurants. If you’re looking for a suggestion, Cal Borrasca (Carrer dels Escasany, 15) is a great place to enjoy mountain dishes like beef stew or local cold cuts.
Visit to Cardona castle
At around 2:30 pm, once your stomach is full, you’ll have time to visit Cardona Castle, one of the most impressive medieval fortresses in Catalonia. You can explore the Torre de la Minyona, visit the Collegiate Church of San Vicente, and learn about the kings and battles that marked the history of this defensive bastion.
The visit to the monumental complex of Cardona Castle can be done in two different ways: a general guided tour or a theatrical tour (intended for families and children).
Cardona castle – Photo credit: Manuel Torres García
Practical information:
- Guided tours of Cardona Castle are available from Tuesday to Sunday and on holidays.
- The price is 8.50 EUR for adults, 6 EUR for seniors, and 4 EUR for children aged 7-11.
- The tours last about 1.5 hours.
- It is possible to arrange a guided tour of the castle for large groups (more than 25 people), always with prior reservation.
Free time in Cardona
At around 4:30 pm, when you’ve finished the castle tour, you’ll have some free time to take photos, stroll around the castle surroundings, or buy local products such as gourmet salt or cold cuts.
Return to Barcelona
At 5:30 pm, you’ll head back from Cardona to Barcelona after a day full of history, culture, and unique landscapes. The return trip lasts approximately 1.5 hours, so you’ll arrive around 7:00 pm.
Map of the trip to Cardona
Finally, here is a map of all the places you’ll visit during your trip to Cardona.
Practical links:
Her eare some quick links to help your get organized for the trip:
Cardona Castle:
https://www.cardonaturisme.cat/en/activitats/general-interpretative-guided-visit-to-cardona-castle
Salt mountain:
https://www.cardonaturisme.cat/en/salt-mountain
Public buses from barcelona by Alsa
https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/destination/barcelona
Private hire bus rental by RentAutobus
