It is literally a stone's throw from the vibrant Barcelona that we find this little corner of Catalonia. With the Llobregat River as its backbone, stretching from the mighty massifs of Montserrat to the beaches of the Mediterranean, Baix Llobregat is a multi-faceted destination. Its natural spaces are perfect settings for outdoor activities and home to pretty villages with a breathtaking architectural heritage. Whether historical, gastronomic or festive, the heritage of Baix Llobregat has something to surprise and seduce. A brief overview

Shellfish and crustaceans

Overlooking the vast sandy strip of Castelldefels since 1 000 years ago, the imposing castle that gave its name to one of the most emblematic towns on the coast is a fortress that once served to prevent Arab invasions and pirate attacks. During the Festes del Mar, from July 14 to 16, a fun simulacrum of a privateer landing is organized on the beach. It is also here that we find the Canal Olímpic de Catalunya, a freshwater area designed for canoeing competitions at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, which today offers a wide range of sporting activities: water skiing, kayaking, paddle surfing, canoeing... On the south coast lies the splendid Garraf Park, whose green passes are explored on foot or by bicycle, while in the north there are the natural areas of the Llobregat Delta, a mosaic of lakes and coastal dunes dominated by the river's water, a sanctuary for a varied fauna with which you can familiarise yourself with the CRAM, an informative ecological centre focused on marine turtles. Don't forget to enjoy the perpetually sunny beaches of Le Prat, Castelldefels, Gavà and Viladecans, which the inhabitants of Barcelona frequently join to enjoy the fine sand and calm waters as well as the gastronomy offered by the Xiringuitos, these beach bars with an atmosphere both chill-out and classy !

You can also discover the Gavà Mining Park, which houses the oldest mining galleries in Europe. They were dug 6 000 years ago to extract variscite, a semi-precious mineral. Just next door, in Viladecans, will be held from July 5 to 7 the International Street Theatre Festival

Pueblos from the inside

Let us now move inland. In the historic centre of Sant Boi de Llobregat, where the Ludi Rubricati Romanesque festivities will take place from 7 to 9 June, the Can Barraquer Museum, flanked by ancient Roman baths, tells the story of the territory's evolution through the ages, while Torrelles de Llobregat displays the reduced monuments of Catalunya Miniatura, surrounded by entertaining tree climbing routes

Gaudí, the most illustrious representative of Catalan modernism, left Colònia Güell, a former textile factory, a splendid crypt (the Cripta Gaudí, precursor of the Sagrada Familia) classified since 2005 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you cross the river, Sant Joan Despi is home to Art Nouveau works by Josep Maria Jujol, Gaudí's famous collaborator, such as the undulating roof of Can Negre and the rounded domes of the Tour Blanche de la Creu. 2019 is a tribute to Jujol and many events are on prévoir !

In the Llobregat Delta, we should also mention the presence of the Baix Llobregat Agrarian Park, an agricultural zone known as " Potager de Barcelone ", which supplies the 50 restaurants in Baix Llobregat belonging to the " Els Sabors de l Horta " collective with local (km 0) and seasonal products such as artichokes, cherries (celebrated everywhere here between late May and early June on the occasion of cherry festivals) and chicken Pota Blava

Heading north

As you approach Barcelona, you pass through Esplugues and its ancient ceramic factory La Rajoleta, as well as the Painted Tile Museum of Can Tinturé. Further north, in Martorell, from July 5 to 20, we can attend the 6th edition of PAS, a festival at the crossroads of history and contemporary music, at the foot of the spectacular Pont du Diable

Higher up, the monastery of Santa Maria, nestled in the hollow of the monumental stone breads of the Montserrat, shelters a striking Black Virgin and has been for more than a thousand years a high place of Catalan spirituality. The visit of the Montserrat massif will only be complete with a hike - or even a climbing session - from the small village of Collbató. It is from there that we rush to 500 meters in the heart of the mountain, in the caves of Montserrat and those of Salnitre, where the GONG festival, dedicated to meditation, will be held on July 20 and 21.

Smart info

When? When? Due to its privileged location and its mountainous and seaside areas, Baix Llobregat can be visited all year round. If the weather is fine from early spring to late autumn, winter cannot be ruled out.

Duration. Within a few days, the main points of interest in the region can be visited. Nevertheless, to fully enjoy it, we will not hesitate to spend a full week there

Public. Whether you are a couple looking for romance, a family with children or a group of friends who love sports and fiesta, the Baix Llobregat will satisfy you. History and culture buffs, beginner or experienced athletes, curious gourmets or lazy holidaymakers, you are also the bienvenus !

The pluses. The proximity of Barcelona

Baix Llobregat is literally the southern neighbour of the Catalan capital

The opportunity to enjoy the joys of the sea and the attractions of the mountains on the same day, in landscapes of singular beauty

A local gastronomy, of character and ecological character

The less. For greater range, it may be interesting to rent a car.

The language barrier can be a barrier for some. However, the Catalans have a very good command of English, and sometimes even français !

Getting there. There are many flights to Barcelona every day of the year.

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Useful. To prepare your escapade as well as possible.

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