Once upon a time, not far from the hectic Barcelona, there was a peaceful Catalan region thriving between the waves of the Mediterranean and the steep hills of the Montseny. The Vallès Oriental, intertwined with green plains, flowering groves and gently curved sierras, has always been known for its invigorating and varied natural environment, making it an ideal destination for families to relax for a weekend. Relaxing hot springs, natural parks with paths, rural landscapes dotted with farms, but also gastronomic delights of character will delight holidaymakers in search of discovery and tranquility. In the city and in the countryside, the Vallès Oriental and its inhabitants with a big heart welcome you!
In the city
Located at the crossroads of the Catalan roads, it is with Granollers, the capital of the Vallès Oriental, that we will first get to know each other. If its history is as old as the Roman necropolis of Can Trullàs, it is for its market that since 1004 people have been going there every Thursday. The city's restaurants will introduce the most discerning gourmets to some local specialities, including Ganxet beans and AO Allela wine. By visiting the Natural Science Museum, we will learn more about the region's biodiversity, but not only that! Here you will find a room dedicated to the fauna and flora of the Parc du Montseny as well as an impressive collection of shells.
The second building, more modern, will host a brand new exhibition for a family audience in January 2019 called "Tu mmène l'enquête! ». Visitors explore, through highly successful scenographic installations, the habitats of the museum's main research objects: swarms of butterflies, a river populated by amphibians, undergrowth filled with small mammals and caves full of bats! We will then take the road to Montmeló for its archaeological site of Mons Observans. A theatrical visit to the Roman site dating from the 2nd century BC will reveal both the lifestyles of those who lived and the amazing secrets of archaeologists' work. More contemporary, we will also participate in Montmeló in a commented tour on the famous F1 circuit of Barcelona-Catalunya. Something to delight young and old alike! Then heading for Sant Celoni, in the northeast. Before leaving to attack the 30 km of trails in the heart of nature, you can take part in a treasure hunt in the city centre to get to know the city's architectural heritage in a fun way, starting with the siege of the Força district on many occasions
In the countryside
Starting from the pretty town of Santa Maria de Palautordera, it is by bicycle that the whole family will explore the southern side of the green Montseny Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, with a stopover in Can Turró. This farm opens its doors to visitors and allows them to see the daily life of farmers, especially behind the scenes of cheese making. A little physical activity is to be expected near Sant Antoni de Vilamajor and its leisure park Aira Natura, with archery, pony rides and also the longest zip line in the country: 260 metres of flight between the trees! Further north, La Tavella de Cànoves i Samalús farm welcomes families every Sunday from 11am and presents them with orchards and laying hens. The visit is followed by workshops for children, accompanied by a tasting of the fruits and vegetables from the agro-boutique. In the municipality of Aiguafreda, you can also take a guided tour of the Salgot ecological farm, which has been serving the population since 1928, where the youngest children will be delighted to feed the pigs. This rural and family itinerary will end with Montornès del Vallès, in Can Sala, where you can spend the day with all the animals of the place: horses, donkeys, chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep and Vietnamese pigs are there. But Can Sala also hosts some exotic animals such as parrots, porcupines, zebras and ostriches! What a thrill to see!
In the mountains
In order to make the most of the various attractions of the natural environment of the Vallès Oriental, a visit to the Aprèn, in the village of Figaró-Montmany, will provide valuable information both on the marked low mountain routes - here there are four GR (long-distance hiking trails) - and on the region's ecosystems, particularly the two massifs found there: Montseny and Montnegre i el Corredor, which can be explored by foot, bicycle or horse. The territory also has twelve well-equipped and free picnic areas that will allow families to spend a moment of relaxation in the open air between two outings. Among the most notable activities, the visit of the Clim d'Àligues birds of prey aviaries, located in Sant Feliu de Codines, is impressive. While learning about the characteristics of different species - their behaviour, food type, habitat - they are admired in mid-air as they launch out on cliffs or above our heads, guided by the whistle of the trainers. Golden eagle, peregrine falcon, buzzard and vulture, but also owl and owl share the spotlight. And if the view of these magisterial birds gives you wings, why not take a little height, installed in the basket of a hot air balloon flying over the splendid landscapes of the Vallès Oriental? In short, whatever the reason for your visit to this pleasant little corner of Catalonia, you will always find something to eat: nature, culture and delicious seasonal products! With the family naturally!
Smart info
When? When? If you can visit the Vallès Oriental all year round, the weather is milder from March to October.
Getting there. By train, bus or car, everything is possible, although it will be much more convenient to fly to Barcelona before renting a car at the airport.
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Duration. Most of the region is discovered during a long weekend. A full week allows you to enjoy it.
Public. Families, couples, friends.... This part of Catalonia will delight everyone.
The pluses. The proximity of Barcelona and the sea.Spectacular natural spaces.
Cities with an amazing heritage.
The less. The language barrier, however, easily overcome
Utile. To prepare your escapade as well as possible.
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