Near Barcelona

You can go on some interesting excursions to different places of Catalonia. On the outskirts of Barcelona there are a number of places that are worth visiting. An excursion to the sanctuary of Montserrat and a visit to the Benedictine Monastery, the spiritual centre of Catalonia, are a good way of passing a quiet morning. The Museum of Montserrat, the gothic cloister, the Basilica, the Moreneta and the chance to hear a convent mass, the Virolai and the Salve are reason enough to undertake this excursion.

Another interesting visit is to St. Sadurní d'Anoia in the Alt Penedès region, a wine growing region producing cavas and wines that opens its 'Cavas' to interested visitors. The winegrowing area is about 25,00 hectares and its wine production alone is estimated at 130,000 Hl.

The white wines of this region are extraordinary and ideal with aperitifs, sea food and light fish. The red wines are best for accompanying red meat, fish stews and the traditional "ranchos marineros". Cava is the star of the Penedès par excellence, and is a perfect accompaniment to meats and desserts.

The beaches of the Maresme and the Garraf foothills as well as the Park of Collserola, are perfect indications of the local natural environment and ideal for walks.

Very near to Barcelona is the town of St Cugat del Vallès where you will find one of the most interesting Catalan Romanic monasteries.