VISITING

The Parc Natural de Garraf in the east covers an area of almost 13,000 hectares, which are shared with the neighbouring comarques of Baix Llobregat and Alt Penedès. The low limestone peaks of the Garraf massif create a wild landscape and habitat for a number of rare and protected species like the European fan palm and Mediterranean tortoise.

The region’s historical monuments include seven castles that date from the 10th to 17th centuries as well as many old masies (Catalan country houses) surrounded by vineyards and orchards. The sea has always been an important source of income for the people of Garraf, and during the 18th and 19th centuries many travelled to the Spanish colonies to sell local produce such as Penedès wine. These newly rich traders were dubbed Americanos or Indianos, and their return to Garraf signalled the arrival of a golden age for the region, with the construction of large colonial-style houses and grand mansions, as well as significant investment in the comarca’s infrastructure. Today, Garraf is very well-connected and despite its growing popularity during the summer months, it remains refreshingly unspoilt.

Things to see

Vilanova i la Geltrú is the comarca’s capital, situated in the southwest of the region. It is one of Catalunya’s principal fishing ports and became known as ‘Havana Xica’ because of the number of buildings from the ‘Americanos’ period. The main town centre is concentrated around the Rambla Principal which is lined with café terraces, all the main shopping chains and the occasional Modernista building. Slightly further north is the arched Plaça de Vila, which leads off through narrow back streets and smaller squares to the old town centre of la Geltrú and its medieval castle. The Barri Marítim has many attractions such as Ibero-Roman ruins, a defence tower, a lighthouse and a fishermen’s market and harbour, where visitors can join locals to greet the fishermen as they return from their day at sea. The town also has five beaches and if you are looking for somewhere to cool off there are some pleasant parks and gardens such as the Jardins del Parc Gumà i Ferran with waterfalls, shady trees and elaborate stone benches.