Get out and breathe in the Vallès region

Much alike the Gaulish village of Asterix and Obelix, Gallecs has bravely resisted the onslaught of heavy urbanisation in its immediate surroundings. Located in the municipality of Mollet, the old village centre has maintained its landscape unchanged since the Middle Ages, with farmhouses scattered among fields and forests. In the 1970s, the Franco regime planned a large commuter town, which, thanks to citizen resistance, never came to fruition. The conflict ended in 2005 with the ultimate protection of Gallecs.

Leisure, nature and culture

Gallecs is the finest example of the landscape of the Vallès plain and the balanced relationship between man and nature. Here, changes are governed by the changing seasons, which determine the ongoing colour variation in the landscape, succession crops and human activity. For some years now, Gallecs has become the environment of choice for hundreds of running, walking or simply nature enthusiasts. There are several signposted routes that can be completed on foot or by bike, which allows you to enjoy the landscape and native wildlife, especially the birds that fly through during migration. In a central location, you will find the church of Santa Maria de Gallecs, which preserves its pure Romanesque style. 

Fresh, natural and seasonal produce

Gallecs is a small agricultural stronghold. Apart from grain crops, there are also seasonal vegetables and greens (do not miss out on calçots [onions] in winter!). Organic farming is playing an increasingly prominent role, and Gallecs produce is certified organic by the CCPAE (Catalan Council of Organic Agricultural Production). At the Agrobotiga (farm shop), you will find recovered ancient wheat varieties, such as spelt; legumes, such as mongeta del ganxet beans or small chickpeas; and seasonal vegetables, as well as products made by the farmers and artisans themselves (jams and preserves).

• See everything you can do in the Gallecs Natural Area of Interest in this video.