This year, I am sure going to surprise them. I have got everything planned, Gemma thought as she organised the getaway. The plan is very thorough, and all the places I have chosen are sustainable, in keeping with our way of life. We spend all year recycling, wrapping sandwiches in reusable bags and optimising consumption at home, but often, when it is time to go on holiday, we take an involuntary break from our eco-friendly habits. Changing this is also in our hands, without it entailing less quality or more money.

Gemma had plenty of good reasons for choosing the Bages region: evocative landscapes near Barcelona, calm and a wide range of activities to do whatever she has in mind. What is more, the Biosphere seal guarantees the quality and sustainability of everything she has chosen. Would you like to know what they did?

1. Walk with the best views in Pla de Mas Roig

The first good idea was to start the day early in the morning with a walk through one of the most magical places in Catalonia, especially in spring, when the wheat has grown and poppies dot the landscape with red, making the views even more idyllic. Pla del Mas Roig, in Castellbell i el Vilar, a stopping point on the 27th stage of the Ignatian Way, provides a great panoramic view of Montserrat. Following the path, they passed through forests and landscapes until they reached Manresa, where the imposing Old Bridge welcomed our walkers, heralding the heritage show that awaited them next.

2. Art and history at the Seu de Manresa

The Seu de Manresa was built as a cathedral, but it is said that the bishopric of Vic never allowed it to be granted this privilege, in order to preserve its power. The renovation of the basilica, built atop Puig Cardener, took just 25 years, and a full tour will give you everything you would expect from a great Gothic cathedral: gargoyles on the buttresses, secret stories, stained-glass windows, a crypt beneath the altar and possibly the best views of the city. It was erected during a period of splendour, when other works were also undertaken, such as the Séquia, a major infrastructure that enabled the irrigation of many lands. At present, it houses a park and a museum featuring the Biosphere seal as well and where several activities are organised every week.

3. Influencer moment on the Salt Mountain

Another great sight that took Gemma’s friends’ breath away and features the sustainable seal is the Salt Mountain Cultural Park. If you go to Cardona, it is a must-see, and, as you are underground, you will be cool in summer, whereas the 17 degrees Celsius will feel like heaven in winter. Its interior is a natural wonder and will cause a stir among those Instagrammers and TikTokers who are eager to find original settings. Digital narcissism aside, the visit is highly recommended and is usually enjoyed by young and old alike.

When leaving the mine, be sure to take the Blue Healthy Trail. As it is suitable for beginners, in less than 15 minutes you will find yourself at a viewpoint with the best views of the Salt Mountain from the outside, with Cardona as a backdrop.

4. Dream breakfasts

You also have sustainable options for accommodation. Gemma chose Ca la Julita, Anna's personal project, who has delicately and tastefully refurbished the family farmhouse and offers two apartments in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature. They have chickens, rabbits and other farm animals. In the old underground cellar, they still make wine organically, whereas the breakfasts they offer with local produce will be reason enough not to want to leave for a week ... or two.

There are other rural accommodations and hotels to choose from, all featuring the Biosphere seal that guarantees quality standards. Let us not forget that the Bages region is a land linked to vineyards and boasts several organic wineries, where you can enjoy olive oil or wine tastings. You can check out all the wine tourism activities here and choose the one that appeals to you most.

Gemma did just that and had a fantastic weekend with her friends, while enjoying the best of the Bages region with the guarantee of a responsible seal like ​​​​​​Biosphere. Her friends decided that she had done such a good job that, from now on, she would be in charge of organising the annual getaway, but they were not quite so sure about that.