Ideas for enjoying nature close to Barcelona
If you’re the sort of person who enjoys combining cultural visits in cities with nature excursions, here are four of the routes favoured by Barcelona locals, who also like to get away from it all and enjoy the outdoors, especially when these beauty spots are so close to home. These routes offer something for everyone and, like almost every other route in the country, can be enjoyed all year round.
Life in textile model villages
If you have a curious mind and are looking for a family-friendly activity, then plan a day trip to the colònies tèxtils (textile model villages) of the regions of Barcelona. Built between the end of the 19th century and the early 20th century, they’re still full of working machines, fabrics you’re allowed to touch and plenty of amazing stories. Ready to journey into the past?
A respite in nature
Peace and quiet. Berguedà is a paradise for those who need to flee from the city and get away from it all, even if only for a few hours, in nature at its most peaceful. Stress is nowhere to be seen in this mountain region... and nobody misses it at all! This is a land where purity reigns.
The Cathars’ Route
Looking for an alternative to the usual mountain destinations? In the Pirineus Barcelona area, you can follow in the footsteps of the Cathars along the Camí dels Bons Homes (Path of the Good Men), a trans-Pyrenean route stretching from the Sanctuary of Queralt, in Berga, to the Château de Montségur, in the Ariège department in Southern France. This route is now a Long-Distance Path (GR-107) and is suitable for hikers, equestrians and —in most sections— mountain bikers. It’s a truly unforgettable experience, however you choose to travel it!
Casa Batlló, the Sagrada Família, the Pedrera and, beyond Gaudí, the Catalan modernist site of the old Hospital of La Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Casa Amatller and the Palau de la Música Catalana... Catalan modernism will be your faithful companion throughout your trip to Barcelona. But you should bear in mind that it this movement is not confined to the capital city. Do you need proof? Here are three little-known buildings in the province of Barcelona where you can discover other variants of Catalan modernism: a refurbished mediaeval castle, the house of an upper-class family and even an industrial building. As an extra, enjoy a garden designed by Gaudí himself that predates his world-famous Park Güell.
Climbing the stairs of the Sagrada Familia towers or exploring all the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter can be considered exercising. However, if you are looking for more than just a good sweat, you will have to leave Barcelona, albeit not the province. How about an adrenaline rush and beautiful natural scenery to embed your exercise in? If active holidays are your thing, you will not get bored with any of these four options in the province of Barcelona: water sports in Santa Susanna, tours and Takeshi's Castle very close to the Montseny Nature Park, rock walls and breathtaking views in Vallcebre and a personal challenge in Castelldefels.
Setting up the Nativity scene, decorating the Christmas tree, going to see the pastorets (shepherds) or eating turrón (nougat) are traditions we are sure to follow this holiday season. These are customs that have been passed down from generation to generation for a long time. Despite being so familiar with them, do you know their origins and why they have survived to this day? Please read on to find out.
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