Sometimes, to rediscover the miracle of existence, all you have to do is look up at the sky: far from the light pollution of big cities, you can see the grandeur of the cosmos quite clearly. However, if you want to do it properly, you will need to visit an astronomical observatory. These stargazing centres are located in privileged locations, with stable atmospheric conditions and unpolluted skies, and have such powerful telescopes that, when opened, a superb show unfolds before our eyes. In the regions around Barcelona, there are several of these perfect places for stargazing. Do you know where they are? 

Why are there 7,000 hectares planted with the xarel·lo grape variety in the vineyards of the D.O. (Designation of Origin) Penedès area? When it comes to Catalan wine, xarel·lo is without a doubt one of the local varieties with the most personality. Known as pansa blanca (white raisin) in the vineyards of the D.O. Alella area, where it’s also one of the main protagonists, xarel·lo is mainly known for being an excellent grape for the production of white wine and – significantly – cava, which explains why there are 7,000 hectares planted with this variety in the Penedès region.

Quin plaer submergir-nos en la immensitat de la muntanya i passejar per la tranquil·litat dels boscos. Quin goig poder compartir l’experiència amb la família, els amics o gaudir-la en solitari. Però hem de ser conscients de la fragilitat de la natura, i per tant com és d’important informar-nos i conèixer bé el nostre entorn per a tenir el menor impacte possible sobre aquest.

Per això, avui volem celebrar el Dia Europeu dels Parcs i la Setmana de la Natura amb la Fundació Kilian Jornet i el decàleg de bones pràctiques que han fet per a Barcelona és molt més. Per continuar gaudint de la natura amb qui més estimes i cuidant-la perquè també ho puguin fer les generacions futures.

Would you like to travel in time? In the region of Vallès Occidental you can teleport yourself to the past and relive the Belle Époque through its architecture, art and cuisine! We’ve prepared a route through various cities on which you’ll discover constructions and designs that combine the elegance and creativity typical of Catalan modernism, embodied even in old factories. Fasten your seat belts and let’s get started!

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.

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.