The Catalan modernist bourgeoisie may have been nouveau riche, but they certainly knew what they were doing: they made summer residences, spas, art collections and haute cuisine fashionable. Nowadays, we can enjoy their approach to life for ourselves, especially in Vallès Oriental, a region where there are plenty of ways to make the most of your leisure time.

Just a stone’s throw from Barcelona, the Vallès Occidental region is a treasure trove of surprising natural and cultural heritage. In addition to two natural parks, it boasts a restored river and hugely valuable elements of Catalan modernist and industrial heritage. If you find that hard to believe, come and find out for yourself! Here are some key tips to help make your visit as enjoyable as possible.

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.

Travelling with Rover, Bella, Max, Sasha, Charlie, Trixie, or whatever your pet is called, is becoming easier and easier. If you’ve got a pet, when it comes to planning a holiday or weekend mini-break, you’ll have almost certainly asked yourself, “What shall we do with her?” And maybe you’ve followed that question up with another one, “Shall we take her with us?” If you’d like to enjoy a break without leaving your cat or dog with strangers, in the regions of Barcelona you’re in luck because every year there are more and more pet-friendly establishments.

In 2005, seven buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí were inscribed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Six of them are extremely well known: the Sagrada Família, La Pedrera, Casa Vicens, Parc Güell, Palau Güell and Casa Batlló. However, the seventh architectural gem in the list, the Crypt of the Colònia Güell, is much less famous. It’s an architectural masterpiece in which the author of impossible works tested his considerable intellect.

The Royal Monastery of Sant Cugat is a Romanesque jewel that’s highly appreciated by enthusiasts of mediaeval architecture, who single out its magnificent cloister for special praise. Nevertheless, this monastery largely remains an undiscovered treasure, so here’s a list of six curiosities, just to give you a taste of all the surprises that await you in this amazing monastic complex!