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Costa Barcelona

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Costa Barce

Contents

Family holidays 6

Beaches 7

Towns and cities 8

From the Romanesque period to Modernism 9

Gastronomy 10

Wine tourism 11

Nature and ecotourism 12

Culture, festivities and traditions 13

Sports tourism 14

Conferences and meetings 15Cover

and

back c

over

photo

s:

La R

ibera

Beach,

Sitges

Maresme, Baix Llobregat, Alt Penedès,

Garraf, Vallès Occidental and Vallès Oriental


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Costa Barcelona welcomes you to a land

that has over 100 kilometres of coastline, with

tourist attractions to satisfy all tastes and interests:

beaches, facilities for families and children, charming

towns and cities, Modernism, gastronomy and wine

tourism, protected natural spaces, culture, fi estas and

traditions, the chance to enjoy sport, infrastructure

for hosting conferences... as well as great people

and a mild climate all year round.

A land that is clearly committed to quality, since all

the Costa Barcelona destinations are part of the

Commitment to Tourism Quality project, recognized

by the Integrated Quality System for Tourist

Destinations (SICTED).

lona


Aeroport del Prat

Pantà de Foix

el Foix

l´Anoia

el Llobregat

el Prat de Llobregat

Torrelles de Llobregat

Sant Cugat del Vallès

Bardel

Martorell

Collbató

Sant EsteveSesrovires

Castelldefels

Castellví de la Marca

Gavà

Masquefa

Molins de Rei

Sant Boide Llobregat

Sitges

Sant Pere de Ribes

l'Hosde Llo

Sant Just DesvernEspluguesde Llobregat

Cornellàde Llobregat

Castell d’Olèrdola

Monestir de Montserrat

Pont del Diable

Port Esportiu de la Ginesta

Port Esportiu d’Aiguadolç

Terrassa

Sabadell

Sant Feliude Llobregat

Vilanova i la Geltrú

Vilafrancadel Penedès

Igualada

el Vendrell

Balsareny

Santa Maria d'Oló

Avinyól'Estany

Aguilar de Segarra

Rajadell

Sant Sal ador

Sallent

MoiàArtés

Santpedor

Fruitósde Bages

el Pont de Vilomarai Rocafort

NavarclesTalamanca

Mura

Vicenç de Castellet

Sant Llorenç Savall

Gallifa

Granera

Monistrolde Calders

Calders

Castellterçol

el Bruc

els Hostaletsde Pierola

Castellolí

Piera

Vallbona d'Anoia

Capellades

la Pobla de Claramunt

la Torre deClaramunt

Sant Martí de Tous

Santa Margaridade Montbui

Jorba Òdena

Vilanova del Camí

Carme

Orpí

Castellbell i el Vilar

Rellinars

Monistrolde Montserrat

Esparreguera

Abrera

Olesa deMontserrat

Vacarisses

Viladecavalls

Ullastrell

Matadepera

Castellardel Vallès

Sentmenat

Sant Quirzedel Vallès

S

la Llacuna

MedionaCabrera d'Igualada

Sant Sadurníd'Anoia

Sant Pere deRiudebitlles

Torrelavit

Sant Quintíde Mediona

Font-rubí

Subirats

PuigdàlberSanta Fe del Penedés

Sant CugatSesgarrigues

la Granada

Vilobí delPenedès

Sant MartíSarroca

Torrellesde Foix

Pontons

el Pla del Penedès

Sant JoanDespí

Santa Colomade Cervelló

Sant Vicençdels Horts

el Papiol

Rubí

Castellbisbal

Pallejà

Olesa deBonesvalls

ValliranaCervelló

Corbera de Llobregat

Castellví de Rosanes

Sant Andreude la Barca

Sant Llorençd'Hortons

Gelida

Cubelles

Canyelles

OlèrdolaSanta Margaridai els Monjos

Olivella

Begues Sant Climentde Llobregat

Viladecans

Pa i

Badiadel Vallès

la Palma de Cervelló

Santa Maria de Miralles

Avinyonet del Penedès

les Cabanyes

Pacs del Penedès la Colonia Güell

la Plana Novella

l'Arboç

Calafell Cunit

la GornalCastellet

C-55

C-58

C-55

N-340

C-31

C-51

C-5

C-32

C-31

AP-7C-15

C-32

AP-2

A-2

AP-7

AP-7

C-15

N-340

C-37

PARC DEL GARRAF

PARC D'OLÈRDOLA

PARC NATURALDE MONTSERRAT

BAIX LLOBREGAT

DEL FOIX

PARC NATURALDE SANT LLORENÇ DEL MUNT

I L 'OBAC

PAR

DE COLL

PARC

AGRARI

DEL

PARC

4

Aguilar uilar AgAAgAgde Segarrae Segarrade radddd

RajadellRaja

Sant SalSan oadororor

Santpedoredoped

de

de

Europe

Catalonia

Catalonia

Airport

Port

High-speed train

Mediterranean Sea

CostaBarcelona


ort t

la Tordera

bregat

at

Caldes de Montbui

Badalona

CalellaArenys de Munt

Sant Andreude Llavaneresla Roca

del Vallès

Molletdel Vallès

Vilanovadel Vallès

Barberàdel Vallès

Cerdanyoladel Vallès

Malla

Seva

Montseny

Cabrera de Mar

Caldes d'Estrac

Mosqueroles(Fogars de Montclús)

la Garriga

l'Hospitaletde Llobregat

ernesegat

Santa Colomade Gramenet

Santa Susanna

Taradell

Circuït de Catalunya

la Roca Village

a l’Aeroport Girona-Costa Brava

dell

Granollers

Mataró

BARCELONA

Tona

Muntanyola

oià

vall

allifa

ol

Collsuspina

Centelles

el Brull

Aiguafreda

Sant Martíde Centelles

Castellcir

Sant Quirze Safaja

Sant Feliu de Codines Bigues i Riells

Tagamanent

Cànoves i Samalús

Sant Perede Vilamajor

Santa Mariade Palautordera

CampinsSant Estevede Palautordera

Fogars de la Selva

Tordera

Palafolls

Sant Celoni

Gualba

enat

Sant Antonide Vilamajor

VilalbaSasserra

Llinars del Vallès

Dosrius

Argentona

Vilassar de Mar

Cabrils

Òrrius

Vilassar de DaltPremià

de DaltTeià

Alella

Santa Mariade Martorelles

VallromanesMontornès del Vallès

Martorelles

Sant Fost deCampsentelles

la Llagosta

Santa Perpètuade Mogoda

Montmeló

Parets del Vallès

Lliçà de Vall

Polinyà

Santa Eulàliade Ronçana

Canovelles

Lliçà d'Amunt

les Franquesesdel Vallès

Cardedeu Malgrat de Mar

Pineda de Mar

Sant Pol de Mar

Sant Cebriàde Vallalta

Sant Isclede Vallalta

Canet de MarArenys de Mar

Vallgorguina

Sant Vicençde Montalt

Sant Adrià de Besòs

Montcadai Reixac

Tiana

Montgat

el Masnou

Premià de Mar

Ripollet

l´Ametlla del Vallès

Palau-solità i Plegamans

Figaró

Maçanet de la Selva

HostalricBreda

C-61

C-59

C-35

AP-7

N-II

C-60

C-32

N-II

B-20

C-17

C-17

PARC DEL MONTNEGRE I EL CORREDOR

SERRALADA

PARC NATURAL DEL MONTSENY

PARC

COLLSEROLA

PARC DE LASERRALADA

LITORAL

PARC DE LA

DE MARINA

Reserva Natural del Delta del Llobregat

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Costa Barcelona

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

Golf

Beach

Shopping

Monastery, church, chapel

Castle

Castle ruins

Town of interest

Symbols

Museum

Water activities

Modernist building

Wine-growing area

Bridge of interest

Spa

Transport linksMotorway

Main road

Basic road network

Other roads

Key

Natural Park

Sagrada Família

Mountain, peak

Circuit de Catalunya


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Costa Barcelona has many tourist attractions to offer, all

complemented by a wide range of specifi c facilities

and services catering for family stays.

Some of the seafront municipalities in Costa Barcelona

have been awarded the offi cial Family Holiday

Destination (DTF) certifi cation. In Santa Susanna, Calella,

Pineda de Mar and Malgrat de Mar, families with children

can enjoy beach nurseries, play areas, babysitting

services, hotels with activity programmes, restaurants

with children’s menus, as well as numerous leisure,

cultural and sporting activities for all age groups.

Family holidays

Les Roques beach, Calella Family activities

Beaches and water sports resorts, activities in natural

parks and museums, traditional festivities, a wide range

of gastronomy…

Plus, inland Costa Barcelona, with its protected natural

spaces and rolling mountains – such as the littoral and

pre-littoral ranges – is the ideal place for hiking, mountain

biking and rural tourism. And it has other attractions too,

such as the miniature Catalonia theme park, the largest

tourist and cultural complex of its kind in the world and

completely unique within Spain. Located in Torrelles

de Llobregat, this park is a pleasant and fun showcase

of all of the major monuments, constructions and

buildings found in Catalonia.


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The great variety of beaches found along this coast,

including long, sweeping ones such as those at Calella,

Santa Susanna and Castelldefels, and others nestled in

secluded coves, like at La Vinyeta and Garraf, with their

golden sands and crystal-clear waters, make them perfect

for all kinds of tourism. And all offer easy access and a

wide range of services. Most of the beaches also boast

the blue fl ag, certifying the quality both of the beach itself

and its facilities.

This Mediterranean landscape, with its warm summers

and bright winters, is ideal for all kinds of water sports and

activities, right along the length of the coastline. Numerous

clubs, water sports resorts, schools and specialist

companies help you to make the most of the impressive

and varied range of activities on offer: sailing, kayaking,

surfi ng, boat charters, jet-skis... in addition to the regattas

that are regularly organized here, some of which enjoy an

international following.

Here the sea is the starting point for enjoying whatever

kind of stay each visitor prefers: tranquillity and relaxation,

or sports activities in the open air.

Beaches

Cala de la Vinyeta, Calella

Castelldefels beach

Costa Barcelona’s more than 100 kilometres of

coastline are framed by the green of its hills and

mountains and the blue of the Mediterranean Sea.


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Its origins, with their roots in agriculture, fi shing, sea

trade, boat building and industry, make Costa Barcelona

a unique destination.

As well as the traditional markets and fairs of every kind

that are held regularly in many locations here, recent

years have seen the arrival of numerous shopping areas

which have contributed greatly to the urban buzz, thanks

to their pedestrianization. In addition, there are many

modern shopping centres, noteworthy among which

is La Roca Village, specialized in fashion outlets, in La

Roca del Vallès.

Towns and citiesThe locally produced foods form the basis of the

exquisite traditional, creative and internationally

recognized Mediterranean cuisine. What’s more, they are

in many cases a delicious reason in themselves for a visit

to the many towns and cities found in the six different

counties that comprise Costa Barcelona.

A further attraction is found in the spa towns. The

thermal springs of La Garriga and Caldes de Montbui

have led to the establishment of comfortable spa resorts

and centres. Arenys de Mar and Caldes d’Estrac have

the added advantage of being close to the sea.

The market known as “La Porxada”, in Granollers

Church of Santa Maria, Sant Martí Sarroca

The towns and cities of Costa Barcelona have

developed some truly fi rst-rate tourist infrastructure.


MODERNISME

Of the extensive architectural and artistic heritage present throughout

Costa Barcelona, and which covers all the cultural periods, two movements

characteristic of Catalonia predominate: Modernism and the Romanesque style.

At the turn of the 19th to 20th centuries, great masters such as Gaudí,

Domènech i Montaner and Puig i Cadafalch made architecture a showcase for

fantasy and creativity. These masterpieces are found in Vallès Oriental, El Garraf

and El Maresme, as well as in other buildings scattered throughout the region.

Noteworthy among these buildings are the crypt in Colònia Güell, declared World

Heritage by UNESCO, and Modernist wineries such as those in Alt Penedès.

Testimony to Catalonia’s other foremost movement is found in the large

number of Romanesque churches. Examples include the ensemble of

churches of Sant Pere, in Terrassa, and the Monastery of Sant Cugat del

Vallès, where the Romanesque style appears alongside the other great era

of medieval splendour: the Gothic period.

From the Romanesque period to Modernism

Masia Freixa, Terrassa Detail, Colònia Güell, Santa Coloma de Cervelló

The six counties comprising Costa Barcelona

offer different Modernist routes to follow,

all designed to raise awareness of this important

piece of our cultural heritage.9


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Pota blava, El Prat de LlobregatXató, El Garraf and Alt Penedès

The food of Costa Barcelona is based on diversity

and on the unusually high quality of its produce.

In Costa Barcelona, delicious fi sh from the Mediterranean

are combined with the produce of the land to create a

mosaic of aromas, colours and fl avours, with special

emphasis on organic products.

The fi shing fl eets of Arenys de Mar and Vilanova i la

Geltrú are well known, and their catches of red shrimp,

crayfi sh, squid and anchovies are highly prized thanks to

their consistency and their intense fl avour.

Dishes such as xató and other inland produce are

also highly appreciated. Well deserving of their offi cial

certifi cations, which safeguard their designation of origin,

Gastronomyhere you will fi nd products such as the mongeta del

ganxet (a small white bean) from El Maresme, Vallès

Occidental and Vallès Oriental and the pollastre de pota

blava (blue-legged chicken) from Prat de Llobregat, as

well as asparagus from Gavà, the highly prized peas

from Llavaneres and the fowl from Alt Penedès.

To visit the markets of Costa Barcelona is to enjoy

an unforgettable spectacle. To taste its produce in its

restaurants and taverns is an authentic treat for the

palate, as is its sweet tradition of cake-making. Here,

tradition and creativity come together on the dining

table, resulting in top quality, internationally recognized

gastronomy.

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11

Vineyards

Enoturisme Penedès is one of the most popular

places to fi nd out about wine and wine tourism

anywhere in Spain.

Costa Barcelona still preserves numerous traces of its

Roman past, and here we can even look back to the way

grapes were grown and how wine was produced and

traded more than two thousand years ago.

The culture of wine forms part of the essence of the

Mediterranean and this is one of the areas where it can

best be appreciated, being one of the most important

wine-growing areas in Europe, famous for its top quality

wines (whites, rosés and reds) and cavas.

The three already existing wine designations of origin,

Alella, Penedès and Catalunya, were joined in the

second half of the 19th century (coinciding with the

Wine tourismboom in Catalan wine-making) by the production of the

famous sparkling wine known as cava.

Today, cava also has its own specifi c designation of

origin, with Sant Sadurní d’Anoia as its capital, and has

become established throughout the world.

Interesting wine tourism routes in El Penedès, visits

to vineyards and wineries, themed establishments,

specialist museums, excellent wine tasting and food

pairing opportunities, original gastronomic ideas...

Here in Costa Barcelona, lovers of wine tourism will fi nd

an authentic paradise.


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The Mediterranean and the mountains provide the

perfect backdrops to this privileged – and surprising –

natural environment.

El Montseny Natural Park

Natural Park of Montserrat Mountain

Nestled between the Mediterranean and the mountains,

and with a climate that blesses us with warm summers and

mild winters, Costa Barcelona also features some

surprising scenery, including the parks of El Montnegre

i El Corredor, La Serralada Litoral, and La Serralada de

Marina, on the coast.

The Natural Park of Montserrat Mountain, with its

peculiar and unique rounded rock formations, has

become an authentic symbol of Catalan identity. And the

Llobregat Delta natural spaces, along with the El Garraf

Park, El Montseny Natural Park, declared a Biosphere

Reserve by UNESCO, and the Sant Llorenç del Munt i

l’Obac Natural Park contain fl ora and fauna which will be

of great interest to nature lovers.

Nature and ecotourismAn extensive network of country houses, rural

accommodation characterized by traditional architecture

and campsites affords visitors the opportunity to become

acquainted with the natural environment as well as the

area’s culture, history and crafts, as well as to enjoy

outdoor activities since you will never be far from routes

where you can try hiking, climbing, mountain biking or

horse riding.


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Culture takes centre stage in museums and cultural

foundations such as the Fundació Palau, in Caldes

d’Estrac, featuring works by Picasso, and at the

International Fantastic Film Festival, held each year in

Sitges, the International Jazz Festival in Terrassa and the

Opera in Sabadell.

The enterprising, creative and festive character of the

people of Costa Barcelona has, throughout the course of

history, generated traditions which are still passionately

followed to this day such as the Corpus Christi procession

in La Garriga and Sitges, a traditional festival for which

the streets are decorated with a carpet of fl owers in a

kaleidoscope of colours.

Culture, festivities and traditions

Culture is one of the pillars of Costa

Barcelona’s identity.

Castells, Vilafranca del Penedès Correfoc, Sitges

The castells (human towers) are one of the most

important of these traditions and have been recognized as

an example of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO,

with Vilafranca del Penedès being one of the most

emblematic stages for this tradition.

Giants, dragons, monsters, fi reworks and dance transform the

streets into one enormous collective performance during

the festivities held in each town. The Government of

Catalonia has granted the status of Festivities of National

Interest to the celebrations of the Carnival of Vilanova i

la Geltrú, the Passió d’Esparreguera, the Festa Major de

Sant Bartomeu de Sitges, the Festa Major de Vilafranca del

Penedès and the Fira de la Candelera de Molins de Rei.

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The climatological characteristics of Costa Barcelona

allow us to do sports in the open air and in direct contact

with nature, both next to the sea and inland.

Right across the region, numerous high-quality

facilities offer all the services that sports enthusiasts

could ask for: swimming, dinghy sailing, rowing,

golf, pitch & putt, tennis, paddle tennis, horse riding,

athletics...

Municipalities like Santa Susanna, Calella and

Castelldefells, awarded the distinguished Sports Tourism

Destination (DTE) certifi cation, provide resources for

sportspeople of all levels, whether elite, professional or

Sports tourism

Costa Barcelona is an ideal destination for the most

varied sporting disciplines.

amateur, as well as for all those visitors who simply wish

to enjoy sport under the best possible conditions.

Motor sports and the international grand prix of

motorcycling and Formula 1 have, in the form

of Catalonia’s racing circuit, located in Montmeló,

an important meeting point which is made even more

attractive thanks to its proximity to the beaches of

El Maresme.

Circuit de Catalunya racetrack, Montmeló

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Golf, Sant Andreu de Llavaneres


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Publication:

© Agència Catalana de Turisme

Passeig de Gràcia, 105, 3a planta

08008 Barcelona

Photographs:

Cover: Barcelona Provincial Council’s Tourism Services Management.

Page 6: Catalan Tourist Board / Quickimage. Page 7: Barcelona

Provincial Council’s Tourism Services Management. Page 8: Manel

Cuesta / Barcelona Provincial Council’s Tourism Services Management.

Page 9: Barcelona Provincial Council’s Tourism Services Management.

Page 10: Heike Lohneis / Barcelona Provincial Council’s Tourism

Services Management. Page 11: Barcelona Provincial Council’s Tourism

Services Management. Page 12: dymon iStockphoto Getty Images

/ Konic. Page 13: Barcelona Provincial Council’s Tourism Services

Management / Miguel Ángel Álvarez. Page 14: Sergi Moriana / Circuit

de Catalunya. : Granollers Auditorium / Barcelona Provincial

Council’s Tourism Services Management.

This is an area with plenty of experience in organizing

conferences, contests and business meetings.

Its strategic location – with the international airport of

Barcelona-El Prat in its geographical centre, as well as

Girona airport just a few kilometres to the north and

that of Reus to the south – makes Costa Barcelona an

especially suitable destination for business tourism.

The port of Barcelona is one of the most important in

Europe, and the comprehensive network of motorways,

roads and railway lines make it possible to travel from the

capital to any part of Costa Barcelona in under an hour.

Conferences and meetingsMany of its municipalities offer specialist services

for business tourism plus unusual settings such

as castles, palaces and wineries, along with fully

equipped convention centres and auditoriums.

Costa de Barcelona also has numerous

complementary activities on offer: traditional tourism,

culture, water sports and adventure sports, spas,

wine and cava tasting courses, activities for day

and night, as well as excellent, world-renowned

gastronomy.

Production:

Creàtica.biz

Text:

Creàtica.biz / Gerència de

Serveis de Turisme Diputació de

Barcelona

Printing:

EADOP

Legal deposit:

B-33110-2012

Granollers Auditorium Castell Jalpí. Arenys de Munt

15


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www.diba.cat/turisme


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