WHAT TO DO

Known as the capital of the Costa del Garraf, this beautiful town lies on the Mediterranean sea:

"Forty minutes south of Barcelona is Vilanova i la Geltrú, a busy seaside town that’s often overlooked by visitors but boasts good beaches, a pretty town centre and some of the best seafood around. Sandwiched in between touristy Sitges and the resorts of the Costa Daurada, Vilanova is largely a working town that doesn’t get the streams of visitors who flock to neighbouring resorts. And that’s just why we like it. Browse the shops along the Rambla, eat a generous paella by the port or laze on the family beaches. (EasyJet flight magazine, June 2004.)

If you want to know more about Vilanova, please click on the following link:

VILANOVA I LA GELTRÚ

Or go to the tourist information office in Vilanova located in Calle de Sant Sebastià, 11 Bxs - 08800 Vilanova i la Geltrú
+34 93 814 00 00 Ex. 3218
Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 13:30h and from 17:30 to 20:30h
Monday, Sunday, holidays CLOSED

Railway museum

Cal Papiol museum

Vilanova Lighthouse We regret that this page uses only a selection of languages.

Victor Balaguer Library We regret that this page uses only a selection of languages.

Villa square

Blue Tower We regret that this page uses only a selection of languages.

Castellet Castel

Room Scape

La Sala Modern art galery 

Arc Cultural activities in the city.

Vilanova is surrounded by the famous Penedes vineyards as well as being the HOME OF CAVA (a sparkling wine using traditional methods). There are many possibilities for wine tasting nearby.

VEGA DE RIBES

TORRE DEL VEGUER

GARCIA CARRION

CELLER CREDO

FREIXENET

FINCA VALLDOSERA

DO PENEDES

CAN RAFOLS DELS CAUS

MONTAU DE SADURNI

Prestigious restaurants offering tasty seafood and local specialties are open all year round. Most of them are open from 12:30 to 17:00 and reopen at 19:30 until closing time. There are many located in front of the port of the city but you will also find many in the center.

It is possible to get the "menu of the day" where they include first course, second course, drink (wine, beer, water or soda) and dessert, all included in the price.

Tapas are small dishes with exquisite flavours that the Spanish enjoy throughout the day, but especially in the morning and at night.

At 12:00, before lunchtime, it is very common to have a vermut. You will find the terraces full of people enjoying a beer, a vermut or a cava with some snacks or one of the delicious tapas.

There are also modern and traditional bars where you can find the typical Spanish breakfast, "bocadillo con café", delicious cakes or fresh croissants.

In Spain it is usual to dine after 21:00 or 22:00 however, the restaurants open from approximately 20:00 until 23:30 or later.

Vilanova is a bustling town with a magnificent market and shops.

The fresh produce from around the region arrives daily at the Vilanova y la Geltru Market, characterized by its art deco architecture.

The famous seafood of Vilanova being a particular speciality along with the Iberian hams, local meats and fresh olives.

Watching the fishmongers at work is an entertainment in itself; it is worthwhile to enjoy the atmosphere by making the bermut at midday, perhaps tasting some tapas accompanied by a good cava, beer or wine or a drink of local brandy in the bar!

The market is open from approximately 08:00 to 14:00 Monday to Saturday. It is also open on Tuesday and Friday evenings from approximately 17:30 to 20:00.

The soft white beaches of Vilanova stretch far and wide. They go gently into the warm sea, making them safe for the whole family.

It is important to keep in mind that there are lifesavers until 19:00 in the afternoon.

Coffees and beach bars named "chiringuitos" are open during the summer season. You can enjoy a fresh beer, something to snack on, ice creams for the children or fast food to enjoy your whole day on the beach.

Water and beach sports are available and a lively yacht club for the more adventurous.

Along the way you'll find some nudist beaches. There are also some on the way to Cubellas, which is the town that follows, towards the south of the city.

It is a pleasant experience to stroll through the park of the Garraf which is a place with a lot of nature and tranquility to finish in this wonderful place.

For those people who are interested in meditation and spirituality the Buddhist Monastery will be able to provide a guided tour to learn about different aspects of this ancient oriental tradition.

The GARRAF NATURAL PARK offers magnificent walks for hiking, bird watching, a lake with fishing areas and an ecological information centre.

OLIVELLA  A municipality in the heart of Garraf Natural Park which has many farmhouses and tourist routes of great interest, such as Plana Novella.

Don't miss the FOIX PARK

There is also a walk between Vilanova and Sitges which takes you along the cost into some lovely coves and beache. It is at least a 2 hours walk, it is a little bit rocky in some places (not suitable for small children). If you are tired, you can take a train from Sitges for the return journey.

Vilanova is a lively town where age-old festivals and traditions are celebrated. These take place throughout the year and include:

The Carnival with parades, costumed participants and battle of the sweets.

The festival of Els Tres Tombs with a parade of horse drawn vehicles, gypsy dancers, gymnasts, dragons, devils and stick dancers.

The international traditional music festival, Christmas fair, popular music festivals, wine festival, human pyramid competition and festival of the sea.

You can find all the information in the link below FESTIVAL CALENDAR

And finally the most important annual festival of Vilanova Festival Life 2018

The main modern shops such as ZARA, BERSHKA or PULL & BEAR are located on the Main Promenade. In the "Carrer Caputxins" you will find shops that do not belong to major brands but are worth a look.

When you're tired of a day of shopping, take a break with a coffee and some delicious freshly baked cake in one of the many "ovens" cafés throughout the town center.

And for golf lovers, a short drive from Vilanova is Sitges Golf Club where we can find a picturesque 18 hole par 3 course with some challenging holes (water hazards, trees and bunkers) up to 120 metres in length (club hire available).

The restaurant and bar offers tasty local dishes and refreshments overlooking the 18th hole.

GOLF TERRAMAR IN SITGES

SWIMMING: The town also offers indoor swimming pools and extensive gym sports facilities, where you can pay daily, per person for the use of its installations.

HIKING: The most important sports in the region are hiking, mountain biking and road cycling.
Groups of people meet every day and make the most of the extensive region of the Garraf Natural Park to enjoy nature.

There is also a walk between Vilanova and Sitges which takes you along the cost into some lovely coves and beache. It is at lesat a 2 hours walk, it is a little bit rocky in some places (not suitable for small children). If you are tired, you can take a train from Sitges for the return journey.

FISHING: Fishing can be done from the rocks, beach, lake and harbour wall. A licence and equipment can be purchase locally.

BOWLING: Ten-pin bowling is in Vila Lauren 2km out from the town. There is a bus available to the complex.

AT THE BEACH: Petanque (boules), basket, beach volleyball, beach football and fitness circuits.

FROM THE MARINA: Sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, jetskiing, pedaloes