Getaway to Baix Llobregat: Brushstrokes from North to South

We want to start our trip in a magical spot. Although the mountain of Montserrat is already spectacular outside, inside its beauty is just as breathtaking. Its rocks conceal a unique underground world, and it is best seen and enjoyed at the Saltpetre Caves (Coves del Salnitre) in Collbató.

Perhaps it is just our imagination but during this half-kilometre walk through the bowels of the holy mountain you seem to be looking at Gaudí's architecture, organ pipes or even the sculpture of La Moreneta, which leaves you fascinated and a little disconcerted. Is it really possible that Antoni Gaudí visited here and was inspired for the design of his buildings? We cannot be certain about the great architect but we do know that other renowned figures such as Santiago Rusiñol, Ramon Casas and Jacint Verdaguer did visit the caves.

But this was a long time ago. Now we are here and we can admire these underground landscapes that water has patiently sculpted in the stone over thousands of years.

On the second day we suggest an activity promoted by Torrelles de Llobregat Council. It consists of diverse experiences in this town, beginning with the well-known scale model theme park Catalunya en Miniatura. Later we can visit a winery producing exclusive cherry wines, which you can taste with a snack. And there are more visits, such as an organic bakery with a wide range of handmade breads. And the package also includes lunch in a restaurant that uses local products from Baix Llobregat Agricultural Park. If you fancy booking this full day in Torrelles, you can call 93 487 76 26 or 673 279 235.

This morning we are going to get to know the best of Viladecans, and the ideal way to do this is by joining a guided tour. You will discover places such as Torre del Baró, which dates back to the 10th century; Torre Roja, from the 12th century; Rambla de Modolell, or the Town Hall in Can Modolell, a modernista building but with a watchtower dating back much earlier, to the 16th century. A town with a spectacular demographic growth in the last third of the 20th century but that has managed to preserve much of its heritage and charm, as you will see throughout the walk.

The last afternoon. We want to end this trip to Baix Llobregat in a special place, somewhat remote, which will entrance us and provide some panoramic views of the region. So we go up some 300 metres above sea level to the top of Montbaig to find the Sant Ramon shrine, in the municipal area of Sant Climent but just on the border with Sant Boi de Llobregat and Viladecans.

Built in the second half of the 19th century, it is a neo-Romanesque shrine to Saint Raymond Nonnatus. From here we can see the Llobregat Delta, Montseny, Montserrat, Garraf... and, on clear days, even the mountains of Majorca! Bearing in mind that in the morning we were in Viladecans, a good option is to walk to the shrine from the Torre Roja park in the town.