Getaway to Garraf: Buddhists and ‘Indianos’

Catalonia’s Buddhist community chose this location to set up their monastery in a romantic mansion (Palau Novella) in the middle of the Garraf natural park. It’s a place of calm, providing an excellent environment to meditate and study the principles of Buddhism. But the community doesn't live in complete isolation – far from it: you can see the inside of the building, learn about Buddhism and see the artworks in the mansion by joining one of the guided tours that the community offers. You'll discover a unique place in Catalonia on your first stop on your visit to Garraf.

Your second day sees you heading to the outskirts of Sant Pere de Ribes where you'll find an extraordinary 14th-century house and gardens that housed a community of Jeronim monks in the 15th century. Most of what you can see today, however, dates from the 19th century, when wine was already being made here and was winning gold medals at the 1888 Universal Exposition in Barcelona. And the wines made here, at Torre del Veguer, are still winning awards today. If you want to explore the house and grounds and find out how wine is made, join one of the guided tours. You’ll also discover the links between the house and Salvador Dalí and take part in a tasting of some of the house wines.

At lunchtime, head for one of the many restaurants in Garraf that serve 'xató', a sauce that's typical of both Garraf and the neighbouring Penedès region, made of toasted hazelnuts and almonds, bread crumbs, vinegar, garlic, oil, salt, and red pepper, and typically served on a salad of curly leaf lettuce, anchovies, tuna and cold salted cod. It’s delicious.

Today you head to Sitges, where you'll be for the rest of your stay. The town has plenty of attractions and walking routes, but this afternoon focuses on the world of the ‘Indianos’ – emigrants who left to seek their fortune in the Americas, especially during the 19th century, and who returned to Catalonia to build grand mansions that changed the appearance of many towns on the coast. Sitges has many of these mansions, and the best way to see them is on a scheduled guided tour. These last around two hours and are full of anecdotes about the Indianos. The tour takes you down Carrer de la Isla de Cuba, among other places, which has a number of grand mansions, some of which are designed in Catalan modernist style.

Spend your last day strolling around the main places of interest in Sitges. If this is your first visit to the town, you could walk the classic route that begins at the church of Sant Bartolomé i Santa Tecla (La Punta), one of the most iconic images of the town because of its location, presiding over the seafront. Then walk around Plaça Baluarte, down Passeig de la Ribera, and la Fragata. And you must visit the town’s Cau Ferrat and Maricel museums. Then wander through the streets to Sant Sebastià beach. This is a good spot for lunch since it's packed with good restaurants. If the weather is good, and you've brought your swimming gear, it's also a great place to take a quick swim and sunbathe. If you feel like walking a little more, head along the clifftops to the port at Aiguadolç, passing by the San Sebastián church and Balmins beach.