Getaway to Vallès Oriental: From hot springs to the sky

A visit to the Salgot eco-farm is great, especially if you’re travelling with kids. Located in the village of Aiguafreda, it's run by a family who will tell you all about how they raise organic pigs on this sustainable farm that lies at the gateway to Montseny Natural Park. Since 1928, the Salgot family have been demonstrating how to make use of the whole pig, from tail to snout, making excellent sausages and cold cuts. There are a number of visiting options: one is completed with a tasting of organic charcuterie and the other, for those with more time on their hands, finishes with a full lunch at the Slow Food restaurant El Bellver in Tagamanent. If your group consists of two adults and two children aged 12 or younger, you can buy a family pack that offers better value for money.

Now it's time to change elements, from earth to water. People have been visiting Caldes de Montbui at least since Roman times to take advantage of the curative powers of its waters. One of the water’s peculiarities is the temperature at which it emerges from the earth, as you'll find out if you dip your hand into it at the popular Font de Lleó: be careful because the water streams from the lion’s mouth at a temperature of 74 degrees Celsius (165 degrees Fahrenheit). The square that the lion gives its name to features many interesting sights: the elegant Broquetas hotel and spa; the modern town hall; what are reputed to be the best-conserved Roman baths on the Iberian Peninsula; and the Thermalia museum, where you can find out about the history of Caldes, see works of art by famous artists and get all of the information you need, since it also functions as a tourist information office.

For example, you can ask about other sights to see in the town, and they'll probably mention the medieval walls, the Romanesque bridge, the mill of L’Esclop, the old Codina pharmacy, the Delger museum, various washing places, and Can Sanmartí, where pasta has been made since 1700. Moreover, at the beginning of Carrer Bella you'll find a magnificent tower, which was originally part of the 12th-century wall and was later used as a prison, and which is now considered to be a cultural asset of national interest.

We also recommend that you cross the bridge and step into Can Rius park, the old garden of the spa of the same name, which is now closed to the public, though a part of the building has been beautifully restored and activities are held there. You can easily spend a whole day exploring Caldes, and even more if you've booked a thermal circuit or treatment at any of the town’s establishments.

And so you go from water to air. It would be impossible to fully explore any region in only 48 hours. But if you take to the air, you'll at least be able to get a better idea of its layout. Leaving your fears on the ground and going up in a hot-air balloon will give you the chance to see the landscape from up high, providing you with views that stretch beyond the Vallès region to encompass Montserrat, Barcelona, the sea and more. Of course, you'll have to wake up early to go on this adventure, because you’ll have to get to the take-off spot, and see how they mount and inflate the balloon, though you can also help out if you want, and take advantage of the morning to marvel at all of the colours of the natural world. And when your feet are back on the ground, you can toast the experience with cava and pick up your flight certificate. And talking about getting one’s feet back on the ground, your 48 hours in Vallès Oriental have come to an end, and it's time to head back home.