Getaway to Vallès Oriental: Montmeló, Granollers and La Roca

We start in Montmeló, a town that will delight lovers of archaeological sites, especially from the Roman period. There are two important sites: Can Tacó is a unique political-military Roman enclave, dated between the late 2nd century BC and early 1st century BC. It stands out for its perimeter wall with two large cisterns to collect rainwater and extensive remains of wall decorations in a fine state of conservation. It is listed as a Cultural Asset of National Interest by the Government of Catalonia. The other is Can Massot, a Roman villa whose most notable element is a room that preserves the threshold of the front door, decorated with an exceptional piece of blue marble or limestone with white streaks and doorjamb holes.

A journey to the past of the splendid Roman Empire to begin our exploration of the Vallès region.

We have a radical change of theme but not of town. It is time for the smell of tarmac and to visit the famous Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya. The venue offers the opportunity to explore the facilities from inside on a tour of areas normally only frequented by drivers or mechanics and other parts that you may have seen on television but you can now discover for yourself. You can walk in the paddock, the boxes, the briefing room, the press room or the VIP lounge... and even go up on the podium! You will learn a little more about how a motorbike or Formula 1 race is organised, how the mechanics work or how the competition is supervised. Check the days when the guided tour is available.

This afternoon we suggest a walk through the centre of the region's capital, Granollers. There are several historic squares, very close to each other. Plaça de la Porxada is the most photographed and renowned. It dates back to the years 1586 and 1587, when the Council of the town of Granollers commissioned a corn exchange from the Barcelona housemaster Bartolomé Brufalt. Since then, Plaça de la Porxada has witnessed the passage of thousands and thousands of locals and strangers and many important events. We can next go to Plaça de l'Oli, attached to Plaça dels Cabrits, and the latter to Plaça de les Olles. Here, in Plaça de la Porxada, food stalls were also set out. Today the commercial spirit of the whole area is alive, and looking above the shops we will find very beautiful Gothic bay windows or in some cases if we look at the front doors we will see old porches or arcades. Plaça de Perpinyà (also known as Plaça dels Porcs), Plaça de Maluquer i Salvador (also known as Plaça del Bestiar or de can Sínia) and Plaça de la Corona are other squares you must discover on this walk through Granollers.

Very close to Granollers is La Roca del Vallès, where we will spend the last day. One of the most outstanding and emblematic buildings in the town, and very visible, is the castle on top a hill that still has the appearance of a fortress. We have references to it dating back to the 10th century, although it is known that it was extensively rebuilt in the late 15th century and restored in 1952, when it was bought by its current owner, Antoni Rivière. As it is a private castle and inhabited we cannot go inside but it is worth looking up and taking some photos.

Later, and given that we are in front of the gateways to the Serralada Litoral Park, we can take the Prehistoric Route of Céllecs on foot or by bike by following the signs of the PR C-36, which will take you to megalithic monuments such as the covered gallery of Can Gol, the dolmens of Céllecs and Can Planes, or the Pedra Foradada. Constructions that show us that those ancestors already felt very much at home in this part of Vallès.

Did you begin this trip on a Friday afternoon and so today is Sunday? You can still go shopping if that's what you want! La Roca Village is open every Sunday throughout the year and if you don't know this place on the outskirts of La Roca del Vallès we recommend a visit.

There are over one hundred shops, mainly selling clothes but also perfumes or delicious chocolates. It brings together the best labels and most of what they offer is available at prices that can reach 60% discounts. You see that it is a long pedestrianised street with shops on both sides, closely ressembling a Mediterranean town featuring many houses with a modernista air. There are even benches inspired by Gaudí that recall those of Park Güell. The youngest can safely run and they will find some children's parks to play. If you are hungry or thirsty there are many terraces to relax or ice-cream or crepe stands. A place where you can spend a pleasant afternoon to round off your trip.