Discover authentic Catalonia
Beyond Barcelona and the coast
Discover a different side of Catalonia
If you only know Catalonia from Barcelona and the popular resorts of the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, you have only seen part of the region. Head inland and both the landscape and the pace of life begin to change.
Historic villages sit among hills, forests and vineyards. Local markets sell what is in season, long lunches are part of everyday life and centuries-old traditions are still celebrated during village festivals.
This is a side of Catalonia many visitors never experience – less touristy, and all the more interesting because of it.
Authentic Catalonia is not found in one particular sight, but in its landscapes, villages, food and everyday life.
The green countryside of inland Catalonia reveals a very different side of the region from Barcelona and the popular coastal resorts
Where can you find authentic Catalonia?
You do not have to travel far from Barcelona to discover a different Catalonia. West of the city, the landscape becomes greener and more hilly, with small towns and villages surrounded by vineyards, forests and farmland. Montserrat dominates the horizon in many places, while further south lies the Penedès wine region.
Places such as Igualada and Vilafranca del Penedès are not tourist showpieces but working towns where everyday Catalan life continues. In the smaller villages around them, this is perhaps even more noticeable.
That combination makes this part of Catalonia particularly interesting: you stay in a peaceful, relatively undiscovered region, while Barcelona, Montserrat and the Mediterranean are still within easy reach.
If you would deliberately prefer to stay away from the busiest tourist areas, read more about a holiday in Catalonia away from the crowds.
Villages, vineyards and the distinctive silhouette of Montserrat shape the landscape of inland Catalonia.
Towns and villages where everyday life continues
Authentic does not necessarily mean untouched by tourism. It means that everyday life does not revolve around tourism. You notice this throughout inland Catalonia. People meet for coffee in the village square, shop at the bakery or local market and come together during traditional festivals.
In Igualada, for example, you can wander through the historic centre and visit the market. Vilafranca del Penedès is closely connected to the region's wine culture. And in the smaller villages, you find squares, churches and narrow streets where everyday life provides the backdrop.
You do not always need to be looking for a famous attraction here. The surroundings themselves are part of what you have come to discover.
Village squares, local markets and small towns offer a glimpse of everyday life in Catalonia.
Local markets: a glimpse of everyday life
Visiting a local market is one of the simplest ways to get to know a region better.
Seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, olive oil and other regional products tell you something about the landscape and what local people eat at home.
But a market is more than somewhere to buy food. It is also a meeting place where people catch up and where local produce and traditions are simply part of everyday life.
Discover the local village markets of Catalonia around Torre Nova. Markets take place on different days of the week, so there is almost always a local mercat to visit.
At local markets, regional produce, the seasons and everyday village life come together.
Food as part of Catalan culture
If you want to get to know Catalonia, it is worth taking the time to enjoy its food. Lunch here is much more than a quick break in the middle of the day. Families and friends take their time together, and many restaurants serve a multi-course daily menu.
The cuisine also changes with the seasons. Local produce, traditional dishes and regional wines tell you something about the landscape they come from.
Wine and cava naturally play an important role in the Penedès. Elsewhere inland, you will find dishes and culinary traditions that are far less familiar to international visitors than tapas and paella. Eating in restaurants where local people eat too is one of the easiest ways to make food part of discovering the region.
A long lunch, local dishes and regional wines are all part of everyday life in Catalonia
Traditions that are still very much alive
Catalan traditions are not folklore performed purely for visitors.
During a Festa Major, a town or village can change character for several days. Streets and squares fill with music, processions, communal meals and activities for all ages. You may also encounter distinctly Catalan traditions such as the Castellers, the spectacular human towers, or a Correfoc, when fire, dragons and devils take over the streets.
If you happen to be staying in the region during one of these festivals, you will experience a very different Catalonia from the one you see by visiting only its famous sights.
During a Festa Major, centuries-old Catalan traditions are still celebrated as part of everyday community life.
Landscape, wine and nature
The authentic character of inland Catalonia is found not only in its towns and traditions, but also in the landscape. Around Torre Nova, hills, forests, farmland and small villages alternate across the countryside. Towards the Penedès, vineyards become an increasingly prominent part of the landscape, while Montserrat can be seen on the horizon from many places.
This is a landscape best explored slowly – on foot, by bike or while following small roads through the countryside.
If you enjoy exploring actively, discover more about walking and cycling in inland Catalonia.
Hills, forests, vineyards and quiet country roads make the landscape part of the experience.
Visit Barcelona and experience a different Catalonia
The good thing is that you do not have to choose between famous highlights and the less familiar side of Catalonia. Barcelona is a wonderful city and Montserrat is rightly one of the region's best-known destinations. For many visitors, a day beside the Mediterranean is also part of a holiday in Catalonia.
The difference is where you stay. From inland Catalonia, you can visit these famous places on a day trip and return afterwards to an area where everyday Catalan life continues.
That is why Torre Nova works so well as a peaceful base for discovering different sides of Catalonia.
Discover the real Catalonia from Torre Nova
Torre Nova is situated on the edge of a traditional Catalan village in the green countryside, around 65 kilometres from Barcelona and around 35 kilometres from the Costa Dorada.
Jacqueline and Geert have lived in Catalonia since 2007. As a result, they know not only the famous destinations but also restaurants, walks, markets, village festivals and other places and experiences that are not always easy to find on your own.
Through the Torre Nova Experience, they share their personal recommendations with guests. So you can decide for yourself: Barcelona or Montserrat today; a local market, a walk or a long lunch tomorrow.
It is also a natural way to experience slow travel in Spain: staying longer in one place and gradually getting to know a region better.
From Torre Nova, you can discover both Catalonia's famous highlights and its less familiar side.
Who will enjoy authentic Catalonia?
This side of Catalonia particularly suits travellers who want to experience more than just the best-known sights.
It may be right for you if you:
- enjoy visiting local towns, villages and markets;
- are interested in culture and traditions;
- appreciate good food and wine while travelling;
- enjoy walking or cycling;
- want to combine famous highlights with less touristy places;
- prefer discovering a region independently rather than following a fully organised programme.
If you are mainly looking for a holiday directly on the beach, lots of nightlife or a large tourist resort, another part of Catalonia will probably suit you better.
Discover more than the highlights
Barcelona, Montserrat and the Mediterranean are all excellent reasons to visit Catalonia. But often it is the things that were never on your itinerary that stay with you afterwards: a village festival, a long lunch, a small market, a walk through the hills or a conversation on a terrace.
The real Catalonia is not hidden. You just need to know where to look.
Discover our personal Catalonia tips
During your stay, we are happy to help you discover both the famous and lesser-known sides of Catalonia. Explore our recommendations for nature, culture, food, villages and memorable days out.
