Vilanova I la Geltrù city tour

Vilanova I la Geltrú is the capital of El Garraf, a region which lies half-way between the main metropolitan areas of Barcelona (40 kms to the North), and Tarragona (45 kms to the South).

It is a truly Mediterranean destination: total relaxation under the sun, adventure for all in our crystalline waters, authentic local culture around every corner and opportunities to explore our unique natural surroundings. If you are spending your holidays in Barcelona, you cannot miss it!

Vilanova I la Geltrù city tour 

Vilanova I la Geltrú, the city

La Rambla: Vilanova has the same structure as Barcelona. There is a main axis called La Rambla that crossed the city center and leads toward the sea. In this area you will find the modernist houses Can Pahissa and Renard, the Municipal Market (which can be compared to La Boqueria), the Principal Theater, the Church of the Mare de Deu de les Neus and its worderful bell tower.

La Geltrú: Walk through the medieval streets of La Geltrù and go back in time to the Middle Ages. See its castle, visit its church and get a real sense of our local history.

Barri de Mar/Seaside: In seaside neighbourhood, you will find the remnants of ancient cultures, the seafront boardwalk and Vilanova’s marinas and fishing ports. Do not miss the Ribes Roges’tower, the only remaining of the 3 defending towers which held the last fortified enclosure of Vilanova’s marina. The Light House, the Marina House and the Sant Cristòfol Hermitage are worth seeing.

Vilanova I la Geltrù city tour 

Beaches: With its spacious beaches, fine sand and clear temperate waters, Vilanova is the ideal place for adventure seekers, families, couples and friends! In addition to swimming, sun tanning and playing racquets, you will be able to do kayaking, scuba diving, sailing, paddle up and windsurfing. For more information, contact the tourism office.

Festa major: Vilanova i la Geltrú’s principal festival is celebrated in honor of the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of les Neus. It begins the final weekend of July with the breathtaking Correfoc, an exhilarating procession of fire-breathing dragons and torch-wielding demons. Folk dances, troupes of musicians, fireworks and bonfires, traditional processions and groups of Gegants (papier-mâché giants) fill the city’s steets and plazas for an immersive week of celebration. 

Vilanova I la Geltrù city tour 

Museums: There are a few museums in Vilanova that are worth seeing. Among them, Víctor Balaguer Museum And Library, one of the oldest museum in town with an exceptional collection of neoclassical sculpture, local works, baroque paintings and foreign artefacts including one of the few Egyptian mummies on display in Catalonia. In the Can Papiol Romantic Era Museum, you will be able to experience the everyday life of Catalonia’s landed elite in the former home of one of the region’s wealthiest and most influential families. The museum maintains the home’s original 18th century structure and interiors. La Sala Contemporary Art displays contemporary works encouraging and promoting art in all of its many forms.

Vilanova I la Geltrù city tour Ajouter une légende

How to get there

By car: Vilanova is easily accessible via several major motorways: the C-32 or the C-31 to and from Barcelona and Tarragona.

By train: Vilanova is accessible via RENFE trains from Sants Estacio.