Vilanova i la Geltru
Vilanova i la Geltru is a charming seaside town situated on the Costa del Garraf, close to Sitges, in the Barcelona Province of Catalonia.
Situated on the Mediterranean coastline, with six kilometres of golden, sandy beaches, Vilanova i la Geltru is certainly an excellent beach holiday destination. Yet is has more; the town itself has a rich cultural heritage and there are many interesting cultural attractions for the visitor to enjoy.
The town boasts a privileged location surrounded by a totally natural environment, with rolling hills that meet the sea and the Garraf and Foix nature reserves close by to explore.
About town
Vilanova i la Geltru has lots to offer; visitors can expect to enjoy a combination of beach, culture and nature.
The town has a rich history and there are many wonderful examples of ancient buildings and monuments. There are also a selection of museums, which take the visitor through the history of the town and region.
Vilanova i la Geltru benefits from an excellent infrastructure and as such offers the visitor all the amenities and services one would need whilst on holiday. There is a good selection of shops, public transport, medical services, and of course lots of bars and restaurants.
The town has a long maritime and fishing history, and the old port is a good place to head to get a taste of local life and ambience.
Cultural attractions
Vilanova i la Geltru has lots of interesting cultural attractions throughout the town, including The Museum of Marine Curiosities Roig Toques, a museum which has been dedicated to the life’s work of Mr Francesc Roig Toques and his dedication to the local marine life.
You can take a visit to two local wine cellars, where you can learn and try the local denominations. The Caves Jaume Serra, situated outside of town on the road to Villafranca and the Celler Can Pujol, are both worth a visit. Make sure to check visiting arrangements before you visit, as you may need to reserve spaces.
If you want to learn more on the history of Vilanova i la Geltru then take a visit to the Romanticist Interpretation Centre – Terra XIX, where you can find out all you need to know about the roots of the town and the Garraf region. The grounds of the museum and delightful and there is a wooded picnic area.
Places to visit
The entire Garraf region is worth a visit. The many ancient towns provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about the local culture and Catalonian traditions. The city of Sitges is close by and of course Barcelona city is within easy distance. But you will definitely need more than a day trip to see all the delights of the capital of Catalonia.
For children Universal’s Port Aventura is not too far away and will definitely keep them busy for a day.
Beaches
Vilanova i la Geltru is home to over six kilometres of fine sandy beaches, and is definitely one of the main attraction’s of the area. There are five beaches in total, and all provide refreshments, toilets and water sports.
Eating out
With Vilanova i la Geltru’s fishing tradition, expect to indulge in some of the most delicious seafood dishes in the region. There are some excellent restaurants and bars in town, but definitely seafood is high on the menu and we recommend that visitors head to try out some of the local family run seafood restaurants in town, where you can eat well and economically.
Climate
Vilanova i la Geltru has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers, during the spring and autumn the region can receive quite a bit of rain and some spectacular storms.