5 train rides to relax away from the ‘turisteo’ of Barcelona. Between the streets petadas de guiris and the hyper populated beaches, it’s time to leave Barcelona if you want to enjoy the summer. In August Barcelona is impassable: the center is invaded by Guiris and the beaches have so many Nordic that it seems like a Viking landing. Many of us want to give ourselves a break from the overcrowding and go as far as possible, but either we do not have holidays or we do not have a car to make a weekend getaway. Luckily, it is enough to get on a train ride to discover some small Catalan paradises that are proof of tourists.
The Riba and the Brugent River
If you want to take a dip but do not feel like fighting over a piece of land where you put your towel, leave the beaches and go to the rivers. La Riba, a small Tarragona town accessible with the R13 and R14 lines of Renfe, has several routes that follow the rivers of the Prades mountains. One of them is the one that goes from Cap de Riba and Font de Pasqual to l’Esqueix, a strait with hanging bridges and walkways. The route is a walk of about five hours of moderate difficulty through a green landscape full of pools and ponds that have nothing to envy to the beaches of Barcelona.
L’Estany de Banyoles
The great majority of references that the children of Barcelona have about Lake Banyoles (Girona) are the legends about their monsters and dragons. Perhaps these stories have served to scare away the hordes of tourists that invade the Costa Brava each year. Be that as it may, it’s better for us. Throughout the area, you can practice various outdoor activities such as cycling (bike rental), hiking, boat riding or swimming in one of the licensed beaches. To get there, take the train rides to Girona and in front of the station, you will find direct buses to Banyoles. Keep reading- The 10 best destinations for summer holidays 2018
Montserrat
The emblematic mountains that outline the Catalan skyline have much more besides the black virgin or the spectacular monastery and its Escolania. They are also one of the most popular spots for hikers and the largest natural area in the vicinity of Barcelona. The Railways of the Generalitat reach the foot of the mountain, but to climb to the summit you can take the zipper or the cable car. An excursion to an hour of Barcelona that will help you to breathe the pure air that is not in the city..
Garraf
The Garraf, in Sitges, does not escape from guiris in August. Although most go to Sitges, Garraf is so small that with few tourists that already seems crowded. However, during the week it is not usually full and it is a very interesting town, not only for its beaches. But for its coastline full of fishermen’s cottages, its charming urban center. Its bars and restaurants with sea views. And the emblematic building Modernista de las Bodegas Güell, by Gaudí himself.
Altafulla and Tamarit
Shortly before reaching Tarragona you will find the coastal towns of Tamarit and Altafulla. They still preserve their medieval village identity thanks to the narrow streets of the historic center, its churches. And the two castles, Altafulla within the old town and Tamarit on the beach, where you can bathe at the foot of this fortress of the eleventh century. From the Station of France, Passeig de Gràcia or Sants you will reach the station that both towns share, Altafulla-Tamarit, and 20 minutes by foot from there you will find the beach and its castle
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