I’ve just spent a a wonderful few days in the area around Barcelona with the folks from Costa Barcelona. “Costa Barcelona” is actually a new name for the combined areas of El Garraf, south of Barcelona, and Mataró, north of the city. The rebranding (God, don’t we all hate that word?) makes it easier to place and easier to understand. “Costa Barcelona” is all about the delights that await visitors outside of the capital of Catalunya in Spain.
There are some amazing things to do with the family in the area — donkey riding, anyone? I’ll be writing more about those. In the meantime I wanted to share some of the striking architecture I saw while travelling around.
There is a real modernist flair with many of the buildings. Gorgeous older houses are poetry of light and dark spaces. The landscape outside is alternately dusty and leafy, rugged and tranquil.
Here is a glimpse of what I saw this past week.
Our first meal was in this seafood restaurant opposite the beach in Vilanova i la Geltru. It had these boxy apartments just above it
The pavement outside the Marejol and up and down the beachfront was made up of these geometric tiles. I’d love to have these in my back garden
You’re never too small to have style: We came across this patio in a tiny village on a walk to a winery in the Penedes region
While walking through vineyards we chatted with some farmers and admired their masia
A pair of oversized doors at the Eudald Massana Noya winery
You could rent this typical rural Catalan “masia” in a natural park. It sleeps a mere 20
Light pours through the window in one of the masia’s rooms
Little details gave so many of the building perfect finishing touches
There had been a big fire in the natural park, from which it is now recovering. Evidence?
I wanted to move in to the tasting room of Alta Alella winery
Even the municipal buildings look chic. This is the information desk at the natural reserve
The view up toward this former lighthouse at Espais Naturals del Delta del Llobregat reminded me of Andrew Wyeth’s painting Christina’s World
Our last lunch was at Centric Gastro Bar in Vilafranca near the aeroport
Find out more
Look for more images and stories soon about how to get out of Barcelona enjoy more of Catalunya!
You can see more of images and inspiration about the area via the hashtag #bcnmoltmes and by following @bcnmoltmes.
I’m a journalist and blogger. Previously I was The Times’s online lifestyle editor and Alpha Mummy blogger. Now I’m co-founder of BritMums and BritMums Live! – our annual blogging conference that draws hundreds. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and Google+.
Published by Jennifer Howze
I'm a journalist and blogger. Previously I was The Times's online lifestyle editor and Alpha Mummy blogger. Now I'm co-founder of BritMums and BritMums Live! - our annual blogging conference that draws hundreds. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and Google+.
View more posts
11 thoughts on “Postcard from Costa Barcelona”
I’m intrigued to know more about this new branded area. People like me hot-foot it to Barcelona for a city break but tend to stay a couple of days then head back.
A real mixture if the old and new in these photos.
Beautiful pictures. Really look like postcards – I haven’t been to Barcelona for years, but would love to take the kids. Look forward to reading more.
Sarah, thanks for the comment. I’ve never actually been on a city break to Barcelona itself. More reason to go for an extended trip to visit the city and environs.
I love Barcleona and I love Spain too, any excuse and I’m back there in the bat of an eyelid. Your images are gorgeous Jen, they make me want to pack a suitcase
NOW
Meet you there for cava and seafood?
I love that area, especially the Cava bars! Your photos are gorgeous and I’m looking forward to reading more about your trip x
We stayed in Barcelona when we went there two years ago. Your photos make me want to discover more now. xx
Oh, this made me miss Barcelona so much. I feel like I still have so much to explore.
Oooo lovely photographs. We’re off to Barcelona in a few weeks for my 30th and I wish we had time to explore some of the less touristy area, they look beautiful.
Caroline, thanks! It is worth doing at least one trip out of town — like a cycle ride to a vineyard or similar. The country around the city is beautiful.
Comments are closed.
Loading Comments...
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
I’m intrigued to know more about this new branded area. People like me hot-foot it to Barcelona for a city break but tend to stay a couple of days then head back.
A real mixture if the old and new in these photos.
Beautiful pictures. Really look like postcards – I haven’t been to Barcelona for years, but would love to take the kids. Look forward to reading more.
Sarah, thanks for the comment. I’ve never actually been on a city break to Barcelona itself. More reason to go for an extended trip to visit the city and environs.
I love Barcleona and I love Spain too, any excuse and I’m back there in the bat of an eyelid. Your images are gorgeous Jen, they make me want to pack a suitcase
NOW
Meet you there for cava and seafood?
I love that area, especially the Cava bars! Your photos are gorgeous and I’m looking forward to reading more about your trip x
We stayed in Barcelona when we went there two years ago. Your photos make me want to discover more now. xx
Oh, this made me miss Barcelona so much. I feel like I still have so much to explore.
Oooo lovely photographs. We’re off to Barcelona in a few weeks for my 30th and I wish we had time to explore some of the less touristy area, they look beautiful.
Caroline, thanks! It is worth doing at least one trip out of town — like a cycle ride to a vineyard or similar. The country around the city is beautiful.