Sitges Tourism

The Garraf Park, a very natural spectacle

Sitges is extremely maritime. And extremely blue. But it also looks to the mountain, so it's also green. Because if in front it there is that gift that is the Mediterranean Sea, behind it lies a natural treasure, the Garraf Park, undoubtedly the great unknown among the nature reserves in Barcelona and Catalonia. But it won't be because of us…

The Garraf Park is unique. We’re talking about a park that is unparalleled in Catalonia. And if we look at Spain as a point of reference, the closest thing to it is that other natural spectacle that is called the Cabo de Gata. The Park's uniqueness is due to the fact that it is a karstic massif, which gives it a low relief, with rounded peaks, deep valleys, rocky walls and a green color combined with a bluish gray. Yes, it's true, it doesn't comply with the standard postcard of a natural park with tall trees and lush vegetation. But the Garraf Park is something else... and it's wonderful (we already told you that if it's still undiscovered, it’s not because of us).

 

The Garraf Park is something completely different, because added to this undulating landscape dotted with green, stone and earth is the view of the sea. And that combination is an overdose of emotion that's even hard to describe. So it's a must to come and discover it. And that’s something you can do on your own or perhaps taking part in some of the activities organized every week by the park.

 

If you do come on your own, the Sitges Tourist Information Office will point you in the right direction to find its routes, paths and trails. This official map with different itineraries can also be useful. Of course, it's important to be both responsible and sustainable once you're in the park. Sofia Paricio, head of Garraf Park's Public Use and Conservation, reminds us of 4 key commandments: park in authorized areas, never leave your car on a trail or in front of roads with chains; don't feed the animals -beware of foxes that may also bite-, be aware of the possibility of hunting trips -allowed and regulated due to the overpopulation of wild boars- and reduce your speed on the park's roads, which are in fact asphalted forest trails, so be careful, the maximum speed limit is 30 kilometers per hour.

 

Then there are the guided activities. These are many and varied, most of them designed to be enjoyed as a family: from children's workshops to speleology initiation outings, sailing and kayaking routes to enjoy the Park from the sea, dramatized visits and much, much more. For information and registration, the park’s own website. And we highly recommend you download their app (there you can also find information regarding the hunting trips we mentioned earlier).

 

It won't be easy for you to choose what to do. That's why we insisted on Sofia suggesting a route for us: "I would recommend the Olivella Castle circular route, which is one of the most beautiful, full of pine trees and 'margallons' - one of the park's emblematic plants that looks like an inverted palm tree cluster. In addition, this route has the added value of being able to go up to the castle and enjoy 360º views, with the Pyrenees and Montserrat in the background". And a place? "Well let’s see, from Sitges I would recommend visiting the Saint Trinity Chapel, ideal for setting foot on Garraf's unique limestone morphology".

 

By the way, when you visit the Garraf Park, at some point you may even have the chance to enjoy the elegant flight of one of the park's most emblematic birds: the Bonelli's eagle. It is an endangered species. Another gift offered to us by this still undiscovered space, hopefully a little less thanks to you too ;)

Comments

  1. Pedro
    11 December 2020
    Un espai genialment gestionat. Tant de bo la resta d'administracions prenguessin exemple de com es fan bé les coses i de l'amabilitat de el personal. Quina sort té Sitges.