This Catalan town hosts the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Medieval Montmeló Castle overlooks the area, just 25 minutes by train from Barcelona.
Montmeló is in Catalonia's Vallès Oriental comarca, part of the Barcelona area. This Spanish town is known worldwide for the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix and MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix happen. You can see Montmeló Castle, spend time in Parc de les Franqueses, or walk through the town center. Its position gives you simple trips to Barcelona and other parts of Catalonia.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Race Track
The 4.657 km Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya brings many international visitors to Montmeló. It opened in 1991 and holds the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix every year. The MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix has taken place here since 1996. Other events include the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the 24h BiCircuit Festival cycling race. Watching a Grand Prix lets you see motorsport history. Michael Schumacher finished second here in 1994 despite gear problems. Max Verstappen won his first Formula One race at this track in 2016. The track changed in 2023 for Formula One, removing the last chicane. Drivers face difficult high-speed corners like Campsa (Turn 9) and tricky technical parts. Local officials note the track has money issues and noise complaints. Race weekends still draw excited fans from across the globe. Look at the circuit's official site for event times, tickets, and days you can tour the track or watch testing.
Montmeló Castle
Montmeló Castle stands above the town, showing its medieval past from the 10th century. You can see across the Vallès Oriental area from the castle. Different Catalan noble families controlled it over centuries. A visit gives a break from the modern race track feel. You learn about Montmeló's long history. The town changed from a medieval place to a modern one next to a famous race circuit.
Parks and Town Center
Parc de les Franqueses has paths for walking and spots for picnics near the town center. Can Zam Park is in nearby Santa Perpètua de Mogoda and is easy to reach. It has large grassy areas, a lake, playgrounds, and places for sports, good for families. Walk around Montmeló's center to find local shops, cafes, and everyday Catalan life. The weekly market sells local food and other items. You will see the town hall building in the main square.
Travel to Montmeló and Getting Around
Montmeló has very good transport. The town's train station is on the R2 Nord line. Trains go directly to Barcelona Sants station in about 25 minutes. Trains reach Granollers Centre in just a few minutes. Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is the closest big airport, around 45 km away. You can take a train (with one change) or a taxi or ride-share. Driving from central Barcelona takes roughly 30-40 minutes. Once in Montmeló, you can walk easily around the town center. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is a 20-25 minute walk from the center and train station. Big events often have special shuttle buses. Local buses connect Montmeló to nearby towns.
Places to Stay and Town Services
Montmeló has a few places to stay, mainly smaller hotels and guesthouses handy for the track, such as the Montmeló Hotel near the station. Many people stay in Barcelona or larger nearby towns like Granollers, 7 km away. These places have more hotels, places to eat, and other services, using the good train link. In Montmeló, you find basic services, supermarkets, bakeries, and some bars and restaurants. These serve both locals and visitors, especially during races. The town hall website (montmelo.cat) has local news and event dates.
When to Visit: Events and Climate
Your trip changes a lot depending on big events. Grand Prix weekends make the town busy and international. You feel a special excitement, but places to stay fill up and areas get crowded. Without these events, Montmeló is much calmer and more local. The weather is Mediterranean. Summers (June-August) are usually hot and dry, good for events but you need sun protection. Average highs are around 28-30°C. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) have milder, more comfortable temperatures, better for sightseeing. Winters are mostly cool and less wet. Check the weather forecast just before you travel.
