Located on Catalonia's Costa Dorada, this coastal town draws visitors to its Mediterranean beaches, 18th-century old quarter and annual Barcelona Open tennis matches.
Located 40 km southwest of Barcelona, Vilanova i la Geltrú stretches along six kilometers of Mediterranean coastline. You can explore steam engines at the Railway Museum, examine Roman artifacts at the Víctor Balaguer Museum, or join locals celebrating Carnaval in February. The town's restaurants prepare xató, a winter salad with almonds and olives that has become the signature local dish.
Getting to Vilanova i la Geltrú
Trains connect Vilanova i la Geltrú to Barcelona and Tarragona, both 40 kilometers away. The Barcelona journey takes about 45 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day. Staying in Vilanova i la Geltrú puts you within easy reach of both cities for day trips.
Beaches and Coast
Five public beaches line the six-kilometer coastline. Each beach has restrooms and food stands where you can buy snacks and drinks. The town's port ranks as Catalonia's third largest, where fishing boats dock daily with fresh catches. Walk along the harbor promenade to see the morning fish auctions or watch boats return in the afternoon.
Museums and Culture
Step inside the Railway Museum to see one of the world's largest collections of historic steam engines. The exhibits trace the evolution of rail transport through different periods. The Víctor Balaguer Museum houses Roman and Egyptian antiquities, along with paintings and sculptures. Browse through historical documents and books in the museum's library, collected by the 19th-century poet and diplomat Víctor Balaguer himself.
Local Festivals
Carnaval transforms the town's streets in late February with masquerades, mock battles, and feasts. The character of Sa Majastat el Rei Carnestoltes leads social satire performances and traditional processions. In August, the five-day Festa Major celebrates the Virgin of the Snows with community events and traditional performances.
Food and Local Specialties
Look for fresh seafood restaurants near the port, where chefs prepare fish caught the same morning. Try xató, a winter salad dressed with a sauce of ground almonds, olives, and garlic. During the Xatonada festival, locals share their versions of this traditional recipe. Visit any of the seven civic centers to learn about local cooking through demonstrations and food-related cultural events.
