Can Cartró – Hiking Routes, Festive Culture and Xató

Can Cartró combines routes through stream and vineyard landscapes with local festival and food traditions. When planning a stay, two questions can help: Would you like to explore routes and their connections to the landscape, or is your trip shaped by a cultural or culinary event? The answers point to different areas of focus. The Camí del Riu can be understood in terms of its starting point, river course and destination; the Ruta de l'aigua focuses on the landscape and its connections within the network of routes.

Routes Between Streams and Vineyards

In Can Cartró, the Ruta de l'aigua connects with the Vía Augusta Penedès route and several livestock trails. The Ruta de l'aigua links lush, streamside landscapes with vineyard country.

The Camí del Riu starts in Can Cartró and follows the course of the Lavernó River to Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. It is approximately 38.5 kilometres long and follows the Mediona-Riudebitlles, Lavernó and Anoia river basins. The Camí del Riu comprises interconnected routes for walking and cycling.

The difference is clear when choosing the kind of outing you want: the Ruta de l'aigua is characterised by its connections within the route network and the transition from stream to vineyard landscapes; the Camí del Riu also offers its starting point in Can Cartró, its destination in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, its approximate length and the three river basins as points of reference.

The Vía Augusta Penedès can be explored by public transport, on foot or by bicycle; milestone-shaped signs mark its points of interest. One of the stage’s milestone labels is “Els aqüeductes (Can Cartró)”. By contrast, interconnected walking and cycling routes are the focus of the Camí del Riu; the Vía Augusta Penedès can also be explored by public transport. If you plan to use this option, check connections before your trip.

Festivals and Cultural Traditions

The Xatonada de Can Cartró is a food festival centred on the recipe for Xató. Its tradition dates back to the period before the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939). The festival includes a masked ball that begins after dinner and continues until dawn. If you are planning a trip specifically for the event, check locally whether this format is scheduled for the year you plan to visit.

The Festa Major de Can Cartró includes a folkloric parade featuring local folk culture groups and devils. The festival also includes the Ball de Cintes and the Capgrossos of Can Cartró. Programme details may vary from year to year.

Food Traditions and Local Sights

Another culinary tradition takes place on Fridays at the Centre Cultural de Can Cartró, where cod is cut up. If you are travelling for this, confirm the exact date in advance.

In the centre of Can Cartró is the Font de Can Cartró, an ornate fountain in Plaça Verge dels Pobres. Cal Cartronet is considered the first house built in Can Cartró.

Discover more destinations: Gironella, Fígols, Arenys De Munt, Valldoreix, Sant Fruitós De Bages, Montmajor, Sant Pau de la Guàrdia, Avià

For the broader travel overview: Barcelona.