Vilanova I La Geltrú

If you are looking for a hotel in Vilanova i la Geltrú, you can plan your stay around your interests: the beach, maritime history, art collections or railways. The city offers a variety of experiences to suit these interests, from fine sandy coastline to museums and historic buildings.

Coast and routes to the beach

Vilanova i la Geltrú has more than six kilometres of fine sandy beaches. Ribes Roges beach is accessible from anywhere in the city on foot, by scooter, bicycle, car or city bus. During the summer season, the tourist train is another option. Check current services and the train’s seasonal operating schedule before travelling.

Museums and maritime history

At Espai Far, in the Far de Sant Cristòfol, there are three permanent exhibition areas: the Museu del Mar de Vilanova i la Geltrú, Espai Víctor Rojas and the Museu de Curiositats Marineres Roig Toqués. Maritime themes can also be found at Torre Blava: in 2000, Josep Guinovart transformed the former watchtower on the seafront into a tribute to the Mediterranean and its people. Its three floors are decorated with elements from the maritime world.

The Biblioteca Museu Víctor Balaguer opened on 26 October 1884. It is one of the first museum buildings in Catalonia purpose-built for the public display of collections and access to culture. A selection of important works from the historic collection of the Museo Nacional del Prado is on permanent display there. Another historical tradition is the Carnaval de Vilanova i la Geltrú: it has been documented since 1790, returned to the streets in 1955, and its revival was completed between 1976 and 1981.

Architecture, art and Romanticism

Built in 1798, Masia d'en Cabanyes is considered an exceptional example of late 18th-century Catalan architecture. A visit also includes entry to Espai Goya, with twelve original prints from Francisco de Goya’s “Los Disparates.” At Can Papiol, the tour takes in several rooms of the house: the music room, billiard room and grand ballroom, as well as private rooms, bathrooms and dressing rooms.

Contemporary art and cultural themes complement these historic sites. Centre d'Art Contemporani La Sala serves as a production centre and welcomes proposals for contemporary artistic work. The Centre d'Interpretació del Romanticisme Manuel de Cabanyes explores the history and heritage of the Cabanyes family. It also explains Romanticism as a cultural movement that left a clear mark on the Garraf region. A walk through the neighbourhood leads to the castle and the church and tells the story of the founding of Vilanova i la Geltrú.

Railways, archaeology and other activities

At the Railway Museum of Catalonia, you can climb aboard locomotives, walk through passenger trains and watch audiovisual projections in a freight car. At the Adarró archaeological site, the focus is on an Iberian neighbourhood of blacksmiths and the living quarters of a Roman villa. The villa was built around 120 AD, and its living quarters include a wide corridor open to the sea. These visits offer different perspectives: railways and carriages at one, archaeological living and working spaces at the other.

Estació Nàutica de Vilanova offers water sports as well as additional activities such as horse riding, golf and Segways. Alongside museums and historic sites, you can also choose from sports and leisure activities, each offering a different experience.

Arriving by train

Vilanova i la Geltrú is a main station on the R2 Sud line, which connects Sant Vicenç de Calders with Barcelona Estació de França. Check current train services before travelling. This lets you plan your rail journey separately from your choice of beach, culture and different sightseeing options.

Discover more destinations: Sant Quirze De Besora, Santpedor, Pontóns, Santa Coloma De Gramenet, Llerona, La Pobla De Lillet, Cercs, Vilanova De Sau.

Go to the main travel overview: Barcelona.