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Barcelona – There’s Much More:
What springs to mind for you when someone mentions Barcelona? Food from the Boqueria, the wonderful Gaudi architecture that is everywhere in the city, the beach, the galleries and museums, the tapas bars…
Or donkey riding?
Sometimes I DO think I’m turning into Bridget Jones. First a boot camp in Sitges and then a trip to Costa Barcelona which, we all know is Molt Mes (much more), not this time ostensibly for food and wine but to explore the region.
The programme was a selection of activities enough to strike fear into the most valiant of soft city girls. Apart from donkey riding we were hiking, cycling and using a Segway. At least there wasn’t a zip-wire involved. Nevertheless I was cautious!
Our first stop was Vilanova. Lunch overlooking the harbour – we could almost have been in Antigua. We were treated to a fabulous selection of seafood before visiting the Fish Market. Then, a trip out to watch the sun setting. Whilst we didn’t have an invite to the Armani Yacht, we did enjoy a glass or two of cava.
So far so good. Even I can manage a gentle trip out to sea on a boat and a lot of food.
Hiking in vineyards works for me too. It generally inevitably ends with wine tasting (or Cava, in the case of this trip to Penedes). En route we passed through vineyards and villages, stopping occasionally to chat to other walkers and local farmers growing peaches and almonds, enjoying the flower-lined fields of vines.
I was a little less convinced that Segway would be my thing. Especially as by now we’d moved to Els Monts – the hiking and trekking trail that connects El Montseny, Sant Llorenc del Munt and Montserrat. Having already been to Montserrat, I had some idea of the terrain – and by choice I’d have picked a nice, flat, straight path rather than something called ‘three mountains’.
Success though, after some initial hesitation, it did all seem to come quite naturally. And there was absolutely no effort to going uphill, other than keeping my balance.
Dinner and a night at a local hostal set us up for the next morning’s activity. Donkey riding has never been on my bucket list but, the Rucs del Dorredor initiative might just have convinced me it should have been. More later, but this particular activity was very low effort, very safe and really good fun. While we were there the centre was full of children on a school excursion, in principle there to learn about the donkeys and build their confidence by riding on them – but seemingly managing to have a lot of fun in the process.
The afternoon, Nordic walking, was something I believed I’d already tried. But actually the technique is quite different to the hill walking with poles I’ve tried. The initiative is part of a larger programme by the Alta Aiella vineyards to offer visitors different experiences within the overall umbrella of wine tourism.
Next morning, the event I was dreading. It turned out to be just fine. I’m not very tall and I am not big enough for a Boris Bike.
But, with the saddle at its lowest possible level I could touch the ground with both feet. And, so I wobbled my way through the Delta of Llobregat.
Was it worth it? Most definitely. The bike ride took us to a protected beach, home to a host of birds and marine life (but no humans). And, to a striking, deserted lookout.
I’m planning to post in more detail about these activities, but wanted to thank the organisers and partners who made this trip so special.
Check out the Costa Barcelona website for more information.
We travelled with Vueling
I’ve always fancied Barcelona and it’s nice to see a different side of it 🙂
It suprised me, I’m used to the City – which is fabulous, but the countryside has a lot to offer!
I’m glad you were able to enjoy the bike ride. What fun and interesting activities. I would love to do the donkey ride! Thanks for sharing.
I think you’d really appreciate the donkey sanctuary Mary – they have breeds from all around the world and are very carefully promoting and explaining how donkeys have been a part of different cultures for centuries
Fab photos. What a great time you must have had. It’s so great.
Wow, that sounds like a totally awesome few days! I’d happily LOVE to do each and every activity you’ve done, what a fabulous few days for you 🙂
I’m so jelaous of all those places you’ve visited Fiona! But at least I can admire photos of every beautiful place 🙂 Those prawns looks so tempting.
Fiona, your trips are way more exciting than mine. I have been to Barcelona twice and not done any of these (well apart from all you mentioned in the first paragraph. I always wanted to go on a Segway too.
well they do segway tours around the city too. But this is a lot nicer! I’ll post up links in my next feature
Wow, what a great adventure! And whilst you clearly weren’t looking forward to all aspects of it, well done for not sitting parts of it out!
Janie x
Hysterical Fiona…I think Bridget Jones became liberated…did she not??? donkeys are fun!!
See above Pam. I was never very outdoorsy as a kid (though I liked swimming), so it always surprises me when I enjoy this kind of thing
Oh, now you made me want to add donkey riding to my bucket list! What a fantastic trip!
The donkey riding was great fun – they are very peaceful animals and just stroll along calmly so you can enjoy the countryside. Segway was my biggest win though, I really enjoyed that one!
Looks like you had a fun holiday. I’m looking forward to your more detailed posts.
I went with a lot of trepidation, but can genuinely say I loved every minute
As a person who has never been on an aeroplane and has only been to France, Germany & Belguim. Posts which explore other countries really interest me! Looks like you had an amazing time and the photos you have taken are breathtaking.
Laura x
Thanks, I love this kind of travel, where you see things you might never otherwise encounter