Tourism
Montserrat is perhaps the most important spiritual and cultural center of Catalonia. Santa Maria de Montserrat is a Benedictine abbey and basilica located in the Montserrat mountain, which is called Monistrol de Monstserrat.
Montserrat
The monastery started as the Hermitage of Santa Maria, the Mother of Christ, in 1025. A bigger Romanesque chapel was built to be able to receive more pilgrims. It became one of the best known shrines in the Christian world and the most prestigious shrine in Catalonia.
The statue of the Virgin is called “La Moreneta” because of the black color of her face.
The basilica’s style is a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance. To see it close up, one has to go through the portico on the right side of the basilica.
The museum is in a building across from the basilica and it is built underground, comprising of two stories. This was built by the architect Josep Puig I Cadafalch in 1929. There are many works of art donated by rich Catalans. There are archeology pieces from the Bible lands, gold and silver work from the 15th -20th centuries, and beautiful paintings from masters such as Caravaggio, El Greco, Sisley, Dali, and many Catalan artists from the early 20th century.
Do not also miss the Escolania Choir one of the most prestigious children’s choirs in Europe
Tip
Do not miss the chance to take the cable car and enjoy the fantastic views as you make your way to the monastery.
Viticulture
Family Torres passes on the secret of the elaboration of its great wine and their love for the land from one generation to the next. This tradition and vision of future have made that Family Torres becomes a big company which exports to more than 140 countries.
The company was founded in 1870 by Jaime Torres Vendrell, who got rich in Cuba, and by his brother, a vine grower. Their goal was to build a 6.000 L barrel, the biggest one by then. From then on, the company has been growing more and more.
Thus, if you appreciate the good wine and you’re interested in viticulture, you’d better not miss the vineyard with the best reputation in the world. Several kinds of visits are organized to discover the wine cellar and the Torres vineyard, which are about 1h and 10 minutes far from Canet, in Vilafranca del Penedès. You’ll also be able to enjoy great views thanks to Milmanda Castle, which is just next to the vineyard.
Shopping
LA ROCA VILLAGE
29 km far from Canet there is the best outlet in Spain. There is everything you need: shops with the most known and luxurious brands, free parking lot, outdoor parks for children, a free space to leave your pets, wifi connexion and many other services.
Do not miss Roca Village’s discounts and glamour!
MATARÓ PARC
A shopping mall only 15 km far from Canet de Mar, where you will be able to find all kind of shops and buy everything you need: clothes, food, electronics, sport stuff, cell phones and videogames, among other products. In addition, there is an optician’s, a pharmacy, jewellery shops, a tailor’s shop, a dry cleaner’s and a car wash. Of course, there are also plenty of bars and restaurants, as well as a cinema.
Impossible to get bored!
Please ask at the reception for further information.
Nature
Parc del Montseny
It is a natural park about 38 km far from Canet. Its peak is the Turó de l’Home (the Man’s Hill) (1.706,7 m). There you will find very varied vegetation: holm oaks, cork oaks, pine trees, beeches and chestnut trees; regarding the fauna, it is also very diverse: wild boars, foxes, genets, garden dormice and a lot of different kinds of birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles.
If you want to make the most of the park, there are different options: hiking and bike itineraries, guided tours, activities to learn about cultural and natural heritage, etc. Or, if you prefer, you can also visit Montgròs wall, which is the most important Iberian site in Montseny, or Romanesque churches.
Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor
It is a natural park that has about 3.700 acres, located about 22 km from Canet de Mar. The highest peaks are “el Corredor” (642,2 m) and “el Turó gros” (766,1 m). It is a beautiful place to go on an outing and discover the nature with your family; you will see pine trees, holm oaks, oaks and cork oaks, as well as Neolithic dolmens, Iberic artifacts and medieval churches.
You can get there by taking AP-7, C-60 or C-32 roads.