Garraf region:
Garraf is Catalunya's second smallest comarca but packs a lot into its 184 square kilometers. Situated on the Costa Garraf, just south of Barcelona, the region's beautiful coastline includes 25 kilometres of large sandy beaches and tiny secluded bays almost hidden beneath rocky cliffs.
The Parc Natural de Garraf in the east covers 13,000 hectares. The low limestone peaks of the Garraf massif create a wild landscape and habitat for a number of rare and protected species like the European fan palm, Mediterranean tortoise, wild boar, and red fox.
The Parc Natural de Garraf is full of tracks for walking and cycling, as well as many caves just waiting to be explored; Jafra Natura based in Olivella runs guided activities at weekends. Other activities on offer in the park include group workshops and courses in astronomy at the Observatori Astronòmic del Parc del Garraf.
The region's historical monuments include seven castles that date from the 10th to 17th centuries.
Things to see - Vilanova i la Geltrú :
Vilanova i la Geltrú is the comarca's capital, situated in the southwest of the region. It is one of Catalunya's principal fishing ports and became known as ‘Havana Xica' because of the number of buildings from the ‘Americanos' period. The main town centre is concentrated around the Rambla Principal which is lined with café terraces, all the main shopping chains and the occasional Modernista building. Slightly further north is the arched Plaça de Vila, which leads off through narrow back streets and small squares to the old town centre of la Geltrú and its medieval castle. The Barri Marítim has many attractions such as Ibero-Roman ruins, a defence tower, a lighthouse and a fishermen's market and harbour, where visitors can join locals to greet the fishermen as they return from their day at sea. The town also has 5 beaches and if you are looking for somewhere to cool off there are some pleasant parks and gardens such as the Jardins del Parc Gumà i Ferran with waterfalls, and shady trees
Things to see - Sitges:
Further up the coast is the old fishing town of Sitges. When Modernista artist Santiago Rusiñol moved there in the late 19th century he was instrumental in putting the town on the artistic and cultural map, by hosting festes modernistes in his home and studio, Cau Ferrat, which is now a museum and gallery. Cau Ferrat is situated in a lovely old quarter, Racó de la Calma (literally, ‘quiet corner'), just along from another important cultural site, the Museu de Maricel, housed in the Palau of the same name built in the early 20th century for an American millionaire. The museum also encompasses Rusiñol's friend and fellow artist Ramon Casas's house, and has collections of art and sculpture spanning many centuries and styles, as well as an interesting exhibition of maritime artifacts.
Sitges continues to be a magnet for creative minds and one of the favourite subjects for artists is the 17th-century Baroque church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla.
Golf:
There are two golf clubs in Garraf: Club de Golf Terramar in Sitges is an 18-hole par 72 course situated on the coast with large practice areas, as well as tennis courts and a swimming pool, while Escola de Golf Portal del Roc in Vilanova has a par 54 pitch-and-putt course.
Other Activities:
trekking, cave exploring, bird watching, hiking, sailing
