Things To Do
in Martorell

Martorell is a historic town in Catalonia set along the Llobregat River, just west of Barcelona. It blends medieval streets with modern comforts, making it a convenient base to explore the Baix Llobregat and Anoia regions. The town has a strong sense of community, with markets, cafés, and family-run eateries that showcase Catalan culture.

Its location near major transport routes makes day trips to Montserrat or the beaches of the coast easy to arrange.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Martorell
morning
:

Arrive in Martorell and check into your cozy hotel nestled in the heart of the town. Take some time to freshen up before venturing out to explore the beautiful streets and architecture. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Spanish churros and hot chocolate.

afternoon
:

Visit the iconic Pont del Diable, a stunning Roman aqueduct that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Wander through the charming streets of the town, admiring the blend of modern and historical buildings. Stop at a local market to sample some fresh produce and artisanal cheeses.

evening
:

Dine at one of the local restaurants, where you can indulge in regional specialties and enjoy a glass of Cava, the famous sparkling wine from Catalonia. After dinner, take a stroll along the river, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere and the glow of the evening lights. Wrap up your first day with a nightcap at a nearby bar, mingling with locals.

day 2
Exploring the Historic Sites
morning
:

Start your day with a guided tour of the Church of Santa Maria, a stunning Gothic structure dating back to the 14th century. Marvel at the intricate details of the architecture and learn about the rich history of Martorell. After your tour, grab a quick breakfast at a nearby bakery for some fresh pastries.

afternoon
:

Head to the Museu de Martorell to delve into the local history and culture, featuring exhibits on the town's industrial past. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a restaurant with outdoor seating, where you can bask in the warm sun. Explore the nearby parks and delight in the playful atmosphere of the local community.

evening
:

In the evening, attend a performance or concert at the local cultural center if available, experiencing the vibrant arts scene in Martorell. Alternatively, enjoy a quiet evening at a local tavern sampling tapas and mingling with the friendly locals. Conclude your day with a tranquil evening walk through the historic streets, enjoying the ambiance.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee in cafe$2-4
🍷Mid-range bottle of wine$12-25
🏨Hotel (3-star) per night$60-140
🚖Taxi starting fare$3-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Proximity to Barcelona and Montserrat for day trips
  • Charming historic center with pleasant streets
  • Good value for Catalan cuisine and wine
  • Relaxed pace of life and safety
  • Limited nightlife within Martorell itself
  • Smaller selection of big-city services compared to Barcelona
  • Public transport to remote areas can require planning
  • "Bon dia" - Good morning
  • "Si us plau" - Please
  • "Gràcies" - Thank you
  • "Hola, parles anglès?" - Hello, do you speak English?
  • "On és el mercat?" - Where is the market?
  • "Quant costa?" - How much does it cost?

Places to Visit in Martorell

Visit one of these nice places.

Historic Old Town Plaza (Plaça de la Vila)

Charm of medieval streets, the church, and a lively square ideal for twilight shots.

Llobregat Riverfront

Promenades along the river with reflections and sunset views.

Railway Station and Market Hall architecture

A mix of modern and traditional architectural lines perfect for urban photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Martorell

Catalan cuisine around Martorell emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, simple preparations, and regional wines. You’ll find traditional taverns, market stalls, and family-run restaurants that showcase local produce and flavors.

Martorell Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pa amb tomàquet

Toasted bread rubbed with ripe tomato and olive oil, often served as a base for toppings or alongside main dishes.

Must-Try!

Escalivada

Charred vegetables (typically peppers and eggplant) dressed with olive oil and garlic.

Botifarra amb mongetes

Grilled pork sausage served with white beans, a comforting Catalan staple.

Coca de recapte

Savory flatbread topped with vegetables, olives, and sometimes anchovies.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercat Municipal de Martorell

Traditional market offering fresh produce, cheeses, seafood, and regional specialties.

Rambla street stalls

Casual street bites and seasonal treats around the town center.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Average summer highs around 28-32°C and winter lows around 5-10°C.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a handshake or brief kiss on the cheek among friends; use polite Catalan phrases.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is good; use common sense in crowded areas to avoid pickpockets; follow local emergency numbers such as 112 for urgent situations.

Tipping in Martorell

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in nicer establishments is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards widely accepted; some places may prefer contactless payments; check for MO/Apple Pay.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot days with plenty of sun; carry water, wear sunscreen; plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.

Autumn

Mild temperatures and harvest season; comfortable for walking and winery visits.

Winter

Cool to mild; occasional rain; rain gear recommended; festive markets around Christmas.

Spring

Pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes; great for outdoor photography and hiking.

Nightlife Guide

Martorell at Night

Martorell's nightlife is relaxed, with cozy bars and terraces in the town center; more vibrant options occur in nearby towns and Barcelona for late-night events.

Hiking in Martorell

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Montserrat Mountain Range

Iconic multi-peaked range with extensive hiking trails, about an hour's drive from Martorell.

Garraf Natural Park

Coastal mountains offering sea views, forests, and scenic hiking options.

Llobregat river trails

Easy to moderate trails along the river with scenic views and birdwatching opportunities.

Airports

How to reach Martorell by plane.

Barcelona–El Prat (BCN)

Primary gateway for international and domestic flights; about 30-50 km from Martorell depending on route.

Girona–Costa Brava (GRO)

Northern option with regional flights; farther from Martorell.

Reus (REU)

Southwest Catalonia airport; a longer trip from Martorell but possible for low-cost routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

Martorell has a walkable historic center with narrow streets and shops; longer distances to beaches or Montserrat require transit; bike-friendly segments but watch for traffic on some roads.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families living in the town due to good schools and a safe environment.

Commuters

Residents who travel to Barcelona or nearby towns for work.

Students and retirees

Presence of schools and a quieter lifestyle for retirees.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport; local clubs and casual play in parks.

Padel/Tennis

Common recreational sport in clubs and social leagues.

Cycling

Popular among locals and visitors, given regional landscapes and good routes.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light within Martorell, with more congestion on major routes connecting to Barcelona and along the AP-7 and C-32 corridors; public transport includes Rodalies rail and regional buses.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Martorell.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many Catalan dishes can be made vegetarian; look for grilled vegetables, pa amb tomàquet, and vegetarian versions of escalivada.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Catalonia provides universal public healthcare; residents and visitors can access primary care centers; in emergencies call 112; larger hospitals are in Barcelona and nearby towns.

Discover Spain

Read more in our Spain 2025 Travel Guide.

Spain Travel Guide