Things To Do
in Villanueva y Geltrú

A noodle-based cousin of paella made with seafood, typically prepared in local coastal restaurants and often found on menus near the port.

Must-Try!

Rice dishes with fish or mixed seafood; try a caldós (soupy rice) or classic paella in seaside eateries.

A traditional Catalan fish stew with potatoes and a rich broth, common in family restaurants specializing in local cuisine.

A social pre-meal ritual—local aperitif vermouth served with olives at many bars, especially on weekends.

The central indoor market where you can buy fresh fish, seasonal produce, cheeses and tapas-style snacks; perfect for breakfast or sampling local ingredients.

In summer there are occasional street-food stalls and festivals offering grilled seafood, bocadillos and churros along the promenade.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory: round up bills, leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service, a euro or two for bar staff or small tasks, and a few euros for taxi drivers or hotel porters.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; carry some cash for small bars, market stalls and in case of card minimums. Contactless payments are common and ATMs are available in town.

Peak season with warm, dry weather and busy beaches; festivals, open-air concerts and busy bars make it lively but expect crowds and higher prices in July and August.

Milder temperatures, fewer tourists and pleasant conditions for hiking in Garraf; occasional rain starts in late autumn but it remains comfortable for exploration.

Mild winters with cool mornings and occasional rain—many restaurants and shops operate year-round but the town is much quieter, ideal for a peaceful visit and lower prices.

Blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures and festival season begins; a great time for outdoor activities and photography before summer crowds arrive.

A network of trails through limestone landscapes and cliffs with coastal viewpoints and quiet coves; suitable for half-day hikes and photography.

Part of the long-distance Mediterranean trail that passes near Vilanova, offering scenic coastal walking between towns and along cliffs.

Shorter hikes to local summits and viewpoints providing panoramic views of the sea and surrounding countryside—pleasant at sunrise or late afternoon.

A little further inland, offers river valleys, ancient vineyards and countryside trails ideal for quieter, more varied terrain.

Long-term residents who speak Catalan and form the core of community life, especially in neighbourhood events and traditional festivals.

Visitors from Barcelona and international tourists, particularly in summer for beaches and festivals.

Moderate number of expatriates and seasonal residents attracted by the coast and proximity to Barcelona.

Older residents who appreciate the mild climate and quieter lifestyle outside the peak tourist season.

Strong local maritime tradition with sailing clubs and opportunities for recreational boating from the marina.

Football is widely followed and played by locals at amateur and youth levels, as across Spain.

Padel has exploded in popularity in Spain and courts are common in Vilanova for both casual and competitive play.

Popular on sandy beaches during the summer months, with informal games and occasional tournaments.

Vegetarian options are widely available in markets and restaurants (salads, grilled vegetables, pasta, and rice dishes); request 'sense carn' or 'sin carne' and many places will adapt dishes. Tapas bars often have vegetarian plates like patatas bravas, escalivada or grilled peppers.

Vegan choices are increasing but less ubiquitous than in large cities—look for vegetable stews, salads, and ask for olive oil-based preparations; specialty shops and some cafés can cater to vegan meals.

Gluten-free options exist but cross-contamination can occur in bakeries; many restaurants know terms like 'sense gluten'/'sin gluten' and can offer alternatives—carry snacks if you have severe intolerance.

Because seafood is central to local cuisine, always alert staff to allergies ('sóc al·lèrgic/soy alérgico a marisc') and confirm preparation methods.