The heart of Catalonia: Manresa, Vic and Solsona
El centro de Cataluña es uno de los destinos rurales más populares tanto para visitantes de Cataluña como para visitantes de España. Su proximidad con Barcelona, su fácil acceso y los parajes naturales que alberga, la convierten en un lugar ideal para una escapada de fin de semana.
Os propongo una ruta para descubrir el corazón de Cataluña, siguiendo los parajes más bonitos de las comarcas del Bages, Osona y Solsonés.
QUÉ VISITAR CERCA DE MANRESA
Bages
En el Bages descubriréis también monasterios (Món Sant Benet), molinos hidráulicos, colonias fabriles y castillos. El de Balsareny es uno de los pocos castillos regulares y homogéneos de la Cataluña central. Pero por castillos y fortalezas, acercaos a Cardona. La "fortaleza inexpugnable" merece una visita, igual que las minas de sal que hay muy cerca, también en Cardona.
Conoceréis también pueblos encantadores como Mura, Navarcles, Pont de Vilomara i Rocafort, Sant Fruitós de Bages y Talamanca. Todos ellos son pueblos de las Valls del Montcau, que se encuentran en medio del escenario del Parque Natural de Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac.
Para los fans de la espeleología y la geología (y el llamado "geoturismo"), y como actividad singular, no os perdáis el Parque Geológico y minero de la Cataluña Central, donde podréis explorar las Cuevas del Toll, las Cuevas de Salitre y el Museo de Geología Valentí Masachs, entre otros.
Por último, apuntad en la agenda que el primer fin de semana de noviembre tiene lugar la Feria Mediterránea, que es una feria de espectáculos de raíz tradicional y el fin de semana posterior al 21 de febrero, se celebra la Feria del Azada (el mercado medieval de la Fiesta de la Luz).
¿Dónde dormir?
La Masia del Solà (Monistrol de Calders). Este conocido restaurante abierto en 1946 de cocina tradicional catalana ha recuperado recientemente su fonda con 8 junior suites que incluyen hidromasaje.
Restaurant and Fonda La Masia del Solà. La Masia del Solà is a restaurant founded in 1946 by the family Jubany. Initially, it began offering the traditional dishes of catalan cuisine with a friendly and trustworthy. Our customers has enabled us to reach the present day, offering dishes from time ago but updated, with special care in selecting the products we use for processing. Innovation and tradition combine seem difficult, but these are two basic pillars of philosophy of the restaurant La Masia del Solà.
In September 2009, La Masia del Solà recovered the old Fonda. La Fonda is small, we have 8 junior suites with bath, hidromassage, and all the comforts for make you feel comfortable enough to relax our guests during their stay, receiving a friendly, and attention required to leave the memory of a pleasant break in our village. We even have a pool for the summer months.
Hotel Urbisol (Calders). Lujoso, moderno y muy cómodo, un hotel para el descanso y bienestar. No os perdáis el spa.
Hotel Urbisol, located in Calders, in the heart of the Moianès region and just over one hour from Barcelona, is an elegant charming hotel with a spa surrounded by nature. Set among forests and open landscapes, it offers a peaceful setting that is perfect for unwinding and enjoying a relaxing wellness getaway.
This exclusive luxury hotel near Barcelona features rooms and suites designed for relaxation, many equipped with hydromassage bathtubs and thoughtful details for romantic escapes. Some rooms also include a private jacuzzi or even a telescope for admiring the night sky, making every stay a truly unique experience.
Its complete wellness area includes a spa, jacuzzi, massages and treatments, while the large outdoor swimming pool overlooking nature is perfect for enjoying the surroundings during the warmer months. Cosy lounges with fireplaces create a warm and relaxing atmosphere throughout the winter.
The hotel is especially popular as a romantic hotel for couples, thanks to its wide range of experiences and themed packages, including gastronomic experiences, wellness programmes and special getaways available throughout the year.
The gastronomic proposal at the Urbisol Restaurant, awarded the prestigious Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand, combines traditional Catalan cuisine with a contemporary approach and locally sourced ingredients, making the hotel a leading gastronomic hotel in Catalonia.
In addition, the hotel provides bicycles for guests and offers excellent facilities for celebrations, weddings, meetings and small events, all within a peaceful natural setting dedicated to relaxation, gastronomy and wellbeing.
La Garriga de Castelladral (Castelladral). La Garriga de Castelladral fue una masía dedicada a la producción del vino y del aceite a finales del s. XVIII. Hoy es un hotel con encanto para vivir la naturaleza, la alimentación y las escapadas.
La Garriga de Castelladral is an exclusive boutique hotel in the Bages region, surrounded by nature and located just one hour from Barcelona. This authentic 19th-century farmhouse, carefully restored by the Roca Barbé family, preserves the essence of its past as a wine and olive oil estate, transforming its historic spaces into welcoming corners where history, tranquillity and wellbeing exist in perfect harmony.
Its 20 spacious and bright rooms, elegantly decorated in a warm and contemporary style, provide the perfect retreat for a romantic getaway or a few days of relaxation surrounded by nature. The shared spaces, including the former olive mill converted into a reading room and the old hayloft transformed into the restaurant, allow guests to experience the authentic character of a traditional Catalan farmhouse.
The hotel features beautifully landscaped gardens, an outdoor swimming pool and a cosy boutique spa, located in the former winery, where guests can enjoy moments of relaxation and wellbeing in an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. Every detail has been designed to disconnect, read, chat or simply embrace the peaceful rhythm of nature.
The experience is completed with a gastronomic proposal based on traditional Catalan cuisine, prepared with organic, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, many of them harvested from the estate's own vegetable garden. La Garriga de Castelladral is the perfect place to discover the heart of Catalonia while enjoying a stay where nature, history and genuine hospitality create unforgettable memories.
QUÉ VISITAR CERCA DE VIC
Osona
Cuando pienso en Osona, pienso en el embutido, en la niebla, en el Montseny y también en las llanuras de Vic. Todos ellos son elementos esenciales de la comarca, y probablemente presentes en una escapada a Osona.
A medio camino entre la Costa Brava y los Pirineos, encontraréis Vic, una ciudad famosa por el fuet y el salchichón, y preciosa con su casco antiguo lleno de edificios medievales. Paseando por Vic llegaréis seguro a la Plaza Mayor, conocida como Mercadal, que es el centro de la actividad comercial y donde se celebra mercado semanal cada sábado por la mañana.
Por los alrededores de Vic encontraréis pueblos bonitos a visitar como Viladrau, dentro del Parque Natural del Montseny. Viladrau tiene más de cien fuentes que forman una curiosa melodía constante en todo el pueblo. ¿Sabías que fue en Viladrau donde se ajusticiaron más brujas? Por ello, cada año por la “Castanyada” (31 de octubre) se celebra la Persecución de las Brujas, un espectáculo teatralizado de música, danza, luz y fuego.
Un poco más allá, en Sant Julià de Vilatorta, descubriréis un auténtico museo modernista al aire libre: a principios del siglo XX, el pueblo era el destino preferido de muchas familias barcelonesas acomodadas. La ruta modernista de Sant Julià incluye 25 fincas. Pero si preferís hacer senderismo o cicloturismo, visitad Sant Julià para descubrir el parque de las Siete Fuentes, donde encontraréis varias rutas.
Tavertet y Rupit son dos pueblos más a descubrir en una escapada a Osona. Tavertet está situada en la cima de un peñasco y es un pueblo encantador lleno de casas de los siglos XVII y XVIII. Más adelante, en Rupit, veréis que el pasado medieval toma fuerza entre sus callejuelas adoquinadas, el puente de Can Badaire y la primitiva iglesia de San Juan de Fàbregues.
¿Dónde dormir?
Mas Albereda (Sant Julià de Vilatorta). Un pequeño hotel con encanto que combina el trato profesional con el entorno rural y familiar, la flexibilidad y la adaptación al cliente. El hotel se enmarca en una masía del s. XIV.
Hotel Mas Albereda, located in Sant Julià de Vilatorta, in the Osona region and near Barcelona, is a welcoming charming hotel near Barcelona housed in a carefully restored 14th-century farmhouse. Surrounded by nature, between the Montseny Natural Park and Les Guilleries, it offers the perfect setting for a peaceful getaway at any time of the year.
Its rooms and suites preserve the character of the original farmhouse while providing every modern comfort. Some feature a private in-room jacuzzi, making them an excellent choice for guests looking for a romantic getaway or a few days of relaxation surrounded by nature.
The hotel features a welcoming wellness area, offering massages and treatments, as well as a heated indoor swimming pool with a solarium. Its spacious gardens, cosy lounges with fireplaces and peaceful surroundings invite guests to unwind throughout the year.
One of the hotel's highlights is the Mas Albereda Restaurant, led by renowned chef Nandu Jubany. Its seasonal Catalan cuisine, prepared with locally sourced ingredients, makes it an outstanding gastronomic hotel in Catalonia for lovers of fine food.
Its location provides easy access to some of inland Catalonia's most beautiful natural areas, including the Les Guilleries Natural Park, the Sau Reservoir, the Vic Plain and the many hiking and cycling routes throughout the Osona region. Its proximity to Barcelona also makes it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.
Thanks to its history, natural surroundings, carefully crafted gastronomy and wellness facilities, Hotel Mas Albereda is a wonderful charming rural hotel in Catalonia where guests can enjoy nature, gastronomy and relaxation just a short distance from Barcelona.
QUÉ VISITAR CERCA DE SOLSONA
Solsonés
Si hablamos del corazón de Cataluña, tenemos que hablar del Solsonès porque es precisamente allí que se encuentra el centro geográfico de Cataluña. Acercaos al Santuario de Pinós, donde encontraréis una rosa de los vientos que conmemora este punto geográfico. Desde el Santuario salen varias rutas circulares a pie y en bicicleta para recorrer los paisajes de la zona.
El Solsonés, también llamado "comarca de las mil masías" es, para mí, uno de los secretos mejor guardados de la Cataluña interior. Poca gente, paisajes preciosos y un cuidado especial por todo lo natural y tradicional. El Solsonés tiene mucho encanto y aún no hay aglomeraciones turísticas.
El casco antiguo de Solsona es realmente precioso, no os lo perdáis. Además, Solsona es el pueblo catalán donde se celebran más fiestas populares a lo largo del año; las posibilidades de coincidir con algún evento son bastante elevadas.
Saliendo de Solsona por la carretera que va hacia Sant Llorenç de Morunys, pasaréis por el Embalse de la Llosa del Cavall. Un lugar precioso con unas vistas espectaculares. Y justo encima de este embalse, encontraréis uno de los Santuarios más conocidos y espectaculares del Solsonés: el Santuario del Valle del Lord. Siguiendo la carretera, se llega a Sant Llorenç de Morunys, la segunda ciudad del Solsonès, y también preciosa.
Explorad el Salí de Cambrils, que es la única salina de montaña de Cataluña y recientemente ha sido restaurada completamente para albergar un nuevo espacio de ocio y terapéutico. Podréis bañaros en la piscina de agua salada (climatizada), que tiene las mismas propiedades que el agua del Mar Muerto.
Si os gusta el arte no os perdáis el conjunto monumental de Olius, muy cerca de Solsona. La iglesia de Sant Esteve de Olius es un ejemplar del románico lombardo del siglo XI. Visitad también el cementerio modernista y la cripta: impresionantes.
En invierno la estación de esquí de Port del Comte es también parte del planning de una escapada a Solsona. Para esquiar o para tocar nieve, es una estación muy familiar. Además, cuenta con un parque lúdico que funciona todo el año.
¿Dónde dormir?
La Freixera (Solsona). Pequeño gran hotel con encanto, moderno y confortable, en el pueblo medieval de Solsona. Algunas de sus habitaciones tienen vistas al jardín arqueológico del hotel.
Hotel La Freixera is a welcoming charming hotel in Solsona, located in the heart of the city's medieval old town, the gateway to the Lleida Pyrenees. This carefully restored 14th-century historic building combines the character of its stone walls, wooden beams and centuries of history with every modern comfort, offering a peaceful stay in one of Catalonia's best-preserved medieval towns.
Its ten spacious, bright exterior rooms preserve the character of the original building while offering elegant and comfortable interiors. Some rooms feature a bathtub, a balcony, garden views or even a fireplace in the room, making La Freixera an exceptional romantic hotel in Solsona for couples. Every morning, guests can enjoy breakfasts prepared exclusively with local artisan products from the Solsonès region. The hotel also combines its historic charm with innovative features such as mobile room access through the Openow app.
Its privileged location makes it easy to discover Solsona's heritage, strolling through its medieval streets, visiting the Cathedral of Solsona, the ancient city gates or the nearby Castle of Solsona. Just a short drive away are the Port del Comte ski resort, the beautiful Vall de Lord and countless hiking trails to enjoy nature throughout the year.
The hotel holds the official Catalan Tourist Board Cycling Tourism certification, making it an outstanding cycling-friendly hotel. Guests can book road, gravel, mountain bike or e-bike routes directly from the hotel, which also provides secure bicycle storage and dedicated services for cyclists exploring the Solsonès region.
La Freixera is also an ideal destination for travellers seeking peace and quiet after sunset. Nearby, some of the best stargazing spots in the Pre-Pyrenees offer excellent opportunities for astrotourism and unforgettable night skies. Combined with the hotel's peaceful atmosphere and charming garden, it is a wonderful boutique hotel from which to discover Solsona, enjoy a romantic getaway and explore inland Catalonia at your own pace.
La Vella Farga (Lladurs). A pocos kilómetros de Solsona, se ubica la Vella Farga, un antigua masía del siglo XI convertida en un hotel de lujo precioso, lleno de rincones mágicos y bonitos.
Hotel La Vella Farga is an exclusive luxury boutique hotel in the Solsonès region, located in Lladurs, surrounded by forests and nature in the heart of Catalonia. This spectacular Catalan farmhouse dating back to 1036 has been carefully restored, preserving its historic character while offering the comfort and exclusivity of a true luxury boutique hotel, where silence, nature and tranquillity are all part of the experience.
Its 13 individually designed rooms combine noble materials, rustic details and refined décor to create warm and welcoming spaces. Some feature a private jacuzzi or a fireplace, making them the perfect retreat for a romantic getaway surrounded by nature.
The hotel invites guests to slow down and indulge in complete relaxation. Its spectacular heated infinity pool, overlooking the landscapes of Solsonès, together with wellness treatments and massages—some performed outdoors among the trees—and its cosy lounges with fireplaces, create the perfect atmosphere to unwind throughout the year. During winter, the Christmas decorations transform the farmhouse into an especially magical and welcoming retreat.
The experience continues in the hotel's restaurant, where contemporary Catalan cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients showcases the authentic flavours of the region. From La Vella Farga, guests can also explore some of inland Catalonia's most beautiful places, including Solsona, the Ribera Salada, the Busa mountain range and the Llosa del Cavall Reservoir. Hotel La Vella Farga is the perfect destination for a luxury getaway, where nature and tranquillity combine to create an unforgettable experience.
El Monegal (Sant Llorenç de Morunys). El Hotel Restaurante El Monegal ofrece productos ecológicos y de proximidad. Comeréis y dormiréis muy bien.
Hotel El Monegal is a welcoming charming mountain hotel in Sant Llorenç de Morunys, located in the heart of the Vall de Lord, one of the most spectacular natural areas in the Solsonès region. This beautifully restored farmhouse, surrounded by forests, mountains and meadows, offers an authentic experience where nature, gastronomy and sustainability are part of every stay.
The hotel features 9 spacious rooms and one apartment, designed to provide maximum comfort and relaxation. The interiors combine natural materials such as cotton, wool and feathers with warm, functional décor, reflecting the hotel's strong commitment to sustainability and accessibility.
Gastronomy lies at the heart of El Monegal. Its restaurant serves locally inspired cuisine prepared with kilometre-zero products, many of them organic and grown by the hotel itself. Highlights include dishes made with Biolord mountain apples, seasonal produce and a carefully selected range of wines from small local wineries.
Its location makes it easy to discover some of the region's highlights, including the Llosa del Cavall Reservoir, the Lord Sanctuary, the Cardener Springs and the many hiking trails that cross the Vall de Lord. During winter, the Port del Comte ski resort is just a few minutes away, making the hotel an excellent base for enjoying the Pre-Pyrenees all year round.
Hotel El Monegal is the perfect place for a romantic getaway, a gastronomic escape or a few days of relaxation surrounded by nature. A charming boutique hotel where warm hospitality, local cuisine and respect for the environment allow guests to discover the true essence of the Vall de Lord.
Creditos Fotos : Pla del Masroig (Pep Simo), Montserrat (Alisha Putri), Mura (Anselm Pallàs) Vic (Jens), Rupit (Jose Manuel Mota), Solsona (Jordi Domènech i Arnau), Geganta (Xavier), Presa de la Llosa del Cavall i St Llorenç de Moruny (Jordi Marsol).
