A very beachy delta

The delta of the Llobregat river and the Garraf mountain backdrop set the background that is typically Mediterranean south of Barcelona. The coastline with endless beaches, clean waters and, above all, a curious isolation of the capital-indeed very cercana- becomes the destination of many locals during the summer weekends. This little guide will help the visitor to escape the tourist saturation discover the Catalan capital and claims in the area. All less than an hour from the city and without using the car.

01 Garraf

Garraf village of Sitges, is an oasis of peace, a tiny, whitewashed village situated on a promontory with enviable sea views. Although there is no remarkable construction, is pleasant to stroll through its streets lined with bougainvillea and oleanders. The beach is lovely and photogenic size pickup like few in the area, thanks to the cottages that adorn and began to build almost a century ago. There is a snack bar for the fueling and vermouth, and a good restaurant culinary feast Dome (Avinguda Llorach; 93 632 00 15).

02 Cala Ginesta

Sunset in Port Ginesta alongside Castelldefels (Barcelona). / getty

Still in the town of Sitges, but already very close to Castelldefels and playing the Garraf Massif, hidden behind this port Port Ginesta beach is another hidden gem. You can access it through the marina and then following a path between rocks and dunes designed by landscape architect Bet Figueras.

03 Castelldefels

Castelldefels has almost five miles of well-equipped beach. Destination frequented by families and teens, full weekends, but even so, is so huge that there is room for everyone. Its promenade is bordered by low-rise buildings and has a certain air yeyé because most buildings, near which were built between the years 60 and 70, so the resort town effect is all.

There are many restaurants, bars and beach bars as may be desired. Among them, not detract from the Italian Spriz (Passeig Maritim 44, 93 127 15 April), the sophisticated Fosbury (Passeig Maritim, 299, 936 36 73 72) or the tasty paella Can Moyas (Estrella de Mar 10; 93 636 December 81 ). And if what you want is beach sports or water, at the Beach Club's Pendulum (616,845,407) rent the necessary equipment.

04 Gavà

The beaches of Gava tie in with those of Castelldefels and are characterized by a smaller width and a less touristy aspect. In fact, there are less people because they are not directly accessible by train. Yes, have blue flag and a promenade that runs between dunes, pine forests and desert vegetation in landscaping exercise care. The area has more equipment is the Avinguda del Mar.

05 Viladecans

Vilamoura's beaches are a treasure to discover. For decades they were known for their pollution (there was no macrodepuradora El Prat) and the presence of two flagship campsites, Toro Bravo and the Ballena Alegre. The enclosures were closed in 2005, affected by the expansion of the airport El Prat. Since then, pine and palm trees rampant and the whole area around the sand, surrounded by a intimidating billboards, has a look reminiscent of the camps in the series Lost.

We must flee from the parking area (Murta access), as is the busiest without forgetting here is the beach bar Lluna Plena, always rebosar- and walk to the beach Francès Cal (Pineda access). If it were not for the airplanes that continually take off within walking distance (so integrated into the experience as the sea and the sand), the security of being far from civilization would.

In addition, nature lovers can walk through natural areas Remolar pond and wetlands in the Philippines. They are accessible from the beach Francès Cal, although it should be well informed of the routes to avoid getting lost in the marshes and the nearby golf artichoke.

06 El Prat de Llobregat

This town, known for hosting the Barcelona International Airport, has some beach areas, nature and leisure as well marked and explained that you have to tip your hat. It will be hard to choose between swim in the Mediterranean or explore the dense pine (Can Camins, Ca l'Arana) and the marshes and ponds (La Ricarda and Cal Tet), places that also belong to the Parc Natural del Delta del Llobregat. Even well planned and equipped with a backpack properly, can be enjoyed all these activities before end up sitting in the Snack Duna (Passeig de la Platja; 633 030 027) with some beers deserved and patatas bravas.