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GETAWAYS4La Vall d’en BasLa Vall d’en Bas is located in the Garrotxa region. A little over onehour away from Barcelona, it is a great place to visit with childrenand get in touch with nature, walk and breathe in the fresh countryair. Surrounded by hills and rocky peaks such as Cabrera delsLlancers, Freixeneda and Puigsacalm, La Vall d’en Bas stands outas a plateau, and boasts one of Catalonia’s most fertile soils. Avalley with exceptional natural and social wealth, filled with culture,history, agriculture and farming, it’s got something for everyone!PROBADA PORANADe MammaproofYou can read all about theexperience at mammaproof.org 245OLOTGIRONALLEIDABARCELONA6713TARRAGONAGIRONA1. A masia with a playroom2. Visit a dairy farm3. A walk through Pedra Tosca Park4. Artisanal cheesemaking and tasting5. Cycle along the Carrilet greenway6. Explore a picture-postcard village7. Verntallat Children’s ParkLa Vall d’en Bas 19

Infowww.vallbas.cat/turismeMAMMALOVESCATALONIA1A MASIA WITHA PLAYROOMMas Rubió is a rural masia (Catalanfarmhouse) dating from the 17th Century, located in the town of Joanetes.It has great transport connections,stunning views, a very friendly service,and food to die for. You’ll feel rightat home, and kids will be fascinatedby the old stables, which have beenconverted into a delightful playroom. INFOMAS RUBIO FARMHOUSE32VISIT ADAIRYFARMA WALK THROUGH PEDRATOSCA PARKMas Coromina dairy farm of is justthe ticket if your kids fancy the ideaof feeding cows, petting the newborncalves, watching the cows being milked and enjoying a delicious selectionof their dairy produce. It’s a greatactivity that always goes down a treatwith children. INFOMAS LA COROMINA FARMHOUSE20 #MAMMALOVESCATPedra Tosca Park, winner of the Rosa Barba European Landscape Award for its beauty,is a unique rural environment created with the aim of recovering, restoring and consolidating the work of our forefathers, 150 years after the land was farmed and thenabandoned. Enjoy walking, cycling or riding a ruc català (Catalan donkey)! INFORUCS I SOMERES

GETAWAYS4ARTISANAL CHEESEMAKINGAND TASTINGIf you choose to stay at the wonderful country house of La Xiquella,you’ll be able to learn about artisanal cheesemaking processes, as wellas being lucky enough to taste them, make out their distinguishingfeatures, and most importantly, pair them with a good wine! INFOLA XIQUELLA65CYCLE ALONGTHE CARRILETGREENWAYFor lovers of family cycling, thereis nothing that beats having a viaverde or greenway on the doorstepof your accommodation. Don’t missthe chance to go on the CarriletRoute from Olot to Girona, whichpasses right in front of La Xiquellacountry house.EXPLORE A PICTURE-POSTCARD VILLAGEThe centre of this picturesque village has been declared a Historic-Artistic Monument, andits main street leads you through houses adorned with flowers on their wooden balconies –an image reproduced by countless painters and photographers. INFOHOSTALETS D’EN BAS7VERNTALLAT CHILDREN’S PARKVerntallat is the agricultural cooperative of the Vall d’en Bas area, located in the verycentre of the valley, where the region’s agricultural and farming activities are concentrated.It has a great children’s park, a bar, a restaurant and an organic and eco shop. On all itspremises, you will be served local produce. INFO INFOCARRILET GREENWAYVERNTALLATLa Vall d’en Bas 21

MAMMALOVESCATALONIA5VALL DE NÚRIALocated 2,000 metres above sea level, La Vall de Núria is aPyrenean valley in the province of Girona, accessible via a rackrailway. It is the perfect destination in any season, attractive forboth winter sports lovers and anyone who enjoys hiking in themountains.TESTED BYMAVIDe MammaproofYou can read all about theexperience at mammaproof.org 2GIRONA1LLEIDABARCELONATARRAGONARIPOLL1. Reach an altitude of 2,000metres by rack railway2. Stay at a 3-star hotel at thefoot of the slope3. Learn to ski as a family4. Enjoy the snow without the skiing5. Night-time snow-grooming tours6. The history of a mythical shrine7. Hiking for everyone8. Visit “La Geperuda”22 #MAMMALOVESCAT346 58 7

GETAWAYS21REACH AN ALTITUDEOF 2,000 METRESBY RACK RAILWAYGrab your bags and leave your carbehind, along with the stress and thepollution. To reach Núria, especially in thewinter, you can only go by rack railway.The journey is 12.5 kilometres long andthe climb totals 1,059 metres. The first5.5 kilometres operate as a traditionalrail system, whilst the rest operates asa rack railway, overcoming a maximumincline of 15%. Ready for the climb? It’sa treat to watch the landscape change,from the villages of Hostalets d’en Basand Queralbs to the valley covered inPyrenean vegetation.STAY AT A 3-STAR HOTELAT THE FOOT OF THE SLOPEFew hotels can boast a ski slope with a direct, pedestrian access from their facilities. Forlovers of the sport, if you come as a family, this accommodation gets bonus points forease and comfort. If you also want to spend some time with your partner, your kids canenjoy activities in the Cau de la Marmota play area with a great instructor. INFOVALL DE NÚRIA HOTEL3LEARN TO SKI AS A FAMILYThe ski slopes of the Vall de Núria skiresort might not be all that attractive toskiing pros or expert aficionados. However,if you are looking to learn, fall over andget back up again (and again, and again!),you’ll find no better ski slope in Catalonia!Why? Because it is easy to access, hasexcellent facilities and great ski instructors,who make your enjoyment an absolutepriority. If you are starting out in the snow,your best bet is to take some familyclasses. INFO INFOVALL DE NÚRIA RACK RAILWAYOXINEU4ENJOY THE SNOW WITHOUT THE SKIINGFor families who are not all that botheredabout skiing, the Vall de Núria resort offersa fun play park. It’s perfect for enjoyinga whole range of activities in the snow:tubing, balance games, ziplining and wallclimbing are just some of the activitieson offer. INFOVALL DE NÚRIA LEISURE PARKVALL DE NÚRIA 23

IMESNOWGROOMINGTOURSTo understand the difficult task of creating andmaintaining the snow in a ski resort, there isnothing better than going on a snow-groomingtour with a guide on the closed slope. Just beforedinner, the guide will propose a toast with cavaatop the Pic de l’Àliga peak. As you go down, night falls and you will see wild mountain animalscrossing your path. INFOVALL DE NÚRIA RACK RAILWAY76THE HISTORY OFA MYTHICAL SHRINEThey say that Sant Gil (Saint Giles)lived in the valley, converting localshepherds to Catholicism. Legendhas it that the saint sculpted a figureof the Virgin Mary and hid it in a cave,fleeing the Arab invasion. Next to theVirgin, he also hid the pot he used tocook in, the cross that presided overhis prayers, and the bell he used to callshepherds in to eat. You can now visitthe shrine with the relics and the cavewhere the saint is said to have stayed.Some believe the relics are miraculous,and they are said to help women withfertility problems.HIKING FOR EVERYONESpring and summer are the perfect seasons for a spot of mountain hiking. La Vallde Núria offers routes for all levels and difficulties, perfect for kids just starting outas well as more experienced hikers who are looking to conquer a peak or two. In thespring, with the colourful burst of flowers and greenery, families can play the game oftrying to find the symbol of the Valley: the yellow Turk’s cap lily. INFOVALL DE NÚRIA8VISIT “LA GEPERUDA”For those who are passionate about railways and all things train-related, we recommend a free visit to the rack rail exhibition at the Ribes Vila station. The periodwagons include one called ‘La Geperuda’ (the hunchback), which worked by pushingthe carriages from behind. INFOVALL DE NÚRIA RACK RAILWAY INFOVALL DE NÚRIA SANCTUARY - BASILICA24 #MAMMALOVESCAT

GETAWAYS6Muntanyes de pradesThe Muntanyes de Prades or Prades Mountains are full of contrasts– a protected forest, an imposing monastery, vast vineyards, anda prehistoric cave can all be found side by side in this area. That’swhy it is perfect for visiting with kids, because there will always besomething to surprise them. Some 120 km from Barcelona, theConca de Barberà region provides a heady mix of culture, traditionand nature in equal parts. It seems incredible that we have sucha great family destination within reach, one that has managed toremain uncrowded, and offers such a varied choice of activities.PROBADA PORMARTADe Una MamáDiseñadoraYou can read all about theexperience at mammaproof.org 3GIRONA4 5216 78LLEIDABARCELONATARRAGONAMONESTIR DEPOBLETTARRAGONA1. The mushroom routes inPoblet Forest2. Watch a live demonstration ofglass-blowing techniques3. Magic, History and Tradition atPoblet Monastery4. Gourmet Menu and games at theHostatgeria de Poblet5. Discover hidden natural treasuresin an off-road vehicle6. A walk through the rural past of the area7. A journey to the prehistory of theof L’Espluga Caves8. Tuck in at the Simó de Palau RestaurantMUNTANYES DE PRADES 25

infowww.concaturisme.catMAMMALOVESCATALONIA1THE MUSHROOMROUTES IN POBLETFORESTPoblet offers four fungi hunting routes, whichfeature mushrooms painted over groupsof tree-trunks – just look at them from theright angle, and you’ll see the picture of themushroom come together, telling you whichlocal species grow in that specific spot. You’llpass century-old trees as you fill your basketwith pinecones and chestnuts. INFOPOBLET FOREST32WATCH A LIVEDEMONSTRATIONOF GLASS-BLOWINGTECHNIQUESAt the Vimbodí-Poblet Museumand Furnace you can watch a livedemonstration of glass-blowing by amaster glassmaker. It’s a real art form!The pieces can be purchased in themuseum, which also hosts an exhibition explaining the history of the localindustry through glass objects. INFOVIMBODÍ-POBLET MUSEUM26 #MAMMALOVESCATMAGIC, HISTORY AND TRADITIONAT POBLET MONASTERYThe Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Poblet, declared a World Heritage, is a monument exuding magic, history and tradition, which will captivate children and adults. Thekings and queens buried here, the kitchen and the outdoor patio are always favouriteswith the children. INFOTHE REIAL MONESTIR DE SANTA MARIA DE POBLET

GETAWAYS54GOURMET MENUAND GAMES ATTHE HOSTATGERIA DE POBLETThey offer a gourmet menu and akids’ menu. We recommend goingfor the admission ticket and menupackage – the food is tasty and itworks out cheaper that way. The games corner is perfect for the youngand also the not so young. If theweather is nice, kids can also playfreely in the patio at the back.DISCOVER HIDDEN NATURAL TREASURESIN AN OFF-ROAD VEHICLEThey say that in Poblet every corner has astory and every story has a corner. Discoverthem all in a guided tour in an off-roadvehicle: vineyards, grain fields, olive trees,hazelnut trees, aromatic plants, forests andmountains all fit into an hour and a half. Besure to check out the view from the Miradorde la Pena lookout. INFODRAC ACTIU6 INFOHOSPEDERÍA DE POBLET7A WALK THROUGHTHE RURAL PAST OFTHE AREAA JOURNEY TO THEPREHISTORY OF THEOF L’ESPLUGA CAVESThe Museum of Rural Life is a huge site,covering some 4,000 m2. It is an oldancestral home – a casa pairal – housingtools, furniture, clothing and other objects from the area’s rural past. Throughthese objects, aided by audio-visualsupport, kids can learn and observetraditional trades.In these natural caves, you can tread onthe same floor as our prehistoric ancestors. Audio-visual projections, replicas ofobjects and real-life figures explain thehistory of these caves – the site of settlements from Palaeolithic times to theIberians of Pre-Roman times. Childrenaged 8 and over can also enjoy their‘Adventure tour’ through the caves.8TUCK IN AT THESIMÓ DE PALAURESTAURANTIf you are also looking for a restaurant in L’Espluga de Francolí, youcan do no better than the Simó dePalau Restaurant. It is a spaciousspot, fantastic for families withchildren. The food is local and of excellent quality. They offer one-platemeals for kids, but they adapt theirmenu according to needs andseasonal produce. INFOSIMÓ DE PALAU RESTAURANT INFOMUSEUM OF RURAL LIFE INFOL’ESPLUGA CAVESMUNTANYES DE PRADEs 27

MAMMALOVESCATALONIA7Sant Pere PescadorLocated in the centre of the Gulf of Roses, the town of Sant PerePescador offers visitors a whole range of options for family leisure.The beach, the river and the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Parkprovide perfect settings for fantastic sports activities, perfect foradventure-seeking families.TESTED BYBEADe MammaproofMadridYou can read all about theexperience at mammaproof.org 1FIGUERESGIRONALLEIDABARCELONATARRAGONA1. Bird watching while kayaking alongthe Fluvià River2. Much more than a campsite3. A visit to the Natural Park4. Spectacular beach5. Sail along the river6. Discover the ruins7. Sant Pere Pescador by bike28 #MAMMALOVESCAT324 756GIRONACADAQUÉS

GETAWAYS21BIRD WATCHINGWHILE KAYAKINGALONG THE FLUVIÀRIVERMUCH MORE THAN A CAMPSITEStaying at La Ballena Alegre campsite will change your idea of what camping can be. Itsfully equipped bungalows and fantastic common areas and pools make this campsitethe perfect choice for family accommodation.Kayaking is also a great adventure forkids, and in this case the plan also includes bird watching. You’re sure to see afamily of ducks swimming along the riverwith ducklings. INFO INFOSK KAYAKLA BALENA ALEGRE3A VISIT TO THENATURAL PARKEls Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Parkis a protected area that includes wetlandswhere several species of birds nest andbreed. One of the routes is accessible topeople with reduced mobility and visitorswith pushchairs. INFOAiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural ParkSANT PERE PESCADOR 29

TACULARBEACHSant Pere Pescador has the only beachon the Costa Brava with 6 km of pristine sand dunes. Here, in addition toenjoying the lovely water, you also canrent sail boats and skates, and have adrink at one of the bars.SAIL ALONG THE RIVERSant Pere is bordered by the Fluvià River, a great spot for family sports and activitiessuch as sailing, catamaranning, windsurfing and paddleboarding. INFOFLUVIA GOLA6DISCOVER THE RUINSVisit the Ruins of Empúries, located just a few steps away from the beach and discoverthe remains of Greek and Roman civilisations that came through here. This is anincredible, unmissable experience for families holidaying in Sant Pere Pescador andbeyond. They have audio guides available, which will enlighten you on every little detail. INFORUINS OF SANT MARTÍ D’EMPÚRIES7SANT PERE PESCADOR BY BIKEA really pleasant, easy bike route that starts near the Fluvià River, takes you up to thebeach, and continues through the extensive fruit orchards. INFO INFOSANT PERE PESCADOR BEACHSANT PERE PESCADOR CYCLE PATH30 #MAMMALOVESCAT

GETAWAYS8COSTA BRAVASUDYou don’t have to go far to enjoy coves with white sand,turquoise water and Mediterranean vegetation. On this occasion,we are taking you to a series of coastal spots which boast theThe Platja en Família (Family-friendly beach holidays) seal, thanksto the range of infrastructures and services on offer adapted tothe needs of families. Blanes, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Castell-Platjad’Aro and Lloret de Mar are the first towns along this rural, seafaring coast so wonderfully described by the poet Ferran Agulló.TESTED BYMAVIDe MammaproofYou can read all about theexperience at mammaproof.org 8GIRONA967LLEIDACASTELL PLATJA D’AROSANT FELIUDE GUÍXOLSBARCELONATARRAGONA1. Climb to the top of Sa Palomera2. Family gymkhana in Blanes3. Learn about botany at theMarimurtra Botanical Gardens4. Twilight at the gardens of Santa Clotilde5. Strip off at Sa Boadella6. A walk down the Camí de Ronda footpath7. Catamarans for newbie sailors8. Zig-zagging through the winding streetsof a medieval village9. Miniature steam locomotive10. Cycle along a via verda to the sea104 512 3LLORET DE MARBLANESCOSTA BRAVA SUD 31

Build your own adventure using theinformation you will find LONIA12CLIMB TO THE TOPOF SA PALOMERAThis promontory is considered to bethe starting point of the Costa Brava.If you are visiting Blanes, you mustclimb it or go up the stairs. Manycouples have sworn each other eternal love at the lookout, if the hugenumber of locks decorating the rustyrailing is anything to go by!FAMILY GYMKHANA IN BLANESStarting at the Tourist Information Office, this family gymkhana activity will bring you closerto the interesting facts about Blanes, its architecture, its history, its fauna and flora. A gameof clues conceived for children aged 8 to 12. INFOBLANES TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE3LEARN ABOUT BOTANY AT THE MARIMURTRABOTANICAL GARDENSGet the train at Blanes promenade to reachthis marvellous botanical garden createdthanks to the passion for plants of a Germanhumanist entrepreneur by the name of KarlFaust. We recommend a guided tour withone of the instructors to fully appreciatethe variety and richness of this naturallandscape. INFO INFOBLANES TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICEMARIMURTRA BOTANICAL GARDENS4TWILIGHT AT THE GARDENS OF SANTA CLOTILDEA romantic garden with sublime statues, lookouts to the typical Costa Brava cliffs andhundreds of paths where your kids can run around and/or play at being botanists,guessing fragrances and flowers.5 INFOSANTA CLOTILDE GARDENS6STRIP OFFAT SA BOADELLAA WALK DOWN THE CAMÍ DE RONDAFOOTPATHA picture-perfect naturist beach withstunning rocks that protect it from theMediterranean Sea when it gets rough.Easy to access from the car park at theSanta Clotilde Gardens, this beach alsohas a chiringuito or beach bar wherefamilies will find something to eat anddrink.We recommend starting off with arefreshing plunge in the waters of SantPol Beach and then start a walk with thekids that lasts approximately two hours,stopping off at little coves along theway, full of passageways, lookouts andmagnificent houses to admire. INFOSANT FELIU DE GUÍXOLS TOURISTINFORMATION OFFICE INFOLLORET TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE32 #MAMMALOVESCAT

GETAWAYS87CATAMARANS FORNEWBIE SAILORSBeachfront facilities with hammocks, trampolines, buckets andspades in a chill-out atmosphere that will make the kids feelright at home. This school organises summer camps, rents outkit and also hires out catamarans for newbie sailors, accompanied by an instructor.ZIG-ZAGGING THROUGHTHE WINDING STREETS OFA MEDIEVAL VILLAGETake a walk through the stone-built streets of this gorgeousmedieval village, which will lead you past lanes, castles and anold dolls museum. If it’s Christmas time, you will be treated toone of Catalonia’s most beautiful living Nativity scenes. INFO INFOFORÇA 3 SAILING SCHOOLCASTELL-PLATJA D’ARO910MINIATURE ST

the Marimurtra Botanical Gardens. Twilight at the gardens of Santa Clotilde. Strip off at Sa Boadella. A walk down the Camí de Ron - da footpath. Catamarans for newbie sailors. Zig-zagging through the winding streets of a medieval village. Miniature steam locomoti - ve. Cycle along a via verda to the sea. P. 31 14 VALL DE BOÍ Explore sky .