Paying Leo Messi a visit - visiting Castelldefels, Spain

Catalonia is much more than just Barcelona. It is a stunning region rich in history but also attractive in terms of nature.

With a relatively short car ride, you can experience mountains, sea, national park, lakes and many more.
Today I would like to invite you to small but charming Castelldefels, a city that is close to my heart.

Leo Messi's house in Castelldefels source

Castelldefels is where football superstar Leo Messi and over 63 000 “regular” people live ;)

No surprise there is even a castle ;) (from which the city took its name- the Fels castle = castell de Fels (in Catalan).

The city is located about 20 km southwest of Barcelona and is easily accessed from the heart of Catalonia – around 15 min by car or 40 min by train.

It is a well-known summer destination for many of those living in Barcelona, as in the high season Barcelona’s beaches get extra crowded, therefore during weekends they just want to escape the touristic madness.
And Castelldefels is truly welcoming with its 5 km long sandy beach (it is pretty wide as well).

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So what kind of activities you can try while sunbathing in Castelldefels?

Apart from sunbathing and taking a batch in the warm, Mediterranean sea you can decide to do some water sports like paddling, pilates on a surf desk (it’s a new trendy thing to do;)), occasionally surfing (depending on waves), sailing, kayaking to name a few. If you jog or simply enjoy walking – there’s a long promenade along the shore.

I must highlight that I was surprised by the overall outdoor infrastructure: muscle-building equipment on the promenade; beach volleyball courts; shower points; drinking water fountains. And if you have kids, there are playing areas alongside the promenade :)

Oh, I would almost forget to mention the free WiFi offered on the beach;)

Castelldefels is, mostly, but not only:) about the beach. For the 1992 Olympics, the Olympic Canal was built and is still open to use. It offers water sports like wakeboarding, water skis or kayaking.

As I have already mentioned, Castelldefels has its own castle with a view over the city. It was built in XVI century although the church inside dates back to the 10th century! Worth your time.

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Just like in the whole Catalan region, there are plenty of restaurants and bars, so everyone will find something suitable for one’s wallet.

To escape from this small city we do not have to search for long. Just above the city, on the edge of Castelldefels, there is a vast and green park called Garraf Natural Park. We can enjoy this peaceful place not only on foot but by bike if someone fancy. There are many trails provided.

A hint: in the middle of Garraf Natural Park you can find a Buddhist monastery. It is the first buddhist monastery in the whole Catalonia! It is worth a visit as it is located in the beautiful, XIX century Spanish residence.

I hope you enjoyed this post!
I wish you all a fruitful 2018! :)
Cheers, Kasia