Proximity tourism, discover what’s nearby

Today in the new article on our blog, we will talk about proximity tourism. From Mucha Masia hostel Rural-Urà, located in the old town of Prat de Llobregat (hence the Urbà) and a stone’s throw from Barcelona, surrounded by spectacular natural areas such as the Llobregat Delta, a virgin beach and the Agrari park full of fields of cultivation (hence the Rural) we propose to know unique places without going far. The covid 19 pandemic is going to make us rethink a lot of things. One of them will be to choose a destination for our trips. That is why we believe it is a great opportunity to know what we have closer.

Proximity tourism, know what we have closer

Many times when choosing the destination for our next trip we focus on distant places. Perhaps, without knowing that very close, we have the possibility to explore new paths. Those paths,  have nothing to envy to others who are further away or in other countries.

We will propose a compilation of places, that will not leave you indifferent. Close to our hostel and very easy to reach. So, read on and discover by yourself, some of those magnificent places that will leave you breathless. Proximity tourism is one of the great options to continue traveling, in times of pandemic.

El Prat de Llobregat is not just the location of Barcelona airport

When we talk about proximity tourism, we mean just that, to know what we have closer. Surely,  you have heard the name of our village El Prat de Llobregat. Sometimes on TV and sometimes in the press. It is not by chance, it is where Barcelona airport is located, one of the busiest in the world. On the other hand, and let us say it, that also, the Prat de Llobregat is surrounded by a unique natural environment.

• The Llobregat Delta

One of the attractions that makes the Prat de Llobregat a different place is the Delta Del Llobregat. The Llobregat river originates in Castellar de n’hug and flows into the Mediterranean Sea. In its final stretch, before dying at sea, the Llobregat Delta was created. Said delta, it began to be created 18,000 years ago. But it is only 2300 that the sea level stabilized and the formation of the current delta began.

Birdwatcher watching the Birds of the Llobregat Delta

But let’s cut the history and get to the point. Up to 350 different species of birds (approximately) have been located in the natural areas of the Llobregat Delta. That is why, it is becoming an attraction for lovers of Ornithology. And not only ornithologists or bird lovers can enjoy or take advantage of this place, it is also ideal for touring with family. Having a picnic or cycling are some of the activities that we propose to you to discover and enjoy this proximity tourism.

Strolling through the Llobregat Delta

• The Prat Beach, one of the few unspoilt beaches on the Barcelona Coast

Do you know that very close to many Masia we have one of the best beaches in the entire metropolitan area of Barcelona? Few kilometers from the urban center of the Prat de Llobregat you find an extensive beach practically Virgin. A beach like those of before, without buildings, with beach bars at the foot of sand and with protected natural areas. Wide range of water activities can be enjoyed at the Sailing Club

Playa virgen de Can Camins, El Prat de Llobregat

Sunset on the beach of the Prat

The beach of Prat is a treasure that is within reach of your visit to a lot of Masia. You can easily reach by bike thanks to a bike path that passes in front of our hostel. Go through the urban center, run through the rural surroundings of crop fields and after bordering the airport, you will arrive at the beach of Prat de Llobregat (Barcelona).

Arriving at the beach of Can Camins, at El Prat de Llobregat

• The Agrari Park

Have you never heard that al Prat is called the field of Barcelona? We’ll tell you why. On the outskirts of the town’s urban core, is the Parc Agrari. Hectares of farmland, which, thanks to the work of local farmers, continue to supply shops and restaurants around the world with their vegetables, vegetables and fruits. Therefore, walking among fields of artichokes, melons and many other products, is not uncommon even being as close to a big city as Barcelona.

Agricultural fields of the Parc Agrari Del Baix Llobregat

Rent a bike and go out to tour the Parc agrari, breathe the fresh air, see how the products are grown and grown is a unique opportunity. And as a result, surely if you go out to eat some restaurant in the village, you will be able to taste some of these products cultivated with such affection.

Field of Artichoke Prat, the Queen of the orchard

The Baix Llobregat

The region where our Hostel is located, is within the province of Barcelona. Composed by 30 municipalities, with many attractions to discover. Below, we propose some escapes from the hostel, to continue exploring that we have so close and that sometimes goes unnoticed. Proximity tourism is a unique opportunity to know our territory.

• Arqueològic Park Mines of Gavà

The Archaeological Park of Las Mines de Gavà was created with the aim of preserving and spreading this exceptional mining site. A unique experience in which the mining structures coexist with a modern museographic presentation, where the visitor can capture the magnitude of the deposit and at the same time know the life system and beliefs of our ancestors through advanced audiovisual and multimedia elements. Many of the original pieces can be visited in the Museum of Gavà.

Gavà mines

Relive the experience of investigating, in an archaeological expedition, as life was 6,000 years ago and delve into the magic of the oldest gallery mines in Europe. Here you will find more information

• Coves de Montserrat-Collbató

The mountain of Montserrat hides in its bowels a spectacular underground world. Among the simas that hole the mountain, the caves of Montserrat De Collbató stand out. The largest in the heart of the magical mountain, which constitute an extraordinary natural legacy of thousands and thousands of years.

Interior of Les Coves de Montserrat-Collbató

Stories and legends

It is enough to cross the threshold of the entrance to start a journey of about 500 meters. Following the most spacious conduits and most beautifully ornamented by successive generations of speleothems (stalactites, stalagmites and columns). Tour enriched by expert guides. In addition to explaining the characteristics and result of the geological process that has shaped the cavity, they will show us the habitat of the first inhabitants of Montserrat. We will enter a world of stories and legends!!

More info

These are just two examples, but if you want to know more, here is a link with many other options.

“Costa daurada” and “Costa del garraf”

We have already told you about the beach of Prat, but if you are several days with us and want to change a little air, the Costa Daurada has some villages worth visiting. By train from Mucha Masia is very easy to reach and the tour will be a real gift for your senses. Before reaching the costa Daurada, we will meet the costa del Garraf, a unique place on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

Views from the camino de Sitges train

• Walking around Vilanova …

Stroll through the streets of Vilanova i La Geltru and discover its history, culture, architectural heritage, tradition and innovation. You will find monuments, buildings, palaces and churches that will tell you about the evolution of the city. By train from Mucha Masia, it takes no more than 25 min.

You can enjoy one of the longest ramblas in Catalonia. A walk of more than 1 km that connects the beach with the urban center. Full of life on the street. Enter the fishing district and get to know the market, the port, the maritime facade and the history of its fishermen.

La Geltru, medieval quarter

Walk through the streets of the Geltru district and go back to the Middle Ages. Visit the Castle, The Church and learn about the history of the foundation of Vilanova i La Geltru. We leave you a link with more information, but ideally you discover them for yourself.

• Sitges, narrow streets, historic buildings and a finger-sucking rice…

Just 25 min by train from Mucha Masia, Sitges is a charming coastal town. Getting lost in its narrow and ancient streets, with balconies full of flowers and historic buildings with a scent of the sea, is a pleasure to experience.

Beach of La Ribera, in the background The Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla

The Church of Sitges or also known as “the tip of Sitges” is a baroque church dating from 1665. It is located right on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. A spectacular view of the beach of San Sebastian and the beach of La Ribera that will leave you with your mouth open.

Gastronomy, a rice like you’ve never tasted before

On the other hand, apart from the charm of the village, gastronomic level also surprises. If you like rice, do not hesitate to visit “La Zorra” . Less than 50 m from the beach. Different types of rice and paellas. Where the protagonists are the products of the land and the ecological ones, thus cooking, a unique rice to which we add ingredients such as Apple, burrata, oysters or truffled chicken. They make the rice to your liking: melosos, socarrats or finished in the oven. In the restaurant La Zorra, you will find an ideal place for relaxation and enjoyment with the gentle sea breeze. Another way of proximity tourism,  is also to taste the local cuisine.

Squid rice, zamburiñas and salmorejo

It is time to give life to proximity tourism, fortunately we are in a country that does not lack anything. Sea, mountain, good food and good weather, but you can not ask. Well yes, let us all help each other to know and recommend what we have around and we had not even heard of it. We’re not going to tell you everything either, come and find out for yourself!!