Map
8 ideas, picked for these days
Two nights at the Cava & Hotel Mastinell, in Vilafranca, with the cava cellars of Sant Sadurní by train
In early September the Penedès harvest is usually on its last varieties, such as parellada, and the wineries smell of must. Each year it starts earlier because of the heat: ask the hotel what is left on the vine when you book.
A weekend in the medieval Empordà, based in Peratallada
With September Peratallada empties of holidaymakers and the Empordà returns to its calm. From September the balloon flies only at weekends, at 7:45: if the Diada falls midweek, the flight goes on Saturday and the holiday is for Ullastret.
A weekend in Siurana and the Priorat: cliff, reservoir and vineyards
The kayak on the Siurana reservoir opens daily until mid-September, so the Diada is among the last dates for paddling on any day. The water is still warm and the Priorat begins its harvest among the terraces.
Penedès: a walk through the vines and an aperitif at the winery
The Camí del Vi crosses vineyards with the bunches hanging or just harvested, and the aperitif at La Carmeta is taken without August's heat. There is no shade: start at nine, and book the terrace before leaving home.
Peralada: Dalí, winery and mill
In September there is usually a harvest in the Empordà DO, and the visit to the Perelada winery may coincide with the grapes coming in. The Dalí Theatre-Museum leaves August's queues behind; buy a timed ticket and start there first thing.
Montserrat: horse, table and rack railway
September brings back the morning cool to the north face of Montserrat, and the horse is comfortable again after summer. Twenty minutes from Manresa, it is the holiday plan for those who want neither the road nor the demonstration.
Besalú: bridge, Jewish quarter and basalt
Besalú celebrates its medieval festival on the first weekend of September, sometimes next to the Diada; other years the village is quiet. The Pont Vell is closed Monday and Tuesday: if the 11th falls on those days, eat elsewhere.
Mining train and Cement Train
The Cement Train usually runs on 11 September even if it falls midweek, already outside August's daily schedule. It is one of the last summer holidays to do it with the Cercs mine on the same day: reach the mine when it opens.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is 11 September a holiday in Catalonia?
Yes, Catalonia's National Day is a holiday every year across the country. It makes a long weekend when it falls next to a weekend.
Is there a grape harvest on the Diada?
It is usually still going in the Penedès, Empordà and Priorat, but each year it starts earlier. Ask the winery when you book.
Does the Empordà balloon fly on 11 September?
From September it flies only at weekends, at 7:45. If the Diada falls midweek, the flight moves to Saturday.
What can you do without a car from Manresa?
The Penedès: the Rodalies R4 reaches Sant Sadurní without a change, and the cellars and the Camí del Vi are done on foot.