Map
8 ideas, picked for these days
A weekend in the Ripollès: Romanesque monasteries and the Núria rack railway
In May Núria stops being a ski resort and becomes a walking valley, with the torrents loaded with meltwater. The Rack Railway runs all year, but outside summer it has fewer trains: use the timetable search before buying.
A weekend in Alquézar: canyoning, walkways and Somontano wine
With spring the high season for canyons on the Vero begins: there is water and the July heat is not yet oppressive. The walkways sell their tickets month by month, from the start of the previous month, so buy May's as soon as they open.
A weekend in Siurana and the Priorat: cliff, reservoir and vineyards
The kayak on the Siurana reservoir opens on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays in spring, so on 1 May it is usually on the water. The Priorat vines have already sprouted and the 4x4 trip is booked before leaving home.
A getaway to Prades: the red town, the forest and a night of stars
At 950 metres, May nights already let you look through the telescope without winter clothing, and the Baltasana forest is in its new green. Book the astronomical park session checking the moon on its calendar: with a full moon you see less.
Rupit: waterfall and inn
After the spring rains the Salt de Sallent falls with more water than at almost any time of year; in high summer it can be reduced to a trickle. The Rupit 360 bell tower opens on holidays from 11:00 to 15:00, with last entry at 14:30.
Montserrat: horse, table and rack railway
Spring is the season for horse riding on the north face of Montserrat: green meadows and no heat. Outings are in the morning, Tuesday to Sunday, with places for few people: ask for yours by WhatsApp a few days before.
Montserrat: cable car and Sant Jeroni
The Sant Jeroni circuit calls for long, cool days, and May has them before the heat arrives. On a holiday the Aeri car park fills early: from Manresa you are there in twenty-five minutes, so go up in the first cabins.
Montseny: Gothic castle and chestnuts
In May the oak wood that climbs to Montsoriu is in its tenderest green and the path does not scorch. The castle visit is free, with a guide and in small groups at weekends: book a place on its website, as they are limited and there are up to eight per booking.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is 1 May a long weekend in Catalonia?
It is a holiday across Catalonia, but it only makes a long weekend when it falls next to a weekend. Other years it is a single day, ideal for Montserrat or Rupit.
Is there snow in Núria in May?
There may be some on the peaks, but the valley is already for walking. The Rack Railway runs all year; check the timetable, as outside summer it has fewer trains.
What should you book first?
The bed in Siurana or Alquézar, the Vero walkways, the Prades telescope session and the visit to Montsoriu.
Which getaway is best with children?
The Ripollès, for the Rack Railway and Núria lake, and Prades, for the adventure park and the telescopes for families.