Map
6 ideas, picked for these days
A weekend in the Matarraña: Valderrobres, Beceite and the Puertos, under two hours from Zaragoza
The castle and church at Valderrobres have guided visits every day of the December long weekend, several sessions a day and without booking; on the 8th there are fewer sessions. The Parrizal in winter is cold and damp: footwear with grip and set off in the morning.
A weekend in Peñíscola and the Sierra de Irta, an hour from Castellón
The Papa Luna castle opens every day of the long weekend on winter hours, from 10:30 to 17:30, and in December it only closes on Christmas Day. Without the summer crowds, the old town is toured in peace; the boat to the rock sails if the sea allows.
Two nights at Terra Dominicata, the winery hotel beside the Escaladei charterhouse, with tastings across the Priorat
In December the harvest is over and the Priorat is empty of groups. The Escaladei charterhouse is closed on Mondays: if your long weekend includes one that is not a holiday, visit it on the 6th or 8th. Falset schedules a concert of the Terrer festival that long weekend.
A thermal night in Caldes de Montbui, half an hour from Barcelona
Caldes holds its Mercat de Nadal on the December long weekend, with stalls in the old town and broth made with thermal water. The guided visit to the Roman baths is suspended on those days, but the baths continue: book them with a time slot before leaving.
Montserrat: flat path and mató
The Escolania sings on 6 and 8 December at the eleven o'clock Mass and at vespers; on the 7th, only the midday Salve, with booking. From Tarragona it is an hour and a half: arrive for Mass and leave the mató for the way back.
Vic: square, cured meats and inn
The Vic Medieval Market is held every year on the Immaculate Conception long weekend, with hundreds of stalls and shows throughout the old town. It is two hours from Tarragona: set off early and leave the car outside the centre.