Map
7 ideas, picked for these days
Two nights at the Cava & Hotel Mastinell, in Vilafranca, with the cava cellars of Sant Sadurní by train
At the end of September the Penedès is finishing its harvest, and the 23rd there is a working day: the Sant Sadurní cellars receive fewer people than at a weekend. Watch out for dinner: the hotel menu is served Friday, Saturday and the eve of holidays, and in Vilafranca the 23rd is not one.
Devinssi, Buil & Giné and Cal Llop
In the last week of September the garnacha is harvested in Gratallops, and on a working day the wineries have time to show it. Tastings are not held on Wednesdays: if Santa Tecla falls that day, go on the 24th or earlier.
Penedès: a walk through the vines and an aperitif at the winery
In September the Camí del Vi passes between vines in full harvest, and the family winery's terrace opens for the aperitif. It is a half-day plan: you set off after the morning castells and are back for the evening.
A weekend in Peñíscola and the Sierra de Irta, an hour from Castellón
At the end of September the Sierra de Irta no longer requires the summer track booking, the water is still warm and Peñíscola regains its calm. Casa Jaime only takes phone bookings: call before setting out.
A weekend in Alquézar: canyoning, walkways and Somontano wine
September is a good time for canyons in Guara, with summer's warm water, and the 23rd is a working day in Aragon. Do the getaway the weekend before or the one after: book the guide and the walkways.
A getaway to Prades: the red town, the forest and a night of stars
After the equinox it gets dark before eight and the Prades telescope session starts at a good time. Book the astronomical park session and check the moon; the oak forest, by then, is starting to change.
Valderrobres and the Parrizal
At the end of September the Parrizal returns to the mid-season ticket and the river runs calmly, without August's crowd. Buy the ticket with a time; if you go on a Sunday, avoid the last of the month, when El Salt closes.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is Santa Tecla a holiday outside Tarragona?
No, it is the local holiday of the city of Tarragona. Outside it is a working day.
What day are the Santa Tecla castells?
The big day is 23 September, with castells in the Plaça de la Font. Check the council's programme.