By train through Garraf

After leaving the train in Vilanova i la Geltrú station you’ll find your first destination immediately because, as mentioned, it’s the Museu del Ferrocarril. The railway museum is housed in the town’s former locomotive depot and has a permanent exhibition divided into several sections, such as the permanent collection of station features and signs. But undoubtedly the most talked about, visited and, of course, biggest section features vehicles from different periods and, particularly, the valuable set of steam locomotives.

A few metres away, a beautiful façade welcomes you to one of the best Catalan art galleries. The Biblioteca Museu Víctor Balaguer features paintings by Ramon Casas, Santiago Rusiñol, Joaquim Sorolla, El Greco and Goya, among many other great names of art. But in the Egyptian Room you’ll find pieces from this African country and even the mummy of a five-year child, while the upper floor displays contemporary artists such as Guinovart and Ràfols Casamada. Finally, the library has that look of past times with a collection of 19th century books.

You should also take a stroll around the centre of the capital of Garraf, wander down the Rambla Principal, explore the beautiful Plaça de la Vila and the surrounding streets, visit the Mercat del Centre and sample the local cuisine... And talking of cuisine, it’s time for lunch! Check out this link to find somewhere to eat.

A short train ride takes you from Vilanova i la Geltrú to Sitges. In this beautiful and well-known coastal town you have lots to see and do but today is reserved for two very specific visits: the Malvasia Interpretation Centre (CIM) and the Palau de Maricel.

Let’s start with the CIM, because you have the opportunity to discover this facility that opened just a few months ago, on 13 April 2019. Its promoter is the Fundació Hospital de Sant Joan Baptista de Sitges, and it’s located in the former Corral de la Vila and the former wine cellar of the Hospital. It provides a journey through the winemaking past of Sitges by highlighting the heritage of the Malvasia de Sitges. Malvasia itself is a variety of vine that produces a small and not very compact grape but this is also the name of the wine made with it, a sweet, fragrant white with high alcoholic content. It’s something of a symbol in Sitges and it was just a matter of time before a dedicated interpretation centre was opened.

Another emblem is Palau de Maricel, the last stop on your outing. Also known as Maricel de Terra and in noucentista style, at present it has three functions: a venue for institutional and cultural events, a facility for company events, and a tourist point providing guided tours. You can join one of them to visit its majestic halls, the terrace and the cloister. The beauty of the Palau will leave you with your final image of your getaway to Garraf.