Little Beach House Barcelona

Worth getting out of bed for

Garraf is spoiled for parks. Its namesake Garraf Park, is home to plenty of palms, old farmhouses, the former hunting grounds of the noble Güell family and a Buddhist monastery, Palau Novella, to boot. Take a tour and learn about eastern philosophy, meditation or the monastery’s sacred collection of objects from the monks who live there. When you’re sufficiently Zen, take a cultural stroll through Olèrdola, 600-acres of Aleppo pine forest and Mediterranean maquis crowned by an ancient walled settlement where Iberian, Roman and mediaeval remains can still be found. Among them, you’ll find the 10th-century Olèrdola castle and the Romanesque hilltop Church of Sant Miquel. Penedès’ Foix Park also boasts a mediaeval hamlet, picturesque reservoir and another rather striking old castle. Follow the banks of the river and when the kids get tired, Joc del Foix is an excellent way to revive their enthusiasm, an online game that has you solving riddles en route. Plus, purchase of the game comes with free entry to Caves Rovellats and Caves Romagosa Torné wine cellars, so adults – there’s a reward for you in there, too. The neighbouring municipality of Sant Pere de Ribes makes for another interesting amble, especially the old quarter, where ostentatious ‘Indian’ houses (Indians referring Spaniards who made their fortune in the New World) line the streets. Speaking of fortunes, no expense has been spared at Stiges’ Museu Romàntic Can Llopis, a salmon pink palazzo where visitors can cosplay as wealthy 19th-century landowners. As well as the usual Neoclassical pomp to be expected in these kinds of lodgings, you’ll find a curious collection of dolls and toys on the second floor and a wide collection of Pau Rigalt works on the first. Stick around into the evening to experience Catalunya’s LGBTQ hotspot at its booty-shaking best.

Local restaurants

For dinner with a view, you can’t do much better than La Cúpula, a local favourite perched on the rocks of Garraf Bay with front-row seats to the Med. Come here for plentiful plates of paella, and fresh-from-the-boat seafood. Over in Sitges, NEM puts a modern spin on traditional Catalan fare with seasonal sharing plates that change each week – cod and chickpea curry with grapes, nigella seeds and coconut, for example, or dorada sashimi with cilantro, lime, sweet potato and chilli. Their only two evergreen dishes are not to miss; pair your seasonal bites with the Nem, a chunky spring roll served in a nest of lettuce and mint leaves, and patatas bravas slathered in spicy aioli. And if it’s toe-in-sand tapas you're after, El Chiringuito is right on your doorstep and perfect for no-fuss pickings as the sunset bathes the bay.

Local cafés

If caffeine’s your thing – or bikes, for that matter – Sitges-based Volo Café is worth the five-minute drive along the coast. This industrial-chic spot on the edge of town specialises in artisan roasts, trendy brunches and e-bike rentals. Take a 30-minute spin up to Sant Pere de Ribes then reward yourself with a smoked-salmon bagel, slice of salted-caramel chocolate cake or a hearty pile of French toast served with free-range eggs, maple syrup, caramelised walnuts and seasonal fruits.

Local bars

Fashion, art, music and hella good cocktails? Find it all at Radio Rooftop. Located on the eighth floor, this open-air lounge boasts unparalleled views of the town, and come weekends, provides a live soundtrack of balearic beats to bop to.