Free walking tours in Castelldefels and what to see

Must-sees

Castelldefels is a coastal town in the Baix Llobregat, about twenty kilometres south of Barcelona. Its big draw is the beach, about five kilometres of fine sand, with a promenade full of restaurants and beach bars. It is a wide beach, good for sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and paddleboarding. In the background, the Garraf massif marks the end of the flat coast.

Inland is Castelldefels castle, medieval in origin and much restored, next to the church of Santa Maria. The Torre Barona, an old defence tower, also stands out. The Olympic Canal, built for the 1992 Games, is now used for canoeing and other water activities. From the town you can quickly reach Garraf Natural Park and Sitges.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Castelldefels. Its advantage is being very close to Barcelona, which has daily free tours of the Gothic Quarter, El Born and the modernista Eixample. Among paid visits, a guided entry to the Sagrada Família is worthwhile. Trips to Sitges and Montserrat and guided bike or walking routes in the Garraf are also easy from here.

How long to spend

Castelldefels can be seen in half a day: a stroll along the beach and promenade and a climb to the castle. If you are on holiday, the usual plan is to combine beach days with outings. A good split for four days would be two days in Barcelona, one in Sitges and the Garraf, and another for the beach and an activity on the water. The commuter train makes these trips very easy.

Where to stay

To enjoy the beach, stay along the promenade, with the sea a step away and plenty of restaurants. If you plan to go into Barcelona often, look for accommodation near Castelldefels or Castelldefels Platja stations, with direct trains. The centre, by the castle, is quieter and has local life. In summer the beach area fills up, so book early.