Free walking tours in Les Borges Blanques and what to see

Must-sees

Les Borges Blanques is the capital of Les Garrigues, in the south of Lleida province, an area of olive and almond trees known for its Arbequina olive oil. The centre revolves around the long Plaça de l'U d'Octubre, surrounded by arcades and 17th and 18th-century mansions. Nearby is the Baroque and neoclassical parish church of the Assumption, whose bell tower offers views over the Lleida plain and, on clear days, the Pyrenees.

The Terrall promenade is the town's great green space: an old rainwater reservoir turned into a park, with ponds, a botanical garden and an old olive press. The Espai Macià traces the life of Francesc Macià, president of the Generalitat and closely linked to the town, and the old Cal Gineret mill houses an interpretation centre on the Spanish Civil War and the world of olive oil. The Canal d'Urgell also crosses the municipality, with flat paths for walking.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Les Borges Blanques, but there is a guided visit of the old town covering the arcaded square, the church and the main buildings, with explanations of their history. It is the easiest way to understand the town in a short time. To round off the day, the area invites you to visit oil mills and cooperatives in neighbouring villages, and trips around Les Garrigues leave from Lleida.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the old town, the Terrall and the Espai Macià. If you add an olive oil visit or a walk along the Canal d'Urgell, allow a whole day. With two days you can explore other Garrigues villages, such as Arbeca, and get to know the landscape of olive trees and dry-stone huts. Late autumn and winter, at the height of the olive harvest, is a good time to come.

Where to stay

The most practical option is to stay in the centre of Les Borges Blanques, near the arcaded square and the Terrall, with everything on foot. Choice is limited, with a hotel and rural houses spread across the municipality and the area. For a countryside feel, the villages of Les Garrigues have farmhouses and rural stays among olive groves. Lleida, less than half an hour away by car, offers much more variety.