Cardedeu offers a variety of ways to enjoy a stay amid rural trails, architectural heritage and local specialities. Near the town centre, a network of rural paths runs through fields and forests. There are also historic sites bearing traces of very different eras: the Church of Santa Maria has been documented since the 9th century, while the current church dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. You can choose which aspect to focus on according to your interests.
Trails and countryside around Cardedeu
The paths near the centre offer quiet, flat places for walking or sports activities. A total of 24 hiking and cycling routes are available in the Cardedeu area. Parc Pompeu Fabra is the starting point for various routes through the municipality’s natural and cultural surroundings. The numbers and starting points offer different ways to plan: you can consider a single loop or first explore the available routes.
The landscape around Sant Hilari has its own distinctive character, too. The Serra de Sant Hilari includes mixed woodland, cultivated fields and vineyards. The area around the Mas and Ermita de Sant Hilari offers panoramic views of fields and mountain ranges. Montseny Natural Park is less than half an hour from Cardedeu. So, in addition to the rural paths near the centre, there are other landscapes to consider when planning your visit.
Architecture and history
The Museu Arxiu Tomàs Balvey preserves historical, ethnographic and artistic collections relating to the history of Cardedeu. The Farmà cia Balvey, meanwhile, retains its original fittings from 1812 and more than 200 pharmacy jars. To explore the area’s architectural history, you can look at buildings from different periods: the summer residence towers range in style from Eclecticism and Classicism through Modernisme to Noucentisme.
Several buildings are associated with the architect Manuel Joaquim Raspall. He designed Parc dels Pinetons in 1930; the municipal cemetery was built to his design in 1919–1920 and retains its original layout. Alqueria Cloèlia was the summer residence of Mercè Espinach and Raspall’s first private commission in 1904. Casa Golferichs is a work by Raspall dating from 1908. Carmen Golferichs Losada, Masó’s widowed wife, sponsored it as a summer residence for the family.
Sant Hilari also combines architectural and historical significance: the complex is designated a Bé Cultural d’Interès Local (Local Cultural Asset of Interest). If you are interested, you can contact the Museu Arxiu Tomàs Balvey to arrange guided visits to the site for organised groups in advance. Another historic landmark is the Roman villa of Pla de les Parets, with a rural area, a residential area and small baths.
Puzzle trails and gardens
“Els enigmes de Cardedeu | Street Scape” features two puzzle trails. One leads through the town centre and focuses on its historical and architectural heritage; the other runs through the municipality’s natural surroundings. Both games can be played 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This gives you two different themes to choose from without committing to a traditional guided tour.
The garden of the Museu Arxiu TomĂ s Balvey is home to Mediterranean plant species used for medicinal purposes. The museum also offers educational visits and workshops on natural and scientific heritage. As access and programmes may change, check current visiting options in advance.
Borregos and annual events
Borregos are a symbol and speciality of Cardedeu. They are made with flour, sugar, butter, Matafaluga and aniseed. As a culinary landmark, they stand apart from the municipality’s cultural and landscape attractions and offer a distinct reason to get to know Cardedeu.
Events take place throughout the year, too: the Aplec de Sant Hilari traditionally takes place on the second Sunday in January. The Fira de Nadal i del TorrĂł ArtesĂ is held in the second week of December; the programme and dates may vary, so it is worth checking the latest information. The Festa Major takes place on the weekend closest to 15 August. If one of these events is important to your trip, check the specific dates in advance.
Getting there and accommodation
Cardedeu has a stop on Rodalies line 2, between Sant Vicenç de Calders and Maçanet-Massanes. Train services and timetables may change, so check current connections before travelling. This lets you choose Cardedeu based on the themes that actually matter for planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Calders, MontmelĂł, Castelldefels, Begues, Barbera Del Valles, Sant Cugat Sesgarrigues, La Quar, El Masnou.
For the main travel overview: Barcelona.
