Òdena offers several ways to plan a trip: an early historical reference to its castle, a Roman archaeological site, aviation history, paths along a river, and a tour with a Cava tasting. When planning, it helps to distinguish between these experiences by format. An archaeologist-led tour, a route on foot or by bike, and a tour of a country estate are different focuses—not interchangeable stops.
Castle and Roman Archaeological Site
Castell d’Òdena was first documented in 957 under the name Kastromuro Odena. The tower also has a distinctive architectural feature: it is polygonal, has eleven sides, and comprises four floors. This makes it possible to understand the castle both through its early historical mention and its unusual ground plan.
The Vil·la Romana de l’Espelt represents a much earlier period. It was active between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD. During a guided tour, the archaeologist responsible for the excavations explains the preserved remains of the site. The focus here is on expert interpretation on site, while Castell d’Òdena is characterized above all by its historical mention and distinctive tower.
Aviation History and Routes
Aeròdrom Igualada-Òdena was built during the Spanish Civil War as an airfield and communications base for the Republican Army. Today, it is home to schools for powered flight and gliding, as well as for operating aircraft, ultralight aircraft, and hang gliders. Access to the facilities is restricted, so check what access is possible before planning a visit. A major hot-air balloon manufacturer is also based there. The airfield thus combines a historical military role with present-day aviation and manufacturing, but it is not open for an unrestricted tour.
The Camí fluvial de la Riera d’Òdena offers a different way to explore the area. The 7.28-kilometre path runs from the centre of Òdena to Igualada, following the Riera d’Òdena. You can use it on foot or by bike. Its length, endpoints, and modes of travel provide a clear framework for planning a day out. One of the two tourist dry-stone wall routes is in l’Espelt. It offers another theme for travellers interested in dry-stone walls; no specific details about length or duration are provided.
Cava, the Country Estate, and Local Events
Caves Bohigas offers a tour about the history of the Can Macià estate and Cava production. It takes visitors through areas such as the barrel room, the underground cellar, and the family chapel, and ends with a tasting of a Cava and a Bohigas wine. The experience combines the estate’s history and production with a tasting. Booking in advance may be required, so check when planning your visit.
The Fira de la Vinyala also offers a glimpse of a specific event programme: the 2025 edition included a market featuring snail-related products, a family cooking workshop, grape stomping, and a must tasting. These were programme items for that edition, not details of a future date.
When looking for hotels in Òdena, it helps to choose the focus of your stay first. The riverside path is a clearly defined route with named endpoints; on the tour in l’Espelt, an archaeologist explains the site, and the tour at Caves Bohigas combines the estate’s history with a tasting.
Discover more destinations: Montmeló, Sant Just Desvern, Sant Quirze De Besora, Pallejá, Viladellops, Tordera, Les Roquetes, Manresa
For the main travel overview: Barcelona.
