Discover your perfect stay in Sant Marti Vell.
Discover the most iconic attractions in Sant Marti Vell
Find the perfect place to stay in Sant Marti Vell


Questions You Might Need to Know About Traveling to Sant Marti Vell
The best area to stay in Sant Martí Vell is the historic town center, where you'll find Hotel Sant Martí—a charming boutique hotel with Catalan architectural details and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the Santuari de Santa Maria de Montserrat, a serene religious site nestled in the hills.
For a more authentic experience, consider Casa Rural El Molí, a restored 19th-century mill turned eco-friendly guesthouse surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. The village is also close to the Costa Brava coastline, making it ideal for combining cultural exploration with seaside relaxation. Local markets and traditional tapas bars add to the charm of this hidden gem in Catalonia.
Visitors to Sant Martí Vell can immerse themselves in the annual Festa de Sant Martí, a vibrant festival blending religious tradition with folk dance, colorful costumes, and live music in the town square. The event draws locals and tourists alike, offering an authentic glimpse into Catalan heritage.
Hands-on experiences include pottery workshops at local artisan studios, where guests craft traditional Catalan ceramics using age-old techniques. For wine lovers, guided tours of nearby Parellada grape vineyards offer insight into the region’s signature white wine production. Nature enthusiasts can explore scenic trails through the Montserrat Mountains, discovering ancient monastic ruins and endemic flora amidst lush Mediterranean landscapes.
Yes, Sant Martí Vell is highly suitable for families. The town features a spacious municipal park with playgrounds, picnic areas, and a small petting zoo—perfect for children to play safely. Family-friendly restaurants serve kid-sized meals and offer high chairs.
Many accommodations, such as Hotel Sant Martí, provide spacious family rooms and on-site childcare services. The annual Children’s Art Festival brings together young creatives from surrounding towns for painting, music, and craft workshops, fostering imagination and social interaction.
A short 30-minute drive leads to Barcelona Aquarium, a top-rated attraction where kids can explore marine life and learn about ocean conservation—making it a memorable addition to any family itinerary.
Must-try dishes in Sant Martí Vell include Escudella, a hearty Catalan stew made with potatoes, beans, and various meats, slow-cooked to perfection. Another local favorite is Tumbet, a baked dish featuring eggplant, peppers, and potatoes served with a rich tomato sauce.
Visit Panaderia La Vila, a beloved local bakery, for fresh daily bread—especially their Pa amb Tomàquet (tomato bread) drizzled with olive oil, a staple breakfast treat. For dessert, try Pastís de Tres Ossos, a centuries-old almond cream cake sweetened with honey, known for its rich, velvety texture.
Don’t miss the weekend open-air market, where local vendors sell fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade jams—ideal for sampling authentic flavors straight from the source.
The best times to visit Sant Martí Vell are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October), when temperatures range from 18°C to 24°C—ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring the countryside. Spring brings blooming lavender and marigolds across the hills, while autumn marks grape harvest season, offering winery tours and tastings.
Summer (July–August) is hot but lively, with festivals like the Festa de Sant Martí and open-air concerts drawing crowds. Winter is mild, with cozy markets and fireplace cafés creating a warm, intimate atmosphere—perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and cultural depth. Avoid major holidays for smoother stays and better availability.
Near Sant Martí Vell, the Montserrat Mountain National Park offers scenic hiking trails leading to hidden monasteries and panoramic viewpoints, surrounded by Mediterranean forests and rugged terrain. The park is ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
Llac d'Esquebra, a pristine alpine lake, is perfect for kayaking, fishing, and picnicking along its shores. Nearby, the Vall de Càrcer valley remains untouched, home to diverse wildlife including the European eagle-owl and red kite birds.
Guided night-time ecological walks led by local naturalists reveal nocturnal creatures like bats, hedgehogs, and rare insects—offering a unique perspective on the region’s biodiversity.
Yes, transportation in Sant Martí Vell is convenient despite its small size. The town has a central bus station connecting to Barcelona, Girona, and other key towns in Catalonia, with buses running every hour.
For those driving, the A-7 highway provides quick access, reaching the town in about one hour. From Girona-Costa Brava Airport, a shuttle bus or taxi takes just 40 minutes.
The town center is pedestrian-friendly, with wide streets and bike lanes. Most attractions are within walking distance or reachable via electric bike rental services, making it easy to explore the town and surrounding countryside at your own pace.
Sant Martí Vell is a charming medieval village in Catalonia, Spain, renowned for its well-preserved stone houses and tranquil rural atmosphere. With cobbled streets, a 12th-century church, and traditional Catalan culture, it offers an authentic Mediterranean escape from urban bustle.
Visit the Church of Sant Martí, a Romanesque gem with frescoes, then explore the historic quarter's artisan shops and family wineries. Nearby vineyards offer wine tastings, while Garraf Natural Park provides hiking trails through Mediterranean landscapes.
Savor Catalan country dishes: escudella (meat stew), pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato), and botifarra sausage. Pair with DO Empordà wines. Saturday markets sell local cheese, olive oil, and honey.
Nearest airport is Girona (GRO), 30-min drive. Renting a car is ideal; the village is walkable. Limited buses connect to Girona. Note narrow rural roads—park in designated outer zones.
Spring (Apr-Jun) and autumn (Sep-Oct) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer has festivals; winter is quiet with lower prices.
Language: Catalan (primary), Spanish widely spoken. Internet: Free Wi-Fi in central spots; limited rural coverage. Currency: Euros (cash preferred), Visa/Mastercard accepted at hotels. Healthcare: Nearest hospital in Girona; local farmacies available. Voltage: 230V, Type F sockets. Emergency: Dial 112 (general) or 061 (medical).