Vilanova i la Geltrú

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Vilanova seaside promenade

Vilanova i la Geltrú is the capital of the comarca of Garraf, in the province of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, with a growing population of approximately 62,000.

A major Catalonian fishing port, the town is situated approximately 40km south-west of Barcelona, with the more famous coastal resort of Sitges some 10km to the north-east.

The Paseo Ribes Roges, along the beach, on a Sunday afternoon in May

The town has a long and colourful history, reaching its heyday during the Romantic period. During the rule of General Franco the Catalan language was banned and the town renamed Villanueva y Geltrú.

Vilanova i la Geltrú is a busy modern town, with manufactures of cotton, woollen and linen goods, and of paper. It has also iron foundries and an important agricultural trade. The harbour affords safe and deep anchorage; it is a lifeboat station and the headquarters of a large fishing fleet. The coasting trade is also considerable. Vilanova has a museum, founded by the Catalan poet, historian and diplomat, Víctor Balaguer (1824-1901), which contains collections of Roman, Egyptian and prehistoric antiquities, besides paintings, engravings, sculptures, coins and a large library.

Vilanova Harbor

Apart from some renowned seafood restaurants, it is home to Vilanova Xató, a type of salad dressed with a rich sauce made from almonds, olives, fish, oil and garlic, which forms the basis for the Festival of Xató (Xatonada) along with nearby villages and towns. Other notable festivals include Festa Major in early August and Carnaval (late February) which includes Les Comparses, in which good-humoured rival groups throw boiled sweets (candies) at each other.