Sant Cugat del Vallès is transformed in the summer into a scene of cultural activities, nature and gastronomic experiences. Whether you stay in the city or come to visit, these 10 proposals will make you enjoy it even more.
Tasta Mandó: a summer with local flavour
This summer, the mandó tomato takes centre stage of Sant Cugat’s gastronomy. A native, flavourful, and 100% local variety that we invite everyone to discover, taste and enjoy.
From July to September, a full calendar of events has been prepared:
- Tastings and pairings
- Workshops for the whole family
- And to close, the big closing fair on Sunday, 7th September in Plaça Barcelona
But that’s not all: for the first time, 28 restaurants in Sant Cugat will offer special dishes featuring the mandó tomato on their menus — a perfect opportunity to discover new flavours with a local, fresh, seasonal ingredient.
Participating restaurants:
Rancho El Paso, Les Escales Bistró, Masia Vilallonga Restaurant, Cal Gausac, Cal Temerari, Bodega Tomàs, La Teresita, Dehesa Sant Cugat, Mecànic Pizza, Restaurant Greta, Pizzeria Mezzanote, Àcid Bar, Bar Papitu, El Vi De Deu, Bar Spoon, Fermenteria Smakelig, La Queixalada, La Bodegueta de Sant Cugat, El Celler d’en Medir, La Brasa del Minigolf, Braseria La Ponde Bar, Creu de Coll Favà Bar, Rusiñol Bar Stop, Taberna 1984, Cafè Mosch, La Taverna Catalana del Mercantic and Sankhu.
A sustainable way to discover the region’s cuisine. Check the program
Mercantic: creativity, concerts and magic every week
Mercantic is a universe of its own. It’s like a small town that offers us a permanent flea market that comes alive every week with a wide range of creative workshops, live music, gastronomy and lots of vintage charm.
Download the July schedule or check out the Mercantic agenda where you will find:
Permanent activities (Tuesday to Sunday):
- Bouquets of flowers to dry, ceramics, macramé, knitting, stained glass, crochet, furniture restoration and much more.
- Vermut Concerts: Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at El Siglo.
- Summer market : Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm in the outdoor patio.
In the evenings…
- Night Market : Saturdays July 5 and 26 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Jam Sessions at El Siglo: every first and third Thursday of the month from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
An ideal place to spend a different day!
The Monastery of Sant Cugat: the most powerful in the County of Barcelona
Every Saturday at 10 am you can discover the most powerful Monastery in the County of Barcelona. A guided tour to discover the most important Romanesque cloister in Europe, the church and the entire heritage site.
What will you discover there?
- The Romanesque cloister with 144 sculptural capitals unique in Europe.
- The Gothic altarpiece of All Saints, by Pere Serra.
- The rose window and a church that blends Romanesque and Gothic styles
A journey to the past in a monumental environment of great beauty and serenity.
Price: €8 | Saturdays at 10 am.
Nights of legends at the Monastery of Sant Cugat
If you want to live a truly magical experience, sign up for the night tour of the Monastery on Saturdays in August at 10 p.m. With the moonlight, the silence of the night and the stories of monks, legends, magical beings and hidden symbols, the visit becomes a sensory immersion.
Behind closed doors, you will visit:
- The illuminated cloister
- The empty church
- Hidden corners only revealed at night
A unique and exciting activity that will take you into the most mysterious face of our history.
Price: €15 | Saturdays in August at 10 p.m.
The Camino de Santiago via Sant Cugat: nature, history and spirituality
The Camino de Santiago route connecting Barcelona with Montserrat passes through Sant Cugat del Vallès along the GR-6 trail — an ideal choice for those who enjoy nature and cultural heritage. This route follows the historic path taken by pilgrims since the Middle Ages on their journey to Santiago de Compostela.
The GR-6 route: from Barcelona to Montserrat via Sant Cugat
The route is divided into two main stages:
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Barcelona to Sant Cugat (18.5 km): The trail begins at the Horta Velodrome and crosses the Collserola Natural Park. This scenic stretch ends in Sant Cugat, where you’ll find the impressive 12th-century Benedictine Monastery, famous for its Romanesque cloister and rich architectural heritage.
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Sant Cugat to Montserrat (38.3 km): From Sant Cugat, the route continues through Ullastrell, Olesa de Montserrat and Esparreguera before reaching the Montserrat Sanctuary — one of Catalonia’s most important spiritual landmarks.
Download the GPS track
To help you navigate the trail, you can download the full GPS track via the link below:
Download the GR-6 track (Barcelona – Montserrat via Sant Cugat)
Sunsets at the viewpoint of the South Tower of the Monastery of the Monastery wall
On 12th July and 13th September, the South Tower of the Monastery opens its doors to the public to enjoy exceptional views of the old town, the walls, and the surrounding landscape.
What will you find there?
- Free access from 6 to 9 p.m.
- Free guided tour at 7 p.m.
- A 14th-century hexagonal tower with loopholes, original doorway, and medieval remains
A unique space to contemplate Sant Cugat at golden hour.
Consult information on the website of Sant Cugat Museums
Price: Free | No prior reservation required
Cool down with a refreshment overlooking the Monastery
Have you discovered Plaça d’Octavià? It’s one of the most iconic and lively spots in Sant Cugat. Surrounded by history and local life, it’s the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a refreshing treat.
Shaded terraces, a relaxed atmosphere and the best views of the Monastery await you.
Fancy one of these?
- An artisanal ice cream
- A cold horchata or lemonade
- A classic iced coffee, revitalising and smooth
A moment to unwind, with great company and a historic setting as your backdrop.
Parks and viewpoints: nature, shade and spectacular views
Sant Cugat is a green benchmark, it is the city with the most trees per capita in Catalonia and one of the first in Spain in green spaces per inhabitant.
What is it due to?
- An average of one tree per person
- Urban parks such as Central, Turó de Can Mates … or the large Natural Park of the Serra de Collserola…
- Viewpoints from which to contemplate the city and unforgettable sunsets
Whether you want to rest in the shade, play sports or simply enjoy the afternoon breeze, Sant Cugat’s parks are a delight in summer. Choose the park you like best, or head into Collserola.
Cultural routes for “Exploring Families”
Are you looking for a fun and educational idea to do with your children this summer? The “Exploring Families” initiative is ideal for spending an active and refreshing day discovering the city and forgetting about your mobile phones.
The exploration kit includes:
- Binoculars
- A map
- An activity notebook
- A pencil to overcome challenges
The little ones will learn by playing while they travel 5 routes designed for them, with tests to discover Sant Cugat.
Check out all the routes and download the materials at Routes for exploring families.
Terraces and gastronomy: flavours for every taste
After a full day of activities, you’ll likely need to recharge — and there’s nothing better than taking a break and enjoying a good meal. In Sant Cugat, you’ll find terraces all across the city, set in pleasant, shaded surroundings that are perfect for relaxing, socialising, and cooling off.
Choose the option that best suits your taste.
- Catalan, Mediterranean, modern or international cuisine restaurants.
- Traditional menus, creative proposals and vegetarian and vegan options.
- Artisan pastries and bakeries with gluten-free options and quality sweets.
The terraces spread throughout the city allow you to eat outdoors in pleasant, fresh surroundings.
We recommend that you consult the post The best places to enjoy summer in Sant Cugat
Have a nice summer in Sant Cugat!
