Wedged between Viladecans and Castelldefels, Gava is a coastal municipality on the outskirts of Barcelona. It’s home to a wide sweep of sand and a centuries-old complex of mines that were used from the Neolithic period through to the Middle Ages.
Things to do in Gavà
Stretching along the Balearic Sea are the wide sands of Platja de Gava, which is a popular spot for local families to relax in the summer months. In the winter, it provides the setting for leisurely walks west to Castelldefels or east to the Llobregat Delta. This protected area is one of Catalonia’s most important wetlands, providing habitat for both local and migratory bird species.
You can venture underground to explore the prehistoric Gava Mines, which encompass more than 200 hectares and over 100 known mines. They were used during the Neolithic period for mining variscite before being re-exploited for iron ore by the Iberians and Romans. Once exhausted, some of the mines were used as burial sites, with the Venus of Gava and the Trepanation Skull among the most important findings.
Gava makes an ideal base for visiting Catalunya en Miniatura, which is one of the largest miniature parks in the world. Its 147 architectural models include miniature versions of Antoni Gaudi creations, as well as Barcelona’s Columbus Monument and Plaza del Rey. In addition to its miniature marvels, the park is home to several ropes courses and the thrilling Banzai Zipline.
Getting around Gavà
Gava is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Barcelona and just 10 minutes from the terminal buildings of Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Regular trains connect to the Gava railway station and the municipality is served by public buses. The centre of Gava can easily be explored on foot.