Staycation: Miravet

Today is the very last day of August which undoubtedly marks the end of summer in our minds, and with it, we haver ready our last “Staycation” post of the 2020 summer. To end these series we are visiting the most charming riverside town in Catalonia, Miravet. Flow with us!

I have to admit that I discovered this town through Instagram… why anyone in my group of friends or acquaintances have never mentioned this town before is beyond my understanding, ha! More considering I have two close friends whose childhood town is in the same province (what do you think, were they keeping the precious secret to locals? just kidding!). However, Miravet is historically known as being the background of one of the most relevant battles in the (horrible) Spanish Civil War, which actually took place in the river you can see in the photos. It is also (apparently) well-known because it has one of the most important medieval castles in Spain. So with that, and its picturesque location, we were excited to pay it a visit!

The town is more than 2h drive from Barcelona, which in terms of big countries like USA or Australia is almost next door, ha! but in terms of Catalonia/Spain may be perceived as quite long. Let me assure you though that you can do a lot in a single round trip day from Barcelona. We started the day quite late (around 12h) and when we got there decided to take things super slow because the hot summer temperatures weren't the best ally. However if you start earlier (easy) and it's not 36ºC out there, I think you can definitely even squeeze in a nearby hike.

From the town center you can follow a trail that leads to the castle, it is very lovely as you'll see some of the houses of the town, plus once the climbing to the castle hill begins it is adapted with a wooden structure, so way easier to do! Also, you can get to the castle with your car, but unless there are mobility reasons, I would definitely recommend the walk. Don't miss the views of the river from the castle, they are breathtaking!

We had planned to take our picnic just by the riverside, and even packed a picnic blanket for that, but it was so hot we had to eat it inside the car with the air conditioning because I was having a heat stroke (glamorous not!). Mentioning just because that's the type of thing you don't get to see in the pictures, ha!

We were able to see the sun setting in the river which painted the sky with beautiful pink colors before heading back home. Best town in Catalonia I've visited yet, I think so!

What about you? Are you back from your holidays? What have you been able to do with the covid situation? What do you think about riverside towns?