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Family-Friendly Rural Tourism in Catalunya

Rural Tourism ('turisme rural') is extremely popular in Catalunya due to the region´s varied and exciting terrain. Those looking for on-tap services look away now. Otherwise we have listed exciting rustic accommodation suitable for all the family

Can Lluís, Alt Empordà

Recommended by Kayte Locke

Can Lluís is a 7 hectare finca in the region of the Alt Emorda, north of Barcelona, near Figueres (Salvador Dali), Girona(Ryan Air) and the beaches of the Costa Brava. At the moment the finca has 2 comfortable apartments (both 4 to 5 persons) and a gipsy caravan replica.
Can Lluís Afores s/n 127741 Cistella (Girona) +34 676349028 info@elrodamon.nl www.elrodamon.nl

"We had a great holiday in an old Finca up in Northern Spain. It was a fabulous place and a lovely environment for families. It is run by a lovely Dutch couple called Rinus & Carien. We really really recommend it as it was such a lovely place, away from it all in the hills, very beautiful and calm but great for visiting the Pyrenees and also the Costa Brava. Great for the kids and great for us!" (KL Nov 2010)

Cosy, rustic house in Cérvoles

Recommended by Shani

This beautiful home, dating from the 16th century and set in the Catalan mountains, is ideal for the outdoorsy type looking to get away from it all. Lying at the end of the Vall Fosca, within 45 minutes drive of the peaks of the Pyrenees, which it looks over, it is found in a remote village at the end of a track, with only a few houses occupied. Provides a welcome change from the city, with all sorts of outdoors activities within easy reach: hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, climbing, horse-riding, skiing/snowboarding, and more. Or, for those less-athetically inclined, there are a number of lakes and rivers you can lounge alongside and take the occasional dip in, paths to stroll gently along, meadows to picnic in... not to mention mountain villages to visit, rustic restaurants to visit, bar terraces to sip you aperitivo on, and more.

Set on three floors, consisting of open-plan ground floor living/dining room and kitchen, two double bedrooms, bathroom and large open central area on the first floor, double bedroom, office/media room and cloakroom on the second floor. There is a small garden at the back, and the entire village is surrounded by unused fields and woods where you can sit, sunbathe and generally lounge about.

Despite its away-from-it-all setting, it features all mod cons: there is a washing machine, dishwasher, wood-burning stove and electric central heating, wifi and mobile cover.

The house is located at the start of the village: please note that, given the setting, a car is required, and that the last section of the road to the village is unpaved.

Week price:

* 2 people: 450
* 4 people: 550
* 6 people : 650
* 8 people: 700

Weekend price:

*2 people: 250
*4 people: 350
*6 people: 425
*8 people: 500

For the cleaning of the house, towels and sheets: 50 euro extra. For more information & photos contact Katrien info@myft.net

Comments:
"It's a beautiful spot, with breathtaking views on all sides. High above the world, nothing much seems to matter and all your cares slip away as you breathe in the fresh clear mountain air. I've been there in the snow and in the hot sun, and it seems to be invigorating at all times. So peaceful and other-worldly. The village itself has its own charm, too, and there are lots of walks from the house in several directions.The house itself is both cosy and spacious; it's warm in winter tucked up around the wood burning stove, and cool in summer when you need shelter from the sunshine. I have many happy memories of meals cooked together and shared, either inside around the big dining table in candlelight, or outside on the warm terrace, with the clucking of the hens as the only sound to break the wonderful silence.For anyone who is looking for a rustic country getaway, it's a real haven. You'll come back rejuvenated and glowing" (Shani April 2011)

Caseta Libelula

Recommended by Sonya Dowsett

Caseta Libelula is a cottage in Tivenys, Nr. L'Ampolla in the Costa Dorada.
For more information please click here

Comments:
"If you like your holidays eco-friendly with a handmade feel, if you like to be absolutely on your own in the country-side with no neighbours but without sacrificing comfort and cleanliness, I whole-heartedly recommend this holiday rental in southern Catalunya. A 6 hour drive from Madrid but well worth it, it's a really special place. We are a family of five and it was great for kids, from touches like toys left in the living room to a baby room annexe to the parents' room. Wild flowers in jam jars, waking to bird song, reading on the hammock under the stars after the kids are in bed ... lovely. Highly recommended" (SD, April 2011)

Mas ca la Coixa, La Garrotxa

Recommended by Monika Kruger

Mas ca la Coixa is a traditional 17th century masia with four comfortable holiday apartments each sleeping 4-6 people. Ideal for family getaways in an idyllic rural setting near the historic towns of Besalú, Santa Pau, Banyoles and Olot.
Each cottage has access to an area of garden with a barbeque and garden furniture. Children are welcome to visit the masia’s little vegetable garden and chickens. There’s plenty to do nearby including exploring local villages, ancient bridges and castles, and walks along rivers, amongst extinct volcanoes and through beautiful woodland of the Parc Nacional de la Zona Volcànica de La Garrotxa.
Visit the website www.peaceful-spain.eu or call Francesc tel 630 027 184 (Spanish or Catalan) or you can email him in English fsubiras@gmail.com to make further enquiries.

Comments:
"We stayed here this summer and have since been back a couple of times. Our kids have enjoyed it even more each time, they settle quickly and happily into the freedom and tranquility and we can really unwind. The owner, Francesc, lives in the main masia and will ensure you are well looked after. As well as being a carpenter, (he has carefully restored the buildings and crafted much of the furniture) he is a first rate cook and makes a magnificent paella and fideos to order. The local village has a fantastic Carnicería perfect for barbeques year-round!" (MK, Sep 2011)

Can Pei, Alta Garrotxa

Recommended by Kirsten Campbell

Excellent rural hideaway which is ideal for kids
Masia Can Pei 17855 Oix (Alta Garrotxa)
972 19 55 00

Comments:
"Can Pei, about an hour and half from Barcelona, just past Girona, great place to go with kids! There are horses (to ride or feed:) pony to ride for little ones, baby animals they can hold and feed...beautiful countryside, clean simple home, nice accommodations. Good food:) Extremely helpful, nice, relaxed family owns it...they understand kids!:0 and the needs we all have as parents. We stayed 2 nights last week, it rained and Matilda had a fever...but I still think it was one of our best trips!" (KC,

Mas Planella

Recommended by Hannah Cromarty

Mas Planella is situated in the beautiful Garrotxa region close to the Costa Brava in northern Spain. On the edge of the unique Volcanic Zone Natural Park, the masia is within a short walk of the picturesque village of Mieres.
Nearby there are many well preserved medieval villages and historic towns, including Santa Pau (9km), Banyoles (15km), Olot (19km) and Besalu (27km).
Also within easy reach of the masia are the beautiful beaches and coves of the Costa Brava, the stunning city of Girona, Figueres and the famous Dali museum, and the Pyrenees with opportunities for walking and skiing in the mountains.
Mas Planella, 17830 Mieres, Girona. Tel: +34 650 066 007 info@masplanella.com www.masplanella.com

Comments:
"I can highly recommend this property for families. The house (masia) has been beautifully restored, is very well equipped and has masses of space - including two separate living rooms. The location is stunning, with panoramic views and there is lots of outdoor space for children to run around or for barbecues and relaxing in the sun. The owners also have a few sheep and a pig on the land, which were a big hit with our children! The owners are very friendly and helpful and met all our needs - e.g. providing a cot, high chair and children's toys . The house is situated on the edge of the Garrotxa Volcanic National Park in Catalonia, a really beautiful area to explore and only 90 minutes from Barcelona. We can't wait to go back!!" (HC)

My Favourite Things

Recommended by Carrie Frais

A range of fantastic rural retreats for the family close to the Pyrenees. Those seeking satellite TV and nightime entertainment are encouraged not to come. Those who want medieval villages, hills, rivers, woods, rivers, vistas, peace, comfortable, tasteful and reasonably priced accommodation are! The rustic houses have all been personally checked out by the team in this innovative company. They offer a choice of 3 country houses and all of them have excellent children´s facilities.
637267405 www.myft.net/campo/outsideIE.html

Comments:
The properties are based in Huesca, the Pallars and Priorat. All of the properties have ameneties suitable for children including large gardens, swings and sandpits, My favourite Things also offer workshop holidays for all the family with activities including pottery, painting, writing, cooking, climbing and dance

Casa Pete y Lou

Recommended by Zoe Koumbouzi

Beautiful rural B&B in Lleida around two and half hours out of Barcelona. Situated on the South East corner of the Tremp Valley: 6 km from the village of San Salvador de Toló, and25 km from the nearest market town of Tremp.
This is an agricultural area, with ifields of wheat, corn and sunflowers, old almond and olive groves as well as vineyards..
San Salvador de Tolo, 25638 Tremp, Lleida (+34) 973252309 lou@casapeteylou.com www.casapeteylou.com

Comments:
There are lots of activities for children including horseriding, swimming in lakes, canoeing and white water rafting. There are no pram-friendly roads so its all about a backpack/car. The rooms are cosy and clean.

Hotel Cal Batlle

Recommended by The Independent Newspaper

Around half an hours drive north east of Barcelona, you will find Hotel Cal Batlle, a converted 14th Century stately home near Sant Celoni, on the edge of the beautiful Montseny Nature Park. You are also about a 20 minute drive from the long sandy beaches of the Costa Maresme.
Carretera de Sant Martí de Montnegre s/n 08470 Sant Celoni (Barcelona) Tel (+34) 938484731 info@hotelcalbatlle.com www.hotelcalbatlle.com

Comments:
There are a wide range of activities close to the hotel suitable for children including tennis, paintballing, hot air balloon rides, swimming, horseriding and pitch & putt. For keen shoppers La Roca, the (huge) outlet shopping centre is also close by.