Parc del Foix / Foix Natural Park

This is a small but attractive area of wooded natural park (roughly equivalent to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK) with good fishing and hiking around the area of the reservoir (Pantà in Catalan) of the river Foix.
Covering 2,900 hectares, the park is on the edge of the Garraf Massif, just inland of the Sitges-​Vilanova stretch of the Costa Daurada coast. Most of the park consists of a mountainous plateau of carboniferous limestone which rises to around 460m (1,500ft), while the edge of the park on the Penedès plain is formed from sedimentary rocks.
For such a small area the park contains great biodiversity. The mixture of landscape, lake and coastal and mountain climate sustains Holm-​oak and pine forests, extensive myrtle groves, and rough pastures and vineyards on the edge of the park. This provides a home for an extensive fauna of insects, fish, birds and reptiles.
The park is criss-​crossed by several long distance walking paths. These provide good hiking for those with reasonable stamina and walking experience: a return trip from Sitges or Vilanova to Castellet will involve a walk of around 25−30km (16 – 20 miles) and climbs of around 750m (2,400ft). Public transport within the park is extremely limited and the rocky paths include some steep climbs, with few places to shelter or find food or water. In summer, the sun is fierce and temperatures can top 35C in the shade, so spring and early autumn are the best times for walking.
Historic interest is catered for in the castles of Castellet (10^th century) and Penyafort (12^th century), as well as several small hamlets with mediaeval shrines and chapels, while the area is also littered with the remains of old farmsteads, caves and seasonal springs.
Trains on line 4 of Barcelona’s suburban railway system between Vilafranca del Penedès and El Vendrell stop at L’Arboç and Els Monjos, both just outside the south western and northern extremities of the park respectively, otherwise you’ll need your own transport to access the park via the BV-​2115 or BV-​2117 roads, or hike in from the surrounding area on one of the long distance footpaths. The roads are narrow twisty and popular with local motorcyclists.