The presenter and theatre director has confessed that this municipality in Vallès Occidental is his escape from stress. Its old town and Romanesque monastery are the main attractions.
The frenetic pace of television has its antidote just 20 minutes from Barcelona. Àngel Llàcer has revealed that his personal refuge from the stress of the set is in the heart of Sant Cugat del Vallès, a municipality that combines medieval heritage with nature.
“It makes you feel alive,” the presenter confessed in a recent interview, confirming that this town is his particular balm.
The monastery that captivates
The great emblem of the municipality is its Monastery of Sant Cugat, one of the most important monastic complexes in Catalonia. Its Romanesque cloister, built between the 12th and 13th centuries, attracts thousands of international visitors each year.
Wandering among its columns is an almost mystical experience, according to those who have explored it. The historic centre surrounding the monastery is a maze of cobbled streets and welcoming squares where time seems to stand still.
There, designer cafés coexist with traditional shops, offering a leisurely stroll far removed from the asphalt of the capital. For residents of the province of Barcelona, it is a weekend getaway within reach for everyone.
Nature and culture just a step away
The location of Sant Cugat, next to the Sierra de Collserola, makes it an ideal starting point for outdoor enthusiasts. From the centre, marked trails lead into Mediterranean forests, perfect for cyclists, families, and hikers.
This combination of history and nature explains the real estate boom in the area. Many professionals working in Barcelona have chosen this municipality to live in, seeking quality of life without giving up proximity to the city.
The cultural offerings are relentless throughout the year: theatres, auditoriums, and top-level festivals. The Celler Modernista stands out, an industrial building that reflects the historical wine wealth of Vallès.
High-end gastronomy and Sunday plans
The local gastronomic proposal fuses traditional Catalan cuisine with avant-garde concepts. Sitting on a sunny terrace to enjoy a good local wine has become a fantastic Sunday plan for visitors.
The summer and the overcrowding of metropolitan beaches mean that alternatives like Sant Cugat are gaining popularity. Hotel spaces and tables at the most iconic terraces start to become scarce on weekends.
Proximity tourism is growing unprecedentedly, and this medieval corner is consolidating as a favourite destination for well-known faces. For readers in the province of Barcelona, it is an opportunity to disconnect without going far.

