A Journey into the Past from the Costa Dorada 🌿
If you’re passionate about history, culture and nature, we’ve got the perfect day trip for your Costa Dorada holiday: Discover the Cistercian Route and the Caves of L’Espluga — a unique escape that takes you on a journey back through time.
From majestic medieval monasteries to prehistoric caves, this route is full of surprises. Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Let’s dive in!
🏛️ The Cistercian Route: Step into Medieval Catalonia
The Cistercian Route links three spectacular Cistercian monasteries in Catalonia — each with its own character, charm and centuries of history:
🔹 Santes Creus Monastery (Aiguamurcia) – A majestic complex that hasn’t housed a monastic community since 1835. Don’t miss its stunning Gothic cloister!
🔹 Poblet Monastery (Vimbodí i Poblet) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only one of the three still home to a community of monks. It’s grand, peaceful and full of life.
🔹 Vallbona de les Monges Monastery (Lleida) – The smallest of the three, but full of charm. This one is inhabited by a community of Cistercian nuns and offers a unique, serene atmosphere.
📍 Traveller’s tip: You can visit all three monasteries in one day, but if you want to really soak in the history and atmosphere, we recommend spreading it out over two days.
⛰️ The Caves of L’Espluga: Travel Back to Prehistoric Times
If you’re fascinated by ancient history and archaeology, don’t miss the chance to explore the Coves de l’Espluga — one of the longest caves in Catalonia, with evidence of human presence dating back over 37,000 years!
🔦 What to Expect at the Coves de l’Espluga
🪨 A guided tour through the cave, where you’ll discover how our prehistoric ancestors lived.
🎭 Interactive displays and audiovisual projections that bring human evolution to life.
💦 Learn about the source of the Francolí River, which begins deep within the cave itself.
👀 A realistic experience with recreated scenes and sound effects that truly transport you back in time.
📌 Traveller’s tip: Wear comfy shoes and bring a warm layer — it’s noticeably cooler inside the cave than it is outside.
🏡 Where to Stay for Your Culture-Packed Escape
After a full day of exploring ancient monasteries and prehistoric caves, you’ll want a comfy place to relax and recharge. At Planet Costa Dorada, we’ve got a wide range of apartments, houses and villas where you can unwind after your cultural adventure.
📌 Book your stay at www.planetcostadorada.com and turn your visit to the Cistercian Route and the Caves of L’Espluga into an unforgettable holiday experience!