This circular route is a challenging and varied option, designed for cyclists in excellent physical condition who want to enjoy a long and comprehensive ride through the landscapes of the Penedès and Garraf regions. The route alternates between vineyards, Mediterranean forests, secondary roads, and sections close to the coast, combining physical difficulty with a visually rich environment.
The starting point in Santa Margarita i els Monjos is easily accessible by public transport, making the route very practical for those who don’t want to rely on a car. The first few kilometres go through vineyards and paved paths, perfect for getting into a rhythm.
The route continues towards Castellet Castle, an imposing structure situated on the Foix River. From here, the route skirts the Foix Reservoir, one of the most attractive points of the route, surrounded by Mediterranean forest and shady areas. This section combines short climbs with gentle slopes, ideal for enjoying the scenery.
From the reservoir, the route begins a gradual descent towards Vilanova i la Geltrú, almost reaching sea level. It’s a fast and pleasant stretch that allows you to catch your breath before tackling another climb. Once you’ve skirted the southern edge of the region, the route enters the inland Garraf, where short, steep climbs alternate with Mediterranean forests and local roads. Passing through Sant Pere de Ribes, the route combines quiet urban areas with tree-lined paths and gentle sections that make for comfortable cycling.
From Sant Pere de Ribes, the route continues towards Canyelles, one of the day’s most challenging climbs. Despite the effort, it’s a very enjoyable section, surrounded by vegetation and offering good views. Once you’ve reached the top, the route re-enters the Penedès region, going through vineyards and farmhouses, passing through Olèrdola, Moja, and other rural areas before returning to Santa Margarida i els Monjos.
The final kilometres are gentle, ideal for ending the day enjoying the scenery. Finally, the loop closes again in Santa Margarita i els Monjos, culminating a long, varied, and very rewarding ride.
The oldest part of this architectonic complex is the circular tower, which probably dates from the 12th century, which corresponds to the remains of the birthplace of Raymond of Penyafort (1185-1275). In addition to this medieval tower, the complex includes various buildings erected as of the 17th century, which were a Dominican convent up until the confiscations of Mendizábal in 1836. Afterwards, the building passed into the hands of the bourgeois Puig i Llagostera family, who made it their summer residence. This building has had several owners over the decades, who have implemented various improvements and projects, until in 2001 it became the property of the municipality.
The Centre for Interpretation of Republican Aviation and Air Warfare is a museum related to aviation and the civil war that is located beside masia del Serral which had housed the republican airfield of els Monjos that was part of the Vesper de la Gloriosa (Hive of the Glorious).
Next to the centre there is the old air raid shelter, whose two entrances and three ventilation chimneys can be seen. The presence of this shelter is related to the existence of the airfield. It is about 10 m deep and has a capacity for about 120 peoples.
The construction known as Foix Mill (formerly Macià mill) is what remains of the old medieval flour mill, which took advantage of the water carried by the Foix river to mill grain. The entire exterior structure of the mill is preserved, as is part of the pool where the water accumulated.
The building, owned by the municipality, is the headquarters of the Foix Mill Historical and Natural Interpretation Centre, Nature Classroom and Botanical Garden, with native species, where educational activities are carried out for school children and the general public on environmental and natural issues.
A Romanesque chapel situated atop a small hill to the east of the municipality, on the edge of the mountains where the vineyards meet, near the village of Moja. The hermitage of Mare de Déu de Penyafel has been a site of pilgrimages and gatherings, sometimes even organized by neighboring towns. Located near the Penyafel farmhouse and built slightly higher up, both buildings are visible from almost anywhere within the municipality.
The Penyafel chapel is already mentioned in a document from 1131 under the name "Penna Fedel." Inside, the image of the dark-skinned Mare de Déu de Penyafel is venerated, and until the early 20th century, it housed two 15th-century Gothic altarpieces.