Insider’s Guide to Alella
Alella is a popular commuter town located around a 25 minute drive from Barcelona and a a few kilometres from the Mediterranean coast. Alella is close enough to the city that you can easily pop in and out, but at the same time feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle. The town is surrounded by mountains brimming with historic vineyards and the beautiful Serralada Litoral National Park, the perfect spot for cyclists, trail runners and walkers.
The central plaça is the main focal point of village life and is usually full of children running around and people watching life go by with a coffee or ‘copa’. Not to be missed is the annual Festa de la Verema (aka the wine festival) in the second week of September and also the Festa Major in July/August. Some of my favourite restaurants are in Alella and include Els Garrofers and Bodega Celler Jordana, offering exceptional traditional cuisine with a modern twist using local produce. Louise Vaughan
History & Economy of Alella
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Alella’s history dates back over 2000 years to ancient Roman times. During the Roman Empire, the village was located on the Via Augusta, a major trade route that connected Rome with Andalusia and runs through the village to this day. The road facilitated trade and the growth of Alella’s agricultural economy. The region’s climate and landscape is ideal for vineyards, and winemaking became an important cornerstone of Alella’s economy.
Throughout the Medieval period, the area evolved into a thriving agricultural community with vineyards, olive groves and orchards covering the surrounding landscape. Alella’s proximity to Barcelona ensured it stayed connected to the city, while retaining its rural charm. In the 19th century, Alella emerged as a highly sought after retreat for Barcelona’s wealthy families, who built large country estates in the area.
Today, Alella remains a successful wine production area, maintaining its rich agriculture heritage. The Alella Tourist Office has put together a fascinating itinerary for a walking route past the village’s most notable historic buildings.
Property in Alella
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Alella’s real estate market has become increasingly attractive to both locals and expats looking for a slower pace of life, without sacrificing proximity to all the amenities that Barcelona has to offer.
Prices per square metre in Alella are generally higher than the regional average and villas with swimming pools, terraces, and views of both the Mediterranean and vineyards can reach several millions of euros. In September 2024 the average property price was 3,090€ (indomio).
The market is competitive but still offers opportunities for those seeking long-term investments, especially as Alella becomes an increasingly desirable place to live for families. The town’s strategic location makes it an excellent investment option.
Eating out in Alella
Food in Alella is a reflection of Catalunya’s rich gastronomic heritage. Local specialities include embotits (cured meats), artisanal cheeses, escalivada (roasted vegetables) and suquet de peix (a hearty fish stew).
Many of the restaurants in Alella pride themselves on sourcing locally produced ingredients from nearby farms and of course the Mediterranean sea. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Catalan fare or contemporary cuisine with a local twist, Alella’s dining scene has something for everyone.
Els Garrofers is a highly recommended restaurant serving a delicious menu, with a lovely covered terrace overlooking the forest. Celler Jordana is a traditional bodega in the heart of the village, serving delicious tapas and wines in a rustic setting. Leandre, a gastro bar on the main street. Local products and culinary creativity make up the menu. With only a handful of tables make sure you reserve in advance.
Located on the picturesque Plaça de l’Ajuntament, Cal Barquer is a local favourite that reinterprets authentic Iberian cuisine, with the feel of a French bistro. Companyia d’Alella is a welcoming wine and tapas bar serving small plates alongside delicious wines and vermuts. They have a great selection of local wines which can be bought by the glass. There are two locations: the cellar in Riera Fosca (perfect for cosy winter evenings) and a taverna in Riera Principal (great for families as the kids can run around the plaça).
The newly opened espresso bar Frizzant serves excellent coffee, delicious homemade pastries and healthy açai bowls. You’ll also find home made quiche and salads along with a selection of hummus, mutabal and tzatiki to take away.
Shopping in Alella
While you won’t find high-street chains or a large shopping district, the village is home to several boutique shops that offer handcrafted goods, artisanal food products, and local wines. Many shops are family-run and add to the warm community feel. There are several wine shops in town specialising in Alella DO wines, for stocking up on a selection of local bottles.
The local food market, the Mercat Municipal d’Alella runs from 8am to 2pm Monday to Saturday, with additional evening opening times (5pm to 8pm) on Tuesdays and Fridays and from 10am to 2pm on Sundays. A local delivery service for market produce ordered online operates in Alella, Teià, El Masnou and Vallromanes. The town also boasts the increasingly ubiquitous Ametller Origen on the high street.
Wine Culture in Alella
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Alella is synonymous with wine, and the region’s vineyards are central to its identity. The Alella DO (Denominació d’Origen) is one of the oldest (and smallest) wine-producing areas in Catalunya, dating back to the ancient Roman period. There is evidence of Alella wines being served to the Kings of Aragón in the middle ages.
Alella is renowned for its high-quality white wines and cavas made from the native Pansa Blanca grape (known as xarel-lo), as well as rosés and reds. The area’s unique microclimate and proximity to the sea give Alella DO wines their distinct characteristics – fresh, crisp, and aromatic.
Several wineries in the area offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to discover the wine-making process firsthand and sample the unique flavours of Alella’s terroir. Alta Alella and Bouquet d’Alella are popular stops for wine enthusiasts, with excellent guided tours and immersive experiences such as a picnic in the vineyards. There are also plenty of spots to sample Vermouth in Alella.
One of Alella’s most highly anticipated events is the annual Festa de la Verema (Grape Harvest Festival). Taking place throughout the town centre each September, the festival celebrated its 50th edition in 2024.
Especially popular with wine lovers, the festival features a packed programme of events and activities highlighting the region’s wine heritage, including tastings, grape stomping, live music and food pairings by local chefs.
Things to do in Alella
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
There are plenty of things to do in Alella for residents and visitors alike. Alella’s beautiful surroundings and proximity to the Parc de la Serralada Litoral make for stunning hiking and cycling trails with views of the entire coastline. The town’s central plaza, Plaça de l’Ajuntament, is a hub of social activity, especially during the weekends when locals gather for a coffee or vermut.
Mirador del Bosquet
The Mirador del Bosquet is a beautiful viewpoint around 10 minutes walk from the village. Surrounded by pine forests and vineyards, it is a beautiful picnic spot with magnificent views.
Can Lleonart
In 1521 it was known as the Arbúcies house. During the 17th and 18th centuries it belonged to the Riera-Lleonart family and a century later it passed to the Carreres family. Today Can Lleonart is a cultural centre run by the local town hall offering language classes, workshops and talks.
Pilates & Yoga
Flow Alella is a popular pilates and yoga studio with a weekly timetable of classes and Harmony by Pilates has individual and group classes Monday through Wednesday. The Barre Studio offers classes combining elements of ballet, functional training, pilates and yoga to offer a complete and stimulating workout. In addition to daily classes there are events, workshops and experiences to connect, learn and grow from a healthy lifestyle.
Club de Golf Vallromanes
Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate Alella’s proximity to some of the region’s top golf courses, such as the Club de Golf Vallromanes nearby. It’s an 18 hole course with swimming pool, tennis and padel courts, kids club, restaurant and snack bar.
Espai d’arts escèniques Casal d’Alella
For a small village, this performing arts centre is impressive. It offers a stable program of theatre, music, dance, circus and cinema, and hosts the Municipal Dance School, the Municipal Choir and offers a variety of workshops. The largest space seats 257 and boasts an impressive schedule of all the latest international films with some showings in original version. Check their instagram page for what’s on. A dedicated dance space and sound proofed music rooms are also available for hire.
Músics en Residència
The Festival de Música de Cambra is a chamber music project launched by the Alella Town Council in 2010. It brings together internationally acclaimed musicians and emerging talent for a residency in Alella to prepare concerts. A distinctive feature of the project is that guest musicians stay with host families, who are members and collaborators of the initiative. The concert series held at Espai d’Arts Escèniques Casal d’Alella is a firm favourite among locals.
Caminada dels 3 Pobles
This fun organised walk (usually held around April and May) covers a 9 kilometre loop through the vineyards and woodlands between Alella, El Masnou and Teià. There are starting points in each village and pre-registration is necessary.
Summer Casals
Alella offers a variety of summer camps, or casals d’estiu, with something to suit every child and age group. The local Ajuntament d’Alella organises annual holiday camps, including multi sports camps, football camps, swimming camps and even an adventurous adrenaline camp. Sistres Padel & Tennis Club organises casals in the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays, with a focus on padel or tennis alongside other fun activities depending on the season.
The town hall as well as the local schools also organise musical theatre camps, escape rooms, dance camps and day camps focused on important themes such as caring for the environment. Many of the holiday camps in Alella are taught in English, helping kids to develop their confidence and language skills.
Festa Major de Alella
Alella’s festa major is celebrated on the feast day of Sant Feliu, the patron saint of the town, on August 1st. It’s the town’s biggest annual celebration, offering a week of lively activities, concerts, street parties, and the ringing of the bells. The event offers a glimpse into Alella’s deep-rooted traditions and vibrant local community.
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