Cal Xolva is in the centre of Llardecans, a small village in the south of the Segrià, right where Les Garrigues begins. It makes a great base camp: in less than an hour by car you can reach Lleida, the Ebro, the olive oil villages and archaeological sites such as Els Vilars d’Arbeca. Here’s a practical guide to planning your stay, with what you can do on foot from the house and the day trips our guests ask about most.
In Llardecans itself
You can walk around the village in no time, and it invites you to take it slow. Carrer de la Vila Closa, where the house is, runs from the church square up to the viewpoint, from where you can see the plain and, on clear days, the Pyrenees.
- The Tomàs Piñol Pharmacy: an old apothecary preserved like a small museum. We tell you all about it in this article.
- Night sky: with little light pollution, it’s easy to see the Milky Way in summer. Ideas and tips in Sky and silence in Llardecans.
- Walks along the dry farmland paths, among olive trees, almond trees and cereal fields, ideal early in the morning or at dusk.
Olive oil, dry stone and the villages of Les Garrigues (under 30 minutes)
Les Garrigues is extra virgin olive oil country. In Torrebesses, a few minutes away, there are guided walks through dry-stone landscapes and an olive oil route that passes the Bep del Canut mill. In La Granadella you’ll find the Olive Oil Museum of Catalonia, in the old cooperative, with the original machinery of a mill founded in 1920.
- New olive oil season (November and December): the best time to taste it at the mills. More information in New olive oil from Les Garrigues.
- Vaulted huts: dry-stone buildings without mortar, scattered across the fields of L’Albi, El Vilosell or Castelldans. We suggest a route in the dry-stone route.
- Roca dels Moros (El Cogul): a rock art site declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with more than forty human and animal figures.
History: from the Iberians to castles
In Arbeca you’ll find Els Vilars d’Arbeca, an Iberian fortress with one of the most interesting Iron Age defensive systems in Europe. The area also has medieval castles such as those of L’Albi and Arbeca, and in Les Borges Blanques the Espai Macià, dedicated to President Francesc Macià.
Lleida in a day
The city is about 30 minutes away. The Seu Vella dominates the hill and is a must-see; on the plain you’ll find the orchards, the River Segre and plenty of restaurants. There’s a full itinerary in what to do in Lleida on a weekend. If you’re coming in May, check the dates of the Aplec del Caragol.
Wine and fruit trees in bloom
- Wine tourism: the DO Costers del Segre has wineries offering tours and tastings. A selection in wine tourism in the Costers del Segre.
- Blossom: between late February and March, the peach orchards of Aitona turn pink. Tips for going in the Aitona blossom.
Day trips further afield
If you have a free day, you can head to the Terres de l’Ebre and the Priorat. One of the most popular outings is Siurana, a village perched high in the mountains with spectacular views.
Ideas depending on who’s coming
- With kids: short walks, the blossom and nights of stars. We go into detail in things to do with kids in the Segrià.
- With friends: calçotadas, long dinners on the terrace and the house barbecue. See the guide to making a calçotada and the one on a rural house for groups of friends.
- To celebrate: birthdays, reunions and hen or stag weekends. Ideas in a rural house for celebrations.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a car to get around the area?
Yes. Llardecans is a small village and most trips in the area are best done by car.
What’s the best time of year to come?
It depends on your plans: spring for the blossom and walks, summer for starry nights, autumn for new olive oil and winter for the fireplace.
Can you recommend things to do when we arrive?
Of course. We handle bookings directly and can advise you based on your group and the days you’re coming.
