Parc de la Quitxalla

Parc de la Quitxalla is a small but carefully renovated municipal park in Canovelles, a Catalan town in the Vallès Oriental county, close to Granollers and Barcelona. Located on Passeig de la Ribera, it was the very first park the town ever had — over the years it fell into disrepair, until a major renovation brought it back to life for locals and visitors alike.

How to get there?

The park sits in the central part of Canovelles, right on Passeig de la Ribera, making it an easy walk from almost anywhere in town. Canovelles borders Granollers, the main town of the Vallès Oriental region, which is well connected by local bus lines. Travelers coming from Barcelona will find it easiest to take a train to Granollers and continue by local transport or on foot into Canovelles. Drivers will find parking typical of a small Catalan town in the streets surrounding the park.

What will you see?

The park's current look is the result of a comprehensive renovation project that cost more than 334,000 euros. The works added a new 100-square-metre building housing the El Gargot children's play library (ludoteca) and a multipurpose social space used by residents for gatherings and community activities. The park grounds themselves were completely redesigned, with a newly landscaped green area, a decorative fountain featuring a statue, a table-games zone with ping-pong, and a dedicated children's play area.

At the heart of the site is La Quitxalla, a children's space run by the Canovelles town council. It was designed as a place where children can play together, supporting their overall development — physical, mental, emotional and social. Between the green walkways, the recreational corner and the ludoteca building, the park works both as a quiet green spot for adults and as a play-and-learn space for children.

Who is it for?

Parc de la Quitxalla is a classic neighborhood park, aimed mainly at families with children and residents looking for a calm place to unwind. Visitors exploring the Vallès Oriental can treat it as a short stop while touring Canovelles and nearby Granollers — it is not a top-tier tourist attraction, but it is a good example of how a local public space can be brought back from decline.

When to visit?

Like most green spaces in Catalonia, the park is best enjoyed in spring and early autumn, when temperatures are mild and the vegetation looks its best. Summer heat in the Vallès Oriental can be intense around midday, so early morning or late afternoon visits are more comfortable. The ludoteca and social space follow a schedule set by the town council, so if you're planning a visit around children's activities, it's worth checking current opening hours with the local authorities beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes, it is a public municipal park run by the Canovelles town council and open to everyone at no cost.

Is there anything for children? Yes — a playground, a table-games area, and the La Quitxalla space together with the El Gargot ludoteca, all designed specifically for young visitors.

Is it worth a longer stop while touring the area? Yes, thanks to its benches, greenery and fountain it makes a pleasant short break on a route through the Vallès Oriental, though it isn't the region's main draw.

What's the best way to get there without a car? The simplest route is to take a train or bus to nearby Granollers, then continue by local transport or on foot to the center of Canovelles, where the park is located.