Parc del Foix

Parc del Foix is a natural park covering 3,157 hectares across the municipalities of Castellet i la Gornal and Santa Margarida i els Monjos, in the province of Barcelona. Sitting at the foot of the Garraf massif, the park straddles three comarques — Alt Penedès, Baix Penedès and Garraf — and forms part of the Barcelona Provincial Council's network of protected natural areas.

What is at the heart of the park?

The centrepiece of the area is the Foix reservoir, one of the few genuine wetlands in this part of Catalonia and the most important such site in Alt Penedès. The dam holds back the waters of the Foix river together with several smaller streams, including Pontons and Marmellar. The reservoir itself covers roughly 66 hectares, rising to nearly 79 hectares once the adjoining river corridor is included. Much of the water comes from the wastewater treatment plant in Vilafranca del Penedès, which means it is not suitable for human consumption — instead, it mainly serves the irrigation needs of surrounding farmland.

The variety of habitats found here — riverbanks, open reservoir waters, stream beds and forest — gives the park significant ecological value. This mosaic of environments is what draws birdlife: more than 200 species have been recorded in the area, making Parc del Foix one of the region's key spots for birdwatching.

How to explore the park

Visitors can follow a network of marked walking trails, ranging from short, family-friendly routes starting near the dam to longer paths connecting with neighbouring towns. Guided walks are also organised. Two birdwatching hides are available on site — one of them adapted for visitors with reduced mobility — along with a viewing platform and exhibition spaces dedicated to the park's natural surroundings.

Sport fishing is permitted within the park, but swimming and water sports on the reservoir are not allowed — worth keeping in mind for anyone planning a visit on a hot day.

Historical heritage

Beyond its natural assets, Parc del Foix also holds notable architectural landmarks. Within and around the park stand two remarkable castles — Castellet Castle and Penyafort Castle — bearing witness to the medieval history of the Penedès region.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Parc del Foix located? Across the municipalities of Castellet i la Gornal and Santa Margarida i els Monjos, at the meeting point of the Alt Penedès, Baix Penedès and Garraf comarques, in Barcelona province.

Can you swim in the Foix reservoir? No — swimming and water sports are prohibited. Sport fishing, however, is allowed.

What else is worth seeing besides the reservoir itself? The birdwatching hides, a viewing platform, and the nearby Castellet and Penyafort castles are all worth a visit.

How large is the reservoir and the park as a whole? The reservoir covers about 66-79 hectares including its river corridor, while the surrounding natural park spans as much as 3,157 hectares.

Is the water in the reservoir drinkable? No, since it largely comes from the Vilafranca del Penedès wastewater treatment plant — it is used mainly for irrigating nearby farmland.