All hotels are booked and all resorts are overcrowded with tourists. The beaches are lined with bath towels (some from 5am in the morning
onwards…) and any person living in Barcelona who has not booked a holiday half a year ago will have to suffer through smoke, heat, crowds and noise… or maybe not? Following are some suggestions for what to do for that ever-so-needed stress relief.

MONTSENY on horseback. From 263€ for a 3-star accommodation, guided tour on horses, and picnic, this trip might just do the trick for those smoke laden lungs. Contact Nextel at 902 365 001 for more information.

Tour MONTENEGRE in a jeep. From 201€ you can stay 3 nights at a hotel in Montnegre including meals, excursion with jeep and many extra activities to choose from (pay for) like touring the forests on a quad bike. Extending the stay is quite cheap too. Contact Viajes Suitours for more information on 937 670 901

BALOON RIDE over Vic. From 215€ you'll be able to enjoy a 1 ½ hour balloon ride, guided tour, dinner and stay at a B&B for 2 nights. For more info contact Viatges Alemany on 932 723 670.

MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE through Caberès and Sau Valley. From 305€ for 6 days including full lodging, mountain bike, map and guide. Additional activities are available at the places where you will be staying. Contact Viatges Alemany at 932 723 670 for more information.

STROLL THROUGH CATALONIA. From 287€ you can enjoy the views of Catalonia on a 4 day trip, staying 5 nights in a 3-star hotel in Calella, visiting Rupit, Montserrat, Girona and Figueres. Call Blau Mari Travel Services for more info: 937 691 231 / 937 665 990.

Short WEEKEND HIKE AROUND BRUC. Enjoy Saturday and Sunday with excellent guides and visit the mine and saltworks in the salt mountain, visit the castle of Cardona and discover Montserrat. For more info call Viatges la maleta on 938 695 374 / 608 444 731.

HERBS & REMEDIES. From 168€ you can hike for 2 days around Gò sol and pick herbs and learn about ancient remedies. Minimum of 4 people per excursion. Contact Tot turisme Agencia de Viatges for bookings 938 370 966.