Things to see and do in Mataró and around

Fifteen ideas to break your routine: from a night under the stars or a sunrise hot air balloon ride to a cabin with a fireplace. Includes timing, logistics and budget to help you choose.

A table, a vineyard or a kitchen: this is how you celebrate a stag or hen party with wine, cheese or local food tasting. Ideas, formats and prices for groups of 6 to 20 people.

Six routes in Picos de Europa, the Pyrenees and coastal ranges where north-facing slopes, forests or nearby water keep you cool. Each guide includes difficulty, duration and the best time to go.

Eight proposals less than two hours from Barcelona, from kayaking on the Costa Brava to paragliding in Berga, with clear criteria for level, season and budget for your group.

From 23 to 24 June, Spain lights bonfires by the sea. Eight beaches and towns, with their rituals and tips on transport and safety for that night.

Organise your rural getaway using trains and buses: choose a village with a station nearby, book accommodation right by the stop, and leave plenty of time between connections.