Bonastre is a small hill village in the Baix Penedès, inland from the coast between Tarragona and Barcelona, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and pine-covered hills. It has a castle tower, a church and narrow streets, and from its edges the views stretch over the vines to the Mediterranean. It is a quiet place, a world away from the beach resorts on the coast.
The Penedès is one of the most important wine regions of Spain, the home of cava, the sparkling wine made by the traditional method, and of many still wines. The vineyards cover the slopes in neat rows, with stone farmhouses and wineries scattered among them. El Vendrell, the main town of the district, was the birthplace of the cellist Pau Casals, and his seaside house at Sant Salvador is now a museum. Near the coast, the Arc de Berà, a Roman triumphal arch on the old Via Augusta, still stands beside the road.
The riding around Bonastre is a delight. The roads wind through the vineyards and climb into the hills, with good surfaces and light traffic. The hills of the Montmell and the roads towards the Priorat offer more challenging curves and higher altitudes. In summer, the heat can be intense, and the roads near the coast are busy with tourists. In spring and autumn, the weather is ideal, and the vineyards are at their most beautiful.
Do not expect a pump in Bonastre. El Vendrell or the other towns of the Penedès covers fuel and food. A meal in a local restaurant, with grilled meats, seafood and a glass of local wine for the evening, is a classic experience. The Priorat lies to the south-west, with steep vineyards and some of the most winding roads in Catalonia.