Centelles stands at the southern entrance to the plain of Vic, where the Congost valley opens up after its narrow passage through the hills from Barcelona. The town has a long history: it was the seat of the powerful Counts of Centelles, and its old centre still has a medieval gate, narrow lanes and a palace. Above the town, the hill of Puigsagordi offers views over the plain and the surrounding mountains.
The Congost valley is a natural corridor, used for centuries by travellers, traders and armies between Barcelona and the interior. Today, the C-17 motorway and the railway run through it. The surrounding hills are covered in oak and pine forests, and the Montseny massif rises to the east, with its beech forests and high peaks. A little to the south lies Sant Miquel del Fai, a remarkable site where a monastery and church were built into a cliff beside waterfalls.
The riding around Centelles offers a mix of fast main roads and winding minor ones. The roads towards the Montseny and the Moianès plateau are particularly good, with curves, elevation changes and fine views. Weekends bring many motorcyclists and cyclists, so be careful on the bends. In summer, the heat can be intense, but the hills provide some relief.
Centelles has fuel stations, supermarkets and restaurants. The local cuisine features hearty Catalan dishes, cured meats and, in autumn, mushrooms gathered from the forests. Take a break here, explore the old town, and then head back towards Barcelona via Tibidabo, the mountain above the city with its amusement park and church, which gives a superb view over the metropolis and the sea.