Guide to Lleida — the city of snails

Lleida or Lerida in Spain is a small city with a population of just over 130 thousand people. It is located in the west of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia and is the capital of the province of the same name. What is this city famous for? It is primarily known for its grandiose Seu Velha Cathedral, which rises on a hill. There are also several ancient castles in Lleida. The old town is a pedestrian zone with a variety of shops. You can take a break from the hustle and bustle in local parks. In Lleida, you should definitely visit restaurants, some of which are noted in the Michelin guide, and try the gastronomic pride of the region – snails. What are things to see and do in Lleida, Spain? Let’s figure it out together.

Top attractions in Lleida

The main attractions of Lleida are associated with the ancient history of this city. First of all, this is the Seu Velha Cathedral and castles. It is also worth paying attention to urban green areas.

Old Lleida Cathedral (Seu Vella de Lleida, Seo Vieja)

Old Lleida Cathedral is the main attraction of Lleida, located on the Turó de Lleida hill. Thanks to this location, it dominates the city. Its first stone was laid in 1203. The consecration of the temple took place in 1278, but construction was completed only in the 15th century. Seu Vella de Lleida combines Romanesque and Gothic styles. In 1707, when Lleida was captured by the Spanish King Philip V, the cathedral was turned into a military barracks. Since then it has no longer been used as a religious building. In the complex with the cathedral, there is a monastery located in front of its entrance. This decision of the architects is still considered extremely unusual. Also in Seo Vieja, there is a bell tower from the 14th-15th centuries, 60 meters high. You can climb to its top via a spiral staircase.

The cathedral is open to visitors every day except Mondays, January 1 and 6, and December 25 and 26. Entrance is paid for everyone, except for children under 7 years old, clergy, and people with disabilities. Seu Velha can be visited for free during the holidays of May 11, September 11, and 29 and on the first Tuesday of each month.

Castle of La Suda (Castell de la Suda, Castillo de La Suda)

The Castle of La Suda or Rey (Castell del Rei) is another historical landmark of Lleida. It is located on the same hill as the Seu Velha Cathedral. It was built in the 9th century when the Moors lived in this territory. In 1031-1036, Hisham III, the last caliph of Cordoba, hid here. In 1150, the wedding of the Barcelona Count Ramon Berenguer IV and the daughter of the Aragonese king Petronilla of Aragon took place in La Suda. As a result of this union, the Crown of Aragon appeared – a unification of territories under the leadership of the kings of Aragon. Speaking of the latter, in 1214, in the Castell de la Suda, the local nobility swore allegiance to the baby, who later became King Jaime I the Conqueror.

For some time the castle was the residence of the Counts of Barcelona. During the Peninsular War against Napoleon (1812) and the Civil War (1936), the building was severely damaged and was never restored. In the southern part of the fortress, which was least damaged, there is a small museum, and it is possible to climb to the roof. From here you have panoramic views of Lleida.

The castle receives visitors on the same schedule as the Old Lleida Cathedral.

Lleida Museum (Museu de Lleida, Museo de Lérida)

The Lleida Museum is dedicated to the art and history of the region. It was opened relatively recently – in 1997. The permanent exhibition features more than 1,000 objects – archaeological finds, paintings, sculptures, tapestries, clothing, furniture, and coins. Visitors can see several temporary exhibitions throughout the year. The Museu de Lleida hosts educational activities, primarily aimed at young visitors of different ages.

Entrance to the museum is free for children under 16 years of age, people with disabilities, and holders of special cards. On the first Tuesday of the month, May 11 and 18, Museum Night, September 11 and 29, admission is free for everyone.

Arboretum-Botanical Garden of Lleida (Arborètum – Jardí Botànic de Lleida)

The Arboretum and Botanical Garden of Lleida is a green area near one of the campuses of the University of Lleida. It is also called the Arboretum Dr. Pius Font i Quer. This place was opened to the public in 2013. Covering an area of 6.5 hectares, plants are representative of four biomes – boreal coniferous forests, temperate tropical forests, temperate deciduous forests, and sclerophyll forests. The garden is decorated with gazebos, bridges, streams, and sculptures.

The best time to visit Arborètum – Jardí Botànic de Lleida is spring and summer when active flowering occurs. Children under 12 years of age, people over 65 years of age, and other benefit groups can visit the botanical garden for free. Guided tours are available around the area. Various master classes are also held here. The park is open every day except January 1 and 6, May 1, December 25 and 26.

La Mitjana Park (Parc Municipal de la Mitjana, Parque Municipal de la Mitjana)

The Municipal Park of La Millana is a large green area in the city of Lleida, covering an area of 90 hectares. It is located on the banks of the main city river – Segre. This is a favorite location for local birdwatchers. In addition to bird watching, in the park, you can ride bicycles, walk, have a picnic in special areas, and go boating or kayaking on the river.

Champs Elysees Park (Parc dels Camps Elisis, Parque de Los Campos Elíseos de Lérida)

The Champs Elysees Park is located across the river from the Seu Velha Cathedral. This green area was designed in the 19th century according to the type of American gardens, where each plot had its trees. Also in the park, you can see the French style inherent in the Versailles gardens, with shaped trimmed bushes and bright, neat flower beds. Parque de Los Campos Elíseos de Lérida also has areas with fountains that provide freshness on hot days. The most iconic structures are the Templet de la Música gazebo and the 1920s Cafè Teatre building.

Gardeny Castle (Castell Templer de Gardeny, Castillo de Gardeny)

Gardeny is a 12th-century castle located on the hill of the same name. Here, until the 14th century, was one of the headquarters of the Catalan Templars. During the Segadorian Revolt (1640-1652) and the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714), defensive structures were built around the Castell Templer de Gardeny. This addition turned Gardeni into a military fort. The uniqueness of this place is that it has been preserved in fairly good condition.

The castle is available for visiting from mid-March to the end of December. Monday is a day off. The complex is closed in January and February. Children under 13 years of age, people over 65 years of age, and people with disabilities are entitled to free entry.

What should a tourist do in Lleida?

• Take a walk along the Segre River embankment. This is a green area inside the historical buildings of Lleida. Here you can walk along the water and take a break from the city noise.
• Find out the best things to do in Lleida Old Town. In addition to the Seu Vella Cathedral and the old Hospital of Santa Maria, this pedestrian part of the city is home to the New Cathedral, the Town Hall (La Paeria Palace), and the Chapel of St. James (Capella de Sant Jaume – Peu del Romeu).
• Walk along Carrer Major Street. This is the oldest street in the city, which over time became pedestrian. Here you can see buildings that are interesting from an architectural point of view, but the main reason people come here is shopping. There is an incredible number of shops on the street that sell clothes, shoes, souvenirs, cosmetics, accessories, jewelry, and much more.
• Enter the courtyard of the old Santa Maria Hospital. Now this building of the 15th-16th centuries houses the Institute of Lleida Studies (Institut d’Estudis Ilerdencs, Instituto de Estudios Ilerdenses). The patio features a stone staircase leading to the second floor and a Renaissance-style fountain. A great place to take atmospheric photos for social networks.
• Visit the Aromes de Can Rosselló lavender field. It is located three kilometers south of the city center. Its peak flowering occurs in June. At this time, an area of 3 hectares turns bright purple. This is the ideal place for an original photo shoot. Gastronomic, entertainment, and cultural events are also held here. Before leaving, you should buy yourself a bottle of lavender essential oil, soap, dried plants, or even lavender beer.

Free things to do in Lleida

All urban areas of Lleida are free to visit. You can relax here between excursions and simply enjoy nature.

What are other things to do for free around town? There is free entry to local religious buildings – the Church of St. Lawrence (Iglesia Sant Llorenç), the Church of St. John (Iglesia Sant Joan), and the New Cathedral (Catedral Nueva).

What to do in Lleida with children

An hour’s drive from Lleida is the Montsec Astronomical Park (Parc Astronòmic del Montsec, Parque Astronómico del Montsec). It is located in the village of Ajer and is considered the best place for sky-watching in Catalonia due to its rare rainfall and low light pollution. The multimedia room is equipped with the latest equipment, allowing you to see the stars in several dimensions in 6K resolution. At night, family excursions are available for children aged 10 years and over and their parents. Guides will teach you how to identify space objects in the night sky. This can be done both on the observation deck and through the open dome of the planetarium. Parc Astronòmic del Montsec also hosts atmospheric concerts. The Central Hall houses an interactive exhibition dedicated to the importance of astronomy, the study of the Universe, and ways to protect natural locations from light pollution.

Typically, Parque Astronómico del Montsec is open on Fridays and weekends, including bank holidays. There are also periods when the park is generally closed to the public – for example, in January and February. Children under five years old have free admission.

Shopping in Lleida

As we wrote above, the main shopping street of Lleida is Carrer Major, where you can buy anything. Together with other pedestrian streets (or carrer in Catalan) – Alcalde Costa, Sant Antoni, Portaferrissa, Carme, Magdalena, Avinguda de Blondel, and Plaça Sant Joan -, it constitutes the Eix Comercial de Lleida. Its commercial area is more than 3.5 km², and there are 350 shops. Among them: Zara, Stradivarius, H&M, Mango, Massimo Dutti, United Colors of Benetton, Bershka, Pull&Bear, Intimissimi, Calzedonia and Oysho.

The largest permanent markets in Lleida are Cappont (Mercat de Cappont), Balafia (Mercat de Balafia), and Fleming (Mercat Municipal de Ronda-Fleming). On the first Saturday of every month, except August, the city hosts the Hort market (Mercat de l’Hort), where you can buy products from local producers. It takes place in St. John’s Square (Plaça Sant Joan).

Souvenirs in Lleida are quite standard – mugs, magnets, books, jewelry, keychains, and figurines. Among them are mini-copies of giant dolls, which can often be seen at local festivals. A separate niche is occupied by gifts with the image of the mythical symbol of Lleida – the Marraco dragon.

Where to eat and what to try in Lleida

Lleida has several Michelin-rated restaurants:

• Ferreruela is a rustic-style establishment in an old warehouse. It specializes in Catalan cuisine and the menu changes depending on the selection of products at the nearby market.
• Saroa is a modern restaurant that also unusually serves traditional dishes.
• L’Espurna – its specialty lies in combining the aesthetics of the past and the present.
• Aimia is a modern fusion restaurant with Asian influences. Visitors can watch the execution of their order thanks to the open cooking area.
• Carballeira is a family-run establishment in the middle of a garden, specializing in fish and seafood.
• Kaoma is an Asian restaurant with unexpected additions of Peruvian and Hawaiian dishes to the menu.

Interestingly, two establishments awarded one Michelin star are not in Lleida itself, but in its surroundings:

• Malena is located in the municipality of Gimenells i el Pla de la Font. This family-run establishment has taken over an old farm and is affiliated with the Institute of Food Research and Technology. The kitchen can be described as modern with traditional motifs. Chef Shiso Castaño has developed a unique technology that allows food to absorb the flavors of coals through the use of steam.
• La Boscana is located in the municipality of Belvis. Its building has huge panoramic windows that offer views of gardens, groves, and lakes, creating an incredible atmosphere. Chef Joël Castanier transforms the flavors typical of Lleida in his signature menu, finding the perfect balance of piquancy and fruity notes. Speaking of the latter, fruits for the restaurant are brought from nearby farms or picked from their garden.

Also popular in Lleida are Creperia Flash, La Capital, Cantamanyanes, Cervecería Zeke, Kimo and Platz.

The province of Lleida in Catalonia produces olive oil with the DOP Les Garrigues label, indicating its territorial affiliation.

It is also worth paying attention to the local wine (look for the words DO Costers del Segre on the label). Along the Segre River, grapes are grown from which the white wines Macabeu and Parellada are produced, as well as the red wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo (Tempranillo), Grenache, Trepat. The region’s white wines are light, while the reds, on the contrary, are famous for their richness.

Lleida is considered the Spanish capital of snails. They are prepared here in different variations. Cargols a la llauna is eaten with aioli or vinaigrette sauces, Cargols amb samfaina is served with green pepper and tomato sauce, Cargols a la brutesca is cooked on a stone slab in straw, Cargols a la gormanta fried with flour, salt, and pepper.

Among the baked goods, one can note the Coca de recapte flatbread, which is made with eggplant, red pepper, tomatoes, onions, and anchovies. In Lleida, you can also try granados almond cookies, named after the composer and pianist Enrique Granados, who was born in this city.

Transport in Lleida

15 kilometers from the city there is Lleida-Alguaire Airport (Aeroport de Lleida-Alguaire, Aeropuerto de Lérida-Alguaire, ILD). It only serves seasonal flights to the Spanish Balearic Islands – Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, and Mahon.

East of the Seu Velha Cathedral is the main railway station of the city — Lérida Pirineos (Lleida Pirineus). It is from this station in Lleida in Spain that trains depart to Barcelona, Madrid, Tarragona, Pobla de Segur and Perpignan.

Since Lleida is a small town the only public transport available is buses. There are about 15 routes, two of which are night routes.

The city has a special open-top tourist bus that travels past the main attractions. The route consists of 11 stops. Departures are made daily. You can find out more information and book tickets on the website.

The entire bus network in the province of Lleida is operated by ATM. You can pay for its services using a card designed for a different number of trips per month – 10, 50, or an unlimited number. You can easily get acquainted with tariffs, routes, types of travel cards, and points of sale on the website. Travel is free for children under 4 years old.

If you want to explore the sights of not only the city but also the province at your own pace, it is better to rent a personal car so as not to depend on public transport schedules.

Where to stay in Lleida

There are several good hotels in Lleida where you can stay for the entire duration of your stay. Also in the city, there is a unique opportunity to live in a former ancient monastery.

Real Lleida

Real Lleida is a three-star hotel on the banks of the Segre in the city center. It is close to the main attractions and also close to the train and bus stations. The rooms are designed for both couples and families with children. Real Lleida has a bar and restaurant on site.

Ibis Lleida

Ibis Lleida Hotel is a 15-minute walk from Champs-Elysées Park. Even though it only has two stars, it is a comfortable place to stay with a simple interior. There is a fitness center and a restaurant on site that serves a buffet breakfast.

Nastasi Hotel & Spa

Nastasi Hotel & Spa is a four-star hotel in the west of Lleida. This is a recreational complex with an outdoor swimming pool, sports center, and spa. For breakfast, guests are offered a buffet format. In the evening you can have a pleasant time in the bar or in the restaurant, which specializes in Catalan cuisine and uses local products. In addition to standard rooms, there are several themed rooms – Botanical Garden, White Roses, A Thousand and One Nights, Marrakech, Route 66, and others. There are also apartments on the premises of the Nastasi Hotel & Spa. There are special holiday offers for couples in love.

Hotel Zenit Lleida

Hotel Zenit Lleida in Spain is a four-star hotel in the city center between the Segre River and the Seu Velha Cathedral. All rooms are designed in the same style with a predominance of brown shades. As in other hotels on our list, breakfast is served as a buffet. At other times of the day, you can sample local produce and have a cocktail at the bar. Hotel Zenit Lleida has a gym.

Parador de Lleida

The Parador de Lleida is located in the city center and is one of the most popular hotels in Lleida according to Tripadvisor. This is a former monastery of the 17th century. For accommodation, guests are provided with rooms with modern design and technical equipment. The highlight of the parador is the courtyard, which has remained virtually unchanged since its construction. It is complemented by fashionable interior solutions. There are four tables inside where you can drink coffee and relax. The L’Aplec restaurant is located in a former church. Its chef Paco Vidal specializes in Catalan cuisine. In particular, here you can try snails, for which Lleida is so famous.

Best time to visit Lleida

The climate in Lleida is semi-arid. Winters here are mild and foggy, and summers are hot and dry. The coldest month is January with an average temperature of +6 °C. In July, the thermometer usually shows +25 °C.

The area receives about 370 millimeters of precipitation per year.

Holidays and festivals in Lleida

Lleida is a small town that doesn’t host many festivals. The most striking of them are dedicated to snails, a local saint, and jazz music.

Snail Collection Festival (Aplec del Caragol)

The Lleida Snail Collection Festival in Spain takes place annually in May on the banks of the Segre River and in the Champs Elysees Park. This is the world’s largest festival dedicated to snails. In addition to preparing and eating dishes from them, the program includes performances by brass bands, parades, concerts, theatrical performances, human towers, and competitions.

Festa Major

Festa Major is another spring festival in Lleida. It is held on May 11 in honor of St. Anastasius, a Roman soldier born here and martyred on the orders of Emperor Diocletian in 303 AD. Along Ferran Street (Rambla de Ferran) there is a parade of platforms from which confetti rains down on spectators. The obligatory characters of the festival are the dragon Marraco and one of the oldest giant dolls in Spain – Mark Antony and Cleopatra, created in 1840. The Festa Major program also includes an offering of flowers. It all ends with a massive fireworks display.

Lleida International Jazz Festival Jazz Tardor

The Jazz Tardor Festival is held in Lleida every November. Both famous jazz musicians and emerging artists of this genre from all over the world perform at various venues in the city. In addition to the classical style, at the festival, you can hear gospel, folk, groove, and fusion.

Day trip from Lleida

In Catalonia, the area around Lleida is quite diverse. There are several interesting municipalities, an adventure and nature park, an extreme gorge, and a beautiful monastery.

Vielha (Viella)

Vielha is a municipality 150 kilometers north of Lleida near the border with France. It is located in the Val d’Aran valley. Two rivers flow through it – the Garonne and the Arriu Nere. On their stone-lined banks, there are small houses. By adding mountains in the background, we get an idyllic picture. You can grab takeaway food at one of the local cafes, find yourself in a picturesque spot in the fresh air, and just enjoy the tranquility and scenery.

Pyrenees Adventure Park (Pirineus Park Aventura)

Pirineus Park Aventura is an adventure park 150 kilometers from Lleida. It operates seasonally – from April to mid-October. There is a rope park here, consisting of six routes of varying difficulty, designed for both children and adults. For a more relaxing pastime, rent a kayak and paddle around Lake Torrassa. Another activity of Pirineus Park Aventura is trekking in the forest of the local botanical complex. The route includes an observation deck, from where, with a bit of luck, you can see rare animals.

Mont-Rebei Gorge (Congost de Mont-Rebei)

The Mont Rebei Gorge is a natural wonder about 100 kilometers from Lleida. It is formed by the Noguera Ribagorzana River. The length of the gorge is only 4 kilometers, and you can explore it in two ways. The first is to cover this path with water in a kayak. The second option is more extreme. It passes over rocks to which wooden platforms and suspension bridges are attached. The peak point of the trail is 500 meters.

Penelles

Penelles is a municipality 40 kilometers from Lleida. It is difficult to confuse it with other settlements due to the walls of houses decorated with graffiti. These are not just drawings or tags, these are works of modern art. The main themes of the works are rural life and natural landscapes. Every year the Gargar Themed Festival takes place here, during which the collection of graffiti is replenished.

Val de Boi (La Vall de Boi, Valle de Bohí)

Val de Boi is a municipality 140 kilometers from Lleida. It is located in a mountainous area. For a long time, this made it quite isolated from other parts of the country, allowing it to preserve traditions and historical heritage in an almost untouched form. The main attraction of La Vall de Boí is an ensemble of Romanesque churches that have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All of them were built in the 11th-12th centuries and are preserved in good condition. Of course, they were modernized over ten centuries, but these changes, on the contrary, allow you to look at the architecture of different eras in one place.

Monastery of Santa Maria de Vallbona (Vallbona de les Monges Monastery, Santa Maria de Vallbona de les Monges)

The monastery of Santa Maria de Valbona is located in the Urgell region, 55 kilometers from Lleida. It was built in the 12th century and boasts a combination of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. Santa Maria de Vallbona de les Monges belongs to the female Cistercian order and is part of the Cistercian Route. Here are the graves of the wife of King Jaime I of Aragon, Yolanda of Hungary, and their daughter Sancha. In addition to the usual premises, a library, refectory, and kitchen are available for visiting.

National Park Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici (Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici, Parque nacional de Aigüestortes i estany de Sant Maurici)

Aiguestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici is the only national park in Catalonia. It is located 150 kilometers from Lleida in the Pyrenees Mountains. The territory has several peaks with heights of up to 3017 meters and about 200 lakes. The name of the park includes the name of Lake Sant’Maurisi, on which there is a small dam. It is surrounded by dense forests, and Mount Encantats (2748 meters) can be seen from above.

Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici offers many opportunities for active recreation. Among them: trekking, bird watching, cycling, hiking, rock climbing, and much more. In winter, the park offers skiing, snowmobiling, and ice climbing. The territory constantly hosts exhibitions, excursions, lectures, sporting events, and entertainment shows.

Read also: A guide to Catalonia – the birthplace of Gaudi and Dali

Frequently asked questions about Lleida

Is it worth going to Lleida?

There are several sites in and around the city with a long and interesting history. And the nature around is simply created for active recreation.

What is Lleida famous for?

Lleida is famous for its historical and architectural heritage, such as the Seu Velha Cathedral and Gardeni Castle. They harmoniously coexist with modern buildings.

What language is spoken in Lleida?

In Lleida, they speak Catalan with a distinctive dialect. The majority of the population also speaks Spanish.

Why is Lleida also called Lerida?

Lerida is the Spanish name of the city, which has bad associations due to Franco’s policies that exterminated the Catalan language. The toponym Lleida is now used in both Catalan and Spanish.

Lleida on the map

Bookmark our article – it contains a lot of useful information.

If you liked the publication, subscribe to our newsletter and Telegram.

And also join us on Pinterest to keep up to date with the latest news.