Discover the murals of Penelles, Catalonia's most colourful village

Colourful murals, impressive artworks, and an unexpected burst of creativity. Street art has transformed the small inland village of Penelles, in Catalonia, into one of Spain‘s most remarkable open-air museums. Once a quiet agricultural village, Penelles now attracts art lovers from around the world who come to admire the hundreds of murals decorating its streets. During my visit, I was especially impressed by the incredible variety of artistic styles, the relaxed atmosphere, and the way art has become part of everyday village life. From giant colourful facades to hidden masterpieces tucked away in narrow alleyways, there’s something new to discover around every corner. In this guide, I’ll take you to the most impressive murals in Penelles and show you why this colourful village is one of the most unique places to visit in Catalonia.

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About Penelles

Penelles is located in the province of Lleida, in the heart of Catalonia, Spain, about a 90-minute drive from Barcelona. For many years, it was a quiet farming village with very few visitors. Today, however, Penelles has become one of the most unique destinations in Catalonia for lovers of street art and urban culture.

Thanks to the annual Gargar Festival, the village has been transformed into an impressive open-air museum. Local and international artists have turned the facades of houses, barns, and public buildings into colourful works of art. Today, Penelles is home to more than 160 murals, meaning you’ll discover new creations around almost every corner as you wander through the village.

But Penelles is much more than just street art. What impressed me most was how seamlessly the artwork blends with everyday village life. As you stroll between the murals, you’ll pass narrow streets, traditional stone houses, and charming little squares, all while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the Catalan countryside. It’s a place where contemporary art and local tradition complement each other perfectly.

This unique mix of creativity, local charm, and a relaxed atmosphere makes Penelles one of the most surprising hidden gems in Catalonia. Whether you’re passionate about photography, fascinated by street art, or simply love discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations, Penelles is well worth adding to your Catalonia road trip itinerary.

How to travel to Penelles?

Penelles is located in the province of Lleida, in the heart of Catalonia, about a 90-minute drive from Barcelona.

If you’re travelling from Belgium by plane, you’ll most likely arrive at Barcelona-El Prat Airport. During the summer season, you can also fly directly from Brussels South Charleroi Airport to Reus Airport. Both airports are excellent starting points for a Catalonia road trip.

As Penelles is located in a rural area, renting a car is by far the easiest way to reach the village. The drive from Barcelona takes around 90 minutes, while the journey from Reus is slightly longer. Having a rental car also makes it easy to combine your visit with other highlights in the region, such as Reus, Lleida, or the famous Priorat wine region.

If you prefer travelling by public transport, you can travel from Barcelona or Reus via Lleida or Tàrrega, and then continue to Penelles by regional bus. Keep in mind that public transport connections are limited, so it’s worth planning your journey in advance.

If you’re travelling by car, you’ll find free parking in the village. All of the murals are within walking distance of each other, making Penelles the perfect place to explore on foot.

How much time do you need to visit Penelles?

I personally spent around half a day in Penelles, which was more than enough time to explore all of the murals at a relaxed pace. The village is compact, and most of the street art is within easy walking distance. Be sure to wander through the narrow streets, as you’ll discover a new artwork around almost every corner.

If you have a full day available, I highly recommend combining your visit to Penelles with a few other attractions in the surrounding area. Hike up to the Serra de Bellmunt-Almenara viewpoint, visit the historic Finca Castell del Remei winery (where you can also enjoy an excellent lunch), or take a relaxing walk or bike ride along the Via Verda Canals d’Urgell. It’s a wonderful way to experience not only the colourful street art of Penelles, but also the beautiful landscapes and rural charm of this lesser-known part of Catalonia.

Where to stay in Penelles?

Although Penelles is easy to visit as a day trip, it’s definitely worth spending a few nights in the region. That way, you’ll have plenty of time not only to explore the colourful murals, but also to discover the beautiful countryside, wineries, and charming villages nearby.

I stayed at Parador de Lleida, about a 40-minute drive from Penelles. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful hotels in the city. Housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century monastery, the hotel perfectly combines historic character with modern comfort. The atmospheric courtyard, elegant rooms, and restaurant set inside the former church make it a truly unique place to stay.

If you’d rather stay in the heart of the street art, Casa Taller in Penelles is an excellent choice. You’ll be staying literally among the murals, allowing you to start exploring the village on foot the moment you step outside.

Travelling with family or friends, or looking for a peaceful retreat in the Catalan countryside? Then La Botigueta de Bellmunt is another fantastic option. This beautiful holiday villa is located just a few minutes from Penelles and provides the perfect base for exploring the region at your own pace.

How did the street art in Penelles begin?

Today, colourful murals can be found all over Penelles. But just a few years ago, the village looked completely different. Its street art story began in 2016 with the first edition of the Gargar Festival, founded by designers Mar López-Pinto and Jordi Solsona. Their goal was simple: to breathe new life into the village through art.

The idea was inspired by a trip to Brazil, where the founders saw how murals had completely transformed an urban neighbourhood. They wondered why the same couldn’t be done in Penelles. That’s how the idea of bringing street art to the Catalan countryside was born.

Since then, the festival has invited artists from both Spain and abroad to create new works every year. They transform the facades of houses, barns, and public buildings into colourful artworks. Many of the murals tell stories about rural life, agriculture, nature, and the history of the region, making each piece feel deeply connected to the village itself.

Today, Penelles is home to more than 160 permanent murals, created by over 300 artists. The village has grown into one of the largest open-air street art museums in Spain, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year despite having only a few hundred residents.

The collection continues to grow every year. During the annual Gargar Festival, Penelles once again becomes a living canvas as artists from around the world gather to add new murals and bring even more colour to the village.

Visit Penelles during the Gargar Festival

The murals in Penelles don’t form a static open-air museum. Every year, new artworks are added during the Gargar Festival, which takes place on the first weekend of May. Interestingly, the name Gargar refers to the pin-tailed sandgrouse, a rare bird species found in the region that is considered endangered.

Since 2016, the village has been transformed for several days into a vibrant open-air art studio. Local and international artists create new murals live, while visitors can enjoy guided tours, workshops, live music, street performances, and local gastronomy.

The festival aims to bring new life to the village, make art accessible to everyone, and give contemporary artistic expression a permanent place in everyday public spaces.

Fortunately, you don’t have to visit during the festival to enjoy the street art. Penelles is open to visitors all year round. If your main goal is to photograph the murals, I recommend visiting a few days or weeks after the festival. By then, all the new artworks have been completed, allowing you to explore the village at your own pace and without the festival crowds.

How to discover the murals in Penelles?

Explore Penelles on foot

The best way to discover Penelles is simply by walking. The village is compact, and almost all of the murals are within easy walking distance of one another. At the tourist information office, you can pick up a map showing the location of every mural, along with the name of the artist who created it. This makes it easy to plan your own route past the village’s most famous artworks.

Personally, I quickly put the map away. I found it much more enjoyable to wander aimlessly through the narrow streets and be surprised by a colourful mural around every corner. That’s exactly what makes a visit to Penelles so special. Take your time, remember to look up, and don’t skip the smaller side streets—you’ll often find the most unexpected and impressive artworks there.

Step inside the church of Penelles

Among all the colourful murals, don’t miss the Church of Sant Joan Baptista. Behind its modest exterior lies one of the village’s most remarkable works of art.

In 2020, Catalan artist Berni Puig transformed the entire interior of the church with his monumental artwork Omnipresent. The installation is based on a Google Maps aerial view of Penelles and the surrounding landscape. Each wall represents a different section of the map, revealing fields, canals, roads, and buildings that together shape the region. Rather than focusing solely on the village itself, the artwork celebrates the entire surrounding landscape and the people who have lived and worked there for generations. It’s a colourful tribute to the agricultural heritage of this part of Catalonia.

Sant Joan Baptista, Penelles, Catalonia, Spain

Omnipresent, Sant Joan Baptista, Penelles, Catalonia, Spain

Personally, I found Omnipresent to be one of the most impressive artworks I saw during my trip through Catalonia. The church alone is well worth a visit.

Discover Sala B and the Sala Immersiva

Think you’ve seen everything after exploring hundreds of murals? Then you haven’t discovered all that Penelles has to offer. Close to the tourist information office, you’ll find Sala B and the Sala Immersiva, two fascinating spaces that add another dimension to your visit.

Inside Sala B, you’ll step into the colourful world of street artist Zeso WF, who has been closely involved with the Gargar Festival for many years. Animated projections, creative lighting effects, and an immersive soundtrack draw you into an artwork filled with references to the 1980s and 1990s. It feels as though you’ve become part of the artist’s creative universe.

Afterwards, make sure to visit the Sala Immersiva. During an eight-minute immersive projection, you’ll travel through El Cor de l’Oest, a region that connects seven municipalities. Water, landscapes, history, and local culture seamlessly blend together as breathtaking images are projected onto three surrounding walls, fully immersing you in the story of the region. It’s the perfect way to end a day exploring the art and creativity of Penelles.

Admire monumental art at PLANTA Project

If you still haven’t had your fill of art after visiting Penelles, drive another 20 minutes to PLANTA Project. This extraordinary place proves that art doesn’t have to be confined to a museum. Set within an active limestone quarry, you’ll discover monumental installations by internationally renowned artists, where art, architecture, and the rugged landscape blend together seamlessly.

Forget everything you expect from a traditional museum visit. During a guided tour, you’ll travel by bus from one location to the next. Behind every warehouse and inside every industrial space, you’ll encounter a completely different art installation. It’s this constant sense of surprise that makes the experience so unique. The contrast between the vast limestone quarry, the industrial architecture, and the contemporary artworks is simply breathtaking.

PLANTA Project, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain

My absolute highlight was More Sweetly Play the Dance by William Kentridge. This monumental video installation completely surrounds you, drawing you into its story from the very first second. It’s the kind of artwork that invites you to pause, look again, and discover new details every time.

PLANTA Project can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Be sure to book well in advance, as the number of places is limited.

If you’re looking for a unique destination in Catalonia, be sure to add the murals in Penelles to your itinerary. This small village proves that you don’t need a big city to create an extraordinary art destination. Among its narrow streets, historic facades, and vast agricultural landscapes, you’ll discover art in the most unexpected places.I hope this guide helps you plan your visit. Take your time, wander through the village at your own pace, and let yourself be surprised by the creativity waiting around almost every corner. There’s a good chance that Penelles, just as it was for me, will become one of the biggest highlights of your trip through Catalonia.