When you think of Spain, your mind might jump to tapas, flamenco, or sun-soaked beaches. But just a few minutes from Barcelona, nestled in the quiet hills of Alella, lies a retreat that captures the heart of rural Spain in the most intimate way: Can Bernadas. This is not just a holiday rental. It’s a home, a haven, and for many, a life-changing escape.

Let me take you through the gates and into the soul of this place — one filled with donkeys, sheep, vineyards, natural pools, and the kind of peace that can only be found where the land breathes slowly.

Discovering Can Bernadas: A Hidden Gem in Alella

We’re located in Alella, Barcelona, Spain, a wine-growing region known for its rolling hills, crisp sea breeze, and unbeatable tranquility. Here, at Can Bernadas, we offer more than just a place to sleep — we offer a full immersion into the rhythms of countryside life.

From the moment guests arrive, they feel it: the expansive gardens, the sounds of nature instead of traffic, the scent of rosemary and pine in the air. It's this unique setting that makes Can Bernadas the perfect Spanish holiday let with donkeys and sheep, and so much more.

Our estate isn’t a single unit. It’s a compound made up of:

• A villa for 8, 10, or 12 guests.

• A house for 4 guests.

• Two apartments for 2 guests each.

• Shared spaces including the gardens, pool, and vineyard.

And the land? A generous 12 hectares, parts of which flow into a national forest. It’s not unusual to see our sheep family going for a walk, or guests sitting quietly at the natural pool, watching the light shift over the Mediterranean Sea.

Meet the Residents: Donkeys and Sheep

If there’s one thing our guests love — especially the little ones — it’s our animals.

We have two very friendly donkeys, who are always happy to greet new visitors with a curious nudge or a gentle bray. They’re not just animals — they’re family, and they’ve been part of this land longer than many of us.

Our sheep, equally friendly and undeniably photogenic, often roam freely. Seeing a sheep family heading down a forest path or lazing near the vineyard is part of everyday life here. It’s this sense of coexistence — the natural harmony between people, animals, and land — that defines the experience.

Savoring the Fruits: Our Vineyard and Homemade Wine

Yes, we have our own vineyard. And yes, we make our own wine.

Guests are often surprised to learn that they can stay in a holiday let with donkeys, sheep, and wine made onsite, but that’s exactly what Can Bernadas offers. The vines stretch along the southern slope of the property, basking in sun and breeze.

Depending on the season, you might catch us harvesting grapes, bottling the latest vintage, or simply enjoying a glass as the sun sets behind the hills. We love sharing this part of our life with our guests — many of whom leave not only with memories, but with a bottle (or two) of our passion in liquid form.

Nature's Embrace: Forest Trails and the Natural Pool

Our guests often tell us they feel like they’re staying in a nature reserve — and they’re not wrong.

Our forest is actually part of the national forest, and walking the paths that weave through the trees is a favorite activity. You’ll find picnic spots, secret benches, and at least one moment where you stop, look around, and think, how did I not know this existed?

Then there’s our natural pool. This isn’t your typical chlorine-filled rectangle. It’s fed by fresh water that flows down from the hills, cool and clean, with views that stretch all the way to the sea. It’s a place for reflection, for laughter, for shared bottles of wine and solo sunrise dips.

Sitting by the pool, watching the Mediterranean shimmer in the distance, is a moment guests talk about long after they’ve returned home.

Panoramic Pleasures: Mediterranean Views and Lake Serenity

Few holiday lets in Spain offer what Can Bernadas does in terms of views. From nearly every part of the estate — the pool, the terrace, the forest path — you can catch a glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea. It's always there, a soft blue horizon reminding you how close you are to Barcelona, even when it feels a world away.

We also have a lake, tucked in a quiet part of the property. It’s peaceful, often mirror-still, and home to birds, frogs, and other wildlife. The entrance to the lake is one of our favorite spots — ideal for a walk, a meditation session, or simply sitting with a journal and a thermos of tea.

Why Choose Can Bernadas for Your Spanish Getaway

Let’s face it — there are thousands of holiday lets in Spain. So why do our guests choose us, and why do they return?

Here’s what makes us different:

• Authenticity: This is not a tourist operation. It’s our home. And we open it with pride.

• Animals: From the donkeys to the sheep to the occasional passing fox, this is a living ecosystem.

• Location: Close to Barcelona, but removed from the rush. You get nature without sacrificing convenience.

• Natural elements: Our forest, our pool, our lake — it’s not curated, it’s real.

• Sustainability: Our systems are eco-conscious. Our wine is homemade. Our energy choices are intentional.

Families love us for the safe, open space their kids can explore. Couples love the romantic quiet. Solo travelers find inspiration and rest. And everyone leaves feeling like they’ve discovered a part of Spain that guidebooks rarely show.

Booking Your Stay: Tips and Recommendations

We’re available on Airbnb (check here), but we always encourage guests to contact us directly. Why? Because we can offer:

• Better rates

• More flexible booking options

• Custom recommendations based on your needs

Whether you want to stay in the main villa, the smaller house, or one of the cozy apartments, we’ll help you find the right setup. Planning an event? We can help with that too.

Just let us know what you're dreaming of — and we’ll do our best to make it happen.

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Rural Retreat

Can Bernadas is more than just a Spanish holiday let with donkeys and sheep. It’s a living, breathing example of rural life done right — where nature, comfort, and community come together in harmony.

If you're looking for something genuine, something off the beaten path but full of soul, this is it. Whether for a weekend or a month, with kids or just your thoughts, Can Bernadas welcomes you.

We hope to see you soon — perhaps with a donkey nuzzling your hand, a sheep bleating in the background, and a glass of homegrown wine in your hand, watching the sun slip behind the Mediterranean hills.

Welcome home.