The General Vives Aerodrome turns the peaceful town of Òdena, an hour's drive from Barcelona, into a centre of interest for air sports fans or simply for those who want to enjoy an unforgettable day, flying over natural monuments as spectacular as the mountains of Montserrat. 

Many feet above the ground distances become shorter and it is possible to cover the whole Anoia region, discovering its past and its history through a camera lens. This gives you bird's eye panoramic views of nearby places like Igualada   and Capellades. Flying enthusiasts have an important date in spring, which is when Aerosport, the Òdena Aeronautical Festival is held. For anyone else, the whole year is a good time to fly, given the area's excellent climatic conditions.     

Flying baptism in a balloon   

Located between the municipal boundaries of Igualada and Òdena, right next to the NII, until the extension is completed, the General Vives Aerodrome covers an area of 33.8 hectares and it has a runway 900 metres long and 15 metres wide. Within three years it is expected it will cease to be for the exclusive use of light aircraft and will have a runway 1,800 metres long which will allow private jets to land there. Meanwhile, it is still ideal for taking to the air in a group flight, or other more exclusive flights, in an aerostatic balloon. First you take part in the tasks of preparing for takeoff and then you drink a toast with cava. Ideal for your flying baptism.         

The experience of gliding in a microlight   

The General Vives facilities also provide the base for the Igualada-Òdena Gliding Club. This is a much more exciting way to fly for anyone looking for powerful emotions, as it depends on making good use of rising warm air currents; a real test of skill. You can do gliding on your own or, if you have no experience, you can co-pilot a microlight and enjoy the sensation of gliding, which is very different from that of powered flying. Saturdays and Sundays are the days when you can make your first accompanied flight. The other days you can book a flight to suit your needs, powered or not.

Medieval remains in Òdena   

A few minutes from the aerodrome, with the Montserrat massif as a backdrop, Òdena  is a quiet little town where many people seek to combine the peace of the countryside with the proximity of a big city like Barcelona. On top of a hillock stands the octagonal tower of the old Òdena castle, watching the planes flying overhead and surrounded by farmland and grazing land. Buildings of interest in the town include the modern Sant Pere church and the Romanesque Sant Miquel church, which has more charm. 

Gastronomic suggestion 

Among the gastronomic products of the region, the small Alta Anoia chickpeas, a very tasty variety, are exceptional. The Vallbona de l’Anoia honey wine is also tempting, as is the pure honey from Castellfollit, Piera, Els Prat de Rei and Vilanova del Camí. Half an hour from Òdena, in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, La cava d’en Sergi  (c/ Valencia, 17, tel.: 938 911 616) is a good option if you want to enjoy some good seasonal cooking. Closer to Òdena, the Samuntà farmhouse restaurant (C-241 to Finca Pau Magí, km 70,5, Òdena, tel: 938 041 501) offers an extensive wine list, with over seventy wines.

Acknowledgements: Aeródromo General Vives. Globus Kon-Tiki. Consell Comarcal de l’Anoia. Ajuntament d’Igualada. Club de Vol a Vela d'Igualada-Òdena.