Walking holidays in Catalonia
An expert guide to the best hiking holidays in Catalonia
Walking in Catalonia: Overview
I’ve been travelling to Catalonia for many years as a guidebook author and, in my opinion, there’s no better way to get to know this corner of Spain than by walking the trails that meander through the region’s natural parks, connect remote villages, and run inland from the coast towards the pre-Pyrenees.
For enthusiasts there are a number of recommended long-distance paths that make great point–to-point walking holidays. And for the casual hiker you can base yourself near any of the various parks for more accessible day hikes.
The walking trails in Catalonia are generally well-signposted, and while some trails see a great number of people, especially at weekends, it is possible to find less visited areas. Here’s my expert guide to the best walks and hikes near Barcelona.
The best walks in Catalonia
Popular routes and lesser-known hikes near Barcelona
featured catalonia walking holidays
featured catalonia walking holidays
Where to walk in Catalonia
Hidden gems and popular hiking spots near Barcelona
Catalonia
Montseny Natural Park
Less than an hour from the buzzing city of Barcelona the forested slopes of Montseny Natural Park are criss-crossed with a network of footpaths, with many trails climbing the three highest peaks; Turó de l’Home (1,706m), Les Agudes (1,703m) or Matagalls (1,697m).
The peaks might be lower than 2,000 metres, but on a clear day, you can enjoy the views all the way to the Pyrenees. Autumn dresses the slopes in spectacular colours, and I find the conditions at this time to be perfect for walking.
Catalonia
Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park
There are numerous ways to reach the peaks of La Mola (1,103m) and Montcau (1,056m) but surprisingly, many other excellent routes are somehow less trodden in this Natural Park.
On the Alzina del Salari circular route, you won’t have to share the amazing views towards the jagged mountains of Montserrat with many hikers. And the trail from Matadepera to the Castellasa de Can Torres treats you to amazing views of interesting rock formations.
Catalonia
Montserrat
The monastery with its rock background is a popular destination, and while most visitors arrive by car or the funicular, my favourite way to reach the monastery is by foot, following the occasionally steep trail from the village of Monistrol de Montserrat or from Colbató.
The Montserrat range is a paradise for rock climbers, but there are plenty of hiking trails among the rounded rocks that you can enjoy without climbing gear. From the monastery, you can climb Sant Jeroni, the highest peak in the Montserrat, or follow lesser paths to long forgotten ruins.
Catalonia
Garrotxa
The volcanic zone, characterised by the forested volcanic cones separated by fertile land, and the mountains of Alta Garrotxa provides some excellent hiking trails.
The waterfalls of Salt de Sallent and Salt de la Coromina are at their best in the spring, but if you walk to Salt de Brull in the summer heat, you can stop for a refreshing dip in one of the many inviting rock pools.
You will also find a small church curiously built in the crater of a volcano, a historic trading route, and the remains of a 15th-century monastery, and plenty more in this relatively small area of Catalonia.
Catalonia
Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park
The natural park was established in 1983, and there are numerous signposted trails with some excellent views towards the nearby Pyrenees. With a ski station and ski lifts that operate throughout the summer months as well, La Tosa (2,536m) is a busy mountaintop, but the views are just as good from the nearby, less crowded Penyes Altes de Moixeró (2,276m).
If the scrambling route to Pedraforca is not for you, take the Pedraforca 360 trail from Gósol, that encircles the mountain without climbing it, or enjoy some views of the iconic mountain from the nearby Comabona.
Walking in Catalonia: Need to know
Everything you wish you'd known before you booked
When to go walking in Catalonia
Most hiking routes in the Barcelona region can be walked all year round, but perhaps my favourite months are spring, early summer and autumn.
The Montseny mountains are cooler than on the coast and you can enjoy some trails even on hot summer days. But when the summer holidays are over, in September, you can enjoy fine weather without the crowds.
The mountains are higher in the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park, and the close proximity to the Pyrenees means cooler temperatures and variable weather conditions, so hiking season here runs from June to September. I prefer to visit in June when wildflowers are in bloom and the crowds are still thin.
Getting around
From Barcelona there is a train service to Monistrol de Montserrat, Vic and regular services along the coast. There are buses from Barcelona, Girona, Olot, Berga and Ripoll to other towns, but buses in rural areas are not frequent.
You’ll need your own transport to reach some of the more remote areas, and if you hire a car from Barcelona you can get better deals by booking in advance online.
Walking accommodation
There are plenty of hotels and self catering accommodations in towns and villages across the region, and some campsites offer bungalows.
The refuges (huts) in the Cadí-Moixeró usually provide dormitory style accommodation. You can opt for half board and have your dinner and breakfast with fellow hikers. Take a sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner as bedding might not be provided.
Accommodation gets booked up during busier summer months, especially the huts in Cadí- Moixeró, so always book ahead.
Walking holiday logistics
As is common with most Europe walking holidays there are two broad categories of walking holidays in Catalonia: day hiking from a single base or overnight inn-to-inn walking. All of the areas mentioned above are suitable for day hiking. I would recommend basing yourself in Montseny village, Matadeperra, Monistrol de Montserrat or Gósol for a range of accommodation and easy access to the best walking areas.
Alternatively you can walk point-to-point (inn-to-inn) on the long-distance footpaths. Some of these routes are commercially offered by walking holiday companies as self-guided walks, but it is also relatively straightforward to book your own accommodation each night. If you book a walking holiday with a company, you might be able to opt for a baggage service on some trails.
Most locals are bilingual and speak Catalan as well as Spanish. If you have some basic Spanish you’ll have no problems in the rural areas, however English is widely spoken especially among younger people.
Catalonia walking holiday resources
- Tourism Catalunya (Official website)
- Walking in Catalunya - Barcelona (Cicerone Press)
- Walking in Catalunya - Girona Pyrenees (Cicerone Press)
