Castell Mongri and the Santa Caterina Hermitage circular

From France: take the A9 motorway then the AP7 towards Barcelona, then exit 4 towards L'Escala. Once in L'Escala, follow the signs for Torroella de Montgri (GL-632 then C-31) via Bellcaire d'Emporda and Ulla, then take the road to L'Estartit (GL-641). After the urban area of Les Dunas, take the street on the left at the roundabout towards the urban area of La Torre Vella and park at the top, on Carrer d'Andorra.

(S/E) Follow the shaded tarmac road west-southwest to the Dunes picnic area.

This is a good start, as the rest of the route will be quite challenging!

(1) Turn right, then quickly left and follow the red and white markings of the GR®92, which leads to a very steep and stony path. First glimpse of the Bay of Estartit and the Medes Islands, the Bay of Rosas and Canigou.

(2) At the fork, continue left to Montplà. The trail is very well marked until the final approach to the castle.

(3) Begin the ascent to the castle, passing a few tricky climbing sections on rocks smoothed by hikers. Follow the GPS track carefully and keep an eye out for the red and white markers.

(4) Enjoy the 360° view, which offers an exceptional panorama of the Medes Islands, the Bay of Estartit, the Empordà plains, the Bay of Rosas and Canigou.

Then continue on the GR®92 and begin the descent to the Santa Caterina Pass, paying close attention to the rocky ground smoothed by hikers.

(5) Leave the GR®92 and continue to the right on the Sender Local (SL-C017) trail, marked in green and white, to the Santa Caterina Hermitage.

Nestled in a wooded valley, this peaceful, shaded spot, contrasting with its calm and greenery, invites you to take a break.

(6) Continue along the road heading north-east on a steep climb to an unnamed pass (elevation 241).

(7) Turn left towards Puig de Querroig for a round trip, heading west-northwest and following the ridge to Puig de Querroig.

(8) Enjoy the view once again before returning to the unnamed pass via the same route in reverse.

(7) On your return, turn left and follow the path that joins a wider track through the woods and leads to the Dunes picnic area.

(1) Follow the tarmac road to the left, in the opposite direction to the outward journey, and return to Carrer d'Andorra (S/E).

Very difficult trail between (1) and (4). A series of scree slopes, steep climbs and passages where you sometimes need to use your hands.

Between (3) and (4), pay close attention to the markings, which can sometimes be difficult to see. This section requires good orientation and terrain reading skills.

The hike is accessible all year round, but avoid the hottest hours of the day in summer and rainy, humid days.

Bring between 2 and 3 litres of water, as there are no refill points along the route.

The best light is in the morning to fully enjoy the view.

(4) Castell Mongri Castle, open to the public free of charge, offering a great vantage point to admire the view.

(6) The Hermitage of Santa Caterina.