Catalonia walks

Coastal route from Cadaquès to the lighthouse, with views over the Bay of Cadaquès, Port Lligat and Cap de Creus.

Did Salvador Dali, who lived in Portlligat for many years, often travel to Cap de Creus via the camino viell del far? This path hasn't changed much since it was the only overland route to Spain's most easterly point. The route winds its way between low dry-stone walls, linking the many "calas" along the way. Some of these offer small, secluded beaches, a welcome invitation to take a dip in these rugged surroundings.

A lovely, fairly challenging hike offering views of the Pyrenees.Part of the hike is along the border ridge. A good sense of direction, a GPX track and a map are strongly recommended.

Discover the Parc Naturel des Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, Catalonia's second largest wetland.All along the route, there are facilities accessible to all for wildlife observation.

A classic in the Val d'Aran, an ascent to Lake Besiberri via the Val de Besiberri with magnificent views of the Besiberri, the Sèrra del Molar Gran and the Aneto.

This is a beautiful circuit in the Val d'Aran, through the Vaqueira mountains to Naut and Baish de Bacivèr Lakes.Although it's a short loop, it requires an established fitness level to climb the first half of the route.The effort will be rewarded by the arrival at Lac Naut de Bacivèr, the highest point of the hike.

Tour above Torroella to Castle of Montgri, via Montplà and Garrigars pass.Superb 360° panorama. Caution : not very accessible with children, as you have to do a lot of scrambling in the rocks, and there's a steep section in a scree slope.

The visit to the Cap Roig botanical garden is just an excuse, as the views along this coastal path are splendid and alone make this hike worthwhile. The many fine sandy beaches nestled in the coves, the typical fishermen's houses and the various forests you pass through are remarkable.

This is a two-part hike. The first part consists of a short detour inland to gain altitude and enjoy beautiful views of Roses Bay and the Catalan Pyrenees before returning to the coast at Montjoi. The return journey is along the coast via the Cami de Ronda, which follows the coastline and allows you to discover several small coves and magnificent beaches offering excellent swimming spots in the summer. At the end of the route, a short detour to the Falconera viewpoint and its immense panorama provides a beautiful conclusion to this circular route.

Walk around the Estany de Banyoles, Catalonia's largest natural lake. It's a place of exceptional beauty, with a well-laid-out trail that takes in wildlife observation areas and fishermen's cottages on the lake's shores.

Magnificent hiking in the Aigüestortes y Estani de Sant Maurici National Park. You'll come across numerous mountain lakes that are unique to this park.

This hike, with its scents of heath, is ideal for Costa Brava enthusiasts looking to escape the crowded beaches. At the gates of Rosas, the route initially follows the coastal path (Cami de Ronda), passing by numerous rocky coves and a few secluded beaches. A steep climb then leads to the Torre de Norfeu and the cape of the same name, which you can walk around via the viewpoint. The return journey is via Cala Jóncols, then inland, climbing to higher ground to make the most of the sweeping views stretching as far as Cap de Begur. This is a medium-distance hike, but there are several steep sections that require a good level of fitness.

This easy hike takes you past a dozen or so lakes in the Cirque de Colomèrs, which has around thirty in total, some identified and others unnamed. The landscape is magnificent, combining pine undergrowth carpeted with rhododendrons and large areas of rounded rocks dotted with lakes of all sizes fed by crystal-clear torrents. On the way back, a stop at the Colomèrs Refuge allows you to conclude this circular route by enjoying the Estanh Major, into which multiple waterfalls flow. A summary of the Aygues Tortes and San Maurici National Park in all its splendour.

For a swim in turquoise water on a deserted beach, there's no need to go to the tropics. Just a two-hour walk from Port de la Selva, and halfway to Cap de Creus, there's a pretty cove just waiting for you. The only problem is that it'll take just as long to get back, and forget about the benefits of swimming. But it's worth it.

The Colomèrs lake circuit is a massif of mountains arranged in a circle, protecting some fifty lakes ("estanhs") in its bosom. The slow erosion of frost during the Ice Ages has left an inescapable landscape: a high mountain area with high, steep peaks of around 3,000m, such as Creu de Colomèrs, Gran Tuc de Colomèrs and Tuc de Ratera.

The Ruta dels Gégants Bosc in Romanya de la Selva offers a short walk that allows you to discover both magnificent cork oaks and megalithic monuments.

This route links Lloret de Mar to Tossa de Mar along the old coastal path "Camino de Ronda". It offers many panoramic views, as well as the crossing of numerous coves of varying steepness. Warning : the off-GR® section has some fairly difficult stretches. It is, however, possible to keep to the GR® which circumnavigates Santa Maria de Lloret between points (3) and (12) but the latter passes inland, greatly reducing theinterest of this hike.

This double circular route, shaped like a figure of eight, first takes you into the hinterland, through a beautiful wooded area, before reaching the outskirts of the seaside resort of Llafranc. The return journey follows the magnificent Cami de Ronda, a coastal path running along the cliffs offering exceptional sea views, whilst passing numerous coves—some more secluded than others—which are perfect for a swim in the summer months. Finally, the small village of Tamariu offers a welcome, peaceful respite before the final, much more demanding stretch of the hike, which follows the old route of the Cami de Ronda as close as possible to the coast. This section is more rugged and far less frequented, but the beauty of the landscape quickly makes you forget the extra effort required, for which you’ll need to save your energy.

This hike consists of two distinct sections. The first, inland, winds its way through magnificent woodland of pine, olive and cork oak trees to take us to the outskirts of the beautiful seaside resort of Calella de Palafrugell, near the Cap Roig Botanical Garden. The return journey follows the coastal path (Cami de Ronda), passing a multitude of small rocky coves and tiny sandy beaches, all tempting in the summer months. An exceptional route thanks to the beauty of the surroundings and the ‘end-of-the-world’ atmosphere it exudes. However, do not underestimate the physical effort required to tackle the numerous ascents and descents, some of which are very steep, as well as the steps that can sometimes disrupt your rhythm.

Starting from the beautiful seaside resort of Tossa de Mar, the route begins in the hills, passing through the Coll del Sastre. The long traverse, along the hillside amidst pine and cork oak trees, offers sweeping views of the coast, before joining the coastal path (Cami de Ronda) at Salionç. All that remains is to follow it along the many small coves or ‘calas’, which offer excellent opportunities for swimming in the summer months. To enjoy it to the full, however, you will need to be prepared for the considerable physical effort required to tackle the numerous ascents and descents, which are often very steep, where the many steps to climb add to the fatigue by the end of the route.

Explore two calanques (Cala in Spanish) around Estartit. A pleasant walk with superb views. A route taking in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, the pine forest and the rocks. Stunning panoramic views from the heights before descending into the calanques.

A short, easy circular route, even for children, to visit Sant Salvador de Verdera Castle and Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery. Very well-marked trails with superb views of the Mediterranean Sea and the region. Although the route is quite short, it is not shaded.

From Platja de Portbou, an ascent to Coll dels Belitres, a border ridge crossing. Then, after Coll de la Farella, the climb to Torre de Querroig. On the return journey, we pass Coll de Rumpissar and descend to Portbou along the Chemin de Walter Benjamin. See practical information. Constantly beautiful panoramas. A gpx track is essential from (8) to (10). Steep gradients on some sections.Hike consists of trails (forbidden to all motorised traffic), paths (stony and steep), and a concrete track (at the finish).Warning: this hike is not recommended in very hot or scorching weather.

This hike starting from Cadaqués leads to Cap de Creus, avoiding the busy road that leads there. This headland is notable for being the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula and offers a unique, rugged landscape, with rocks of sometimes strange shapes, battered by wind and rain, bearing witness to the force of erosion. The return journey follows the "Cami Antic", a delightful winding path lined with dry stone walls, which has changed very little since the days when it was the only access route to the cape. If you wish, you can round off the day by visiting Salvador Dalí’s house in Port Lligat, located less than two kilometres from the starting point.

In Au Perthus, we’ll be buying some alcohol, but that’s not all… Discover this lovely circular route that takes you past the stunning Fito Waterfall (Salt de Fito) and offers beautiful views of the Spanish Empordà and Mont Canigou. Best done after it’s rained so you can enjoy the waterfall and the river. The route can be shortened; you can simply head to the waterfall: there’s a tricky section – a short but very steep climb.

This is the shortest road route from France for climbing Aneto in a (long...) day, without camping or staying in a mountain hut.

Between Olot and Santa Pau, this route takes you to three of the most visited sites in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park: the Santa Margarida volcano, the magnificent Fageda d'en Jorda beech forest, and the Croscat volcano.

This typically Mediterranean circular in the Montgrí Illes Medes i Baix Ter Natural Park alternates between open heath landscapes and wooded areas. Montgri Castle, built in the 13th century, dominates the entire region and offers spectacular views. The Hermitage of Santa Caterina, founded by hermits in the 14th century, is an ideal place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in a place steeped in history, celebration and encounters. Please note: this is a demanding route, suitable only for walkers accustomed to uneven and stony terrain. Please read the Practical Information section carefully.

Classic walking roundtrip through the sorroundings of Bolvir, a village in Baixa Cerdanya, Catalonia.

The trail is initially mountainous inland, then runs along the coastline, providing access to coves and beaches, some of which belong to the Cap de Creus Natural Park. Panoramic views of Cadaqués and Cap de Creus. Between Cap Norfeu and the beginning of the urbanisation of Canyelles-Amaldrava, the coastal path overlooks the sea with magnificent landscapes. This route can be included in a longer route from Collioure to Roses.

Starting from Plaça Catalunya by the sea in Roses, this short walk takes you past menhirs and dolmens on the hills above Roses, offering magnificent views of the bay and the hinterland. Walking through Roses allows you to pass by numerous shops and restaurants.

A spectacular hike in Southern Catalonia, along the Cabana stream, where seven magnificent waterfalls follow one another, forming seven natural pools of crystal-clear water… an irresistible invitation to take a dip. Paid parking (€10)

Starting from Prades, the red sandstone town, you will walk through the undergrowth on easy trails and discover a red stone arch, a small lake and three chapels, including a hermitage perched on a cliff.

A lovely loop from Espitau de Vielha via Tuc deth port de Vielha (2,606 m), the magnificent Lac Redon (2,230 m), Coret deth Redon (2,454 m) and finally Lac de Rius (2,320 m). It goes up and down, and the slopes are quite steep. Very rocky landscape. Hike done in summer. Lac de Rius, which is pumped in summer and during periods of drought, can see its level drop by several metres, which detracts a little from its charm.

A very beautiful hike in Spain, south of Vielha. There are numerous lakes: this is the largest concentration of lakes in the Pyrenees. The peaks are around 3,000 metres high and almost all are only accessible by mountaineering. The refuges are pleasant but small, so it is essential to book several months in advance.

This loop starting from Sa Riera initially runs through woodland and leads to the pretty site of Torre de Mas d'en Pinc at the entrance to Begur. You quickly cross the eastern residential areas before rejoining the Cami de Ronda. This trail runs along a balcony offering magnificent views and leads to Cala Sa Punta, then to Cala Aiguafreda, two discreet and idyllic spots for swimming in the summer. The final section also offers many other opportunities for swimming from the easily accessible rocks along the coast. Despite the distance, the real difficulty of this hike should not be underestimated, as it can be tricky to find your way due to the large number of unmarked paths and several very steep ascents and descents that will leave you breathless and your legs aching.

A magnificent loop starting from the famous Montserrat monastery to the St Jeroni viewpoint. There are many views along the way. You will pass by the main points of interest in the area. The trail is well maintained but requires good walking shoes as there is a significant elevation gain. Parking at the monastery is charged by the day but there are no other options.

The Val de Boí is particularly well known for its many Romanesque churches, whose original frescoes are preserved at the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) in Barcelona. This valley is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But it is also the gateway to the Aigüestortes National Park. The suggested route is a discovery walk, a return trip that can therefore be adapted to suit. The scenery is breathtaking.

In Le Perthus, we go to buy alcohol, but that's not all... Discover this beautiful circular route that passes by the stunning Fito Waterfall (Salt del Fito) and offers beautiful panoramic views of Bellegarde Fort and Canigou. Best done after it has rained so you can enjoy the waterfall and river.

A lovely, very easy walk in a nature reserve where you can see Camargue horses, flamingos and other species of birds. You can even walk all the way to the sea.

Climb up with the Saint Joan rack railway. Exit to the right towards the chapel, then return to the rack railway station and descend to Montserra Monastery. A very pleasant walk, returning via a fire brigade path.

The path from Llança is well marked and climbs steadily to the monastery. As a bonus, a visit to the monastery can enhance your outing. We started from Cau del Llop beach, but we recommend starting from km 2 of our route at the GR®11 in the village. The road infrastructure behind the fire station allows you to park your vehicle without any problems. The descent from the monastery via a local trail allows you to discover the village of La Vall de Santa Creu and reach Llança via the cami de ronda along the coast.

Starting from Tossa de Mar, this challenging hike first leads to Santa Maria de Llorell and its magnificent villas, before descending to the Cami de Ronda. This magnificent coastal path is a rollercoaster ride, sometimes very challenging, passing through several beautiful coves and beaches, where it will be difficult to resist a welcome swim in the summer. The end of the route takes you back to the gates of Tossa de Mar, where the bravest and least tired may take the time to visit the old town surrounded by ramparts. Despite its relatively modest distance, the difficulty of this route should not be underestimated, as it includes several very tricky sections and particularly steep slopes, both uphill and downhill, on slippery ground.

A circular route around the village of Montagut, where the first foothills of the Alta Garrotxa already offer some examples of Romanesque architecture. From the centre of Montagut, climb up to the church of Sant Eudald de Jou and then on to the oratory of Planselloses. You then descend towards the Pont del Llierca (where you can swim), passing under the Puig de l'Espigoler and Puig Sacreu, before returning to Montagut along the river.

This route around the Colomèrs lakes allows you to explore part of the magnificent Aigues Tortes (Les Encantats) National Park. Flowers, rhododendrons, torrents and streams, and peaks offering breathtaking views over all the lakes await you. This hike is suitable for those with some experience of mountain walking; less experienced walkers may choose to skip the two peaks on the route (Tuc de Ratera, 2,860 m – not covered on Day 1 – and Tuc Gran de Sendrosa, 2,703 m, on Day 2). The route is classified as difficult due to its length and the steep slopes on Day 1, as well as the summit on Day 2. The route can be extended by starting with a night at the Colomers mountain hut, which will allow you to complete a longer loop around the lakes of the same name before reaching the Saboredo mountain hut.

This second stage offers a return route to the Banhs de Tredos via the Sendrosa Pass (Coth deth tuc Gran de Sendrosa). The ascent of the Tuc Gran de Sendrosa is optional for hikers with sure-footedness. This option, which is well worth the detour for the exceptional view from the summit, involves a 300-metre climb along the rocky ridge and requires using your hands on relatively easy climbing holds (PD), though there are a few exposed sections where a sure footing is essential. The descent is always slightly more technical than the ascent. Not recommended for inexperienced walkers or those prone to vertigo. This route is well worth the effort for its wild scenery, the flowers and the abundant vegetation in June. The descent from the pass is quite long and a little steep before rejoining the Day 1 trail, just below the Taxis car park.

A lovely walk featuring a fairly steep climb to the Port de Ratera, but no other difficulties. Magnificent scenery of lakes, pine trees and rhododendrons (early in the season). A good overview of the Aigues Tortes park and the Encantats.

This semi-urban walk, situated at the southern end of the Costa Brava, leads to several magnificent beaches and coves in the area between Blanès and Lloret de Mar. A significant portion of the route is on tarmac through residential areas, particularly as part of the original Cami de Ronda has been closed for safety reasons. However, this drawback is more than made up for by the numerous viewpoints and beaches of all sizes, offering wonderful spots for swimming and taking a break. To get the most out of this route, it is best to avoid the summer months and mid-season weekends if possible, as the area is very popular with Spanish residents. Finally, despite its modest length, the climb up several long, steep flights of steps that follow one after another along the route requires a fair amount of physical effort, which you should bear in mind.

A short hike, very pleasant in hot weather as it is shaded and offers access to water. Furthermore, a visit to the village of Farena is recommended, where you will find drinking water available.

A lively village in the Val d'Aran, discover the valley via a pleasant circular route starting from Bossost, passing through Bausen and returning via the other side of the Garonne. There is a slight climb at the start up to Bausen. There are numerous viewpoints overlooking the peaks surrounding the valley.