Tourism in Catalonia

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Catalonian countryside

Pyrenees' Valleys, Pedraforca and Montserrat

The main attraction of the Pyrenees is the nature itself. The mountains are impressive with peaks rising up to around 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) and a richness of flora and fauna not found in other parts of Spain. The rainfall here is greater, which accounts for the added greenness of the region, but in summer all you are likely to experience is blissful warm sunshine. For many people the appeal of the mountains is the opportunity for outdoor activities.

Well marked walking and riding paths cross the Pyrenees from one side of Spain to the other, and locally many walking routes have been developed to further enhance this capacity. Other sports are as many as can be thought of, but of particular interest may be skiing in the winter, for which there are numerous pistas, and prices tend to be very reasonable compared to other European locations.

(To see the accommodation we have to offer in the Pyrenees regions click on one of the following links – Rural mountain villas).

The following towns or areas, working inwards from the coast, represent points of particular interest, but for many the pleasure will be in just setting out and discovering the many pretty towns and villages that fill this countryside. The region is literally scattered with Roman, Romanesque and Gothic churches and bridges and landscape as varied as it is beautiful.

Vall de Núria

For breathtaking views and some well marked trails for hikers this is a great place to come. Even if all you want is to get up in the mountains and have a bit of a picnic, this place will be perfect for you. The ride up to what is actually a skiing station is on an old “cog-train” meaning that the train winches itself up the steep ascent along a track of cogs. You get on the train from either of the two tiny villages of Ribes de Fresser or Queralt, producers of much of Catalonia’s spring waters, and chug your way up and up to the top of the mountain. There a very modern looking sanctuary awaits, facing onto a man-made lake and stunning mountain scenery. Of course you can also walk up if you feel like a 3-4 hour uphill struggle. Once at the station, you can also take the chairlift higher up which is worth it for the views, or relax in front of the lake, take out a boat, eat in the restaurants or check out the exciting history of the train. Trekking maps and walking guides are available from here, and there are some very enjoyable and challenging walks to be done from here.

Ripoll

Most people come to Ripoll to see the Monestir de Santa Maria, famous for its 11th century portal, with intricate carvings based on stories from the old and new testaments of the bible. The town itself is not so inspiring, but is perfectly pleasant and the setting is worth the visit alone. The Romanesque monastery is pretty in itself too, with big open cloisters and some old artefacts on display.

Pedraforca

This emblematic mountain is the second most famous in Catalonia, after Montserrat, but is perhaps even more enjoyable as the towering Sierra de Cadi which surrounds it is itself quite beautiful. With its Viking helmet shape and being set apart from other mountains of the range, Pedraforca stands quite strikingly against the landscape. In winter its peaks will be covered with snow but in summer you can actually scramble up to the top without the need of any climbing equipment or experience. The route starts from the “albergue” just outside the little town of Saldes and goes up and up from there – around a 7 hour trip requiring a good level of fitness. Alternatively there are walking routes around the area – ask at the tourist office in Saldes for more information and route maps.

National Parc of Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici

This is Catalonia’s only national park, which covers an area of 10,000 hectares, and splits itself into two halves – Espot and Estany on the East side and Aiguestortes and the Boi Valley on the West. The East side has the river Escrita, with the serene lake “Estany de Sant Maurici”. The West has the river Sant Nicolau which twists and turns its way down the Aiguestortes or “twisted waters” valley. Both sides are well worth the visit and the park merits a couple of days exploration for any nature lover. There are two park information offices - one in the main road in Espot and one in Boi’s main plaza, the two towns which act as the main entry points to the corresponding sides. The offices provide free maps but it is worth investing in a more detailed one. A popular trek takes you from one town to the other, via the main lake, impressive passes and the twisted waters. It is about 9 hours in duration and requires a reasonable level of fitness.

Baqueira-Beret at La Val d'Aran

This is one of the best skiing areas in Spain, frequented by the Spanish Royals family and as large in terrain and runs as almost any major European resorts. Like Nuria, it is also an excellent base for any mountain explorations, with marked routes starting from the station and delving as far into the Pyrenees as you wish to go. For more information go to the station website at: http://www.baqueira.es

Montserrat

Montserrat (Sawed Mountain) is located about half an hour inland from Barcelona, and whilst it is a mountain it is separate from the Pyrenees and in part gains its stark appearance from this lonely stance. The unusual rock formations add to this startling effect to create a fascinating mountain which can be seen from hundreds of miles away across the largely flat surroundings. Perched precariously on top of this great rock is a monastery, mainly of recent build but two wings of which stem from the original 11th century monastery founded here following the tales of visions of the Virgin mother. You can get to the mountain top by road but more dramatic is the gondola ride up the side of the mountain which will not please vertigo sufferers. Once up there you have a choice of walks of varying length, as well as the monastery itself to explore. By far the best though is to get out and about on this fascinating mountain, and enjoy the dramatic views and unusual formations close-up.
Getting to Montserrat is easy, whether by public transport or car. Hourly trains from Barcelona and Manresa link up with the rack railway, and the cable car. Montserrat is also well communicated with the main road network.
On foot. The tradition of reaching Montserrat on foot goes back to the Middle Ages, when there was no other way of coming to worship the Holy Image. Nowadays, many groups of pilgrims continue to walk up to Montserrat once a year.
By road. Lying in the centre of Catalonia, well communicated by the main road network, Montserrat is just a short journey from any part of the country. Visitors can also make their way to Monistrol de Montserrat and take either the rack railway or the cable car up to the sanctuary.
By Cremallera (rack railway) and train. Montserrat’s Cremallera is a public transport service enabling visitors to enjoy magnificent views as it ascends for more than 600 metres up the mountain. The journey from the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat railway station in Monistrol de Montserrat to the monastery covers 5 kilometres. The journey takes 15 minutes, with departures from Monistrol Vila every 20 minutes. (There is a free 900-place car park for cars and coaches at the station).
By Aeri (cable car). The Montserrat’s Aeri (cable car), which entered into service in 1930, is the quickest way to get to the sanctuary. At an average speed of 5 metres per second, the cable car covers the 1,350-metre journey comfortably, scaling gradients of up to 45%, in just 5 minutes. During the journey, passengers can enjoy splendid views of the beautiful scenery, as well as glimpsing part of the magnificent Monumental Rosary. Cable cars depart every 15 minutes. (Free parking is available for those reaching the cable car station by car).

For more insight into the various regions, click on the following links:

• Catalonia Tourism
• The Coastal Regions – the Costa Brava to the Costa Dorada
• The Mountains - Pyrenees' Valleys, Pedraforca and Montserrat
• Barcelona (from bcninternet.com)

To see our quality self-catering accommodation offers available, click on the relevant links below:

• Mountain Villas – beautiful villas and chalets in the rural Pyrenees
• Beach Villas – stunning places to stay on or near the coast.