Hiking catalog in English

EN

Hiking * *Beyond where maps can take you

Published by Patronat de Turisme Costa Brava Girona Design and production Minimilks Translated and revised by Daniel Vivern Lladó Printed by Legal deposit GI 283-2015 Text Innova Management Photographers Albert Duch, D.Patitucci, Àlex Tremps, Maria Geli, Pilar Planagumà, Salvador Bosch, Josep Miquel Guasch, Òscar Vall, Àlex Gosteli, Pere Durán, Toni León, Julián Guisado, Oriol Batista, Imma Parada, Jordi RenArt, TDM-cupula Torre Galatea. Imma Parada.Fundació Gala Salvador Dalí, Daniel Punseti Photos courtesy of Itinerànnia, Ripollès Desenvolupament, Turisme La Selva, Gironguies, Cicloturisme i Medi Ambient, Trescàlia-Verd Volcànic, Terramar, Aventura Girona, Gaia Guies, CEA Alt Ter, Associació de Guies Gironès, Terra de Passeig, Empordà Bike Resort, Klassmark Trail Cap de Creus, La Rectoria de Sant Miquel de Pineda, Fundació Gala Salvador Dalí, Serra de Monestirs, Camí de Ronda®

Hiking

Index

5

Index

6

Introduction to hiking in the Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees

39

ACCOMODATION, CULTURE and CUISINE

9

GR. Long-Distance Trails

40

MAP

17

Other options

42

MAP key

23

Stages

43

Legend

29

Companies

37

Races

Hiking

Introduction

Introduction to hiking in the Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees The regions of Girona, uniquely surrounded by the Pyrenees while bathed by the Mediterranean to the east, are the perfect place for outdoor activities. This proximity to the sea gives the Pyrenees a mild climate and a one-of-a-kind landscape. Visitors are immediately attracted to the area’s stunning natural beauty — which changes colours according to the season— and the wide range of cultural and sports activities offered by the different territories.

Magnificent mountains and sea landscapes, where visitors can take a journey back in time thanks to the legacy of Romanesque art and traditions that remind us of the origins of these rich lands, where history combines with modern services to create the perfect spot for hikers. All in a single destination with many different facets, yet with one common denominator: encouraging visitors to take to the trails.

All in a single destination with many different facets, yet with one common denominator: encouraging visitors to take to the trails.

Hiking

GR. Long-Distance Trails

9

GR. Long-Distance Trails GR is the abbreviation of Gran Recorregut (longdistance trails), trails longer than 50 km which are often the result of the recovery of routes that were historically travelled and which fell into disuse.

Today, the GR trails form an extensive network of hiking trails across Europe. Paths are marked by a systems of red and white stripes which indicate the direction to follow, a trail that deviates from the GR, a wrong direction and a change of direction.

The same markers with different colours are used to signpost the petit recorreguts (PR or shortdistance trails) with white and yellow stripes, and the senders locals (SL or local paths) with white and green stripes.

Trails longer than 50 km which are often the result of the recovery of routes that were historically travelled and which fell into disuse.

Hiking

GR. Long-Distance Trails

GR

10

Hiking

1 Puigcerdà

GR 11

Llançà

CERDANYA RIPOLLÈS

GR 2 ALT EMPORDÀ

GR 1 GARROTXA

PLA DE L’ESTANY

L’Escala

GR 83 GIRONÈS

GR 178 Santa Coloma de Ferners

SELVA

Blanes

11

attractions including the Parc Natural del Cap de Creus, Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l’Empordà and the Parc Natural del Montgrí, Illes Medes i Baix Ter.

Data sheet

GR 92

Portbou

La Jonquera

GR 4

GR. Long-Distance Trails

GR 92 BAIX EMPORDÀ

Cap de Creus

This is a long-distance trail with low to medium difficulty which follows the coast of Girona, with excellent views of the coves and small villages nestled along the Costa Brava and the Mediterranean. The trail runs entirely along the coastline, giving hikers the chance to enjoy extraordinary views, although in some sections the route inevitable turns away from the coast and heads inland, through areas of great natural beauty and interest. Part of the route runs along the Camí de Ronda, where it turns into a pleasant and easy walk for families to enjoy. The trail passes through a number of stunning natural

The section of the trail which passes through Girona can be walked entirely in ten stages or partially by starting at any of the towns through which the route passes. We recommend visiting the tourist information offices in the different towns along the trail.

The trail starts in either Blanes or Port Bou, depending on whether hikers wish to walk the trail from south to north or vice versa.

200 km approx.

Point-to-point GR trail markers and signposts Year-round

Hiking

2

GR. Long-Distance Trails

12

Hiking

GR 11

3

The GR passes through the Pyrenees, crossing this mountain range from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and can be walked in either direction along the mountains’ southern side along the French border. The trail is at elevation, but hikers can climb the peaks along the way at their discretion.

like the Vall de Núria and the Freser-Setcases nature reserve; areas of steep and deep valleys covered with oak groves in the Alta Garrotxa; transitional spaces such as the Paratge Natural d’Interès Nacional de l’Albera and the Parc Natural del Cap de Creus, where the Pyrenees merge with the sea.

We recommended starting the Girona section of the trail in the Pyrenees’ town of Puigcerdà and finishing in Empordà on the Costa Brava. While the trail descends more than it ascends between these two points it is still considered a medium-high difficultly with some tough sections.

The route also gives hikers the chance to discover the region’s rich cultural heritage, with magnificent examples of Romanesque churches including the ones in Beget and Molló, as well as the Sant Pere de Rodes monastery, a castle in Requesens and a significant number of dolmens in the Albera region.

It passes through an incredibly diverse landscape: alpine landscapes at 200 meters above sea level,

The Girona section can be hiked in twelve stages for a roughly 250 km route or partially from any access point.

Data sheet

250 km approx.

Point-to-point GR trail markers and signposts Spring, summer and early autumn

GR. Long-Distance Trails

GR 1

Known as the Historic or Transversal Trail, the trailhead is on the Costa Brava in Empúries archaeological site and ends its run through Girona in Ripollès. It runs parallel to the GR 11 but through the Pyrenees foothills.

The path crosses a number of historic towns, many of which date to the medieval period, with a strong Roman heritage which can be seen in towns like Besalú, Sant Joan de les Abadesses and Ripoll. Also highly recommended are the towns of Sant Martí d’Empúries, Banyoles and Castellfollit de la Roca.

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Data sheet

140 km approx.

Point-to-point GR trail markers and signposts Year-round

GR 2

Starting in La Jonquera, on the French border, and without excessive ascents and descents, the trail runs southwest while crossing towns of great artistic interest like Besalú and Santa Pau. The route then dips into the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa. It crosses Vall d’en Bas and into the province of Barcelona via Rupit, crossing the natural massifs of Guilleries and Collsacabra to Parc Natural del Montseny.

Data sheet

108 approx. to Rupit Point-to-point GR trail markers and signposts Year-round (some sections with low temperatures in winter)

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Hiking

5

GR. Long-Distance Trails

GR 4

Part of a European GR, GR 4 starts at the international bridge in Puigcerdà and runs south to Montserrat.

The Girona section is located entirely in Cerdanya, which it crosses from north to south, first via the Cerdanya plain to Alp followed by an ascent to the ski resort of La Molina until the Coll de Pal, with spectacular views of the Pyrenees. From here the route descends to La Pobla de Lillet, in the Barcelona region, and on to Montserrat.

6

The places where Serralonga committed his robberies form part of the route, as well as other spots where he was welcomed and the house where he was finally arrested.

Hiking

7 Data sheet

23 approx. until Coll de Pal (158 total) Point-to-point GR trail markers and signposts Spring, summer, autumn

GR 178

The GR 178, or Serrallonga Route, follows the footsteps of the famous seventeenth-century bandit across the Guilleries mastiff —a little known natural space rich in flora and fauna— and Collsacabra. The trail starts in Santa Coloma and ends in Sau. The 178-2 variant, which runs through the Creu d’en Serrallonga pass, leads to Sant Hilari Sacalm.

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Data sheet

56 km approx.

Point-to-point GR trail markers and signposts Year-round

GR. Long-Distance Trails

GR 83

Known as the Camí del Nord, this is a highlysymbolic route because it is the path which thousands of exiles from the Spanish Civil War followed in early 1939 as they fled to France. The Girona portion of the route starts in Arbúcies, in the Parc Natural del Montseny, and heads north across Guilleries massifs and the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa, where it heads into the Pyrenees towards Beget, Ripollès, and finally France.

Data sheet

105 km approx. (Girona section) Point-to-point GR trail markers and signposts Spring, summer, autumn

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Hiking

Other Stagesoptions

17

Other options The following pages offer additional hiking suggestions in Girona, all routes that ensure a safe exploration of the region. They have specific trail markers and are organised in a network of either point-to-point or loop trails, and hikers can adapt the route or the stages according to their requirements or level of preparation.

All routes that ensure a safe exploration of the region.

Hiking

Other options

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Other options

Hiking

1

Other options

Vies Verdes www.viesverdes.org

The Vies Verdes are greenways created on old disused railway lines, designed for non-motorised users: pedestrians, cyclists, etc. There are 125 km of greenway trails throughout the Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees which are divided into four awardwinning routes, three of which are connected. These routes run from the Pyrenees to the sea and can be traversed on foot or bike for an easy, pleasant and safe route which passes through several towns and natural areas, giving users the chance to discover the area’s range of historical and cultural sights.

2 ALT EMPORDÀ

CERDANYA

3 RIPOLLÈS GARROTXA

PLA DE L’ESTANY

6

5

1 GIRONÈS

Legend 1

Vies verdes

2

Pirinexus

3

Itinerànnia

4

Baix Empordà Hiking Network

5

Camí de Sant Jaume

6

Ruta del Ter

SELVA

BAIX EMPORDÀ

4

2

Data sheet

125 km Point-to-point Vies Verdes trail markers Year-round

Pirinexus www.pirinexus.cat

The 125 km Pirinexus route combines the Vies Verdes and an additional 226 km for a 351 km loop that passes through seven of Girona’s eight regions and France. The route forms a cross-border loop that connects a range of natural areas: the Pyrenees, the interior and the coast. Designed as a route for cyclists and well-known among Europe’s major trails, most of the route is ideal for walking.

Data sheet

351 km Loop Vies Verdes and Pirinexus trail markers Year-round

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Hiking

3

Other options

Itinerànnia

20

Hiking

5

www.itinerannia.net

The Itinerànnia network of trails is an extremely successful initiative. With over 2,500 km of marked paths, the network recovers the old trails of the Ripollès, Garrotxa and Alt Empordà regions, connects all the towns in the Pyrenees with the Mediterranean and vice versa, and features the area’s natural and cultural assets. Hikers can easily plan fully customised routes, choosing trails, the towns to pass through, the number of stages, etc., by using the numerous resources available on its website.

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Camí de Sant Jaume www.camidesantjaume.cat

Data sheet

2,500 km Network Itinerànnia yellow trail makers with signposts Year-round, except in the high-mountain sections, where there is a risk of snow in winter

Baix Empordà Hiking Network www.visitemporda.com

In the heart of the Costa Brava, the Baix Empordà region offers a network of hiking paths, using the existing GR (long-distance trails), PR (short-distance trails) and SL (local paths) trail markers to create a 370-kilometre network of hiking trails. Hikers can plan the perfect route by combining trails to include picturesque beaches, Mediterranean forests, the region’s main towns and a number of charming medieval or fishing villages.

Other options

Data sheet

370 km Network GR, PR and SL trail markers with signposts at different points Year-round

The Girona section of the Camí de Sant Jaume, or Way of St. James, has two different routes: one from the Coll de Panissars to La Jonquera, which is a continuation of the French trail, and the route that begins on the Mediterranean coast in Port de la Selva, which features the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, a site for both pilgrimages and tourists. The trails meets in Figueres to form a single route that continues to Girona and the Vall d’en Bas, and crosses Catalonia as the main route of the multiple historic paths that pilgrims would take from Catalonia to Santiago de Compostela.

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Data sheet

400 km approx. (El Port de la Selva – Alfarràs) Point-to-point White trail markers with blue markers in the shape of a shell Year-round

Ruta del Ter www.rutadelter.cat

Follow the river Ter from its source in Ulldeter, in the Pyrenees, over 2,200 meters above sea level, until it empties into the sea in Torroella de Montgrí-l’Estartit on the Costa Brava. This route crosses much of Girona and its wide variety of landscapes: from the upper Ter, to its meanderings along the plains of the Empordà, until it reaches the sea. Hikers and cyclists can discover the culture, history and tradition of the towns along the way, as well as a range of culinary delights.

Data sheet

225 km Point-to-point Green or green and red trail markers Year-round, except when the river is high, with snow in winter

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Hiking

Stages

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Stages The hiking boom of recent years and the extensive network of trails available have led to the emergence of programmed routes that take several days and often pass through areas of great natural beauty. Usually designed as loops, these itineraries boast comprehensive websites, specific maps, route booklets, accommodation suggestions, picnics, etc., in order to make planning the hike easier.

These itineraries boast comprehensive websites, specific maps, route booklets, accommodation suggestions, picnics, etc.

Hiking

Stages

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Hiking

Stages

1

Stages

25

Serra de Monestirs www.serrademonestirs.com

5

Meranges

CERDANYA

Núria

4

Serra de Monestirs is a trail that gives hikers the opportunity to discover Ripollès nature, history, culture, and local cuisine in a direct and participatory way. Beginning and ending in Ripoll, and with the Taga (2,040 m) as the highest peak, “the trail skirts the Cavallera mountain. Optional visits to the Santa Maria de Ripoll and Sant Joan de les Abadesses monasteries and dishes made with local products make the journey a wonderful experience.

2 RIPOLLÈS

3

Camprodon

1

2

BAIX EMPORDÀ

1

Serra de Monestirs

2

Refugis del Torb

3

Bastions

4

Els tres refugis

5

Ruta dels Estanys Amagats

6

Camí de ronda

Girona

65 km Loop Differs along each stage Spring, summer, and early autumn

Refugis del Torb www.refugisdeltorb.com

GIRONÈS

Legend

Data sheet

6

Palamós

This high-mountain loop passes through the most emblematic spots in the Girona Pyrenees and the eastern French Pyrenees. It connects Puigmal (2,910 m) and the Vall de Núria with Canigó (2,784 m) and the Vall de Marialles in a recommended five stages<.

Hikers can intensely enjoy the surrounding landscape by climbing ridges, valleys and peaks with a long hiking tradition like the Circ d’Ulldeter, Vall de Núria, Vall de Coma de Vaca, the lakes in Carançà or the village of Mentet.

Data sheet

73 km Loop Differs along each stage Spring, summer, and early autumn

Hiking

3

Stages

26

Bastions

Hiking

5

www.elsbastions.com This is a challenging mountain loop which starts and ends in Ribes de Freser and passes through several villages in the Vall de Ribes and includes some of the valley’s and the Girona Pyrenees’ highest and most emblematic peaks, such as Puigmal (2,910 m), Bastiments (2,883 m), Balandrau (2,585 m) and Taga (2,038 m), as well as the magnificent Vall de Núria.

Hiking the trail in five stages, some of which pass through the high mountains, is recommended, but it can be done in less time depending on the physical condition of the hiker.

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27

Ruta dels Estanys Amagats www.rutadelsestanysamagats.com

Data sheet

105 km Loop GR trail markers, yellow Itinerànnia trail markers, orange trail markers and milestones End of spring, summer and early autumn

Els tres refugis

Loop that passes through the Tossa Plana de Lles and Puigpedrós massifs, the Cerdanya valleys of Meranges, La Llosa i d’Arànser, and the Vall del Madriu in Andorra. Hikers can discover a number of natural treasures along the route’s recommended five stages, not only the rich biodiversity of the different alpine passes but almost forty glacial lakes the route is named after. Hikers can find shelter in the mountain huts along the route.

6

www.t3r.cat Loop that links the high mountain valleys of Freser, Bacivers, Carançà and Coma de Vaca, mostly in the Girona Pyrenees, with some in France. It connects the three refugis, or mountain huts, which provide shelter along the route: Coma de Vaca, Ulldeter and Ras de Carançà. Following the route in this order is recommended by starting and ending in the picturesque village of Queralbs. More prepared visitors can include hikes to peaks including Bastiments, Gra de Fajol and Balandrau.

Stages

Data sheet

73 km Loop White trail markers, various signposts and milestones End of spring, summer and early autumn

Camí de Ronda® www.camideronda.com

Data sheet

52.5 km Loop GR trail markers, green signposts, yellow Itinerànnia trail markers and milestones End of spring, summer and early autumn

The Camí de Ronda is the historic path that skirts the Costa Brava. Running parallel to the sea, the path offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean coast.

We propose two routes that run along the coast, and a third which, with a start and finish in Girona, includes inland sections that give hikers the chance to visit medieval villages like Peratallada i Monells and the Gavarres and l’Ardenya-Cadiretes massifs. A range of hiker services, as well as accommodation, can be reserved on the route’s comprehensive website.

Data sheet

43, 18 or 140 km according to the selected route Point-to-point or loop GR trail markers along the coast, various trail markers and signposts Year-round. Hikers should take precautions with the sun and heat in summer.

Hiking

Companies Stages

29

Companies Below are a number of suggestions for those hikers who prefer the support of professionals when discovering new places in order to deepen their knowledge of the region or enjoy unique experiences. Suggestions are made for all levels and ages; these companies provide all services to ensure that tourists need worry about nothing more than hiking and enjoying themselves.

Below are a number of suggestions for those hikers who prefer the support of professionals.

Hiking

Companies

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Hiking

Giroguies

Trescàlia - Verd Volcànic

Tel. +34 972 303 886 · +34 636 490 830 www.giroguies.com · info@giroguies.com

Tel. +34 972 264 615 · +34 657 861 805 www.trescalia.com · info@trescalia.com

PALAFRUGELL

This travel agency specialises in a range of different routes: hiking, cultural routes, beginner racing and routes, cycling and mountain biking routes.

Located in Empordà, the company organises local and international hiking trips, always with a particular focus on environmental responsibility and respect.

OLOT

The company works specifically in the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees, particularly La Garrotxa. It boasts a team of experts in the region and organises customised tours and hikes for individuals and small groups. Its aims to provide a human experience that transmits the individuality of the region and its people.

Incoming travel agency formed by a group of professionals who base their services on sustainability and respect for nature in order to create their tour packages.

Headquartered in Olot, the agency focuses on the Girona region, particularly Ripollès, La Garrotxa and Alt Empordà, offering a wide range of hiking trips

Cicloturisme i Medi Ambient

Terramar

Tel. +34 972 221 047 www.cicloturisme.com · info@cicloturisme.com

Tel. +34 972 510 347 www.terramar.org · terramar@terramar.org

GIRONA

This travel agency specialises in hiking and cycling in the Costa Brava, the Pyrenees and, recently, to other destinations in Catalonia, Spain and Europe.

Founded in 1996, the company originally opened its doors as a cycling tour company that rented a range of bikes. Currently located in the city of Girona, its services

Companies

with a theme tailored to the customer’s taste: natural scenery, mountains, volcanoes, cultural landscapes, trail running, etc.

The agency also provides nature getaways with guides on geology, flora and vegetation, birds and butterflies, as well as photography trips and work camps.

VILABERTRAN

also include road cycling, mountain biking, hiking, trail running and other outdoor activities.

The company provides a range of services to help customers focus solely on hiking or cycling and enjoying all that the region, its people and its traditions have to offer.

Terramar, Natura i Cultura is a company with over ten years of experience in increasing the awareness of, promoting and managing the numerous resources of the Alt Empordà.

Its main focus is on guided tours and educational activities about the area’s natural, social and cultural

areas, in collaboration with the managers of the different areas visited, who often work as official guides.

In terms of hiking, the company focuses on specialised nature guides, supplemented with cultural and traditional information. It also offers the possibility of discovering the world of wine first-hand.

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Hiking

Companies

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Hiking

Aventura Girona

CEA Alt Ter

Tel. +34 633 161 679 www.aventuragirona.com · info@aventuragirona.com

Tel. +34 972 721 317 www.alt-ter.org · info@alt-ter.org

Adventure company that offers a wide range of outdoor activities in addition to hiking: canyoning, vies ferrades (climbing routes), beginner routes, snowshoeing, etc.

Headquartered in Girona, the company primarily focuses on the region’s natural spaces, mainly in Girona.

Companies

SANT JOAN DE LES ABADESSES

Hiking activities range from mountain and highmountain hiking trails with varying lengths and degrees of difficulties —with ascents to the main peaks in the Pyrenees and the Parc Natural del Montseny— and easy ecotourism routes to the major natural spaces in the Coast Brava and La Garrotxa.

The Centre d’Educació Ambiental Alt Ter (Alt Ter Environmental Education Centre) is an association that offers activities and guided nature tours and hiking in Ripollès, in the Girona Pyrenees.

In addition to cultural tours based on the Ruta del Pirineu Comtal, and thematic nature tours focused on high-mountain wildlife, natural habitats, orchids and bird watching, the company offers a variety of guided

hiking tours that take advantage of the network of Itinerànnia trails, with routes of varying degrees of difficulty designed to help visitors discover the region.

It also manages the Molí Petit ecomusceum in Sant Joan de les Abadesses, which offers organised environmental education activities for schools, groups and families.

Gaia Guies

Associació de Guies Gironès, Terra de Passeig

Tel. +34 678 074 122 www.gaiamoia.com · montseca@gaiamoia.com

Tel. +34 620 200 486 www.turismegirones.cat · guiesgirones@sorbus.cat

L’ESTARTIT

Company which offers one-day or multi-day hiking tours to several natural areas along the Costa Brava: Parc Natural del Montgrí, Illes Medes i Baix Ter, Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, Parc Natural del Cap de Creus, the Gavarres massifs, etc.

A group of expert guides in nature and ecotourism offer organised routes, which can be found on its

GIRONA

website, throughout the year, as well as customised routes for all types of groups. If the customer prefers a route without a guide, the company also offers a self-guided tours service along with other services including baggage transports, which allows visitors to hike freely without having to carry heavy bags.

Guide association which, in collaboration with the Regional Council of Girona, provides guided nature tours in the immediate surroundings of the city of Girona.

Following criteria that favour the development of sustainable tourism, it spreads natural and cultural values through its guided hikes, giving visitors

the opportunity to discover the rich heritage that lies between the magnificent natural spaces and beautiful villages scattered throughout the Girona region, including the Crosa volcano, the source of the river Onyar, the Vall de Sant Daniel, and its gorges, Madremanya, Sant Martí Vell and the Gavarres massifs.

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Hiking

Companies

Empordà Bike Resort LA BISBAL D’EMPORDÀ

Tel. +34 972 641 820 · +34 607 863 738 www.empordabikeresort.com · info@empordabikeresort.com

The Empordà Bike Resort is the ideal type of accommodation for sports lovers, particularly for all types of cyclists and hikers. It boasts six apartments in a sixteenth-century country farmhouse with a large garden, terrace and communal barbecue.

hiking and cycling trails, provides a range of services including a garage and spaces for cleaning and repairing bicycles, information about all types of hiking and cycling trails, GPS rental with routes around the area, and guide and picnic services.

The apartments, located in the Bisbal d’Empordà, in the heart of the Baix d’Empordà’s network of

Estació Nàutica l’Estartit-Illes Medes L’ESTARTIT

Tel. +34 972 750 699 www.enestartit.com · info@enestartit.com

Located in Torroella de Montgrí–l’Estartit, on the Costa Brava, in the Parc Natural del Montgrí, Illes Medes i Baix Ter, Estació Nàutica is the perfect combination of sports, sea and nature.

As diving is the municipality’s main tourist activity, Estació Nàutica is a booking centre that offers a wide

range of sea, land and air recreational activities which are adapted to all ages and levels.

It also organises hiking tours of varying degrees of difficulty and for a range of groups to the Parc Natural del Montgrí, Illes Medes i Baix Ter.

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Hiking Senderisme

Stages Empreses

35

Hiking

Races Index

37

Races Catalonia is a region with a long hiking and mountaineering tradition, birthplace of internationally renowned athletes like Kilian Jornet.

Mountain races have become a sport with tremendous growth in recent years. The Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees provide a plethora of challenges for lovers of this sport, some of which are interna-

www.ultrafons.com www.trailcapdecreus.com www.trailulldeter.com http://trailwalker.oxfamintermon.org

tionally renowned, like the Volta a la Cerdanya en Ultrafons (VCUF), the Trail del Cap de Creus and the Trail dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ulldeter. It is also where Intermon Oxfam has chosen to organise one of the charity races for the most prestigious racing teams, such as the Oxfam Intermon Trailwalker.

Hiking

Information

Accomodation The Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees is home to a range of accommodation options with different rates, sizes, types and rating: from seaside or mountain hotels and apartments in busy tourist towns to stays in country farmhouses, beautiful campsites and internationally renowned resorts.

Some establishments, listed in this guide’s fold-out section, are specialised in travellers who visit the area to practice outdoor activities, particularly hiking and cycling, and provide every amenity to make visitors feel right at home.

Culture Culture in the Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees means going back to the origins of civilization. Visitors can discover, in order of age, megalithic monuments on the Albera and Gavarres massifs, prehistoric caves in Serinyà, Iberian, Greek and Roman villages along the sea, particularly in Empúries, as well as examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau influence across the region. Medieval samples are as impressive as Sant Pere de Rodes and Ripoll, still

breathe the air of experiences • thousand year old.

Remnants of the medieval period still stand, like Sant Pere de Rodes and Ripoll, with their air of centuries-old tradition. In recent years, artists like the genius Salvador Dalí opened a new perspective of our environmental and cultural landscape, reflected in unparalleled artistic creations. In total, more than 55 museums and 550 monuments fill this land with culture and tradition.

Cuisine The relationship between culture and cuisine is virtually inseparable, to the point that Salvador Dalí said that “beauty should be edible, or not at all”. The cultural perspective embodied by cuisine in our province today is a revival of its most innovative aspects at the hand of renowned chefs including Ferran Adrià and the Roca brothers.

However, the culinary options that visitors can find in the Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees is wide and varied, based on cuisine strongly linked to the land’s traditional roots. The region’s cuisine is a culture to experience and enjoy, with high standards and professionalism backed by internationally renowned restaurants.

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Hiking

Map

40

Girul

Viliella Arànser

Ordèn

Coves of Begur and Palafrugell and Sant Sebastià Lighthouse La Molina-Masella

4

Banyoles Lake

5

Mediaeval towns of Pals and Peratallada

6

Iberian Settlement of Ullastret

8

10

Botanical Gardens of La Selva Coast (Santa Clotilde, Pinya de Rosa and Marimurtra) Pottery of La Bisbal

13

Alta Garrotxa (Oix and Beget)

14

Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park

15

Cap de Creus Natural Park

18

Talló Baltarga Tartera Beders Montellà Olià Pi Coborriu Prats Riu de Urús Bor Nas Pedra Cerdanya

CADÍ-MOIXERÓ NATURAL PARK

E-9 Túnel del Cadí C-16

Setcases

3

Masella

la Molina

Planès

Toses

Nevà

Planoles

Cadaqués

21

Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park

22

Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park

23

Dalí Triangle (Museums of Figueres, Portlligat and Púbol)

24

Romanesque architecture Santa Maria de Ripoll, Sant Joan de les Abadesses, Sant Quirze de Colera, Santa Maria de Vilabertran, Sant Miquel de Cruïlles

Llanars

13 13

Camprodon

Ribes de Freser

Campelles

Beget

C-38

Abella

Pardines

N-260 C-26 Campdevànol

Sant Joan de les Abadesses

24 24

el Ter

N-153a

13 13

Túnel de Collabós

l’Hostalnou de Bianya

Sant Joan les Fonts

Castellfollit de la Roca

24 24

C-17

N-260a

Vallfogona de Ripollès

la Pinya

14 14

OLOT

Sant Privat d’en Bas

C-26

les Preses

Puigpardines Joanetes

Vidrà

Sant Miquel del Corb

17 17

C-66 Fontcoberta

Mieres Falgons

Sant Feliu de Pallerols les Planes d’Hostoles

la Salut

Sant Esteve de Llémena

Gauge Railway Route

FRANCE

Pujarnol

Canet d’Adri

Amer

Sant Martí Sacalm

Sant Gregori 6B

el Ter

Girona

Bonmatí

la Cellera de Ter Pantà de Susqueda

Osor

CATALONIA

Mediterranean Sea

Espinelves

Viladrau

E-15 AP-7

Sant Julià Sarrià de Ramis de Ter

Salt

11 11

Vilobí d’Onyar C-25

Sant Feliu de Buixalleu

Maçanet 9 de la Selva

Riells

Breda

«Surf and Turf» cuisine (throughout the region)

Caldes de Malavella C-35 Vidreres

Palafolls

Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Nature Park

Fontanilles

Platja de Pals

66

22

Cala d’Aigua Xelida

Cassà de la Selva

10 10

Tossa de Mar

Cala Llorell Platja de Canyelles Platja de Lloret de Mar Santa Cristina Platja de Fenals Platja de sa Boadella Blanes Platja de Santa Cristina Platja de Sant Francesc Platja de Blanes Platja de s’Abanell

10 10

A-19

to Barcelona

21 21 Platja Gran

12 24 12 24

9 Tordera

Llabià

Cala Pedrosa

l’Estartit Torroella de Montgrí

Palafrugell GIV-6542 Platja de Tamariu Tamariu Mont-ras Cala Pedrosa GIV-6548 Cala de Gens C-31 Ermedàs Llafranc Calella de Vall-llobrega Platja de Llafranc Palafrugell Platja del Canadell Little Train Route

2

Palamós - Vall-llobrega - Mont-ras - Palafrugell

Romanyà de la Selva

Calonge

C-31

11

Platja de Port Bo

C-253

11

Lloret de Mar

elon Barc

1

Platja de la Fosca la Fosca Cala Margarida Palamós Platja Gran Platja des Monestir Sant Antoni de Calonge Llagostera Platja de Sant Antoni Platja de Torre Valentina Castell d’Aro C-65 Solius Cala Cristus-ses Torretes Platja d’Aro Cala sa Cova Cala Rovira Santa Cristina d’Aro Platja Gran Cala sa Conca s’Agaró Platja de Sant Pol Sant Pol Platja de Sant Feliu de Guíxols Sant Feliu de Guíxols Canyet Sant Grau Platja dels Canyerets Platja del Senyor Ramon Cala Salionç Salionç

10

a

to

Sant Andreu Salou

AP-7

Hostalric

Parlavà

LES GAVARRES

E-15

Massanes

Ullà Gualta

Serra de Daró

23 23

Narrow-Gauge Railway Route

Sils

Fonolleres

Cala Farriola Golf de la Monedera

Ullastret Platja del Racó Palau-sator Corçà Cala d’Illa Roja Sant Julià de Boada Peratallada Platja de sa Riera LA BISBAL Monells Platja d’Aiguafreda D’EMPORDÀ Canapost Pals Sa Riera Sa Tuna Sant Sadurní Vulpellac Sant Feliu de Boada Cruïlles Platja de sa Tuna de l’Heura Begur Cap de Begur Torrent Fonteta Platja Fonda Regencós C-66 Fornells Cales de Fornells Esclanyà Platja d’Aiguablava Llofriu Aiguablava

Llambilles

C-63 A-2

Viabrea

Púbol

Girona-St. Feliu de Guíxols

SANTA COLOMA DE FARNERS

Riudarenes

Can Salvà

Rupià

Cala Montgó

Sobrestany

Bellcaire d’Empordà Verges C-252 Ultramort

COSTA BRAVA

Platja del Moll Grec Platja de les Muscleres Platja de l’Escala Platja de Riells

55

Campllong

Franciac

el Ter

la Pera

Juià

GIRONA

A-2 8 Riudellots de la Selva

Foixà

Badia de Roses

Riells

Albons

la Tallada d’Empordà

Jafre

Badia de Cadaqués Platja de Cala Jóncols Platja de la Punta Platja de Canyelles Platja de l’Almadrava Platja d’Empuriabrava

Montjoi

19 19

l’Escala

C-31

Colomers

Sant Martí Vell

Quart

Salitja

Garrigoles

Flaçà

Madremanya

Fornells de la Selva l’Onyar

Sant Dalmai

GIRONA-COSTA BRAVA AIRPORT

Arbúcies

MONTSENY NATURAL PARK

Celrà

Aiguaviva

Castanyet

Sant Miquel de Cladells

6

Saus Vilopriu

Platja de s’Alqueria

23 23 20 20

Platges de Sant Pere Pesacdor

Sant Martí d’Empúries

Viladamat

Sant Jordi Desvalls

Sant Joan de Mollet

7

Vilablareix

Brunyola Sant Hilari Sacalm

Medinyà

Bescanó N-141

Anglès C-63

to Vic - Manresa - Lleida

Cervià de Ter

Bordils

Sant Martí de Llémena

Ventalló

Viladasens

Cornellà del Terri Palol de Revardit

Sant Mori Vilaür

Cadaqués

15 15 Roses

22 22

Torroella de Fluvià Sant Miquel de Fluvià l’Armentera

Camallera

Olives

Pujals dels Cavallers

Camós

Granollers de Rocacorba

Olot-Girona Narrow

Barcelona

Sant Esteve de Guialbes Pujals dels Pagesos Vilamarí

BANYOLES Sant Aniol de Finestres

Vilamacolum Sant Pere Pescador

Arenys d’Empordà Orriols

Cap de Creus Portlligat

Empuriabrava Roses

AIGUAMOLLS DE L’EMPORDÀ NATURAL PARK

Sant Tomàs de Fluvià Vilacolum

Palau de Santa Eulàlia

5

la Muga

Fortià

Vilamalla Siurana Garrigàs

Bàscara

Vilademuls

Vilavenut

4

Porqueres Estant de Banyoles

Bas

els Hostalets d’en Bas

Galliners

4

Ermedàs

Romanyà d’Empordà

Orfes

Serinyà

Sant Miquel de Campmajor

el Far d’Empordà Riumors

Ordis Pontós

Espinavessa

el Fluvià

Esponellà

el Torn

Sant Martí Vell

Santa Pau

la Vall d’en Bas

Collada de Bracons C-37

Crespià

Besalú Sant Ferriol

GARROTXA VOLCANIC AREA NATURAL PARK

Borrassà Navata

N-260

18 18

Begudà

Riudaura

les Llosses

to Vic - Barcelona

Cabanelles

Maià de Montcal

Argelaguer

Vilafant

Santa Llogaia d’Àlguema

el Port de la Selva la Selva de Mar

CAP DE CREUS NATURAL PARK

Palau-saverdera

Castelló C-260 d’Empúries

Vila-sacra

Cala Canyelles Platja de Grifeu Platja del Port Platja de les Tonyines Platja del Port de la Selva Platja del Pas El Golfet

11

16 16

Pau Pedret i Marzà

24 1 24 23 23

Avinyonet de Puigventós

Beuda

A-26

Sant Jaume de Llierca

Olot Iron and Coal Route

RIPOLL

Lladó

Sales de Llierca Montagut Tortellà

N-260a

Sant Pere de Rodes

Peralada

Vilabertran

Vilanant

Llançà

Garriguella

Vilajuïga

11

Cabanes

FIGUERES

Mare de Déu del Mont

Mollet de Peralada

C-252 3

Cistella

Sadernes

la Vall de Bianya

Ripoll-St.Joan de les Abadesses - Ogassa -

Campdevànol-Sant Llorenç de Campdevànol

Boadella d’Empordà Terrades

Albanyà

Oix

Sant Pau de Segúries

Ogassa

Historic Highway and Cattle Track

A-2 Pont de Molins Llers

Bruguera

el Baell

Sant Llorenç de la Muga

Platja de Garbet

Grifeu Vilamaniscle

Masarac

Biure

Rocabruna

Vilallonga de Ter

Ventolà

24 24 Rabós

Sant Climent Sescebes

Capmany

Pantà de Boadella

Molló

Tregurà de Baix

Dòrria

Gombrèn

Besalú Ruins of Empúries

Tregurà de Dalt

Queralbs

3

Agullana

Espolla

Darnius

Tapis

Cala de les Rates Platja Gran

Portbou N-260 Colera

Sant Quirze de Colera

E-15 AP-7

la Vajol

France

Espinavell

77

el Freser

Montgrony

Santa Pau

20

Maçanet de Cabrenys

el Vilar d’Urtx

Sant Pere de Rodes

19

25

Prullans Bellver de Isòvol Fontanals Cerdanya Alp N-260 de Cerdanya Santa Das Sansor Eugènia

Cantallops 2

8

Núria

Old Town of Girona

12

17

Vilallobent Queixans Urtx

Valley and Sanctuary of Núria Vila Vella or Old Town of Tossa de Mar

16

el Segre

Camprodon Valley

9

11

Ger

Olopte All

France

ALBERA MASSIF la Jonquera

Vallter 2000

lona

3

7

Villec

Cortàs

Gréixer

to Barce

Main attractions

2

Bèixec Estana

01/15

Map

Music Festivals of the Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees Peralada, Cap Roig, Torroella de Montgrí, Porta Ferrada (Sant Feliu de Guíxols), Sant Pere de Rodes, Schubertíada

Saga Bolvir

Talltendre

Lles Martinet

1

Guils de Cerdanya

PUIGCERDÀ

Coborriu de la Llosa

Músser Travesseres

France

N-154

Meranges

Eller

France

GIRONA PYRENEES

Llívia

Cala Giverola Cala Bona Platja de la Mar Menuda Platja Gran

Mediterranean Sea

Hiking

42

Map key

Map key Toll motorway National main road Dual carriageway Major road County road Local road Under construction Other roads River Rack railway AP-7

Motorway symbol Motorway exit

N-141 C-1141

National main road symbol County road symbol

C-25

Major county road symbol

C-151

New code system High-speed rail station County boundary Railway AVE (High-speed train) Greenway Tunnel

Blue flag beaches 2014 Awarded by the European Union to beaches for the quality of their water and services Blue flag harbour/marina Cruise port Eco-Management and Audit Scheme - EMAS 2013 Calonge: Cala Cristus - Ses Torretes, Platja Torre Valentina, Platja Sant Antoni, Platja Es Monestri and seafront promenade of the town.

El Port de la Selva: El Port de la Selva Sailing Club.

L’Escala: Platja Riells, Platja Gran, Port d’en Perris, Platja Portitxol, Platja Les Muscleres, Platja Moll Grec and L’Escala Sailing Club.

Palafrugell: beaches of Port Bo, El Canadell, Llafranc, Tamariu and Calella de Palafrugell Palamós: beaches, coves, seafront promenade and urban parks.

Roses: beaches of Santa Margarida, Salatar, el Rastrell, la Nova, la Punta, Palangrers, Canyelles-Bonifaci and L’Almadrava, coves of Murtra, Rustella, Calís, Montjoi, Calitjàs, Pelosa, Canadell, Jóncols and seafront promenade.

Sant Feliu de Guíxols: beaches and coves along the coastline of the town.

Torroella de Montgrí: Platja Gran and seafront promenade of L’Estartit Castelló d’Empúries: Platja d’Empuriabrava.

Blanes: Blanes Sailing Club.

ICTE “Q” certificate for tourism quality 2013 Begur: Platja d’Aiguablava, Platja del Racó and Platja de sa Riera Calonge: Platja de Sant Antoni Castell-Platja d’Aro: Platja Gran of Platja d’Aro and Platja de sa Conca Castelló d’Empúries: Platja d’Empuriabrava Torroella de Montgrí: Platja Gran of L’Estartit Cerdanya: La Molina ski and mountain resort Garrotxa: Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park Ripollès: Vall de Núria ski and mountain resort

Hiking

Simbologia

43

Hiking

Other options

44

Hiking

Index

45

Legend Route

Type: point-to-point

Type: loop

Type: point-to-point or loop

Type: network

Trail markers

Best time of year to hike the trail

Published by Patronat de Turisme Costa Brava Girona Design and production Minimilks Translated and revised by Daniel Vivern Lladó Printed by Legal deposit GI 283-2015 Text Innova Management Photographers Albert Duch, D.Patitucci, Àlex Tremps, Maria Geli, Pilar Planagumà, Salvador Bosch, Josep Miquel Guasch, Òscar Vall, Àlex Gosteli, Pere Durán, Toni León, Julián Guisado, Oriol Batista, Imma Parada, Jordi RenArt, TDM-cupula Torre Galatea. Imma Parada.Fundació Gala Salvador Dalí, Daniel Punseti Photos courtesy of Itinerànnia, Ripollès Desenvolupament, Turisme La Selva, Gironguies, Cicloturisme i Medi Ambient, Trescàlia-Verd Volcànic, Terramar, Aventura Girona, Gaia Guies, CEA Alt Ter, Associació de Guies Gironès, Terra de Passeig, Empordà Bike Resort, Klassmark Trail Cap de Creus, La Rectoria de Sant Miquel de Pineda, Fundació Gala Salvador Dalí, Serra de Monestirs, Camí de Ronda®

Hiking

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