MOUNTAINS OF CATALONIA HIKING TOUR DESCRIPTION
 | 8 days |  | March-June 22nd & September-November | 
| Self-Guided Hiking |
 | From €895 | 
| Medium\Difficult | ||
 | Montseny, Spain |  | Montserrat, Spain |
A Journey Through Catalonia’s Breathtaking Landscapes, History & Cuisine
Get ready for an unforgettable 106 km journey through the heart of Catalonia, where stunning natural landscapes, deep-rooted history, and incredible gastronomy come together in one epic adventure.
Over six days of hiking (+ an arrival and depature day), our self-guided hiking tour takes you through three spectacular natural parks—El Montseny, Sant Llorenç del Munt, and Montserrat—each with its own unique charm.
You’ll wander through the peaceful forests of Montseny, marvel at the rugged rock formations of Sant Llorenç i l’Obac, and culminate your journey at Montserrat, home to the legendary monastery and the revered Black Madonna. Along the way, you’ll uncover centuries-old Romanesque chapels, traditional dry-stone structures, and striking Modernist architecture, many of which now house charming hotels and top-tier restaurants.
With our self-guided itinerary, you have the freedom to hike at your own pace, stopping to soak in the views, explore local villages, and savor Catalonia’s world-renowned cuisine—from wild mushrooms and artisanal cheeses to the celebrated Pla de Bages wines.
If you love a combination of scenic hiking, rich history, and delicious food, our our Mountains of Catalonia Hiking Tour is for you.
The best times to hike are spring and fall, when the weather is perfect, and the landscapes are at their most vibrant.
HIGHLIGHTS OF MOUNTAINS OF CATALONIA TOUR
✅ Hike through three stunning natural parks, each offering a different side of Catalonia’s landscape.
✅ Experience Montserrat, one of Spain’s most famous mountains, with its iconic monastery and breathtaking views.
✅ Step back in time as you explore Catalonia’s rich architectural heritage, from Romanesque hermitages to Modernist masterpieces.
✅ See fascinating dry-stone architecture, a centuries-old building technique still standing today.
✅ Indulge in authentic Catalan cuisine, including traditional mountain dishes, local wines, and artisanal cheeses.
✅ Stay in handpicked accommodations, including historic buildings transformed into charming hotels.
✅ Start and finish near Barcelona, making it easy to combine with a city break.
✅ Explore at your own pace, with our self-guided itinerary giving you total flexibility and freedom.
MOUNTAINS OF CATALONIA TOUR: 8-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Montseny
A private transfer takes you from the airport to your hostal in Montseny (2*), located 500 meters from town, in the heart of the Natural Park. After a welcome briefing with our guide, settle into your simple yet comfortable private room with an en-suite bathroom, relax on the terrace, and take in the peaceful surroundings before your adventure begins!
Day 2: Hike From Montseny – Aiguafreda
Your hike begins in Montseny Natural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, winding through holm oak forests and up to a 1,195m-high viewpoint with breathtaking views of the park and the distant Pyrenees. A shorter route is available with an optional transfer.
After a long day of hiking, you’ll spend the night in a simple 1-star hostel in the center of Aiguafreda, a charming village nestled at the foot of the Montseny Massif.
Known for its rich history, picturesque surroundings, and welcoming atmosphere, Aiguafreda is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Here, you’ll enjoy authentic Catalan home-cooked cuisine, a well-earned reward after a day on the trail.
- Hiking Details: Distance 23.9 km. (14.9 miles). Ascent 1180 m. (3,871.4 ft.) Descent 1345 m. (4,412.7 ft.).
Day 3: Hike From Aiguafreda – Riells
Today’s hike is easier but still rewarding, with a climb to the Cingles de Bertí cliffs, offering unforgettable views over the Congost River Valley and Montseny Massif.
The trail winds through rolling hills, medieval sites, and hidden waterfalls, adding a touch of history and charm to the journey.
At the end of the hike, a transfer takes you to your accommodationin Bigues i Riells, a charming village nestled between forests and rivers at the gateway to Montseny Natural Park.
Your accommodation is in a simple rural farmhouse on the outskirts of the village, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful countryside setting.
- Hiking Details: Distance 16.34 km. (10.15 miles). Ascent 720 m. (2,362 ft) Descent 818 m. (2,683.7 ft.).
Day 4: Hike From Sant Feliu de Codines – Sant Llorenç Savall
Today’s trail winds through pine forests and open fields, following well-marked dirt tracks and footpaths toward Sant Llorenç Savall. The peaceful, rustic landscapes make for a relaxing hike.
You’ll stay in a charming rural hotel in Sant Llorenç Savall, a charming village surrounded by rolling hills and forests – perfect for a well-earned rest.
- Hiking Details: Distance 14.60 km. (9.1 miles). Ascent 445 m. (1,460 ft) Descent 433 m. (1,420.6 ft).
Day 5: Hike From Sant Llorenç Savall – Mura
Today’s hike showcases some of the most iconic landscapes of the Catalonian Serralada Litoral Mountain Range. Along the way, you’ll pass through Mediterranean forests and rocky peaks, with the option to climb La Mola for breathtaking panoramic views (+8 km).
You’ll stay in a rural apartment in Mura, which is perfect for exploring the beautifully preserved medieval village, where time seems to stand still.
- Hiking Details: Ascent 1030 m. (3,379.3 ft) Descent 1012 m. (3,320 ft) Distance 24.70 km.
Alternative: without the climb to the top of La Mola
- Hiking Details: Ascent 735 m. (2,411 ft) Descent 718 m. (2,355.7 ft) Distance 16.7 km. (10.4 miles)
Day 6: Hike From Mura – Rellinars
Today’s hike takes you through the remote, unspoiled landscapes of Sant Llorenç del Munt Natural Park. The trail winds through Mediterranean pine forests, crossing occasional seasonal streams in spring.
This lesser-known side of the park offers a peaceful and immersive experience in nature before reaching Rellinars, a small rural village known for its natural springs and traditional stone houses.
You’ll stay in a rcharming rural house that dates back to 1358.
- Hiking Details: Distance 19.2 km. (11.9 miles). Ascent 935 m. (3,067.6 ft) Descent 1012 m. (3,320 ft).
Day 7: Hike From Rellinars – Montserrat
As you hike toward Montserrat, its towering rock formations dominate the horizon, growing ever closer with each step. The trail winds past the sculpted peaks of El Cavall Bernat, El Serrat de les Barretines, El Serrat del Vent, and El Montgròs, showcasing Montserrat’s dramatic beauty.
Considered Catalonia’s most sacred mountain, Montserrat is both a natural wonder and a spiritual landmark. If you prefer to skip the final ascent, you have the option to take the train from Monistrol de Montserrat (ticket not included).
You’ll stay in a historic accommodation (3*) that has been welcoming pilgrims since 1563, offering a peaceful stay in the heart of the sanctuary, just steps from the basilica, with magnificent mountain and valley views.
- Hiking Details: Distance 17.4 km. (10.8 miles). Ascent 834 m. (2,736 ft.) Descent 548 m. (1,798 ft).
Day 8: Explore Montserrat & Departure
Congratulations! You’ve just completed an unforgettable journey through Catalonia’s most spectacular landscapes.
Enjoy a free day in Montserrat, where you can explore the monastery, hiking trails, or simply soak in the breathtaking scenery. When you’re ready, depart for Barcelona or the airport, taking with you incredible memories of this adventure.
COST OF THE 8-DAY MOUNTAINS OF CATALONIA SELF-GUIDED TOUR AND INCLUSIONS
| 8-DAY MOUNTAINS OF CATALONIA SELF-GUIDED HIKE DETAILS | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 days | | March-June 22nd & September-November | | Montseny, Spain | | Montserrat, Spain |
| Starting from €895 pp | High Season €1045 pp: | Apr 12th to 20th & June 23rd to Sept 15th | ||||
| Optional Extras | Half-board: €242 pp | Single Supplement: €240 | Solo Traveller: €420 | ||||
Prices based on double accommodation.
This tour is available from March – November, however we don’t recommend doing it from June 23rd – Sept 15th due to the heat. If you would like to do it then, contact us for the high season rates.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
✔ Airport transfer (from Barcelona or Girona) on arrival day to your first hotel
✔ Welcome meeting with a local guide (English, French, or German)
✔ 7 breakfasts
✔ 7 nights in 3-star (or equivalent) accommodations (pp based on double accommodation)
✔ One dinner during your stay
✔ Offline app with all route tracks, maps, and key information
✔ Optional: Paper maps, printed information, and GPS device (€35 per package)
✔ All scheduled transfers along the route
✔ Detailed tourist information about the trail and cultural sites
✔ 24/7 support line for assistance during your trip
✔ Luggage transport between accommodations, so you can hike light
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
- Transfer from Montserrat to Barcelona the last day: €185 one way (maximum 4 pax)
- Additional night in Montserrat: €75 pp in double room
- Half-board: €242 pp
- Single Supplement: €240
- Solo Traveller: €415
- Paper maps + GPS device with route tracks: ‹35
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Travel insurance that covers you for this tour and includes emergency evacuation and hospital care in the unlikely incident that you get injured. HeyMondo insurance covers this which is why we recommend it.
- Drinks
- Transfer on the last day from Montserrat
- Tourist tax
- Anything not included under the ‘Inclusion’ section.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR THE MOUNTAINS OF CATALONIA HIKING TOUR
Technical Difficulty
This route takes you through low-altitude mountains with no technical challenges, but the significant elevation changes require a moderate level of fitness. To complete the journey in 6 stages, you should be prepared for daily hikes of 4 to 6 hours.
- Total Distance: 106 km (66 miles)
- Total Elevation Gain: 3,715 m (12,188 ft.)
- Estimated Total Hiking Time: ~30 hours
Climate
The region enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Rainfall is more common in spring and autumn, but temperatures remain pleasant year-round.
- Average Temperature: 15°C (59°F)
- Winter Average: 6°C (43°F)
- Summer Average: 23°C (73°F)
Best Time to Go
We highly recommend spring and autumn for the best hiking conditions, with comfortable temperatures and stunning seasonal landscapes. However, thanks to Catalonia’s mild climate, this route is also possible in gentle winters and moderate summers.
Travel Information
Getting to Barcelona
Barcelona is the main travel hub in Catalonia, Spain, easily accessible by plane, bus, or train.
- Main Airport: Barcelona-El Prat (BCN)
- Alternative Airport: Girona-Costa Brava (GRO)
Returning to Barcelona
From Montserrat Monastery, take the rack railway to Monistrol de Montserrat, then board the R5 or R50 (FGC line) to Plaça Espanya in Barcelona. From there, you can connect to Barcelona’s metro system or take the Aerobus to the airport (T1 & T2). We can also organize a private transfer for an additional cost.
Further Information
- Languages: All materials are available in Spanish, English, and French.
- Recommended Age: 12+
- Difficulty Level: Medium-High (no technical difficulties, but a good level of fitness is required)
Optional Extensions & Activities
- Extend the hike to Barcelona with a 3-day trek. Contact us for details.
- Extra days in Montserrat or Barcelona: Add time to explore or enjoy bike tours and cultural activities (pricing varies by activity).
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PHOTOS OF THE MOUNTAINS OF CATALONIA HIKING TOUR
