Hike Through the Best of the Catalan Pyrenees

The Spanish Pyrenees in Catalonia offer some of the most spectacular and unspoiled hiking in Europe. This 8-day, daays of hiking self-guided tour takes you through three distinct regions, where you’ll walk centuries-old trails, pass charming stone villages and Romanesque churches, and soak in breathtaking views of Pic de Puigmal, Mont Canigou, and the rolling hills of La Garrotxa.

With the warmest climate in the Pyrenees, this region is perfect for hiking. Along the way, you’ll enjoy Catalonia’s rich culture, warm hospitality, and incredible cuisine. And with a self-guided itinerary, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace, making this an unforgettable adventure in one of Spain’s best hiking destinations.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE HIKING IN THE SPANISH PYRENEES

✅ Hike in three different regions of the Spanish Pyrenees in Catalonia, each offering a unique and stunning landscape.
✅ Enjoy a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture, with scenic trails leading through traditional villages, Romanesque churches, and centuries-old pathways.
✅ Savor authentic Catalan cuisine and wines from the coastal plains.
✅ Stay in welcoming accommodations, where you’ll experience true Catalan hospitality.
✅ Travel light with included luggage transfers, so you can focus on the hike.
✅ Explore at your own pace with a self-guided itinerary, where we handle the logistics so you can focus on the adventure.

Ready to experience the best of hiking in the Spanish Pyrenees?

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CATALAN PYRENEES TOUR: 8-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Ripoll & Transfer to Camprodon

Arrive in Ripoll (easily reached by train from Barcelona), where a transfer takes you to the charming mountain village of Camprodon. Spend the afternoon exploring its historic center, riverside views, and cozy cafés. In the evening, meet with our guide for a welcome briefing, where you’ll receive your GPS, maps, and tour details.

You’ll enjoy the comforts of a mountain hotel, with views of the Ritort river, the mountain, or the Monastery and Church of Santa Maria. You’ll also stay in the same accommodation on day 5 of your tour. 

Take in the fresh mountain air, the warm Catalan hospitality, and the excitement of the adventure to come!

Day 2: Hike From Camprodon – Mollo

Your adventure begins with a scenic and gentle hike through the Alt Garrotxa, starting in lush meadows before descending through forests and valleys.

Along the way, you’ll pass abandoned and restored farmhouses, soaking in the region’s rural charm. Your day ends in Molló, a quaint village home to a stunning 12th-century Romanesque church.

Your accommodation is in a typical Catalan farmhouse, built in the 19th century, in the centre of Molló

• Hiking Details: Distance 13.5 km (8.4 miles), Ascent 755 m. (2,477 ft.) Descent 502 m. (1,647 ft.).

Day 3: Hike From Mollo – Setcases

Today’s hike takes you over two stunning mountain passes with breathtaking views—Pyrenean peaks to the west and the rolling hills of Garrotxa to the east. A steady climb leads to Col de Fembra Morte (1,728m), followed by Col de Lliens (1,864m)—a perfect picnic spot.

From here, you’ll traverse the northern flank of Puig de les Agudes before descending into the picturesque village of Setcases.

You’ll settle into a beautiful country hotel in Setcases, where you’ll stay for two nights. Enjoy its spa with a heated pool, cold water bath, and sauna, and savor traditional Catalan cuisine made with local ingredients.

• Hiking Details: Distance 15 km (9.3 miles). Ascent 781 m. (2,562 ft.) Descent 703 m. (2,306 ft.).

Day 4: Hike From Setcases – Marrana – Setcases

Today, you’ll hike among the highest peaks of the Catalan Pyrenees on a breathtaking circular route. A short transfer (15 min) takes you to the Vallter ski station, where a gradual climb leads to Coll de la Marrana, a spectacular viewpoint surrounded by 2,800m+ peaks.

As you traverse high alpine meadows, keep an eye out for rock ptarmigans, marmots, and chamois. The trail continues to Les Borregues (2,687m), offering unforgettable 360° views—on clear days, you can even spot the Gulf of Roses!

After taking it all in, descend back to Setcases for a well-earned rest.

Hiking Details: Distance 10.1 km (6.3 miles). Ascent 906m (2,972 ft.), Descent 910m (2,986 ft.).

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Alternative Route: Setcases – Borregues – Setcases

For a longer challenge, a 5-minute transfer takes you to Pla de la Molina, where the trail follows the Ter River upstream to the Ulldeter mountain hut before climbing to Coll de la Marrana. Instead of heading to Bastiments, turn left toward Coll de la Coma de l’Orri, then descend back to Pla de la Molina, where a transfer returns you to Setcases.

Hiking Details: Distance 13.9 km (8.6 miles). Ascent 1,078m (3,537 ft.), Descent 1,389m (4,557 ft.).

Day 5: Hike From Setcases – Camprodon

Enjoy a scenic and relaxing walk through the Ter Valley, with spectacular panoramic mountain views. Along the way, you’ll pass through La Roca, a striking village that appears to cling to the rock it was built on.

The trail then follows the river into Camprodon, where you’ll return to the same welcoming accommodation from your first night.

• Hiking Details: Distance 13.8 km (8.6 miles). Ascent 423 m. (1,387.8 ft.) Descent 745 m. (2,444 ft.) 

Day 6: Hike From Abella – Ribes de Freser

After a 10-minute transfer to the mountain village of L’Abella, a spectacular, gradual climb follows through a wild valley to the Collada Verda pass (1,606 m). The views over the valley and high mountain peaks are unforgettable. The hiking trail winds through pristine mountain scenery where golden eagles and griffon vultures soar high in the air. After a long but very nice walk we arrive in the village of Ribes de Freser. 

• Hiking Details: Ascent 928 m. (3,044.6 ft.) Descent 1215 m. (3,986 ft) Distance 20 km (12.4 miles).

Alternative: Sant Marti d’Ogassa – Ribes de Freser

Short hike of 11 km and 560 meters in altitude. A 45-minute transfer service will take you to Sant Marti d’Ogassa, from where you can walk a shorter version to Ribes de Freser.

• Hiking Details: Ascent 486 m. (1,594.5 ft.) Descent 927 m. (3,041 ft.) Distance 12.4 km (7.7 miles).

Day 7: Vall de Nuria – Ribes de Freser

In the morning you take the mountain train to Núria (train to 2000m high). Before you start hiking, you can visit the Sanctuary of Nuria. From the sanctuary you walk down the valley back to the village of Queralbs. Here you take the train to Ribes de Freser.

• Hiking Details: Ascent 38 m. (124.7 ft.) Descent 801 m. (2,628 ft.) Distance 7.3 km (4.5 miles).

Day 8: Departure Day

After breakfast, take a moment to reflect on your incredible journey through the Spanish Pyrenees in Catalonia—you’ve just completed an unforgettable hiking adventure!

When you’re ready, you can either take a train or an optional transfer  to Barcelona or Girona for your onward travels.

Congratulations on completing your trek!

COST OF THE 8-DAY CATALAN PYRENEES SELF-GUIDED TOUR AND INCLUSIONS

8-DAY SPANISH PYRENEES SELF-GUIDED HIKE DETAILS
	8 days		May 1-Oct 31		Ripoll, Spain		Ribes de Freser, Spain
	€975 pp	Mid-Season €1125 pp:	Apr 12th -20th	June 23rd - July 15th	Sept 1st - 25th
Optional Extras	Half-board: €230 pp	Solo Traveller: €415	Single Supplement: €225

Prices based on double accommodation. 
From July 16th to August 31st, please ask for prices and availability. Also see the mid-season supplement prices above. 

 

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Getting to Ripoll from Barcelona

• Take the RENFE train from Barcelona Airport (T2B) to Estació de Sants.
• From there, board the R3 train to Puigcerdà, stopping at Ripoll.
• A taxi will be waiting to transfer you to Camprodon.

Returning to Barcelona from Ribes de Freser

• Take the R3 train from Ribes de Freser to Estació de Sants in Barcelona.
• From there, you can take the metro to explore the city or connect to the airport (T2B) by train.

 

HIKING DIFFICULTY & TERRAIN

• Level: Medium
• Elevation Gain Per Day: Between 450m and 906m (1,476 – 2,972 ft.)
• Terrain: A mix of wide and narrow hiking trails, with some steep climbs and descents.

 

BOOK YOUR SELF-GUIDED HIKING TOUR IN THE CATALAN PYRENEES

Please contact us to book this tour. 

PHOTOS OF SPANISH PYRENEES IN CATALONIA HIKING TOUR