The Great Outdoors: Hiking, Biking & Climbing on the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava have a wide range of terrain for outdoor activities of all types: from the diving waters off the coastal cliffs of the Mediterranean, to hiking and skiing in the hills of the Pyrenees. Find out about nature and activities in the region.

Nature Reserves

For information on the ecology and flora and the fauna of the Girona region, see the in-depth Guide of the Natural Habitats of Girona's Region

Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa

This volcanic park is one of Catalonia's oldest protected areas and is one of the most visited protected areas in the Iberian Peninsula. 65 percent of the park is forested, mostly by oak trees.

Activities in the area include cycling and mountain biking, guided visits and walks and hiking on one of the ten marked trails.

Garroxta Tourism Information
At: Passeig de Barcelona, 1, 17800 Olot
Tel: 972 260 141
Fax: 972 260 056
e-mail
Website
For further information on Catalonia’s Volcano Park see the website of the Ministry of the Environment: Click here

Cap de Creus Natural Park

The Creus Cape Peninsula is one of the largest natural protected reserves in Catalonia covering nearly 14,000 hectares and is the first marine and terrestrial park in the country.

There are three natural sites of national interest: Cap Gros-Cap de Creus to the North, Punta Falconera-Cap Norfeu to the South, and Serra de Rodes to the West. All islands and islets within the marine sector of the Natural Park are also considered Natural Sites of National Interest.

There are many hiking trails in the park and places to visit: villages, castles and archaeological sites.

For further information on the Cap de Creus National Park: Click here

National Park of Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici

This is one of the twelve Spanish national parks and the only one in Catalonia. It is situated in the extreme Northwest of Catalonia in the heart of the Pyrenees and has all the features of a high mountain area (maximum height 3,030 metres). It has a total area of over 40,000 hectares and has a rich natural cultural and architectural heritage.

National Park of Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici
Tel: 973 624 036 / 973 696 189
Fax: 973 624 036
Website

Cycling and Mountain Biking in Catalonia

Spain is one of the most foremost cycling countries in Europe where cycling is both a serious sport and a popular hobby. Catalonia's mountainous areas make it excellent for mountain biking. The variety of landscape types make it suitable for all levels of mountain bikers.

There are a number of BTT Centres in Catalonia (BTT is the Catalan term for a mountain bike).

A BTT Centre is where a natural space has been opened to mountain biking, with many kilometres of sign-posted itineraries. BTT centres offer reception points providing information for each different route in different languages. They also offer services such as bike rental, parking and showers.

For a list of BTT centres see the Catalunya Tourism website: Click here
For a list of bike rental companies see The AngloFILE category: Bike Hire, Scooter & Cycle Rental
The Vall de Ribes has mountain bike trails. For more information: Click here
La Cerdanya has extensive BTT trails. To search the options: Click here

For information about clubs and competitions in the area, contact the Spanish Cycling Federation (Federación Espanola de Ciclismo).

Federación Española de Ciclismo
At: C/ de Ferraz, 16-5, 28008 Madrid
Tel: 915 400 841
Fax: 915 420 341
Website (in Spanish)

Hiking and Walking

The diversity of landscape (along with the great variety of flora and fauna) makes the region excellent for hikers. Spring and summer are the best seasons for hiking in the region as some paths can be dangerous in the winter.

The Pyrenees is a very popular hiking region. Official footpaths are mostly marked with red and white stripes painted on rocks and trees and accompanied by arrows when the direction changes. The sign of two crossed lines indicates that you should not go in that direction. Paths that cross are shown by different colours.

Vall de Ribes: (Valley of Ribes) Favoured hiking areas include the Vall de Ribes in the north west of the Ripollès area where there are facilities and areas for trekking, canyoning and skiing

For details of each trail (duration and elevation): Click here (some links in English, others in Catalan)

La Cerdanya is a very peaceful area of nature on the northern Spanish/French border with extensive facilities for hikers.

To search the trekking and BTT routes: Click here

The Costa Brava coastline is an extremely varied landscape providing numerous trails and walking excursions.

For a list of day trips and companies providing guided tours, see The AngloFILE category: Walking, Hiking & Climbing

Hiking associations

Catalonia has a number of hiking trails known as senders de gran recorregut (GR) which are long routes and Senders de Petit Recorregut (PR) which are short routes. The Catalan Hiking Association (Associació Catalana de Senderisme) has a website in English with information on hiking trails, Catalan footpaths and rambling itineraries.

Catalan Hiking Association
Tel: 609 334 872
e-mail
Website

The Spanish Mountain Sports Federation promotes hiking, climbing and other mountain sports in Spain.

Spanish Mountain Sports Federation (Federación Espanola de Deportes de Montana y Escalada)
At: C/ Floridablanca, 75, 08015 Barcelona
Tel: 934 264 267
Website (in Spanish)

Mountaineering and Rock Climbing

Rock climbing and mountaineering are very popular sports in Spain, which has some of the best areas in Europe outside the Alps. There are many climbing clubs in Spain. Information on clubs, schools and competitions can be obtained from the Spanish Mountain Sports Federation. They also offer information on mountain refuges available in Spain.

Spanish Mountain Sports Federation (Federación Espanola de Deportes de Montana y Escalada)
At: C/ Floridablanca 75, 08015 Barcelona
Tel: 934 264 267
Website (in Spanish)

Via Ferrata

Via Ferrata are paths equipped with permanent rungs and cables on the most-difficult sections. This enhances safety in the climb and makes the sport accessible to the less-experienced climber. Some companies in the Catalonia region provide Via Ferrata facilities.

See The AngloFILE category, Walking, Hiking & Climbing

Related Information

For comprehensive information on hiking, climbing, biking and riding, skiing and watersports in the Pyrenees, see ePyrenees.com
See the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Skiing in the Spanish Pyrenees