Self-Guided Walking and Hiking Holiday Spanish Pyrenees, Catalonia
Catalan Pyrenees, Medieval Towns And Stunning Mountain Peaks
Explore Val de Nuria, a Catalan valley in the Pyrenees.
Discover Catalan cuisine.
Experience Lliens Pass, a mountain pass in the Catalan Pyrenees at 1,800 meters.
Unforgettable Scenic Beauty
Our carefully curated route takes you off the beaten track and into an area of outstanding scenic beauty that few outsiders have ever had the privilege of experiencing. From rolling hills to rugged peaks, the Catalan countryside is a treasure trove of hidden corners, inspirational viewpoints, and authentic Catalan cuisine. Savour the tastes of the region with trout from the mountain streams, delicious sausages and cured meats, and robust wines from the coastal plains below. Join us on this adventure and discover the wonders of the Catalan Pyrenees.
START / FINISH: Ribes de Freser / Mollo
DISTANCE: 52 km /32 miles
ACTIVITY: Walking and Hiking
TRIP TYPE: Adventurous, Outdoors Enthusiast up for a Challenge.
AVAILABILITY: April-October
LENGTH: 6 Nights/7 Days
FROM €1450,00
GALLERY
ITINERARY
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A representative from One Life Hike It, will collect you from Girona Airport or Train Station and transport you to Ribes de Freser. You’ll have options to eat at the hotel or take a short walk into town where we will recommend some good places to eat.
Night 1 will be at Hotel Rural-Spa Resguard Dels Vents http://www.hotelresguard.com/
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You will have the option to choose between two circular walks or a longer, more challenging linear walk.
We recommend taking the scenic rack railway (ticket excluded) for a dramatic journey up to the sanctuary of Nuria, one of Catalonia's holiest sites, situated high in the mountains at 1,960 metres above sea level. From the monastery, you can embark on a 3.5km circular walk to the west of Nuria that takes you through steep, forested terrain and offers awe-inspiring views before descending via a rocky trail to the valley's centrepiece lake.
Alternatively, choose the 3.5km circular walk to the east of Nuria, which takes you through pine forests, ski slopes, and grassy pastures. This route features an artistic Stations of the Cross section and offers the possibility of spotting Pyrenean chamois, mouflon, and even a marmot or two.
For a longer, more dramatic hike, opt for the 7.5km linear walk from Nuria to Queralbs, following the cascading river as it winds through pine and rhododendron forests. Listen to the sound of rushing water and the piercing whistle of the mountain train as you make your way down the valley. Once in Queralbs, catch a return train back to Ribes.
Night 2 will be at Hotel Els Caçadors Ribes de Freser https://www.hotelsderibes.com/en/ .
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You'll have the option to choose from two different walking routes from Ribes de Freser to Llanars, both covering a distance of 21km.
The first route will take approximately 7.5 hours to complete, and it features undulating paths and tracks that lead to the breathtaking panoramic views of the Collada Verda Pass at 1,500 metres. You'll then make a gradual descent through a wild valley and the astonishing village of La Roca, which appears to be clinging to the rock, before finally arriving at the Hotel Grèvol in Llanars. We offer a shorter option covering 15.5km that takes approximately 6 hours, and to shorten the day further, there's an optional transfer available at the start of the walk.
For those who prefer a lower-level route, we also provide detailed notes for an alternative walking route, which can be shortened by taking a taxi to the starting point. This route covers the same distance of 21km and takes around 7.5 hours to complete, or there's a shorter option available that takes approximately 6 hours.
Night 3 will be at Hotel Grèvol Spa https://www.hotelgrevol.com/ .
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Consider taking a circular walk through Ermita de Sant Antoni, which covers 12.5km in 4.5 hours. If you're looking for something less strenuous, the charming market town of Camprodon is a mere two-kilometer walk away. This historic town boasts a 12th-century bridge, Romanesque monastery, old center, and an interesting Art Nouveau quarter. If you're up for a longer walk, we recommend the uphill route through the forest from Camprodon to the hill-top Ermita de Sant Antoni, which has an incredible view at the top.
Night 4 will be at Hotel Grèvol Spa https://www.hotelgrevol.com/ .
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The journey from Llanars to Setcases covers 11.5km and takes around 4.5 hours to complete. This relatively brief yet highly pleasurable route takes you on a high-altitude path above the valley. You'll traverse a combination of grassy meadows and wooded areas and encounter the remarkable village of La Roca, which appears to be perched on the very rock it was constructed upon, before finally arriving at Setcases.
Night 5 will be at Hotel La Coma https://www.hotellacoma.com/en/
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You will start the day with a taxi ride to Vallter2000 ski resort, which is around 11 km away. Once there, you have three options to choose from. For experienced mountaineers, we recommend Option 1, which involves climbing the Bastiments peak (2,881m) and enjoying the stunning mountain vistas, including a view of the Mediterranean on clear days. This route is 15 km long with a total ascent of 910m and descent of 1580m. Alternatively, Option 2 is a 7 km downhill walk through the scenic valley of the river Ter to Setcases, perfect for those who prefer a less strenuous walk. Finally, for those who wish to take it easy, Option 3 involves staying in Setcases to explore the village and its surroundings.
Night 6 will be at Hotel La Coma https://www.hotellacoma.com/en/
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The final walk from Setcases to Molló spans 12.5km and takes approximately 5 hours to complete. This challenging yet rewarding route begins with a steep ascent up the northern flank of Puig de les Agudes, leading to the remarkable Lliens Pass at 1,800 meters above sea level. On a clear day, the view from the pass is unmatched, offering a stunning panorama of the Pyrenean peaks on one side and the verdant hills of Garrotxa on the other. Continuing along the highland, you will arrive at Fembra Morte Pass, another breathtaking viewpoint perfect for a picnic. From there, the path descends through majestic landscapes, culminating in the town of Molló near the French border, where you will be accommodated at the Hotel Calitxó. This final hike is a fitting climax to your unforgettable holiday in the Pyrenees.
Night 7 will be at Calitxó Hotel https://hotelcalitxo.com/en/calitxo-hotel/
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We will pick you up from hotel and transfer to Girona Airport or train station.
HOTELS
REVIEWS
MORE INFORMATION
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INCLUDED
7 Nights in 3-4 star hotels.
7 Breakfasts.
Pickup and drop-off transfer at Girona Airport or Train Station.
Welcome meeting to explain our GPS App and insure you are happy with the route.
Daily luggage transfers.
GPS navigation App with all routes, guides, recommendations of places to eat and lots more.
24/7 telephone support from the owner and staff based locally.
EXCLUDED
Lunches and dinners.
Train ticket to Nuria on day 2. €32 per person round trip.
Travel insurance (required).
Alcohol, soft drinks and snacks.
EXTRAS
Transfer from Barcelona or Barcelona Airport.
Extra nights prior to, during, or following the hike.
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IThe fusion of picturesque mountain hamlets, a rich tapestry of Romanesque heritage, the vibrant essence of Catalan culture, and breathtaking mountain hikes come together to ensure the broadest appeal for this journey! If you relish invigorating treks, culminating in restful nights at intimate, welcoming inns, and indulging in delectable, satisfying meals, then this experience is tailor-made for you!
Type of Adventure:
Adventurous, Outdoors Enthusiast up for a Challenge.
Activity Style:
Multi-Stop Hiking - Delight in the opportunity to spend 1 or 2 nights in each location, allowing you to deeply immerse yourself in each unique destination.
Ideal for:
Exploration Beyond the Usual: Alpine Hiking
Difficulty & Landscape:
The hike is generally classified as moderately challenging. Expect to traverse a diverse landscape, including rugged tracks, forest pathways, farm trails, and narrow mountain routes, dedicating 4-8 hours per day to your journey. While there are some steep sections and ascents of up to 1000 meters, keep in mind that your final 2 days are more demanding challenge due to the significant ascents and descents, as well as the rugged terrain you'll encounter. For those prone to vertigo, please note that certain paths feature rather precipitous drop-offs, making this hike not recommended for individuals with this condition.
Please also not that we provide alternative routes on each day and provide transport further along the trail iif required.
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We'll equip you with our remarkable GPS App, offering precise navigation, daily guides, and valuable recommendations for dining options. In addition, the App will include detailed route notes; some of the paths are way-marked, ensuring you won't encounter any difficulties in finding your way. The trails encompass a mix of GR routes and local paths
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Accommodation Details:
Enjoy a 7-night stay in hand-picked, welcoming 3-4 star standard hotels. Our selection encompasses cozy establishments that guarantee excellent value, delightful dining, and the warmest of Catalan welcomes. The properties featured in your itinerary are the ones we typically use, but please note that their availability may vary, and we may offer alternatives of a similar quality. For those seeking additional nights to tailor your stay, don't hesitate to reach out to us for more information.
Accommodation Locations:
While our aim is to accommodate you at the locations outlined in your itinerary, there may be instances of limited availability. In such cases, we offer the option of alternative accommodations. Rest assured, we will inform you of any such changes before confirming your booking.
Single Rooms & Solo Travelers:
Our hiking adventure welcomes solo walkers, although a single supplement is applicable. If your party requires single rooms, we'll do our best to accommodate your request; however, securing more than three single rooms in a party can be challenging and may incur a single supplement charge.
Dining:
Each morning, relish a complimentary breakfast. Lunch and dinner are not included in your package, affording you the freedom to explore various local dining options. For lunch, you can choose from nearby shops, cafes, or restaurants along your route. Come evening, you have the choice of dining at your accommodation or at nearby restaurants.
Extra Nights:
For those eager to extend their journey, both Girona and Barcelona offer captivating experiences. We're delighted to arrange additional nights in these cities before or after your trip. Additionally, you can opt for extra nights at any of your overnight stops during the walk. Our Destination & Adventure Specialists are at your service for personalized recommendations.
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You have the flexibility to embark on your journey at any time from the end of April through to October.
Optimal Seasons
In our view, the most favorable months for travel are May and June, as they offer pleasant and agreeable temperatures for walking. June in particular is very beautiful with an abundance of wild flowers on the mountain. September is also a very nice time to visit the Pyrenees.
July and August is very hot.
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Essential Equipment
Ensure your readiness by packing all essential items, including proper rain gear (both a jacket and pants), a sun hat, and sunscreen. Your App Guide, accessible 2-3 weeks prior to your trip's commencement, contains a comprehensive equipment checklist that encompasses standard hiking gear such as sturdy walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof attire for cooler seasons, lightweight clothing for summer, and a trusty day pack.
Travel Insurance
Booking this tour with One Life Hike It requires mandatory travel insurance that provides coverage for the activity and includes provisions for emergency evacuation and hospital care. Your safety is paramount, and having suitable travel insurance ensures peace of mind throughout your adventure.