Mountains of Catalonia: A Hiking Holiday from Montseny to Montserrat

About this tour

Step into the heart of Catalonia on a six-stage hiking adventure that connects three of its most breathtaking natural parks: El Montseny, Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac, and the legendary Montserrat. Spanning 106 km of hiking trails, the Mountains of Catalonia route offers far more than just a walk—it’s a deep dive into nature, heritage, and Catalan soul.

From Forests to Clifftops—A Landscape in Constant Transformation Begin your journey in the serene, expansive woodlands of Montseny, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. From there, the scenery shifts dramatically to the wild, sculpted rock formations of Sant Llorenç i l’Obac. Finally, reach the awe-inspiring Montserrat, the sacred mountain crowned by its iconic monastery and mystical silhouette.

Architecture Woven Into the Land This is a hike through history. Along the way, discover Romanesque chapels hidden in the forest, stately farmhouses, and striking Modernist architecture. Some of these buildings have been lovingly restored into charming boutique hotels and high-quality restaurants—perfect spots to rest and indulge.

Highlights

Three Natural Parks in One Journey: Montseny (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac, and the sacred Montserrat.
Varied Landscapes: From lush forests and farmland to dramatic cliffs, sculpted peaks, and the mystical Montserrat massif.
Cultural & Historical Treasures: Romanesque chapels, medieval villages, monasteries like Sant Miquel de Fai, and traditional dry-stone architecture.
Charming Stays: Restored farmhouses, boutique hotels, and a 17th-century mill offering authentic Catalan hospitality.
Catalan Gastronomy: Local mountain dishes with wild mushrooms, beans, artisan cheeses, and wines from the Pla de Bages D.O.
Spiritual Finale: Montserrat monastery, home of the Black Madonna and symbol of Catalan devotion.
Flexibility: Options for shorter routes (e.g., skipping La Mola summit or taking the train at Montserrat).
Seamless Access: Option to finish in Barcelona, perfect for extending the trip.

Included/Excluded

Transfer the first day from airport or train station in Barcelona or Girona to the first hotel
Welcome meeting with a local guide speaking English, Spanish, French and German
7 nights of accommodation (rural hotels, 3* and 4* hotels)
B&B or Half-board
1 dinner
All the tourist information, tracks and maps through an app personalized for your trip
Assistance telephone number 24/7
The transport of belongings between overnight stays

Last day transfer from Montserrat
Hotels touristic tax
Flights
Travel insurance
Extra drinks
GPS and maps on paper: 35€ per pack
Any other activity not described in the present file

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to the Nature Reserve of Montseny

Upon arrival at the airport, a private transfer will take you to your charming hotel in the village of Viladrau, where your journey begins. In the evening, meet your local guide for a warm welcome and a detailed briefing about the trail ahead. The adventure is about to begin!

Day 2: Into the Montseny Biosphere Reserve

22,05km

Distance: 22,05km; ascent: 921m / descent: 1216m

Itinerary: Viladrau – El Brull – Aiguafreda (Montseny Natural Park)

This scenic point-to-point hike takes you deep into the heart of the Montseny Natural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its biodiversity, lush forests, and rolling mountain landscapes. The route begins in the charming village of Viladrau, nestled at the foot of the Matagalls peak, and ends in Aiguafreda, a peaceful village on the southern edge of the park. Along the way, hikers pass through El Brull, a tiny mountain hamlet with a Romanesque church and sweeping views of the Montseny massif.

Day 3: Canyons and the ancient monastery of Sant Miquel de Fai

20,5 km

Distance: 20,5 km; ascent: 778m / descent: 962m

Itinerary: Aiguafreda - Sant Miquel de Fai - Bigues

Today’s trail is a gentler and a bit shorter walk with one unforgettable climb: the ascent to the dramatic Cingles de Bertí cliffs. The panoramic views over the Congost River Valley and the Montseny massif are nothing short of stunning. The highlight of the day is the monastery of Sant Miquel de Fai. As you descend, the path meanders past terraces, medieval ruins, hidden cascades, and waterfalls—each step revealing a new secret of the landscape. Your hotel for the night is a beautifully restored 17th century mill.

Day 4: Through Rustic Forests and Fields

14,6 km

Distance: 14,6 km; ascent: 554m / descent: 645m

Itinerary: Sant Feliu de Codines - Sant Llorenç Savall

After a 15 minute transfer to the start of the hike, this stage offers a peaceful journey through pine woods, rural farmland, and forest paths, leading you toward Sant Llorenç Savall. The terrain is rustic and wooded, with well-marked trails making for a relaxed and immersive hiking experience. On arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by Teresa and her family, ready to share their local hospitality.

Day 5: The Sculpted Peaks of Catalonia

24 km

Distance: 24 km or 18 km (without the summit of La Mola): ascent: 889m / descent: 890m

Itinerary: Sant Llorenç Savall - La Mola - Mura

Prepare for one of the most memorable days of the trail. Today, you’ll explore the heart of the Serralada Litoral mountains, where La Mola and El Montcau stand as two of the region’s most iconic peaks. The climb to La Mola is optional (8 km return) but highly rewarding. Your day ends in Mura, a tranquil medieval village nestled in the stillness of the mountains.

Day 6: The undiscovered Sant Llorenç Natural Park

19,3km

Distance: 19,3km; ascent: 576m / descent: 621m

Itinerary: Mura - Rellinars

Today’s hike unveils the quieter side of Sant Llorenç del Munt Natural Park. Between Mura and Rellinars, the trail winds through remote pine forests, craggy ridgelines, and hidden valleys. In spring, the area comes alive with streams and blossoming flora. This stage feels wild, peaceful, and deeply authentic. In Rellinars, you stay at an authentic farmhouse

Day 7: The magic mountain: Montserrat

17km

Distance: 17km or 12km (taking the train from Monistrol); ascent: 831m / descent: 496m

As you approach Montserrat, its jagged, iconic peaks rise on the horizon like the gates to another world. The trail climbs steadily toward the monastery, passing stunning rock formations like El Cavall Bernat and El Montgròs. This is Catalonia’s most revered mountain, both a natural wonder and spiritual symbol. If you prefer a shorter walk, you can take the train from Monistrol de Montserrat (ticket not included).

Day 8: Montserrat and departure

Free day and departure to the airport or to Barcelona (easy train connection).