Hiking in Catalonia

Find Your Hiking Trail in Catalonia

Catalonia has a little bit of everything when it comes to hiking. There are coastal trails along the Mediterranean, mountain routes in the Pyrenees, and lots of paths through the region’s forests, valleys, and countryside.

One of the most well-known hikes in Catalonia is the GR 92, which follows the coastline and passes through fishing villages, cliffs, and beaches. It’s a long-distance trail, but you can break it into smaller sections. Inland, there are hikes through national parks like Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici, where you’ll find high-altitude lakes and mountain huts. Near Barcelona, the Montseny Massif is another great option, with lots of trails for different levels.

Hiking in Catalonia isn’t just about the trails—it’s also about the towns, the food, and the history. Many of the routes pass through villages where you can stop for a meal or visit local markets. Or in regions like Priorat, you can even combine hiking with a visit to a vineyard. The Pyrenees have traditional mountain cuisine, with dishes like trinxat (potato and cabbage hash) and cured meats, while the coastal areas have plenty of fresh seafood.

Catalonia has a mix of climates, so the best time to hike depends on the region. The Pyrenees are best from early summer to early autumn since winter brings snow. Coastal and lower-altitude hikes can be done year-round, though summer can be hot.

Best Hikes in Catalonia

The GR 92 runs along the Mediterranean coast, starting near the French border and going all the way down through Catalonia. It passes through Costa Brava, which is known for its cliffs, fishing villages, and beaches. Some other popular sections include the hike from Cadaqués to Cap de Creus, where you’ll walk through a more rugged landscape, and the stretch from Begur to Palamós, which passes by hidden coves and crystal blue water. You can make the trail your own and hike for a day, take on a longer section, or even hike the full thing! There are plenty of places to stay, and many towns along the way have restaurants serving local seafood.

If you’re looking for a mountain hike, the national park Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici is a good place to start. The park has well-marked trails leading through valleys, forests, and past glacial lakes. A popular route is the hike to Sant Maurici Lake, which starts in the town of Espot and climbs up to the water. If you want something more challenging, the Carros de Foc trek is a multi-day hut-to-hut tour that’s sure to impress.

If you don’t want to travel far from Barcelona, the Montseny Massif can be a great option. It’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with plenty of trails to take you through oak and pine forests. The hike up Turo de l’Home, the highest peak in the area, is a good challenge with a clear path to the summit. There are also easier walks through the lower parts of the park. Since Montseny is close to the city, you can make it a day trip or stay overnight in a rural guesthouse.

Accommodation and Transportation

Catalonia is well set up for hikers. If you’re staying in a city like Barcelona, Girona, or Tarragona, trains and buses make it easy to reach the trailheads. However, if you’re heading to the Pyrenees or more remote areas, you may need to take a combination of trains, buses, or even a rental car. Some national parks have shuttle services to trailheads, especially in peak hiking season.

There’s a range of places to stay depending on the kind of hike you’re doing. If you’re on a long-distance trek, mountain huts (refugis) will have basic accommodation with meals. They will require reservations far in advance, especially in the summer. Or if you prefer more comfort, there are hotels, guesthouses, and rural lodges in towns near hiking areas. Many hiking spots also have campgrounds if you’d rather sleep outdoors.