The 5 best hiking routes in the Girona Pyrenees and Costa Brava
The province of Girona offers some of the best hiking routes in Catalonia. From the mountains of the Pyrenees to the cliffs of the Costa Brava, you will find trails for all abilities through ancient forests, volcanoes, rivers, coves, wetlands and spectacular viewpoints.
In this selection, we have brought together the five best hiking routes in the Pyrenees and Costa Brava to help you explore the region. These excursions are excellent options for a weekend break or an active holiday, with unique accommodation near each route.
The 5 best hiking routes in Catalonia
- Source of the River Ter (Ulldeter) · Setcases · Easy · 4 km · 2 h
- La Fageda d’en Jordà and Santa Margarida volcano · La Garrotxa · Easy-moderate · 10 km · 4 h
- Camins del Bisbe i Abat Oliba · Les Guilleries · Moderate-challenging · 23 km · 7 h
- Circular route around Lake Banyoles · Pla de l’Estany · Easy · 7 km · 2 h
- GR-92 through Cap de Creus · Cadaqués (Alt Empordà) · Moderate · 17 km · 6 h
1. Source of the River Ter, an essential hiking route in the Girona Pyrenees
If you are looking for one of the best hiking routes in the Girona Pyrenees, the trail to the source of the River Ter, in Ulldeter, is an essential excursion. The return route covers approximately 4 km, with an elevation gain of around 200 metres and a duration of between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours. It is an easy route, making it suitable for families and hikers of all abilities.
The route starts at the Vallter mountain resort, very close to Setcases, and climbs through alpine meadows to the source of the River Ter, in the heart of the Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser Natural Park. During summer, the Vallter chairlift provides easier access to the high mountains and several family-friendly hiking routes, including the Antic Refugi d’Ulldeter, El Clot and Barquins. In winter, Vallter becomes one of the main ski destinations in the Girona Pyrenees.
Where to stay near the source of the River Ter
To enjoy this route, we recommend staying in Setcases, Molló or Llanars, three charming mountain villages located close to Vallter.
Hotel La Coma, Hotel Calitxó and Hotel Grèvol Spa are excellent bases for exploring the source of the River Ter. They offer facilities for couples and families, locally inspired gastronomy and, in some cases, spa and wellness areas.
Hotel Grèvol Spa, located in Llanars, in the heart of the Camprodon Valley, is a welcoming mountain hotel in the Girona Pyrenees that combines stone and wood to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings. Surrounded by forests and mountains, it offers a warm and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the Pyrenees.
Its spacious rooms, decorated in an elegant mountain style and overlooking the surrounding landscape, make the hotel an ideal destination for both a romantic getaway and a family holiday. During winter, the valley's frequent snowfall can be admired from the rooms or from the spa area.
Grèvol Spa features a complete wellness area with a hydromassage pool, waterfalls, jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, gym and relaxation areas. The experience is complemented by personalised massages and treatments, offering guests the perfect opportunity to unwind in the heart of nature.
One of the hotel's most inviting spaces is its lounge with a central fireplace, ideal for relaxing after a day in the mountains or enjoying cosy winter afternoons. The café-bar and communal areas invite guests to embrace the peaceful rhythm of the Pyrenees.
Recognised as a Gastronomic Hotel, its restaurant serves refined Catalan cuisine prepared with local and seasonal products from the Camprodon Valley. Breakfasts also stand out for the quality of their ingredients.
The hotel also features a games room with billiards and table tennis, making it an excellent hotel for families with children. It also offers spaces for celebrations, business meetings and small events.
The location of Hotel Grèvol Spa allows guests to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, golf, horse riding and skiing. Its status as a bike-friendly hotel and its proximity to the Vallter ski resort make it an excellent base for discovering the Girona Pyrenees at any time of the year.
Hotel La Coma is one of the best hotels in the Girona Pyrenees, located in the charming village of Setcases, in the heart of the Camprodon Valley. Surrounded by mountains, forests and rivers at an altitude of 1,279 metres, it offers a privileged setting to discover the natural beauty of the Catalan Pyrenees throughout the year.
Its location makes it an excellent starting point for hiking routes, mountain excursions and outdoor activities. The hotel is also close to some of the valley's most beautiful natural pools and waterfalls.
The proximity to the Vallter ski resort, one of the closest ski resorts to Barcelona, makes Hotel La Coma an ideal choice for winter sports enthusiasts as well as for travellers wishing to enjoy the Pyrenees at any time of the year.
The hotel offers 22 rooms spread over three floors, as well as apartments and independent rural apartments in the centre of Setcases. Its facilities make it a hotel ideal for children and families, thanks to its spacious leisure areas, playground, games room, table tennis, pétanque and gardens.
Among its main attractions are the outdoor swimming pool, perfect during the summer months, and the spa with heated pool and sauna, also accessible to children. The hotel also features a gym and cosy lounges with fireplaces.
Its restaurant offers excellent Catalan mountain cuisine, prepared with local products from the Camprodon Valley, turning every stay into an authentic gastronomic experience connected to the region.
Hotel Calitxó, located in Molló, in the Camprodon Valley, is a welcoming mountain hotel in the Girona Pyrenees surrounded by nature. Its privileged location, close to the Headwaters of the Ter and Freser Natural Park and the Vallter 2000 ski resort, makes it an ideal destination for enjoying the mountains at any time of year.
Its comfortable rooms and spacious suites, all with views of the natural surroundings, provide the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway, whether as a couple or with the family. The hotel also offers independent apartments where pets are welcome, making it an excellent choice for travelling with your dog and discovering the Pyrenees.
The Hotel Calitxó Restaurant serves carefully prepared mountain cuisine, featuring locally sourced products such as Camprodon Valley foal, organic potatoes from Molló, and beef and lamb from the Ripollès region. In summer, the outdoor swimming pool and shaded sun loungers provide the perfect place to relax, while in winter the cosy lounge with fireplace is ideal after a day in the snow.
The hotel also features a wellness area with massage services and is a favourite among outdoor sports enthusiasts. As a bike-friendly hotel, it offers a secure bicycle storage area as well as exclusive parking for guests at the Vallter 2000 ski resort at a reduced rate with prior reservation.
From Hotel Calitxó, guests can enjoy some of the finest hiking routes in the Pyrenees, explore the Camprodon Valley, visit charming villages such as Molló, Camprodon and Setcases, or enjoy cycling, horse riding and winter sports. In addition, Vallter 2000, one of the ski resorts closest to Barcelona, is especially popular with families thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and excellent facilities.
Committed to sustainability and protecting its natural surroundings, Hotel Calitxó promotes responsible management, the use of local produce and the preservation of the Camprodon Valley landscape. Thanks to its location, gastronomy and excellent facilities, it is one of the best hotels in the Girona Pyrenees for enjoying nature, mountain activities and relaxation throughout the year.
2. La Fageda d’en Jordà and Santa Margarida volcano
The route connecting La Fageda d’en Jordà with Santa Margarida volcano is one of the best-known hiking excursions in La Garrotxa and one of the finest ways to explore the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. The itinerary usually begins at the Can Serra Area, the main access point to the park.
This circular route covers approximately 10 km, with a moderate elevation gain of around 250 metres, and can be completed in 3 to 4 hours, depending on the number of stops. It is an easy-to-moderate route, suitable for families accustomed to walking and hikers looking for an excursion without significant technical difficulty.
During the walk, you will cross La Fageda d’en Jordà, a spectacular beech forest growing on an ancient lava flow and an almost unique landscape in Europe. The trail continues to Santa Margarida volcano, whose large crater contains a small chapel at its centre, one of the natural park’s most iconic sights.
Where to stay for exploring La Fageda and the volcanoes
If you want to explore this distinctive natural setting at a leisurely pace, Hotel La Perla d’Olot is an excellent hotel for visiting La Fageda d’en Jordà and the rest of the natural park. Its welcoming family atmosphere, proximity to the route and cuisine inspired by the region’s volcanic landscape make it a great option for staying in La Garrotxa.
Hotel La Perla d'Olot is a welcoming hotel in Olot, located at the gateway to the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, one of Catalonia's most unique natural areas. Thanks to its privileged location, it is the perfect base for discovering the volcanoes, forests and medieval villages that have made La Garrotxa one of the most popular nature destinations in the Girona Pyrenees.
Its comfortable and bright rooms provide the perfect place to relax after a day of hiking or outdoor adventures. The hotel features a traditional Catalan restaurant, gardens, a children's playground and a games room with billiards, as well as welcoming spaces designed for couples and families alike.
The restaurant offers an excellent selection of traditional Catalan cuisine, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and regional recipes, providing the perfect opportunity to discover the Garrotxa flavours.
From the hotel, guests can visit must-see attractions such as the Fageda d'en Jordà beech forest, the Croscat and Santa Margarida volcanoes, cycle or walk along the Carrilet Greenway, explore the historic centre of Olot, or discover some of the region's most beautiful villages, including Santa Pau, Castellfollit de la Roca and Besalú. It is also an excellent destination for hiking, cycling and many other outdoor activities.
Thanks to its outstanding location, welcoming atmosphere and proximity to the region's main attractions, Hotel La Perla d'Olot is one of the best hotels in La Garrotxa for discovering the natural, cultural and gastronomic heritage of one of Catalonia's most fascinating regions.
3. Camins del Bisbe i Abat Oliba, Les Guilleries
The Camins del Bisbe i Abat Oliba cross some of the most emblematic landscapes in inland Catalonia and offer an excellent way to explore the Les Guilleries Massif along historic paths. This cultural hiking route connects the regions of Bages, Osona and Ripollès, following the legacy of Bishop and Abbot Oliba, one of the most important figures in Catalan Romanesque history.
One of the most highly recommended sections is stage seven, connecting Vilanova de Sau and Cantonigròs. This linear route covers approximately 23 km, with a positive elevation gain of around 900 metres, a duration of between 6 and 7 hours and a moderate-to-challenging difficulty level. It is recommended for experienced hikers. Along the route, you will cross leafy forests, natural viewpoints and some of the most spectacular corners of the Les Guilleries-Savassona Natural Area. The trail passes the Sau Reservoir, Romanesque buildings such as Sant Romà de Sau and the impressive Tavertet cliffs before reaching Cantonigròs.
Where to stay for exploring Les Guilleries
To enjoy the Camins del Bisbe i Abat Oliba in comfort, we recommend staying at Hotel Mas Albereda. Located in Sant Julià de Vilatorta, this hotel combines the tranquillity of a historic Catalan farmhouse with excellent gastronomy and rooms with a jacuzzi, providing a relaxing place to rest after the route.
Hotel Mas Albereda, located in Sant Julià de Vilatorta, in the Osona region and near Barcelona, is an exclusive gastronomic hotel in Catalonia set within a carefully restored 14th-century farmhouse. Surrounded by nature, between the Montseny Natural Park and Les Guilleries, it offers a privileged setting for a relaxing getaway throughout the year.
Its rooms and suites combine the charm of the original architecture with elegant design and every modern comfort. Some feature a private in-room jacuzzi, making them an excellent choice for travellers seeking a romantic getaway in a peaceful and exclusive setting.
The hotel boasts a complete wellness area, offering massages and treatments, as well as a welcoming heated indoor pool with a solarium area. Its spacious gardens, cosy lounges with fireplaces and tranquil surroundings invite guests to unwind at any time of the year.
One of the highlights of the experience is the Mas Albereda Restaurant, led by the renowned chef Nandu Jubany. Its refined contemporary Catalan cuisine, prepared with seasonal local produce, has established the hotel as one of Catalonia's leading gastronomic destinations.
Its location provides easy access to some of inland Catalonia's most beautiful landscapes, including the Les Guilleries Natural Park, the Sau Reservoir, the Vic Plain and the many hiking and cycling routes throughout the Osona region. Its proximity to Barcelona also makes it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.
Thanks to its privileged natural surroundings, outstanding gastronomic offering and excellent wellness facilities, Hotel Mas Albereda is one of the best hotels near Barcelona for enjoying nature, fine dining and relaxation in an exclusive atmosphere.
4. Pla de l’Estany, a route through one of Girona’s most peaceful landscapes
Pla de l’Estany offers some of the most enjoyable hiking routes in inland Girona. The most popular is the circular route around Lake Banyoles, a practically flat, 7 km itinerary that is suitable for the whole family and showcases one of Catalonia’s most emblematic natural areas.
Along the route, you will pass the historic fishing huts of Banyoles, birdwatching areas, riverside forests, small wetlands and several viewpoints overlooking the lake. You can also hire a rowing boat and experience the lake from the water. If you visit during spring or summer, swimming is permitted in the designated areas, making Banyoles one of the few natural lakes in Catalonia with authorised swimming areas.
If you would like to continue exploring the region, Pla de l’Estany offers other highly recommended trails, including the La Puda and Les Estunes route, which crosses wetlands and unusual travertine formations, and the Can Morgat and Puig Clarà route, offering some of the finest panoramic views of the lake.
Where to stay near Lake Banyoles
Turn your excursion into a weekend break by staying in Girona. Hotel Carlemany Girona and Hotel Peninsular Girona are excellent bases for exploring Pla de l’Estany and combining its hiking routes with the gastronomy and distinctive character of one of Catalonia’s most beautiful cities.
The Hotel Carlemany is one of the leading hotels in Girona city centre, located just a few minutes from the Barri Vell and the city’s main cultural, shopping and gastronomic highlights. Its prime location makes it a great choice for couple getaways, family stays, including pets, sports breaks or business trips, with the added convenience of private parking right in the centre.
It offers 90 spacious rooms, all exterior-facing with plenty of natural light, decorated in a modern, functional style to ensure comfort for every kind of stay. Some rooms also feature a bathtub or even an in-room fireplace.
Gastronomy is another of its highlights. The El Pati Verd restaurant is one of the city’s most appreciated dining spots and an excellent venue for large celebrations and events. Indigo Restaurant serves a fresh, seasonal menu in a contemporary setting, and the Carlemany Cafeteria with its terrace has become a popular meeting point in Girona for both guests and locals.
It is also a bike-friendly hotel with secure bike storage, a workshop, a bike cleaning area and cycling routes around the region. A fitness room will be available soon, and the hotel is close to some the best golf courses in the province are within easy reach.
Hotel Peninsular Girona, located in the historic centre of Girona, is an elegant hotel in Girona city that has combined tradition and comfort since 1853. Its privileged location, in the Old Town and the train station, makes it one of the best places to stay for exploring the city on foot.
Its modern, comfortable rooms are designed to ensure a pleasant stay for both leisure and business travellers. Thanks to its central location, guests can easily reach Girona's main monuments, museums, restaurants and shopping areas.
The hotel is home to the historic Savoy Restaurant, welcoming both guests and visitors looking to enjoy authentic Catalan and market cuisine. Alongside a buffet breakfast featuring local produce, it also offers daily menus, vermouths and a pleasant terrace in the heart of Girona.
Hotel Peninsular Girona also features meeting and event rooms, ideal for business meetings, presentations, workshops and private celebrations. Combined with its central location, these facilities make it an excellent choice for blending work and leisure.
Staying at the hotel makes it easy to visit Girona's main attractions, including Girona Cathedral, the Onyar Houses, the Jewish Quarter, the Arab Baths and the medieval city walls. It is also an excellent base for exploring the Costa Brava, inland Girona and the province's renowned cycling routes.
Thanks to its history, outstanding location and welcoming atmosphere, Hotel Peninsular Girona is one of the best hotels in Girona city centre for a city break, discovering Girona's heritage and enjoying its gastronomy and culture throughout the year.
5. Cap de Creus route, hiking among cliffs and Mediterranean landscapes
The Cap de Creus Natural Park is home to some of the best hiking routes on the Costa Brava. One of the most spectacular is stage 3 of the GR-92, connecting Cadaqués and Roses. The route covers approximately 17 km, with an elevation gain of around 600 metres and a duration of between 5 and 6 hours. It is a moderately difficult route recommended for more experienced hikers.
The trail crosses the heart of the natural park through cliffs, hidden coves and rock formations shaped by the tramontane wind. During the excursion, you will enjoy some of the most emblematic landscapes on the Costa Brava, with views of the Mediterranean, historic fishermen’s paths and distinctive places at the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula.
If you are looking for a slightly shorter alternative, stage 2 of the GR-92 between Llançà and Cadaqués also provides an opportunity to explore Cap de Creus along the Alt Empordà coastline, passing coves, viewpoints and small areas of Mediterranean woodland.
Where to stay in Cadaqués
Hotel Playa Sol, in Cadaqués, is one of the best hotels on the Costa Brava for exploring Cap de Creus Natural Park. Located opposite the beach and close to the GR-92 trails, it allows guests to combine hiking with the distinctive character of Cadaqués’ historic centre before relaxing in its swimming pool and gardens.
The Hotel Playasol, located in Cadaqués, one of the most beautiful villages on the Costa Brava, is a seafront hotel on the Costa Brava, set in the quiet bay of the town and just a few minutes’ walk from the center. Surrounded by the unique landscape of the Cap de Creus Natural Park, it stands out as the only hotel in the area combining a small beach right in front with a large garden of olive trees and pines, creating a truly special place to unwind.
This beach hotel offers modern in a Mediterranean style, with double, triple and family options. Most feature a balcony or terrace with sea views and views over Cadaqués, while others face the garden, pool or private patios. Its thoughtful design and peaceful atmosphere make it ideal for both romantic getaways and family stays.
Among its facilities are a heated outdoor pool, an outdoor jacuzzi under the olive trees and a wellness area with steam sauna and sensory shower. The hotel also features a restaurant, a breakfast room with sea views, a bar with terrace facing the beach —one of the most iconic views in Cadaqués— and spacious gardens to relax.
In addition, its location allows guests to discover some of the most beautiful hidden coves of Cap de Creus, enjoy activities such as kayaking or cycling, and practice sports like tennis, table tennis or pétanque. It also has a private garage, a highly valued feature in Cadaqués. It is a very complete option for those looking for a hotel in Cadaqués with sea views, direct beach access and an authentic Costa Brava experience.
These are just some of the best hiking routes on the Costa Brava and in the Girona Pyrenees. If you would like to continue exploring the region, read our guides to the best coastal paths on the Costa Brava, the best waterfalls in Girona and, of course, where to stay to make the most of Catalonia.
